That new account’s going to keep you busy, isn’t it?
Probably.
Good.
Maybe you can start looking for another place.
Another place?
My building’s under repair.
I’m not moving.
How much longer, Claire?
I’m just asking.
You’ve asked four times and I still don’t have a date.
Do you want me gone?
I want to know if anyone but you two gets a say in this house.
Enough.
[sighs] Hey Tessa, any good news?
I wish they found more water damage.
They’re still checking the electrical wiring.
So 3 weeks?
I can’t promise that.
Maybe 4 weeks, maybe longer.
I’ll call when I know for sure.
Okay.
Thanks.
[sighs] Hey kiddo.
Everything okay?
Repairs are taking longer.
I might need somewhere to stay.
Then come home.
I hadn’t even asked.
You were going to.
The spare room’s yours.
I’ll stay out of your way.
It’s your home.
Come on.
Okay.
Tonight.
Just a few weeks.
There she is.
Dad, I saw you last weekend.
Six days.
Practically a lifetime.
[laughter] Dad, I still need to breathe.
I can carry it.
I know you can.
Then why are you taking it?
Because I’m still your dad.
Fine.
The other one’s mine.
Need a hand?
I’m testing the handle.
Anybody [laughter] here to welcome our VIP?
Hi Avery.
Hi Claire.
Thanks for letting me stay.
Hope your apartment’s ready soon.
Clean sheets, fresh towels, even an outlet by the bed.
Are you running a hotel?
No charge.
You cleared out the room?
Yeah, moved your desk downstairs.
Oh, how long are you staying?
3 or 4 weeks, maybe less.
Four weeks is a while.
I’ll be at work most days.
You won’t need to change your routine.
I like knowing what to expect.
I didn’t know you worked in there every day.
I’m sorry.
Dad didn’t tell me.
It’s fine.
What are you two talking about?
Dinner.
What Avery wants?
Pizza.
Perfect.
Leave that.
I’ll help you move it tomorrow.
I have work tomorrow.
You can use the dining table.
That’s not the same.
Only for a few weeks.
Did you ask me first about Avery staying?
About moving my office.
She needed a room.
I know.
Then what am I missing?
That’s exactly it.
I’m sorry I moved it without asking.
We’ll sort it out tomorrow.
Not at 11 at night.
I know you’re happy she’s home.
I am.
You can be happy and still remember I live here.
We’ll have an answer by Friday.
I want the rollout plan ready.
I’ll send you an update by Thursday.
Need a hand?
No thanks.
I can work downstairs.
You can use the bedroom during the day.
Your things are in there now.
All I need is an outlet.
Daniel set it up for you.
Just use it.
Okay.
Claire, want some coffee?
Yes.
Morning.
Morning.
That’s Daniel’s favorite mug.
I know.
He always keeps it up there.
I gave it to him back in high school.
Of course you did.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Nothing.
You say that a lot.
Say what?
Nothing.
I said it’s his favorite mug.
I’m not going to break it.
I didn’t say you would.
[sighs] Is something wrong?
No.
You sighed.
I breathed.
That was a pretty dramatic breath.
Could you stop analyzing everything I do?
I will when you say what you mean.
You’re making a simple thing difficult.
I’m getting coffee.
And now we’re arguing over a mug.
[sighs] Fine, I’ll use another one.
Morning.
Morning, honey.
First commute from my place.
Need a ride?
I’ve got a car, Dad.
Just asking.
Who used my mug?
Nobody.
Good.
I almost had to launch an investigation.
[snorts] Everything okay?
Fine.
Nothing important.
Nothing important.
Now I’m worried.
I’ll be home late.
There are leftovers in the fridge.
I’ll manage.
Avery, you okay?
Yeah, I’m fine.
Are you?
You’re late for work.
One for a fellow inmate.
You mean me or your mom?
Both.
Maybe.
[laughter] How long is the Cold War going to last?
I didn’t start it.
I know.
You sure?
I live here.
I have ears.
It seems like she hates that I’m here.
I don’t think she hates you.
Could have fooled me.
She’s different when Dan isn’t around.
I’ve noticed.
When you’re here, he lights up.
He tells old stories.
He remembers things you did as a kid.
Because he’s my dad.
I know.
And she’s his wife, right?
Those things aren’t competing.
Not to you.
You think she’s jealous?
Maybe.
I think she’s scared of being the one who came later.
But I haven’t taken anything from her.
I know.
I’m not apologizing because dad’s happy to see me.
I’m not asking you to.
Just know you’re not imagining it.
Wash your hands.
You know Avery’s uncomfortable here, right?
Did she tell you?
She didn’t have to.
Am I being unreasonable?
Want an honest answer?
So, you’re taking her side?
I’m not taking sides.
You two talk a lot lately.
She’s family.
She’s only here temporarily.
So am I.
Until I can afford my own place.
That’s different.
How?
You taught me to speak up when something’s wrong.
I did.
Maybe try it.
I don’t need advice from you tonight.
Okay.
You kept this thing.
Still works.
That’s optimistic.
Just the switch.
You’ve said that since I was 13.
[laughter] [gasps] Your mom said I could fix anything except admit when something broken.
Remember when we lost power that night?
Mom made you stop messing with the breaker and lit candles.
[laughter] She said dinner by candle light was more romantic until you spilled pasta all over the table.
[laughter] [gasps] Remember this lamp?
I’ve had it forever.
I’ve never seen it work.
Neither have I.
20 years.
Want to sit with us?
I’ve got a manuscript due tonight.
I can carry that inside.
I’ve got it.
Want to try again?
No way.
[laughter] [gasps] Told you.
Mom would never believe this.
The client approved our proposal.
All of it.
Phase one.
Plenty left to do.
[sighs] Best news I’ve had all week.
I want you coordinating the account starting Monday.
Me?
I’ll handle contracts and major decisions.
You’ll be the day-to-day lead.
That’s a big account.
I know you’ve done the groundwork.
I can handle it.
Don’t promise me.
Ask when you don’t know.
I’ve already got a list of questions.
Good.
Start there.
Thanks for joining us.
Here’s our rollout plan.
Thanks for joining us.
Here’s our rollout plan.
What’s all this?
Dinner.
I want all of us together tonight.
Avery got good news.
I’m making her favorite.
Did you already buy everything?
Almost.
Forgot the bread.
Remember we talked about going out this weekend?
I remember saying we’d make plans.
I made a reservation for Saturday.
I forgot.
I’m sorry.
But we can still all eat together tonight.
I didn’t say we couldn’t.
Help me with the salad.
You’ve already decided everything.
Did you want something else?
No, dinner’s fine.
A little overdone.
Are you sure you should be cooking?
[laughter] Should we open a window?
Very funny.
If it’s too tough, we can use it as a doors stop.
[laughter] You two are cooking next week.
Deal.
So, tell us about work.
I’m taking the lead on a new client account.
Seriously?
Starting Monday.
[music] I knew it.
You don’t even know what I’ll be doing.
[music] Doesn’t matter.
It matters a little.
Congrats.
At least somebody in this house is good at their job.
[laughter] [music] Congratulations, Avery.
Thanks, Claire.
We’ve got to celebrate.
Preferably with different food.
[laughter] [laughter] Don’t walk through here barefoot.
Let me get it.
I’m sorry.
It’s not about the glass.
Then let’s say what this is really about.
Do you really want to hear it?
Yes.
Since Avery got here, everything in this house has revolved around her.
I never asked for that.
I know.
Then why do you keep talking like I’ve done something wrong.
I don’t know how to say it anymore.
You’re upset with me about the office.
It’s not just the room.
You decided where she’d stay.
You cleared the room.
You planned the meals.
You remember what she likes, what she hates.
Every story is something you and Avery live through together.
Claire, she’s my daughter.
I know.
Do you think I don’t know that?
I don’t want you giving anything up because of me.
You don’t have to ask.
Daniel does it all.
I came because my apartment wasn’t livable.
I work all day.
I feed myself when I can.
I try to stay out of the way.
But every time I come downstairs, I wonder what I did wrong that day.
I feel like I need permission just to take a mug.
I never told you not to use it.
Exactly.
You never say it outright.
That’s what makes it worse.
You told me everything was fine.
Because every time I tried, you already had an answer.
I’m listening now.
When Avery’s here, you’re different.
You laugh more.
You remember years I wasn’t part of.
Sometimes I’m sitting right beside you and I don’t know what to say.
You don’t need every story from my past to have a place in my life.
Easy for you to say.
I can’t change the fact that I’m Dad’s daughter.
I’m not asking you to.
But you are asking me to make myself smaller so you can feel comfortable.
You’re not.
Dad, I know.
I just didn’t think coming home would make me feel like I wasn’t invited.
Avery, I need to go upstairs.
Avery, wait.
I don’t want to keep talking while everyone’s angry.
I’ll get the rest of the glass.
You made my daughter feel like she doesn’t belong here.
I never told her to leave.
You ask when she’s leaving every day.
I was wrong to move your workspace without asking.
But you’re angry with me and Avery’s taking the hit.
I feel invisible in my own house.
[sighs] Can I come in?
Yeah.
I’m sorry you didn’t say those things.
I saw some of the signs.
[music] I kept thinking everyone would work it out on their own.
Maybe I should get a hotel.
Because you want space or because you think you did something wrong.
I don’t want you two fighting because of me.
Those aren’t the same thing.
I never meant to stay long.
I have a job.
I have savings.
I just needed somewhere for a while.
I know, but it feels like I’m taking something away from Claire.
I need to deal with Clare about my marriage.
That’s my responsibility, not yours.
What if she makes you choose someday?
I won’t turn you and Clare into two choices.
You can’t control how she feels.
No, but I can control how I behave.
If you want to leave, I’ll help.
But don’t leave because you think you don’t belong.
I thought I could come home without proving that come in.
Dad, you decided I think I’ll get a hotel at least for a few days [sighs] to avoid last night.
I don’t want Clare to feel like a guest in her own home.
I’ve been thinking about what Clare said.
So have I.
I didn’t talk to her about the workspace.
Then last night I planned dinner without asking.
I missed some important things.
I can work anywhere.
I wish she’d told me.
But you don’t fix my communication mistakes by leaving.
You can’t ask me to stay and ignore how she feels.
I’m not.
If Clare wants to talk, will you listen?
Does she actually want to?
I haven’t asked.
I’m not speaking for her anymore.
If she wants to, I’ll listen.
Coffeey’s still hot.
Dad, thanks for not deciding for me.
I’m practicing.
Avery, can we talk for a minute alone?
I owe you an apology.
I was cruel last night.
Yes, I shouldn’t have made you feel unwelcome.
Okay, but pretending everything is fine won’t help anyone.
Daniel loves you.
I know.
He’d let this marriage fall apart before admitting your being here changed things.
That’s not what he said to me.
Of course, it isn’t.
He’s your father.
He’ll tell you whatever makes you feel safe.
And what are you telling me?
Sometimes loving someone means giving them room to say what they can’t say.
Daniel hates being the bad guy.
A hotel for a few days might help.
I already considered it.
Dad knows.
What did he say?
It’s my decision.
I’ll think about it.
Don’t tell Daniel we talked.
Why?
He’ll think I’m pressuring you.
Are you?
I’m trying to keep this family together.
I didn’t use your card.
You booked me a hotel.
I reserved a room without asking me.
You said you were considering it to dad and now you have the option.
This doesn’t feel like an option.
It’s refundable.
That’s not what I mean.
You already packed.
That doesn’t mean I asked you to finish the decision for me.
I’m telling Dad.
Why?
Why turn this into another fight?
Because you booked a room for me.
If you don’t want it, cancel it.
But if you tell Daniel, he’ll make this about me.
It is about you.
Daniel spent all week proving you’re still his little girl.
Maybe somebody needs to act like an adult.
Was that supposed to be me?
I didn’t mean it like that.
You keep saying that.
Where’s Avery?
Upstairs.
She may stay at a hotel.
She decided she needs space.
She doesn’t want you talking her out of it.
She said that.
We talked.
Then I’ll respect that.
H.
Did she actually ask you to tell him that?
Don’t interrogate me.
That’s not an answer.
You told mom you wanted Dan to let you leave?
No, she booked me a hotel.
What?
She what?
You booked her a room?
It was an option for Avery or for you.
You made Dan think Avery wanted him to stay away.
You don’t understand my marriage.
Then stop making Avery responsible for it.
Stay out of it.
I was until you put me in it.
Avery, I thought we’d talk first.
Claire said you understood understood what that leaving might be better.
I never said that.
I never said he did.
You booked the hotel.
You booked her a room.
It was refundable.
She wanted Avery to leave without asking her to.
That’s not true.
Then why did you lie to Dan?
Did Avery ask you to speak for her?
She said she needed space.
That’s not what I asked.
Fine.
You want the truth?
Every time Avery walks in, Daniel remembers a life before me.
He looks at her and remembers her mother.
Claire, stop.
I didn’t create Dad’s past.
Then why are you trying to push me out?
Because I wanted you to choose to leave so I wouldn’t have to ask you.
That would have been easier for you.
Not kinder.
This stops now.
You don’t speak for Avery.
So, you’re choosing her.
She’s my daughter.
You’re my wife.
This isn’t a competition.
She already won.
No, I’m not winning this.
I’m staying until my apartment is fixed.
I won’t make myself smaller for anyone.
And I won’t carry your marriage for you.
I love you.
But I can’t trust what you did.
We need counseling and some space.
I booked two nights.
I’ll use the room.
You wanted me gone?
Yes.
I was wrong.
I made a counseling appointment.
I know that doesn’t undo what I did.
No, it doesn’t.
I know.
[music] I’m staying because I choose to.
You should.
So, are we finally allowed to have a normal Sunday?
Let’s not get ambitious.
One Sunday at a time.
I can do that.
[laughter]
