Strung

[orchestra begins playing dramatic music]

Voice: Laila!

Laila...

- Man 1: Boo! -

- Man 1: Come on, people... - Laila...

- Man 3: Shut up! - Laila.

Woman: Stop!

What happened to your hand?

What happened to your hand?

Mm-mm...

You're young. You're fine. You're single.

And you've been practicing all damn day.

One drink.

Well, I have an audition coming up.

Is it with the Phil?

No. It's, uh, some session work.

Okay. So how about you audition for some dick instead?

- - 'Cause that's the only

- session work you need, girl. - Uh... Uh-uh.

No, no. I can't.

Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh.

Listen, when you get your own place,

you can practice as much as you want all night.

But as long as you live under my roof,

you live under my rules.

- Oh, wow. - Okay? Get your ass up.

Get ready. We going out.

We're getting drunk. Come on, bitch! Come on.

Move that ass, sistah.

All right, ladies. Cheers to making mistakes.

Hopefully I make a big one.

- Mm... - Uh-oh. I know that face.

For real. Mm-mm...

You know, I'm guest teaching in the morning.

No problem. Most of these dudes won't last five minutes.

- - At all. Okay.

But seriously, Lai, you know we love you.

- And we support you. - Mm-hm.

Girl, you working too damn hard.

- You gotta live a little bit. - Mm.

- -

Jasmine: Bitch, yes!

- Come on. - That's our jam. Come on.

- Come on, please. - No, I'm good. I'm good.

Girl, see, you're too good. That's your problem.

Let's go.

Jasmine: Get another drink. Loosen up.

- Thank you. - Waitress: You're welcome.

- -

Waitress: More coffee, hun?

All right.

Mm...

[Nat King Cole's "The Very Thought of You" playing]

Hm... Hm...

- Laila: You're crazy. - Okay...

There's moments I can give you compliments.

It's just about the energy you give, you know.

All right.

Hey. Is something wrong?

It's just, I don't usually do this.

Right. Of course not.

I didn't mean to presume you did.

Well, maybe another time, Laila.

Or... maybe just this once?

"Marcus."

- -

Thank you.

You all have the potential to be incredible musicians.

And learning to play well with others

can create something magical.

You both did amazing work today.

I'm so proud of you, all right?

Hope I get to come back again. Bye.

- - That was really beautiful.

Sorry to startle you, but I was in the hall,

and when you started to play, I had to stop and listen.

Thank you.

- Audra Jelani. - Laila Calloway.

Oh, your playing is extraordinary.

A-are you with the Philharmonic?

Hm.

No. I wish.

They hold auditions once a year.

I made it to the second round twice.

But with talent like yours...

I'd say third time's a charm.

Do you believe in fate or serendipity, Laila?

I came here to meet with someone about tutoring my granddaughter,

and sadly, I was stood up.

So were you looking for a tutor?

Yes, a full time live-in music tutor for Zuri.

Her mother's nearing full term, and with the new baby coming,

she'll have less time to devote to Zuri's needs.

And we need somebody who's focused on her.

Especially with her recital coming up in a few weeks.

Respectfully, Ms. Jelani, I am extremely flattered,

but you don't even know me.

I tell you what.

Why don't you come to our home and meet Zuri?

We'll have tea.

- - Oh...

Oh, shit. Okay.

Security: Good morning, Ms. Calloway

Audra: Laila...

So glad you made it.

So, were my directions clear enough?

Oh, they were very easy.

- Oh, great. - I made it straight here,

and I was...

Well, welcome.

- Oh, it's gorgeous. - Oh.

Yes. It's remarkable, isn't it?

- - Yes--

Custom made in Italy.

This house belongs to my daughter,

but this is the one piece that's my design.

Zuri. Come down and meet Laila.

Hi.

Oh...

Let's have that tea we talked about.

- Laila: Thank you. - You're welcome.

It's a Malawian blend.

Mmm. It's delicious.

Mm...

Are you seeing anyone?

Hmm?

I don't mean to pry.

I'm just wondering about other commitments.

Just my music.

True artist.

And what about family? Any siblings?

Just me.

Well, a few things you should know.