Leslie Makes a Scene at the Hospital Press Conference — and Shanice Decides Her Future With Ted
After a family breakfast at home, Tyrell privately confides in his Pop that he’s feeling insecure about his first time with Jessica. Assuring him that first times are rarely monumental, Martin recalls his first “tragic” time, which was with a girl. He explains to his shocked son that he was still figuring things out back then and thought his life would be easier if he were straight. When he started dating guys, things felt easier and right. But it wasn’t until he met Smitty that he was able to connect with someone on a deeper level.
Martin’s words make Tyrell realize Jessica is the one. Unfortunately, when she stops by later, Jessica friend zones him. Not because of the sex, he was great, but because she’s going away to school and doesn’t want to hurt him.
Leslie Seizes the Moment
Over breakfast at the Country Club, Shanice tells Ted that Derek’s death forced her to think about what her future holds and who she’ll be there with. Despite Ted’s past, she doesn’t want to give him up. When his past stops by their table, Ted orders Leslie to never interrupt his time with Shanice again — unless it has to do with their daughter. Shanice gets turned on, but, sadly, they have to go to work.
Elon and Ted give a press conference at the hospital about the plasma ring and Lia’s role in it. When a reporter asks about the civilian death, Leslie pushes Elon aside at the podium. Prompting a lot of side-eyeing in the crowd, she dramatically defends her clinic and says a few words about “one of her favorite employees.” She breaks down and throws herself into Ted’s arms.
After Jan updates Mona on Ashley at Orphey Gene’s, and Mona fills her in on her type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Grayson enters. Jan urges him not to give up on Ashley, who she learns is pushing him away. When Leslie arrives, she learns of Grayson’s money troubles. Empathetic to his struggles, she offers him a job at the clinic, pending the investigation. Grayson is happy to at least have hope.
Derek’s Dad Stirs Up Emotions
After Naomi distracts Ashley with a paper airplane contest (something she did with her dad), Derek’s dad, Brian, drops by. He’s in town to collect Derek’s remains so he can be buried back home. Brian gives Ashley Derek’s medal of honor from his first year in the battalion and a ring box. An emotional Ashley lets out a laugh when she opens it.
Shanice is next to stop by with food and to suggest they hold their own memorial for Derek. Ashley shows Shanice what was in the ring box: an arts-and-crafts medal the firefighters gave Derek for rescuing a cat. Ashley tears up, wondering why Derek wasn’t enough for her. Shanice reminds her that despite his good deeds, Derek did wrong by her.
At the police station, Brian refuses to shake Jacob’s hand, blaming him for his son’s death. However, he does accept Jacob’s help in getting through the red tape for Derek’s remains. Jacob declares that Derek will always be a hero to him. Brian walks away.
Naomi worries to Elon about Jacob’s mental health upon transitioning out of his undercover operation. Elon assures her he’ll get him help should he need it.
