It's Not All Downhill From Here

Kwame and Loretha go out to lunch, where Kwame discusses his aspirations of being a producer. However, when asked for more information, he focuses on the glamorous aspects without considering the arduous work. As a compromise, Loretha suggests that Kwame look at programs offered by local colleges and see what interests him. The conversation shifts as Kwame tells Loretha he has not contacted his mom since moving to Pasadena because she disapproved of his choice. She encourages him to reach out to his mother so she knows he is thinking about her.

Before Carl died, he made promises on Loretha’s behalf to appease her friends for missing her birthday celebration. She keeps the first and easiest promise by attending a service at Sadie’s church. Sadie is excited to introduce Loretha to the minister she is having an affair with; her friends call her a hypocrite and adulterer behind her back but will not directly confront her. Loretha enjoys the service and thinks the choir sounds good—except Sadie.

Loretha visits the Pasadena branch of The House of Beauty and Glamour after committing to finding a more spacious building for the business. She feels connected to the store’s current state: dusty and old.