Caught Up

Junior spends time with Josh at his and Aly’s house as their cats, Fred and Maud, sprint around playfully. Josh prods Junior about Lauren, but Junior refuses to divulge details, declaring that Josh cannot keep secrets from Aly. Josh grows angry and asserts that both he and Junior have a hidden side to their personalities. Junior tells Josh about the olive oil business but insists that he wants to leave the mafia and start a real business.

He then asks Josh for help investigating McKinney, Velvet’s landlord. Josh quickly uncovers McKinney’s gambling debts, which Junior can use as leverage. Josh convinces Junior to open up about Lauren, who has told Junior that she needs space to think about their relationship. Junior tells Josh the whole story, from high school to the present. Josh believes that Junior is in love with Lauren, but he senses Junior’s hesitation to commit to a real relationship. Junior is not ashamed of Lauren or her sex work, but he is afraid of hurting her again. He believes that he is only capable of hurting others. Josh suggests inviting Lauren to the upcoming engagement party. Aly will be the only member of Junior’s family at the party, so there is no risk that anyone will recognize Junior or Lauren.