About Hope (2020) - full transcript

Since I can remember,

I've always been a bit of a
romantic.

I'm not exactly sure
when it started for me

but it was pretty telling that
as a child,

my imaginary friend was a wife.

Now that I say that out loud,
I realize how weird that is.

Anyway, then I met Emily.

My dreams took on form
and love became a reality.

From that moment on, I knew
she was going to be my wife.

Fight, fight, fight!

But then a pubescent
tyrant



by the name of Ricky Moore
tried to steal her from me.

I had no choice but to
protect my soulmate.

So here I was, surrounded by an
angry mob

of abnormally bloodthirsty
juveniles and what does she do?

She drops my heart on the ground
like it's a piece of trash.

Now can we go to your
house and play Nintendo?

My best friend Lawrence has
always

been there to get me up off
the ground and you know,

even though Emily broke my
heart,

she helped me realize my perfect
girl

was going to be loyal
and so began the list.

I'd been able to learn so much
over

the years about who my
perfect girl will be.

There was Hailey, who
had a really big heart



but there just wasn't any room
for dogs.

She taught me that my
perfect girl will like dogs.

And then Nicole, I mean she
could talk about anything.

We had some of the deepest
conversations

but she didn't actually
want to do anything.

Boom, my perfect girl will be
adventurous.

Which brings me to Katy.

We would do something new every
weekend

with Lawrence and his
girlfriend Christine,

who happened to be Katy's best
friend.

She was loyal and she liked dogs

and she was great to talk
to, but then this happened.

Just when you think you've hit
a home run, you strike out.

Sorry, Katy.

My perfect girl will like
baseball.

And look, I get it, it might
seem like I'm being way

too picky and I'm never going
to find the perfect girl,

but I refuse to lose hope.

I believe she's out there
somewhere

and I'm not giving up until I
find her.

Hi, how can I help you?

I need a photographer

and I was told you're
the best in the city.

That's if your name is Thomas
McKenzie.

It's my lucky day, I am Thomas
McKenzie.

- What's your name?
- Hope Sanchez.

Nice to meet you, Hope.

- You took all of these?
- I did.

Yeah, I figured it'd be a little
awkward

if I had someone else's work on
display.

Oh, look how cute,
that face, is he yours?

Yeah, yeah, that's Boomer.

We grew up together, best dog
that ever lived, hands down.

It was actually that photo that

inspired me to become a
photographer.

Really?

It captured his personality so
well.

- So are you a dog person, Hope?
- I am.

Growing up, we always
had a dog running around.

- They just make life better.
- They do, right?

- They really do.
- Yeah.

So, what's your dog's name?

I actually don't have
a dog, we just moved in,

unpacking boxes but I
specifically

rented a place that allows for
pets.

So does your roommate like
dogs?

Yes, my daughter takes after
me.

We are softies when it comes to
big,

sad puppy dog eyes staring at
us.

It just makes my heart melt.

I completely understand.

You took these?

- Yeah.
- Where was that?

These were actually
a trip I took to Kenya.

We were there helping
to build an orphanage.

You have really good eyes.

I mean you have a really good
eye,

you're a photographer and you're
great.

Did you take that one too?

No, that's Mike Trout's famous
catch.

Oh, I was recently told that
it

was weird to display another
person's photography.

Okay,

touche, I admit I did not take
the photo,

but I was at the game.

I'm sorry, I'm not a baseball
fan.

No?

Not even a little bit?

No, there's too much
spitting and scratching.

Yeah.

So, you need a photographer.

All right, well it
was a pleasure meeting you.

- I'll see you at the shoot.
- Yeah.

What?

T-man, who was that fine looking
woman?

Tell me you got her number.

Yep, and her email address.

She scheduled us for a shoot.

No ring on her finger,
five foot perfect.

What's your next move, Romeo?

What, nothing?

You've gotta be kidding me.

How can you not be the least
bit interested in that?

Number 23, she doesn't like
baseball.

There are like 40 other
things on your list, man.

Besides, who likes baseball
anyway?

Who is this?

I painted her.

T-man, keeping a list
of qualities you want

in a woman, even
sketching in your journal,

that's one thing but a life-size
portrait

of an imaginary woman, that's
just weird.

She's not life-size.

I think you missed my point.

It's a creative outlet,
Lawrence.

T-man, it's time you went
on a date or something.

I date.

I mean with a real woman, not
Betty.

- Betty?
- She needed a name.

It's not Betty.

T-man, your mom has set up
more dates

for you in the past year than
you have.

Oh yeah, those are the
best moments of my life.

Oh come on, what about Sherry?

- Miss alcoholic?
- What about Amy?

She asked me if Alaska was
tropical.

What about Rebecca?

Now she was fine.

She brought a rabbit to the
date.

A rabbit, a live rabbit.

She was still fine.

I gotta go make these
deliveries.

Are we gettin' paid this week?

Are you doing any work this
week?

I'm serious man, are we
gettin' paid?

Yeah, I'm serious too.

Yeah, yeah, okay girlfriend,
we will see you in a bit.

It's like God's perfect timing.

How you feeling, how you
feeling?

Oh, I'm so happy, I'm so
happy.

♪ H-A-Double-P-Y, H-A-double-P-Y ♪

♪ Bring it home, H-A-double-P-Y ♪

You're here.

Were you two just doing the
happy dance?

No.

Mother, why were you
doing the happy dance?

Honey, would you do me a favor

and just bring that out to your
dad?

Thank you, oh here,
don't forget his banana.

Hey Mr. Mac, you're
looking a little gray there.

Hey, what size Depends do you
wear?

Mr. Mac, how long does it take
you

to shave your nose hair in
the morning and the afternoon?

Are you not responding
'cause you can't hear me?

Hey dad, mom sent you a
banana.

Oh, need your potassium, Mr.
Mac?

Now how about that man
bun?

Anybody else thirsty?

I'm gonna go get a drink, Mrs.
Mac?

Something's wrong with that
kid.

Who is that?

Father,

who is that?

That's Grace, she's the
daughter of Bev's friend.

The one your mother
invited to dinner tonight.

You gotta be kidding me.

Hey Thomas, I'm so glad you're
here.

I've got a surprise for you.

Et tu, Brute?

I don't know what that means.

Thomas wait, wait up,
don't go, Thomas, hold on.

- You, I can't.
- Thomas, honey.

No, no, no, no, no, mother...

- No, don't go.
- I love you

but you need a new hobby.

Matchmaking is not one
of the spiritual gifts.

- Thomas, hold on.
- No, I knew,

I knew when you were
doing the happy dance.

- I'm not staying.
- One sec.

Hi, I am so sorry,

my phone died, no GPS in the
car.

- Hope?
- Thomas?

- What are you doing here?
- Mommy.

Hey.

- Come on in.
- Thank you.

Well, you outdid yourself,
honey.

Can you help me clear it?

Oh no, no, no, no,
girlfriend, you are the guest.

- No, we got this.
- Sweetheart.

Gracie, let's go draw
pictures.

It's happening right
in front of our eyes.

Have fun.

Honey.

Gotta go.

Lawrence.

Wait for it.

Can you help me with the
trash, please?

Like clockwork.

Excuse me, they are so good.

Coming, Mrs. Mac.

One last thing.

Ah ha, just so you keep
the bugs away, you know?

I'd like to apologize for my
family.

It's okay, I'm used to it.

Single mom and widow.

I am so sorry, I had no idea.

- It's okay.
- Oh my goodness.

Well you know, my mother,
she thinks she's Yenta,

so she really can't help
herself.

♪ Matchmaker, matchmaker ♪

I have learned to sneak out

the back door as soon as
possible.

But you're still here.

Well, I can't leave you

to fend for yourself with this
bunch.

I think they're great.

Eh, they're all right.

They remind me of home.

Where's that?

San Antonio.

Wow, well that's a
big move.

- Yeah.
- What stirred it?

Well, Texas was...

I just needed a change.

Meet new people, escape the
pity.

- Hey, Gracie girl.
- Look who it is.

What's this?

I drew a picture of me at
the circus for Mrs. Kenzie.

- That's great.
- Wow.

Hey, this is great, when
did you go to the circus?

I didn't go to the circus.

We talk about going
all the time and although

we can't go, we do have a book
that Gracie loves to read.

"Olivia Saves the Circus."

Well I am sure Mrs. McKenzie
is going

to love this picture,
wanna go take it to her?

- Uh-huh.
- Oh.

- Movie, catch it.
- Four words.

- First word.
- First word.

Time.

Hitchhike.

Thumbs up, crafts.

So how long have you
two been friends for?

I've been taking care of
my boy since kindergarten.

Kinda like Batman and Robin.

Second word, second word.

Wow, you're really blessed

to have that sort of friendship.

- Interstate.
- Two, two.

So, do you like dogs?

I do.

Hiking?

Not really.

Where'd you go to school?

Undergrad or grad?

Grad.

Xavier's School for the
Gifted.

What's your mutant power?

I can tell the future.

Yeah right, what's gonna
happen next?

- Hitchhiking.
- Dessert.

- Time, time, time.
- Dessert.

- "Back to the Future."
- Thank you.

What?

Man, you are not good at this
game.

Finally got one.

Okay, all right, babe, this
one's just for you and me.

All right, this one's
just for you, all right?

- Four words.
- No, no, no.

Just Bev, just Bev, all right.

Okay, four words.

- It's a quote though.
- Just Bev, just Bev.

It's a quote.

First word

sounds like

eatin' some grapes.

Gulpin'.

The girl is a comic book fan.

- Pills?
- I mean she likes DC but

she at least has a working
knowledge of the Marvel Universe.

- That's not even on the list.
- No, but it should be.

Can he do that, dad?

Get on a plane.

Will you, okay, fourth word.

Mark.

Sounds like knee, knee, knee,
knee.

Come on, our third word.

- Okay, okay, okay, okay.
- Come on.

A marching, a bride,

a wedding, a bride,

marriage, marry, marry,
ooh, will you marry me?

Will you marry me?

Well gosh Bev, I
thought you'd never ask.

Bev,

will you marry me?

- Of course.
- Yes?

Yes, come here.

She said yes.

Mom, I'm so happy!

Dad!

You can't get rid of me now.

Can't get rid of me now.

Hey, you'll be my best man,
right?

I mean there's nobody else that

I'd rather have stand next to me
than you.

I'd be honored to.

- I'm happy for you, man.
- Thanks.

My Maid of Honor.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

Ah man, that was terrifying.

Congrats.

You wanna be my flower girl,
yeah?

Yes.

You seemed a little
surprised by Mark's proposal.

You have to admit though,
it's classic Mark.

Your brother's so
unconventional.

What a sweetie Bev is though.

I really think they're gonna
be great for one another.

Yeah,

Bev is pretty wonderful.

I'm happy for them.

So your younger brother

is getting married before you.

How's that make you feel?

It was just yesterday he was
asking

if he should take her out on a
date.

And now, well, he's...

Passing you by?

Didn't ask your permission?

Dad,

how do you know if God's leading
you in a certain direction?

Well, I mean is it something
specific or just in general?

I don't know.

I always thought there'd be
certain things

that were important to me
and I guess they still are,

but they just don't
seem realistic anymore.

What?

That was about as clear as mud.

Are we talkin' about women here?

A woman?

Hope?

How do you do that?

It's like you're my dad or
something.

Trust me, I've honed
these skills over the years.

I mean, how old are you now?

Okay, so you're attracted to
this girl,

you're trying to figure out if
this

is a road that's gonna lead to
love?

Something like that.

You got a map?

I don't think God's will
is a map with a road on it.

So I wouldn't want to waste

my time trying to figure out
that route.

You know what I mean?

It's always been like,
it's more like a compass.

Really you just point it toward
Him

and then move in that direction.

Too much philosophy?

All right, let's go for
application.

Are you sweet on this girl?

'Cause if you are, just get
to know her, be her friend.

I mean,

you don't have to know God's
perfect plan

and direction for your life in
the future

in order to know

how you should act right now.

Okay.

That makes sense.

And son, stop competing
with your brother.

Y'all's journeys are different
and there's

no rule about the timing
and order in life.

Just be you.

Thanks, dad.

You're welcome, son.

I believe our dreams
come true

and if I can help someone
make their dream a reality,

that's far more important than
me selling a few more books.

I'm very grateful for the
opportunity, Ms. Sinclaire.

Please, call me
Desiree.

I'm just concerned about the
resources

that would be required
for a print run that size.

What you're talking about

is 10 times more than I've ever
done.

No worries,
that's Harrison's job.

The company you've built may be
small

but it has a reputation for
quality,

a reputation for inspiring
young girls to aspire for more

and that reputation is why
I'm set on using your company.

It's time for my interview,
I have to cut this short.

Harrison, you can finish
this up without me.

Of course.

Hope, I am so
looking

forward to pursuing this dream
together.

Thank you Mrs. Sinc, Desiree.

Mrs. Sinclaire's ready
to provide the funds

necessary for the first
run in exchange for

a percentage of interest in
the publishing company itself.

What sort of percentage?

It depends on the
amount of the first run

but if you go by our estimates
of 3.5 million copies,

we're looking at about 35%.

We never discussed anything
like that.

I'm gonna have to read over
these.

That's why we're here, Miss
Sanchez, to look over these.

Honestly, I do not know what
Desiree

is thinking allowing you
to handle the publication.

Desiree just loves
making dreams come true.

Excuse me, Mr. Scott,
I'm a professional.

I built this company from the
ground up

and as Mrs. Sinclaire stated,
Quiet Place

Publishing has a stellar
reputation.

So I expect you to treat me
with the respect that I deserve.

Miss Sanchez, you have
a sock stuck to your back.

Thomas, you going
to get ice cream or what?

Yes, I'm going.

There are so many
flavors to choose from.

We close at 9:00.

It's only like 5:30.

Just giving you a heads up.

I'd go with the Death by
Mocha, it's one of my favorites.

Yeah, it's a good one.

All right, I have made my
decision.

Hooray.

I will take a cup of Death by
Mocha

and a cup of Tall, Dark and
Chocolate.

Hey, did my mother send you
here?

I should ask you the same
question, did Bev send you here?

You would think so,
right?

Actually, I would like those
to go.

- Wow, she's super sweet.
- Yeah, yep.

I noticed that.

Two cups of ice cream

to go will be $7.23.

I actually have a coupon,

hold on.

Okay.

Here we go, buy one, get one
free.

I'm sorry ma'am, but you must
inform me

before I ring you up
that you have a coupon.

What are you talking about?

It says "Buy one, get one free."

Yes, I know but it
also says "Customer must

"inform employee that they
have a coupon upon ordering."

- Are you kidding me?
- No.

Hey, I got an idea, I'm just
gonna

take that from you, oh
look, I got a coupon,

I'd like to order these
two cups of ice cream

and add one more cup of Death
by Mocha for here, please.

Thank you, doll.

Gosh, I love her.

So what are you gonna do?

Well I'm gonna eat this ice
cream,

pray about it and most
likely sign the contract.

I saw that painting you did
for your mom, it's beautiful.

Thank you.

If you had to pick one,
photography or painting?

That's like asking
what child you like more.

Well I like Grace.

Well there you go.

I don't know, I guess painting
maybe.

In a painting, I can pour
my passion, my ideals,

my personal view of things into
it.

You know, it's my creation.

I decide everything, there's
nothing left to chance.

- But...
- But?

A photograph is all about a
moment.

You know, there's always
moments just passing by.

It's so easy to miss the
details.

So a photograph can reveal the
things that you might miss.

Like, I don't know, like
a butterfly taking wing

or the joy of a little
girl hugging her new puppy.

You know, the things you
might not see otherwise.

So I don't know, I guess I love
them both.

I never thought about it that
way.

I guess I can see why it's
so hard for you to choose.

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing
your ice cream with me.

We should do this again
sometime.

Oh, and don't thank me, thank
Lawrence.

Dude, what took you so long?

Did the blue beast finally break
down?

Where is my ice cream?

Oh.

I just had the best ice cream.

Oh no, you stopped for ice
cream in the middle of the day?

Gosh, girlfriend.

Was it that bad?

It's just a lot to think
about.

You'll never guess who I ran
into today.

Was this the work of
one Martha McKenzie?

See, I thought that but you
were

the one that sent me for the ice
cream.

Which I still don't have,

by the way but it doesn't
matter.

It sounds like destiny, my
friend.

It was just a coincidence.

In God's economy, there
are no coincidences.

At least that's what Pastor Mike
says.

It was just ice cream.

I still wanna hear all the
details.

We just talked, it was fun.

You were right.

Wait, what?

Ha ha ho, I need to record this.

Start at "You were right,
Lawrence."

Stop.

Okay, so you asked her out
then?

Sort of.

What do you mean sort of?

Well you know, "This was nice,

"we should do it again
sometime."

You're kidding me, you
pulled the friend date?

Have you learned nothing from
me?

You need to ask this woman
out, be clear, be a man.

- I will ask her out.
- When?

I don't know, soon.

Thomas, you have got to get
your head

out of your sketchbook and into
reality.

This has nothing to do with
that.

- Are you sure?
- Yes, I'm sure.

- Okay, call her now then.
- Now?

Right now.

I am not gonna call him, Bev.

He played the friend card,

so you just call him as a
friend.

Have him come over and fix
something.

I don't have anything broken.

I can break something.

The oven, the microwave,
,

I got it, hole in the wall,
super easy.

You are starting to sound like

my soon-to-be sister-in-law
or worse, my mother.

That's your own fault.

If would've brought me my ice
cream,

I'd be feeling happy and
satisfied but you didn't,

so I'm feeling sad and
hangry and the only thing

that's gonna make me feel better
right now

is making you do something
you don't really wanna do.

That makes absolutely no
sense.

Well it does to me, now are
you gonna call her or what?

It's been three years
since Darryl passed away

and you used to light
up when he was around.

I haven't seen you like that
since.

Except

I caught a little
glimmer of it last night.

Grace and I are still
adjusting.

I have this deal with Desiree
Sinclaire,

I don't need to add romance to
my plate.

Come on, Hope.

Just call him.

Ha ha, ha.

Destiny.

You ready for today?

It's a beautiful day for a
shoot, huh?

Okay, Mr. Rogers.

That boy's got it bad.

Yeah.

I think today is gonna go
really well.

- I agree.
- I'm excited to work

with you on this whole thing.

- Excuse me for a second.
- Okay.

I am so glad you're here.

I don't know why I feel
so nervous about today.

I keep thinking there's a
sock on my back or something.

Will you tell me?

Well, now that you mention
it...

- Seriously?
- Hey,

you're gonna be great, don't be
nervous.

Okay.

So, I was gonna ask you
if you wanted to celebrate

a new client with me over
dinner tomorrow night.

A new client, who is this new
client?

It's you.

Me.

Wow, a dinner date.

Will there be Happy Meals on the
menu?

It sounds tempting but I was
thinking

more of a tender steak and rumor
has it

they have linen napkins at this
place.

- Wow.
- Fancy joint.

Well, I love me some steak.

It's a date then.

Excuse me, Hope.

Miss Sinclaire has just arrived.

Okay, wish me luck, see you
later.

- Okay.
- No way!

No way, dude!

Lawrence.

- Lawrence.
- This is unbelievable!

Dude, keep your voice down,
what are you screaming about?

Dude.

You are not gonna believe
who wrote this book.

It looks
like Desiree Sinclaire.

Nope.

Betty.

It's her.

Hey, hey, we got work to
do, so let's go do that.

Oh my gosh.

Okay, I think
I have what I need.

Thank you, girls.

- You all are so beautiful.
- Thank you so much.

Sure thing.

Amazing.

The picture or the subject?

Miss Sinclaire, I am...

Thomas McKenzie, Hope
told me all about you.

May I?

Yes, yes, of course.

You've impressed me, Thomas
and I'm not easily impressed.

You should see his paintings.

Ooh, a man of many talents.

I am thinking about selling my
house

and I need to get some pictures
taken.

But I don't like letting
strangers into my house.

Well I know you're thinking
we only just met but

I already feel like I can trust
you, I feel like I know you.

How do you feel, Thomas?

I feel like I would be happy

to take those pictures for you.

Grand, tomorrow afternoon, say
2:00?

Yeah, sure.

Text me, I'll get you all the
details.

What prayers do I need

to say to get me something like
that?

I'm thinking about converting.

What just happened?

You, Thomas McKenzie, are
becoming quite the player.

Hey, thank you again.

Desiree seemed super
impressed with everything.

Ah, good, yeah.

So what time do you
want to head out tomorrow?

Oh, actually, funny thing,

I ended up getting a new gig for
tomorrow.

- Oh.
- Yeah.

So I'm gonna have to take
a rain check on that date.

No problem, that's
good right, a new client?

- Mm hmm, a new client.
- What is it?

Just some photo gig thing.

Like a family portrait thing?

Something new actually.

There is this house that's
going on the market,

so I'm taking the photos of the
interior.

That's cool, so you're gonna
make

the rooms look twice as
big as they really are.

Something like that.

Well, now we have two
reasons to celebrate.

One, two.

And nothing screams
celebration

like a delicious medium-rare
steak.

Excuse me Hope, I have
some papers you need to sign.

Okay, I am gonna hold
you to that rain check.

- You do that.
- Duty calls.

Duty calls, you go and do your
duty.

That felt awful.

Nah, you handled it.

Ugh, gosh.

I'm just gonna call Desiree

and tell her that I can't do the
shoot.

What?

No, you can't do that, man,
she's your perfect girl.

Just yesterday you
were the one telling me

to ditch the list, saying
it was holding me back.

That's when it wasn't
real, this is real.

Besides, what's wrong with a
good guy getting what he wants?

I mean I guess it was pretty
miraculous.

But what about Hope?

What about her?

You know what, Lawrence?

Sometimes you can be a real
jerk.

Thomas, do you think you're
the first

guy who's ever liked two girls
at once?

Take me for instance, I like
like five, six girls right now.

You're single, it's not like

you're betraying some sort of
commitment.

Look, okay, this is insane.

You painted a woman, this is
that woman.

You're gonna regret it your

whole life if you don't go after
her.

Okay look, if anything, we need
the money.

So go to Betty's, take her
pictures,

you know, strictly business, no
harm done.

Strictly business.

We need the money.

All right, I'll go.

Yes.

- Thomas.
- Hello.

Welcome.

- Come on in.
- Thank you.

Wow, where would you like to get
started?

Oh come on, Thomas,
we have all day, relax.

Your paintings are stunning.

They remind me of the art
museums

my mom used to take me to as a
kid.

I think I was around 10 when
I saw the most beautiful

painting of Gainsborough's
Queen Charlotte and that was it.

I decided one day I'd have
to have my portrait done.

I went home and added it to my
list.

You have a list?

Yeah.

Do you think that's silly?

No.

No.

I mean what else is on your
list?

Oh you know, places to see,

people to meet, goals to
accomplish.

It's more than a bucket list,
you know?

It's things I've dreamed about
doing.

I thought I was the
only one with a list.

Thomas,

would you consider painting my
portrait?

You want me to paint you?

I'd love you to capture my
spirit.

Your spirit?

Yeah, I mean not just my looks

or fame but the real Desiree
Sinclaire.

Well...

Thomas, you'd be making
my dreams come true.

Wouldn't you love that, please?

You'd be paid handsomely, of
course.

May I think about it?

Sure.

So, now it's your turn to share.

What's on your list?

Oh , you
know, the usual things

like getting married
and starting a family.

Come on, Thomas,
everyone thinks about that.

We're sharing secrets here.

What is it you really want, you
know?

What do you really dream about
doing?

Well,

I guess

this.

This, photography?

Well, photography, painting,

the chance to express myself
artistically.

Aren't you already doing this?

Yes but the trick is to do it

and still manage to pay the
bills.

Well what about fashion?

Their rates are fantastic.

Yeah, you know, I wanna
do fashion, I'd like to.

I want to capture a woman's
beauty

but not reduce her to an object.

Oh, you want to maintain
integrity

but avoid that starving artist
route, huh?

I like eating and a roof over
my head is super appealing.

Thomas, I think you're
dreaming too small.

You're very talented
and you're so charming

and you have an undeniable
passion.

You just need someone to open
the door

so you can meet the right
people.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

That's just it though, I don't
really know

the people who know the
right people, so.

Thomas, you do now.

Have you read any of these
books?

They are light on the mystery
and pretty heavy on the S-E-X.

Well now she wants to write
books

that are inspirational to young
girls.

I think it's gonna be pretty
hard

for that zebra to change her
spots.

Stripes, a zebra has stripes,
not spots.

Whoa, does she really look
like this?

Whoa.

That woman is so beautiful...

ly photographed, I mean
look at the lighting.

It's very nice.

Hey guys, sorry I'm late.

- Thomas.
- Hey, Gracie.

But wait 'til you guys hear.

- How'd it go?
- Oh, it went great.

The place is enormous, I can
see why she wants to downsize.

Who, who wants to downsize?

Desiree Sinclaire.

You were with Desiree?

You were at her house?

Oh Thomas, here you are.

Mother.

Sweet, I'm happy
to see you too, honey.

That lasagna smells
amazing, I am starving.

- Wait a minute, bro.
- Can I see the pictures?

I just want to see how
the other half lives.

The other half of what?

Okay, slow down everybody.

Yesterday at the photo shoot,

Desiree asked me to come
take photos of her house.

Oh, that's cool.

And she commissioned
me to paint her portrait.

Thomas, that's
wonderful, congratulations.

Thank you, mother.

I haven't actually
accepted it yet, you know?

It would take a ton of time,
so...

What would take a ton of time?

Painting that Danielle
Sinclaire...

- Desiree.
- Desiree.

Well anyway,

she wants to commission
Thomas to paint her portrait.

No way.

No flipping way, Desiree wants
T-man to paint her picture?

I wouldn't think that
would take too long at all.

And she said that she
wants to introduce me

to some high powered
advertising executive.

She thinks I have potential to
be a commercial photographer.

- Oh my god.
- Potential, hmm.

Well you, Thomas McKenzie
have had a very productive day

and I personally cannot
wait to see where it leads.

Is anybody coming to the
table?

Dinner's getting cold.

Come on you guys,
let's eat.

So Desiree thinks you have
potential?

Hey.

I'm sorry I didn't mention
the shoot was at Desiree's.

I just didn't want to make it
a big deal because it wasn't.

It's okay.

I do still owe you that
dinner.

How about tomorrow?

I can't tomorrow, that's when
Desiree

is introducing me to that ad
exec guy but hey, next week.

Next week.

Wow, the suit really does make
the man.

How do you feel, Thomas?

Actually I feel pretty good.

Confidence looks good on you,
almost as good as that suit.

So I look this guy
right in the eye, right?

And I look at him and I say
"Hey, do you know who I am?"

It turns out he does.

They usually do and I
usually get what I want,

that's how I got this,
hang on, I gotta get this.

You guys enjoy yourselves.

Stay close, these people are
sharks.

Okay.

Oh.

Hi.

That's, all right.

Oh, I'm so sorry, excuse me,
sorry.

Oh, thank you.

Pardon me, pardon me, guys.

Good evening.

Hi.

Okay.

I don't have time to be
bothered

with all these little details.

Look Eileen, you are Mrs. Mason
Campbell,

just tell 'em that and
your problem will go away.

I got people here, I gotta go.

Mason.

May I introduce to you Thomas
McKenzie.

Tommy boy.

Thomas, this is Mason
Campbell.

Desiree says you're
quite the photographer.

Thanks.

Is he the real deal

or is he just your flavor of the
month?

Oh Mason darling, have
I ever steered you wrong?

Oh, don't get me started.

That's good, that's real good.

I like a man who projects
confidence.

You got a good eye, Tommy boy.

What do you think, you think
he can handle the shoot?

I think he can handle
anything.

Okay, I'll consider you.

Reardon Ford is my go-to
guy but if for some reason

he becomes unavailable,
I'll give you a shot.

Thank you for your
consideration, Mr. Campbell.

Garcon, a couple black bowls.

Ladies?

- Of course.
- My favorite.

- Quattro.
- Is that it?

It's a done deal?

Get used to life in the fast
lane.

Yes, well here's to
you, Desiree and your boy.

Excuse me.

Welcome to the big leagues,
Tommy boy.

Thomas,

I don't think that could
have gone any better.

I don't know what I was
expecting but not that.

I mean the limo, all
those people, that girl.

How well do you know Mason?

Well enough, he's the kind of
person

you want to know in business but
not

to come to your granny's
for Christmas dinner.

- Do you trust him?
- No, not at all.

But that's life, Thomas, not
everyone is as noble as you.

I don't know if he's
someone I'd want to work with.

That is one step in a journey

to get you to where you want to
be.

Now, let's toast to new
relationships.

Oh, I'm a bit of a
lightweight,

I'm still feeling that whiskey.

See, you're so genuine.

I know so many men that
would never admit to that.

But lucky for you, we
have sparkling water.

Oh.

Let's toast with that.

To the man who deserves
everything coming his way.

Thanks again for everything,
it was...

Goodnight, Thomas.

Goodnight.

Wow.

They're all so delicious.

Momma Martha was right, this
Karen girl is a baking genius.

I don't know how in the world

you're gonna be able to pick one
of these.

One, how could we pick just
one?

Hey guys.

Hey Thomas, perfect timing.

Hey, is dad here?

I need to talk to him about
something.

No, he's out golfing but get
in here,

you gotta get in on some of this
action.

Wow, it looks like you guys
are really

enjoying this whole
wedding planning thing.

Hey, do you got a second?

Sure.

What's up, man?

I know this is kinda
outta left field but

how do you know that Bev's the
one?

I love her.

Right, but how do you know
that

she's the one you're supposed to
marry?

I don't know, I chose her.

I mean how could I not choose
her?

Look at her,

she's beautiful and smart

and funny and she fits in
so well with our family.

And she totally gets
me and loves me anyway.

Everything else is just icing on
the cake.

- Oh babe.
- You love that one.

This is the one.

You gotta try this, this is the
one.

You know, we should praise

that other wedding tradition as
well.

What do you mean?

Mark McKenzie.

You did not just do that.

No.

Oh my god.

Thanks bro, thanks.

- No.
- Oh my god.

Oh my god.

Turn her this way, turn
her this way, ha ha.

No, no.

Get her, get her.

What are you four doing?

Oh yeah, this one's
definitely my favorite.

Yeah?

Mm, that's good.

Well that escalated quickly.

I've had enough cake to last
me a month.

I'm glad you were there to
participate in the festivities.

Well a Maid of Honor's
work is never done.

You know, like making sure
the Best Man is presentable.

Hey.

I was saving that for later.

So how are things going
with Desiree's book?

Challenging, I had no idea
what I was getting myself into.

She is an enigma.

This book she wants me to
publish is great in principle

but we don't seem to be on the
same page with the content.

On the same page, a
little publisher humor?

You know.

So what do you think about her?

She's different than I
imagined.

Everyone seems to like her.

I mean what's not to like?

She's beautiful, charming,

successful...

Hey, why don't we stop
talking about Desiree?

You hungry?

- Linen napkins.
- I told you.

A beautiful view.

It's a nice place, Thomas.

Oh my goodness, have you seen
what they have on this menu?

They've got a salad called the
Wedgie.

What?

Hope, Hope, I have something to
tell you.

Can you please contain yourself?

Oh my goodness, you are
embarrassing me.

- There, as you were saying?
- Thank you.

I hold here in my hand

all the wonder and splendor and
excitement

and delight and all those
other words about greatness

that anyone could ever hope for.

Ah,

but not until

you wear this.

Oh, there she is.

My lady.

- Cirque Extreme?
- Mm hmm.

- Saturday?
- Yep.

Oh, Thomas.

Oh, Grace is gonna be so
excited.

Primo seats, by the way.

You look ridiculous.

And you look gorgeous,
especially when you smile.

Well look who's
here, Thomas.

- Oh, Desiree.
- And Hope.

What a surprise.

Of course, I should
have seen this earlier.

You did what?

What kind of an imbecile are
you, huh?

Ah, don't worry, Mason works
it out.

He usually gets what he wants.

Should we order?

Hey Tommy boy, come here.

I'm surrounded by a bunch of
morons.

You know what, why don't you
go ahead

and order for the both of
us, I'll be right back.

So, what's with the
noses?

This is your lucky day.

They just double-booked my
shoot, so they're gonna be

pushing up to the 18th which
means Reardon is unavailable.

I'm gonna give you a shot, all
right?

- All right.
- Yeah?

Yeah.

Now your first gig shoots on
Saturday.

I need you at the studio at 7:00
a.m.

Wait, this Saturday?

Yeah, this Saturday, what
kinda question is that?

What time will we be finished?

We finish when we finish.

You know, you're making
me want a drink a lot.

Hey Desiree, you coming?

Bye, so nice to see you.

I am so sorry about that.

Mason is,

well, he's not someone to
bring home to the family.

So did everything get
resolved?

More or less.

He offered me a huge campaign.

- Wow, congratulations.
- Thank you.

Why aren't you happy about
that?

The thing is the shoot is on
Saturday.

So that means no Cirque.

You know what, I don't
see any reason why the shoot

can't be wrapped by the early
afternoon at the latest.

I just don't want to
get Grace's hopes up.

Hope, I completely understand

and I promise you I will
not miss the show, okay?

We are going to Cirque.

I will walk off that set if I
have to.

I will eat this nose, I
will swallow it whole.

- I will gulp it down.
- Okay.

- One gulp, no water.
- I get it.

Gulp.

Grace is gonna be
really happy about this.

Where's my clown friend, where
is she?

Are we folks ready to order?

I believe we are, you know
what?

I kinda feel like a Wedgie,
would you like a Wedgie?

I'd love a Wedgie.

We would both like to
start with a Wedgie, please.

Okay, two Wedgies coming up.

I'd like to
apologize for tonight.

You mean the clown nose?

Yeah, the clown nose.

I would like to make it up to
you.

We are going to Cirque on
Saturday.

I actually just meant me and
you.

Okay.

Goodnight, Thomas.

Goodnight, Hope.

I haven't seen you this happy
since

your 12th birthday when you
got that Super Nintendo.

Oh, that was an awesome
birthday.

Yeah, so you kissed her.

Nope, nope, not going
there with you, Lawrence.

Not going there with you.

Yeah, you kissed her, you've
got

that glowy Hope look in your
eyes.

We are not 15 anymore,
Lawrence.

♪ Thomas and Hope sittin' in a
tree ♪

♪ K-I-S-S mm mm G ♪

I take that back, one
of us isn't 15 anymore.

Look, just don't tell Betty
'til after the photo shoot.

I'm serious, bro, what's that
Bible verse

about Hell hath no fury
like a woman scorned?

Shut up, Fabio.

You think so?

Hi, I'm Thomas McKenzie,
the photographer for today.

Oh of course, right this way.

Here we have our makeup
artist Lucy, our lounge

for the models, the studio's
right around the corner.

Oh, they're still bringing stuff
in

but feel free to arrange
it however you wish.

Our crafty is right here and
Mr. Campbell is right that way.

- Thank you.
- Oh ho, Tommy boy.

Glad to see you showed up.

Today will be the day
you will never forget.

What did he mean by that?

Oh, that's just Mason being
Mason.

How long do you think
this is gonna take?

It's more take your time than
hurry up on days like this.

Well you know models,

can't even have the tiniest flaw
showing.

It's just shoes, for goodness
sake.

Bite thy tongue, Thomas, just
shoes?

Hardly, why don't you go set up?

I'm gonna go schmooze my
way into a pair of spandex.

- Good luck.
- Thanks.

I never dreamed you
would be done this early.

I am so sorry, Hope.

The truth is we haven't even
started.

What? Oh no.

We actually should probably

meet at the show just to be
safe.

Thomas.

I just want to cover our
bases.

Actually I left the tickets

somewhere on my desk at the
office.

Would you mind stopping
by there on your way out?

Sure, no problem.

Thank you, Hope, I'm
going to make it, okay?

Trust me, even if I,
I'm gonna eat that nose.

Mr. McKenzie, the
models are ready for you.

Thank you.

All right, I gotta go.

They're finally ready, I'll
see you soon, okay, bye.

Ladies.

This is gonna be the most

talked about shoe campaign
in all of history.

Nothing makes a woman feel

sexier than a great pair of
shoes.

Tommy boy, make your magic
happen, huh?

All right, let's get started.

Let's bring some more excitement
into it, some more energy.

I want to see the confidence
that these shoes make

you feel, don't be afraid
to smile, can we try that?

Here we go.

Maybe a little heel pop.

This isn't working.

All right, all right, all right.

Ladies, that's all fun and
games for a nice little warmup

but I'm gonna need you
guys to show us everything.

Bam, that's what I'm talking
about.

That's how you sell shoes, Tommy
boy.

Just like that, it's beautiful,
beautiful, just like that.

I'd buy a pair of those,
buy a pair of those.

I'd buy my mother a pair
of those, that's for sure.

Thomas.

- What are you doing?
- What am I doing?

What are they doing?

I thought we were selling shoes.

- They are selling shoes.
- No, no, they're selling sex.

Yeah, well sex sells shoes and
sex

sells my books and sex sells
everything.

You know what, Desiree,
I can't believe this.

You knew this was the campaign.

You knew I wouldn't agree
to it but you still...

Thomas, just please come back.

I am begging you to finish the
shoot.

I have staked my
reputation on you, please.

Desiree, I am not gonna
compromise

everything I am for a pair of
shoes.

It's not just a pair of shoes,

this is an Asher Di campaign...

Is that supposed to mean
anything to me, is it?

Because it doesn't, I don't
care.

It's a huge opportunity
and I put myself on the line.

Thank you, thank you
so much for everything

you've done for me, Desiree,
everything but honestly...

- But Mason...
- No thank you.

You can tell Mason to
get a new boy, I'm done.

Hey, hey!

Are you kiddin' me?

You blew it, kid, you're done.

- Desiree, this is on you.
- What?

That's your boy,
that's who you bring me?

You know how much money that's
costing me?

You're paying for this.

People are gonna hear about
this, Desiree.

Forget about it, you're
done, you are done.

Gracie, I'm gonna
get you.

No, you're not.

Grace Elizabeth, stop.

I'm sorry, mommy.

Hope, is everything okay?

Let's go, sweetie.

You're all the same.

What's up, Lawrence?

Thomas, I don't know what
you were thinking, man.

Hope just came by to pick up
the tickets in your office,

so yeah, she met Betty, she
found your perfect girl journal.

She left here crying and angry
and upset.

I called Bev, I didn't
know what else to do.

Wait Hope, you have to listen
to me.

There's no reason for
me to stay here, Bev.

But you don't have to go back
home.

I shouldn't have come
in the first place.

What are you talking about?

I was just running away from
the truth.

You told me you came here
to expand your business.

That was just an
excuse.

Girlfriend, what, tell
me, what is going on?

He cheated on me, Bev.

No, I'm sure there's an
explanation.

Thomas just isn't like that.

Darryl,

Darryl cheated on me.

I'm so sorry, honey.

Hey, talk to me, girl.

I found out right before the
accident.

I got off work, I came home
and I found them in our bed.

He was begging for me to stay.

She was yelling at him all the
while

I'm throwing his stuff out the
door.

Thank God Grace was at my mom's.

- So Gracie doesn't know?
- Nobody knows.

Only me

and that woman and God.

I didn't think it mattered after
he died.

I can't believe you're
carrying this all by yourself.

I told him I never
wanted to see him again

and that was the day that he
got hit on his motorcycle.

Just relax, okay?

I'll get it.

- Oh no.
- No, no, no.

You gotta let me in, I
can explain everything.

This is not a good time,
Thomas.

I need to talk to
her.

Well you're just gonna
have to wait, okay?

She's not ready to talk about
anything.

If I can just tell her what
happened,

- just tell her how I feel.
- You?

This is not about how you feel,
this is about how she feels.

If I can get her to understand
this,

she won't feel this way anymore.

Keep your voice down, Grace is
sleeping.

I'm sorry.

I can explain about the
painting.

And the journal?

Do you know how much you
hurt, how much you hurt Grace?

There's nothing going
on between me and Desiree.

Do you really believe that,
Thomas?

You have a painting of her in
your office

and a sketchbook filled
with pictures of her.

Hope.

And her perfume all
over you.

Hope, Hope.

Hope.

I did exactly what anyone
in my position would do.

Look, I just worked with
her, I worked with her.

She looks just like the
painting, that's funny.

That's funny, huh God?

Yeah.

Looks just like her
, that's a good joke.

There was no commitment,
we didn't say what we were.

I mean I probably should have
a little sooner but I didn't.

I did nothing wrong.

It's Hope.

I wanna be with Hope.

What is this, what?

No, no, no.

No.

Oh come on, come on.

No, no, no, no, no.

Why?

No, no, no, no, no, no.

Oh, you gotta be kidding me,
come on.

Why?

Excuse me, do you have a
phone I could use please?

Thank you.

I thought you were going to
the circus.

Did you get lost along the way?

Yes, I need a tow truck.

Yes, I can hold.

Look, I was thinking
about it on the drive home

and well, it's kinda my
fault, the entire thing.

Mason did tell me about his
plans

for the shoot but I chose not to
tell you.

Two hours?

Yes, it's fine, I'm at the
Firehouse Bar on Third.

Yeah, thanks.

I honestly didn't think
it would be a big deal but

I should've known you
would've had an issue with it.

We both had a bad day, it seems.

Hey, did you guys need a drink

or you just needed to use the
phone?

Yes, can I please get
another Old-Fashioned?

- Yeah.
- And my treat,

what are you having?

Is this you apologizing?

I guess.

Fine, one drink.

You strike me as a Jameson
man.

Great, neat or on the rocks?

- The rocks is fine.
- Okay.

Ooh, rocks.

What?

Desiree.

You're probably nursing a
king sized headache right now.

How did I, why am I...

Here, drink this, it'll
help you feel better.

What happened

last night?

You don't remember?

Well...

Anything?

I remember having a drink and
then

I don't know, it's all a
little bit hazy after that.

Turns out you do have quite

the taste for Jameson but
not much of a tolerance.

After three of those, I had to
get

the bartender to help
me get you in the car

and then I was gonna take you
home but...

But what?

Well,

before I could get you there,
you threw up

in the back seat of my car,
so I took you here instead.

How did I,

where are my clothes?

They're in the wash, why
don't you take a shower?

They should be ready by then.

Hope, what a surprise, come on
in.

What can I do for you?

I just wanted to talk
to you for a moment.

Look, I turned my life

upside down to publish
and promote your book.

I thought I was doing the right
thing.

I believed that you were gonna
write

something transformational in
young lives.

But there is nothing
redeeming about this book.

I never said I was going to
write a redeeming book, Hope.

That's your word.

I'm sorry Desiree, I
can't publish your book.

You're saying no to a
bestseller

because of your principles?

I am saying no to your
book because I can't publish

something that I wouldn't
want my own daughter to read.

I can't force you to take
advantage

of the opportunity of a
lifetime.

Desiree, where did
you say my clothes are?

Hope.

Wait a minute, Hope.

Don't go, Hope please.

Hope, Hope.

I need to borrow this, thank
you.

Hey wait, that's my bicycle.

Hope, wait.

Hope.

Come on, let's get you buckled
up.

Oh, girlfriend.

Are you sure about this?

It's time to go home.

Hope!

Hope, Hope please, no, no,
Hope, don't go, please stay.

We can talk about it, please.

Don't go Hope, Hope.

Hope!

I want to say goodbye to
Thomas.

I'm sorry, honey.

I didn't do anything wrong,
dad.

I mean this whole thing is
just a big misunderstanding.

If she would just talk to me,

I could tell her that I love
her.

Didn't do anything wrong?

You think just because
you didn't cross some

forbidden line, you haven't
done anything wrong?

You've spent so much
time, son, looking for

what you wanted, what you
thought would make you happy.

Did you pause for a minute

and think about these other
girls,

what they needed, what
they're looking for?

Son, I'll tell you the truth,
you've just been selfish

and that's the opposite of love.

You need to start focusing on
your relationship with God.

You want perfect, seek God.

You want to find the best
relationship for you,

you need to build your
relationship with Christ.

'Cause if you try to find
someone on this Earth

to fulfill the needs you
have really that only

Christ can fulfill, you
will crush that person

under the weight of your own
expectations

and you know what's gonna happen
to you?

You're gonna be bitter, really
bitter

when they can't meet 'em.

So what, you just want
me to give up on Hope?

Just move on and forget about
it?

No, I'm saying you need to
quit whining.

You need to man up.

Be the man that I've raised you
to be.

You need to get up, you
need to press forward.

You need to keep your eyes on
God.

Hey, do you remember this?

It's grandpa's compass.

I always wanted to play with it

as a kid but you wouldn't let me
touch it.

Yeah, it was called wisdom.

Hey Thomas, you know how much

this means to me and
I want you to have it.

Just let that remind you
to keep your focus on Him.

Would you pray for me?

I'd love to.

Heavenly Father, thank you for
my son.

Lord, I pray to you, just let
him see himself like you do.

How can you say that about
Rochester?

He adored Jane, he was just
afraid

she wouldn't show him grace for
his flaw.

That's plural, flaws, we're
talking about men here, right?

And women.

We are all flawed, right Hope?

No one's perfect.

Hello.

Hello.

I'm looking for Hope.

Wait.

Wait.

I'm not letting you run away
from me.

It's just like "Jerry
Maguire."

Shh.

Could we...

Okay.

You can be my cloud of
witnesses.

Hope.

I've spent my whole life

just looking for something,

trying to

fill something in me.

To protect myself from getting
hurt.

I was blinded

by my insecurities

and my selfishness.

But I didn't mean to hurt you.

To be honest, I wasn't thinking
about anyone but myself.

I promise

that I am not that child
anymore.

You see, God

used you

to reveal things to me about my
heart.

I just feel terrible that it
took breaking yours to do it.

I've thought about you
every day since you left.

I'm not your perfect woman.

I'm not your perfect man.

But

when I'm with you,

I wanna try,

I wanna be

a better man so I can love you

and Grace the way God intended.

I love you, Hope.

Many of us spend a whole
lifetime looking for love

and for some us who find it,

we're blessed and it has to be
shared.

Thomas and Hope, you're doubly
blessed.

Not only do you have the love of
Jesus

but you've found each other
and now you get to spend

a whole lifetime learning to
love one another just like

Jesus loves you and if that's
not a reason to celebrate,

then I don't know what is.