Grounded for Christmas (2019) Movie Script

MAN 1: Guess what,

Milwaukee boys and girls?

Winter storm Meghan is here,

and she is making a mess

of the roads out there.

WOMAN 1:

Businesses across

Indianapolis are having

no choice but to close shop

and send workers home,

due to heavy snowfall and ice.

WOMAN 2: You thought

Cincinnati had it bad,

you should see

Columbus right now.

And yowzers,

look at this storm.

MAN 2: Looks like

Meghan is headed towards

Cleveland next.

WOMAN 3: It is official,

winter storm Meghan

is the biggest snowstorm

that the mid‐west has seen

in over a decade

with below freezing

temperatures and

icy conditions

in cities including

Columbus, Detroit,

Ann Arbor,

as well as Green Bay

and Philadelphia.

There's no question,

it will be a white Christmas

for this entire region.

Temperatures continue to drop

right across the mid‐west

as winter storm Meghan begins

to make her presence known

with an arctic

blast that is sure

to make this a very

frosty Christmas.

(cell phone buzzing)

Hi, Mom, hi, Dad.

Hi, honey,

is this a bad time?

Actually, it is.

If I don't get outta here soon

I'm gonna miss my flight, so...

MOTHER: Well, that's what

we're calling about.

Is there any way

we can convince you to

stay here for Christmas?

I wish, but it's our busiest

time of year, you know?

I just‐‐

I can't take off work.

Well, you haven't

spent Christmas with us

in over three years,

ever since‐‐

Ivan and I broke up!

Yep, I remember.

I was there.

Did I tell you that I am

the chairwoman this year

for the Snow Ball?

Only about 1,000 times.

Oh, it's a shame

you won't be there.

I know.

We just wish we

could all be together

at Christmas for a change,

you know?

I'm sorry, Dad, I know.

You know what,

maybe next year, right?

And send me some

pictures from the ball.

I'll call you on

Christmas morning, I promise.

‐Okay, hon.

‐All right.

Well, be safe up there, Nina.

Always, Dad.

Love you guys.

Love you, too.

WOMAN: The question now is,

exactly how bad

will winter storm Meghan be

for the Cleveland

metropolitan area?

Will our city bear

the full brunt of Meghan,

or will we be able

to quickly get back

to business as usual?

Only time will tell.

♪♪

‐Hi, how are you?

‐Good, thank you.

‐Right this way, ma'am.

‐Thank you.

GUARD: Go ahead.

This way, please.

This way, ma'am.

Sir, excuse me!

Sir?

Excuse me, sir, sir.

You have my suitcase.

I don't think so.

I do think so.

It's my suitcase, I would

recognize it anywhere.

Oh, why is that?

Because it's a Hobson Matador.

It's the best carry‐on

you can buy.

We've been all over

the world together,

and she is very dear

to my heart.

I feel the same

way about mine.

(chuckles)

How about a bet?

If it's yours,

I'll give it back.

If it's not...

you'll give me your number.

Seriously,

I'm late for my flight and

you want to play games?

Yeah, I'm sorry,

I'm just, you know,

tryin' to have some fun.

Your suitcase is

waiting for you.

♪♪

I'm sorry.

(chuckles)

Easy mistake.

‐Safe travels.

‐You, too.

Hi.

Oh, four minutes late,

Rooney, that's not like you.

I know, I know. Look,

I would've been on time,

but some guy tried to

ask me out at security.

Oh, that happens to me

all the time.

Some guys just have a thing

for a woman in uniform.

Or for a man.

More guys ask for my number

on the airport shuttle

than anyplace else.

I kinda love it.

Well, all I know is

we are one flight away

from a week on the beach

in Turks.

Why can't I come

with you again?

Jay, it's a girls' trip.

We're gonna be

lounging by the pool,

and reading trashy magazines

and going to the spa.

Right, so why can't

I come with you?

‐She has a vision.

‐(chuckles) Stop.

You know I love you.

All right, fine,

girls' trip.

Who are you flying with?

Someone named Brady Sloane?

‐He must be new.

‐Hm.

‐What, you know him?

‐Mm, I haven't met him yet.

But he used to work

for Sun Bolt.

Only been with Jet Jet

for a few months,

and already he has

quite the reputation.

He's a quintessential fly boy.

You know, charming,

too handsome for his own good.

Probably has a girlfriend

in every city.

And a few in the air.

Well, good thing we will not be

falling prey to his charm.

Because we follow

numero uno

of the airline

10 Commandments.

NINA/TARA:

"Thou shall not date pilots."

Guys.

(chuckles)

Nice suitcase.

Is that a Matador?

Got me.

Brady.

Nina Rooney.

It's nice to see you again,

Nina Rooney.

You guys know each other?

‐No.

‐Yes.

We just met, at security.

Our bags got mixed up.

It was a case of

mistaken identity.

(chuckles)

"Case," good one.

‐Could I see the manifest?

‐Oh, yes.

Thanks.

Is that the guy who...

Yes.

And you said no?

Commandments, right?

Uh, yeah, sure, whatever.

Wow, that looks really nasty

out there.

We need to get this bird

loaded up and off the ground

before winter storm Meghan

steals our vacation.

Amen to that.

Everything else

looks good. Thanks.

Good afternoon, everyone.

This is a service announcement

for Jet Jet flight 454

with service to Miami.

We're going to begin boarding

in just a few minutes, so‐‐

Oh, no.

I'm sorry, everyone,

but it looks like

all flights out of Cleveland

have been canceled

due to dangerously

low temperatures.

Unfortunately,

it's too cold

to load the bags

or prep the planes.

We have vouchers for

those who need hotel rooms.

Again, Jet Jet flight 454

is canceled.

We apologize for

the inconvenience.

Hi, step right up, thank you.

May I see your ticket?

I am so sorry about this.

Okay, there you go, thanks.

‐Can you check this?

‐Sure.

Unless you guys need me,

I'm gonna wheel

Mrs. Cheddy out here.

We're good, thanks.

Hasta mañana.

NINA: Okay.

♪♪

BRADY: Hey, Rooney!

You want a ride?

Where are you going?

Does it matter?

Come on!

Thanks. Could've

been there for hours.

Co‐workers gotta

stick together, right?

I'll get dropped

at the Skylodge,

and then the cab's all yours.

‐Sound good?

‐Hm?

Uh, yeah.

How'd you get a room?

Oh, I didn't.

Well, you might want to

check the app,

I heard a couple passengers

saying that

Skylodge is booked up.

Yeah, I, uh‐‐

I don't use apps.

Uh, how old is that thing?

I don't know. I've had it

for a really long time.

Can see that.

You can laugh,

this thing is indestructible.

Well, you might want to call

the hotel, Fred Flintstone.

I'll be fine.

I know a guy.

The manager.

He always hooks me up.

All right.

(camera shutter clicks)

Problem?

No.

Just wonderin' if you're

the kind of person

who has to post

every moment of their life

on social media.

Not every moment, no.

But I feel like

I'm being judged.

Not judging.

I just prefer to be present.

In the present.

Well, I'm present,

in the present.

Whatever that means.

Well, we've been in this cab

for what, 10 minutes,

and you've barely said a word

or heard anything I've said,

let alone made any eye contact.

I barely know you, buddy.

And I'm trying to learn more

about winter storm Meghan,

which is, frankly, threatening

to ruin my vacation.

(chuckles)

Where you headed after Miami?

Turks and Caicos,

for a week of relaxation,

cocktails by the pool,

just doing nothing.

Hm.

What does "hm" mean?

Nothin'.

I'm just not a

do‐nothing kind of guy.

I prefer a little more

adventure, personally.

Kuala Lumpur, Tibet, Mongolia.

You know,

that kinda thing.

Honestly, so do I,

but last year,

I dragged Tara to

the Galapagos over Christmas,

so this year

it's her turn to pick

and she chose Turks.

Which is fine by me, I mean,

anything's better than

spending Christmas here.

Really?

I would love the chance to have

a real white Christmas.

You got snow on the ground,

icicles on the windows, snowmen.

You do not get that in LA.

Yeah, I guess you could

say I'm dreaming‐‐

Of a white Christmas?

Yeah.

Here we go.

Thanks.

You hungry?

It's a well‐kept secret

this has one of the best

seafood places around.

You know, uh,

thanks for the offer,

but I'm‐‐ I'm good.

I mean,

it's not a date,

it's just two co‐workers

gettin' to know each other.

On me.

You asked for my number

two hours ago

and that didn't work,

so now you're just trying

a different angle.

Now I feel like

I'm the one being judged.

Look, I don't know you, but

I know pilots like you, okay?

What does that mean?

It means, thank you

so much for the cab,

and nice to meet you, and

I'll see you at work tomorrow.

And if I don't,

some other time.

Okay.

Sounds good.

‐Uh, stay warm.

‐You too.

‐Goodnight.

(sighs)

‐Wait a sec.

‐DRIVER: Yes, ma'am?

‐We gotta go back.

‐DRIVER: No problem, ma'am.

♪♪

Come on,

I know you got a room in

that computer somewhere.

I wish I did, really,

but we're

fully booked, Brady.

This storm's got way

too many travelers stranded.

There's nothing I can do.

I'm sorry.

BRADY:

That's all right. Thanks.

‐How's the wife?

‐Wife's good.

Hey.

Forgot your phone.

Oh.

‐Thank you.

‐No problem.

So, uh, is that your guy?

Yeah. Turns out

the hotel is booked.

Oh! Hm.

But now that I

got my phone back,

I can figure somethin' out.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'll be fine.

Okay.

Well, good luck.

(sighs)

BRADY: Can't get any bars.

It's gotta be the storm.

Yeah.

‐Sloane‐‐

‐Look, call me Brady.

Okay, Brady, you can crash on

my couch tonight if you want.

Really?

'Cause a minute ago‐‐

No big deal.

We'll share a cab to

the airport in the morning.

I don't want to impose.

No imposition, just come on

before I come to my senses.

Oh, sir, no,

I'm not staying here!

‐I'm going downtown, remember?

‐Not with me, you're not.

They're closing the highways,

it's too icy.

When it's unsafe, I go home.

Now, you and your boyfriend,

you owe me 18 bucks.

No, we're not together.

That's none of

my business, okay?

$18, please, young lady.

Okay, uh, where's home?

You can't stay with me!

I know, I just want to

know where you live.

Oakdale, it's about

an hour west of here.

Okay, do you think

you could drop us

at Vernon Falls

on the way to Oakdale?

It's just a few miles before.

‐Okay, come on, come on.

‐Thank you, thank you.

Bring your boyfriend,

come on, let's go.

‐What's at Vernon Falls?

‐Oh, my parents' place.

They've got plenty of room and

they wanted to see me anyway,

‐so it's a win‐win.

‐Yeah, I appreciate this.

Don't get too excited.

My mom will give you

a third‐degree grilling

on your whole life story,

and my dad will

definitely tell you

about his fear of flying

and how he thinks I should

have a job on the ground

like everybody else.

It's okay.

I'm good with parents.

Then tonight will be a breeze.

♪♪

My parents love the holidays,

if you can't tell.

Festive.

I like their style.

Oh, no.

Wait!

What's wrong?

We can't go in there.

It's my parents' annual

tree trimming party.

That must be why they

wanted me to come by.

Am I missing something here?

I'm just not seeing the problem.

You don't understand,

it's all our family friends.

People who've known me

my whole life.

You know, all they

ever want to know is

"Why aren't you married yet?"

And "How's your love life?"

Blah, blah, blah.

It's why I have avoided

coming home for Christmas

the past three years.

Look, these questions come

with singlehood, I get it.

Okay, well, then

you should also get

why I don't want to go inside.

Yeah, there's something

you're not telling me here.

I mean, why three years?

Why not five or 10?

Okay, fine.

My ex, Ivan and I,

we broke up three years ago

right before Christmas,

but our families are

still friends,

and he's in there,

so I am definitely

not going inside.

Okay, but what exactly

are we gonna do?

Because it's freezing and we're

not gonna get another cab again

‐until New Years, so‐‐

‐I know, I know, I know.

We just need to find

a workable solution.

Sip a little eggnog,

sit by the fire,

avoid your ex

for a few hours.

Or, we go in,

casually, no big deal,

and if anyone asks,

you say you're my boyfriend.

What?

You're not serious.

I'm serious and I'm desperate.

You want me to lie?

Fudge, a little.

No way. No.

Do this for me tonight, okay?

And‐And‐And I'll owe you

a favor.

What do you say,

come on, please?

MOTHER: Nina, is that you?

Mom, hi!

I thought I heard

people out here.

What a wonderful surprise!

Who's this?

Oh, him, uh‐‐

This is Brady.

He's‐‐ Well, how should

I put this, he's, uh‐‐

I'm the boyfriend.

(chuckles)

(indistinct chatter)

Look who I found

lurking in the driveway.

My globetrotting daughter

and her boyfriend.

Hi, everybody.

‐Hey, hon!

‐Hi, Dad.

Hey, I thought

you had to work?

Winter storm Meghan

had other plans,

so we need a place to crash.

Of course.

Hi, I'm Bert, Nina's dad.

Brady.

‐Boyfriend, really?

‐Yeah.

So, can I get you some of

my famous eggnog?

I would love some,

but unfortunately,

we're not allowed to drink

within 12 hours of the flight.

We work together.

Ah, another lunatic who thinks

it's okay to work in the sky.

‐Suppose I am.

‐Air travel's never

been safer, Dad.

‐Oh.

‐The planes practically

fly themselves.

BERT: Is that supposed

to reassure me?

I don't care what anybody says,

you won't catch me

up there again.

One bumpy flight five

years ago and I am out.

Which is why Santa

is probably going to be

bringing us

an RV for Christmas,

as opposed to

the African safari

I was wishing for.

‐NINA: Sierra!

‐(gasps)

If it isn't my favorite niece!

‐Merry Christmas, Aunt Nina.

‐Merry Christmas, Sierra.

‐Hi!

‐Hi.

(chuckles)

Is that your boyfriend?

Yep, that's my‐‐

that's Brady, mm‐hm.

Are you guys

gonna get married?

‐Oh!

‐Well, sweetie,

Auntie Nina isn't exactly

the settling‐down type.

All right, you know, look,

things with Brady are very new,

so we are taking it slow,

step by‐‐

Who cares?

You lock it in.

That man is cute

and then some.

And so are you, honey.

(laughing)

Anyways, how is it possible

‐you've never

told us about him?

‐Yeah.

Oh, I'm sure I told you

about him weeks ago.

Potentially months ago.

Uh, believe me, I think

we would've remembered

you mentioning

a new boyfriend.

And bringing him home

for the holidays?

It's a pretty major

statement there, huh, sis?

You know, it just happened,

it's no big deal.

It's just this thing

that happened.

Uh, hey, honey!

Oh, excuse me.

(chuckles)

Boyfriend? How long

have they been going out?

I don't know.

This is my brother, Will,

and my sister‐in‐law, Marcy.

‐(chuckles) Hi.

‐Hi.

So‐‐

So, how did you guys meet?

That's a great question.

(chuckles)

It's actually quite a story.

Oh, it sure is, yeah.

Why don't you tell 'em?

Oh, I'll let you tell it.

You tell it so much better.

(chuckles)

Well, um, we‐‐

actually, we‐‐

we met in the security line

at the airport.

‐Of course.

‐The craziest thing happened.

I thought that he

took my suitcase.

So, she yelled at me

‐and rudely demanded it back.

‐(laughs)

I wouldn't say‐‐

I wasn't rude, just insistent.

Anyway, it turns out we have

the same suitcase.

You must've been

so embarrassed.

Yeah, I was, until

he asked for my number.

Which she gave me immediately.

Only because he looked

so desperate and lonely.

I thought, why not have coffee

with the poor guy, right?

(laughter)

And the next thing I know,

here I am in Vernon Falls.

It's a great story,

it sounds just like a movie.

We've been doing the

long‐distance thing.

Talking on the phone,

meeting up when our routes

intersect.

So, where was the last

place you guys met up?

Oh, that was at

‐San Francisco‐‐ Diego.

‐San Diego.

San‐‐ It was San Diego,

we were in San Diego,

but then Brady, so sweet,

planned a romantic day

trip to San Francisco.

Oh, that's so sweet.

Wow, I'm just amazed

that you were able

to keep this secret from

the family. (chuckles)

Well, you know,

it wasn't intentional.

You know?

‐Gosh, I'm hungry.

‐Starved.

‐Right?

‐Yeah.

NINA: We're just

gonna grab a bite.

‐Bye. So good to meet you.

‐It's good to meet you guys.

‐Boyfriend, yeah.

‐This is good.

‐This is crazy.

‐And your idea.

I know, I know.

Look, it's way more

than I bargained for, okay?

We just need to

get through tonight,

we leave first thing

in the morning and‐‐

‐Hi, Nina.

‐Nice to see you again.

And Mary.

‐And?

‐And I will make it

up to you in spades.

Okay? I promise.

‐You better.

‐Wait, no, no.

We have to stick together

the rest of the party, okay?

I don't want you going alone.

Fine, I'm sure

I'm gonna have to

save your butt

a couple times anyway.

And what is that

supposed to mean?

Not exactly too quick

with this whole charade.

Oh, okay, and you are?

Better than you.

‐Nina, hey.

‐Ivan.

‐ Merry Christmas.

‐ Hi, merry Christmas.

I didn't expect

to see you here.

I didn't expect to be here.

Oh, this is Brady.

The boyfriend.

I heard.

He's the big news

in the living room.

Ivan York.

How are ya?

You look fantastic.

How long has it been?

Oh, gosh, I don't know.

You know, time's

just zip‐zappin' by.

Been super busy, so‐‐

I know, work has

been crazy for me.

The insurance game

never lets up,

nevertheless,

you're looking at

the number one broker

in the county.

I even bought a house

last year.

Oh, wow.

Congratulations.

‐For you and‐‐

‐Julie?

No, no, we, uh‐‐

we broke up a few months back.

I'm a bachelor again,

much to my parents' dismay.

You know, they, uh‐‐

they still refer to you as

the one that got away.

That's sweet.

(chuckles)

But she didn't get

away from me. (chuckles)

Yeah, unfortunately,

I have to leave.

I have a really big morning,

so...

it was really great

to see you, Nina.

And good to meet you.

If you ever need term life

insurance, give me a call.

Ivan, you are not

leaving, are you?

We need you for

the annual photo.

Come on, you guys!

Come on, all right!

Let's do this, everyone!

MOTHER: Honey,

you look great.

Here, let me take it.

It's okay, we're good.

No, we want you in it,

come on!

You have to be in

the picture, come on.

‐Okay. Everybody ready?

‐Yep.

Good.

Okay.

Say merry Christmas.

ALL: Merry Christmas!

(camera shutter clicks)

Okay, everybody,

pie and ice cream, this way.

‐Ooh!

‐It's cute, it's a good one.

‐Yeah, can you post that?

‐Sure, sure.

I'll post and tag everybody

so you can see it.

Thank you.

Yeah, I don't want to be

tagged on Instagram.

Oh. Sorry, too late.

I just did.

It won't happen again.

BRADY: Well,

growing up an army brat,

it wasn't easy

to have a Christmas like

the ones I saw on TV.

I mean, it was just a miracle

getting a Christmas tree

on a base in Seoul

or Abu Dhabi.

To be honest,

when Nina told me

that this was

a tree trimming party,

I thought,

I should bring shears.

‐Or an ax.

‐(laughing)

An ax would've made

quite an impression.

Will you be seeing your

family at Christmas?

Unfortunately,

both my parents have passed,

and I'm an only child.

Oh.

So, usually, when

I'm not working,

I'll spend Christmas in

Encino with my Aunt Sofia

and my cousins,

but I can promise you,

it does not hold

a candle to this.

Thank you.

You're making my

wife's night, Brady.

You are good with parents.

Are you sure you can't

stick around for the Snow Ball?

What's the Snow Ball?

Oh, it's our annual

Christmas gala

for the children's hospital.

You get dressed up,

you bring a date.

Everyone votes on

their favorite couple.

It's like prom for adults.

You two would be hard to beat

for this year's

Snow King and Queen.

Dad, who cares

about that stuff?

Uh, you do.

Why, a few years ago, she was‐‐

Okay, well,

I don't, anymore.

So...

I stand corrected.

Look, we'd love to

stick around,

but we both have to get back

to work tomorrow.

‐It's true.

‐Maybe next year.

Okay.

Next year.

♪♪

Wow, I suddenly feel

like I'm scuba diving.

(chuckles) Yes, my brother

really fancied himself

a budding marine biologist.

Being your boyfriend

is exhausting.

Come on, it wasn't that bad.

Everybody loved you.

I'm glad.

But being on every second

of the night wasn't easy.

I know.

Thank you.

So, what was it like

seeing your ex again?

That's never fun.

You got a lot of those, do ya?

Hey, this isn't about me.

For what it's worth,

Ivan seemed like a nice guy.

Yeah.

He is.

So, what happened

between you two?

You know, I don't really

want to talk about that.

Barely know each other.

I get it.

‐Night, Sloane.

‐Goodnight.

♪♪

(cell phone buzzing)

Oh, please tell me you found

a way for us to get to Turks.

Um, have you looked outside?

It's snowmageddon out there.

I know, it's insane.

‐What's up?

‐Well, you tell me!

I mean, imagine my surprise

when scrolling through Insta,

only to find a photo

of none other than

Brady "freaking" Sloane

standing next to you

at your parents' house.

It's nothing.

He needed a place to crash,

so I'm helping him out,

that's all.

You're helping him out?

That's why his

arm is around you?

He's kidding.

He's like that.

Look, there's

nothing going on here,

Tara, believe me.

Fine,

but you just gotta remember

commandment number one.

I mean, I know he's cute‐‐

he's hot, actually, but‐‐

Okay, I will explain

everything tomorrow, I promise.

Fine.

Better be a good reason

is all I'm saying.

Goodnight, Tara.

♪♪

♪♪ (peaceful)

Hello?

What's all this?

‐Shh.

‐Sorry.

♪♪

You know, it's so important

that we start our day

in a state of openness.

You know, open to the world

around us in the moment.

I mean, Christmas,

it's not about presents.

It's our presence

that makes it special.

Namaste.

‐Namaste.

Thank you, Brady.

Oh, it's my pleasure, really.

Nina loves our

morning meditations.

I do?

I‐‐ I do.

I didn't know you

took up meditating.

Yes, it's something new

I'm trying.

Huh.

(chuckles)

Apparently.

‐(grunts)

‐Ah, thanks.

‐Coffee, honey?

‐Yes, please.

‐The airport's still closed.

‐(sighs) No big deal.

Easy for you to say.

I mean, I love my family,

I'm supposed to be

laying on a beach by now.

It'll be open soon.

Well, if it isn't,

then you two

will just have to spend

Christmas with us.

BERT: Great!

(chuckles)

I was thinking,

I should just find

a nearby hotel.

‐What?

‐That's not a bad idea.

Why?

Didn't you sleep well?

Oh, no, no, no,

I slept great.

It's just I figured you guys

want some quality time together

without me hanging around,

imposing.

It's no imposition,

besides,

you're our daughter's

boyfriend.

And you don't want to

waste all that money

when we have a perfectly good

room for you here.

And this way,

we get to know you better.

Well, it's whatever

Nina thinks is best.

Hm...

Great, I mean,

just one more night.

Really?

And my parents made

such a good point, I mean,

why wouldn't I want my adorable

boyfriend staying here?

‐(chuckles) With us.

‐Yeah. (chuckles)

I just don't know what we're

going to do all day.

Well, I'm gonna be tied up

all day planning the ball,

but‐‐

Oh, honey,

would you be really helpful

and pick up this from

the confectioner's for me?

‐Sure.

‐And you could give Brady

a tour of the town!

‐Yeah.

‐I do have to do some

Christmas shopping for Sierra,

so this is a great idea.

Perfect, I have relatives

to shop for, too.

NINA: Ooh!

So, um, what're

we gonna do now?

This really great toy store.

I'm talking about

our situation.

Uh, right.

I mean, it's one thing

to help you for one night,

but, um‐‐

I know, but...

I mean, we're stuck here,

and I'm not sure what more

we can do other than

just pray the airport

opens tomorrow.

Yeah, and keep playing

our parts in the meantime?

Sorry.

Let's go.

Wait a minute.

Why don't we walk to town?

No way, it's freezing!

And we're dressed for

the North Pole.

Do you see how

beautiful this is?

It's a winter wonderland.

You were lucky

to have Christmases

like this every year.

Come on, we're walkin'.

‐Hey, Sloane!

‐Yeah?

Town's this way, buddy.

Yep.

NINA:

Welcome to the incredible,

thrilling Vernon Falls.

Home to zero

five‐star restaurants,

zero hot nightclubs,

and exactly zero chance

of spotting a celebrity.

I think it would be nice

to live in a town

where people actually

know each other.

Each other and

everyone's business.

That's why I have

a hard time with this place.

People grow up here,

they get married,

they settle down.

No one ever leaves.

I mean, I moved to the city

to go to pilot's school

and live my dream

and see the world.

People here just don't really

seem to relate to that, so...

every time I come home,

I just feel like an outcast.

Yeah, I know that feeling.

I mean, I'm always on the road.

I don't know my neighbors,

I barely see friends.

It's hard to have

real relationships,

let alone a romantic one,

when you're never around.

Well, from

what I understand,

you are doing just fine

in that department.

Well, don't believe

everything you hear

in the airline gossip mill.

(cell phone rings)

Sorry, I gotta take this.

Sure.

Hello.

Yes, speaking.

We've had this conversation.

♪♪

Yeah, absolutely.

♪♪

♪ Up on the housetop,

reindeer pause ♪

Gonna hop in line.

♪ Down through the chimney

with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones,

Christmas joys ♪

Was that Veronica?

You know Veronica?

No.

Took a guess.

She called when

you left your phone in

the cab last night.

Well, nosy Nina,

it was not her.

That was my Aunt Sofia

calling to make sure that

I'd be home for Christmas.

Oh!

(humming)

‐Okay, you got me.

‐What?

You're just humming along.

Right. Look,

I can't help it, okay?

"Up On The Housetop" is

my favorite Christmas song.

Nothing to be ashamed of,

it's an amazing song.

(chuckles) It's not,

but it makes me smile.

And hum, apparently.

Look, I'm just trying to be

"present in the present."

You know?

Yeah, I do not

sound like that.

‐Do I sound like that?

‐For Rooney.

"Give me your number

and I'll tell you."

Okay, I, um‐‐

I did deserve that one.

Oh, don't be so hard

on yourself, Sloane.

Nobody's perfect.

Not even you.

♪♪

Well, honey, the bird is

just spectacular this year.

Mom, Dad, thank you.

This is amazing.

Well, it's so rare

that we're all together

at this time of year,

your mom and I got inspired.

And we haven't been able

to welcome Brady properly.

‐Oh. (chuckles)

‐It's so sweet.

‐Thank you, guys. Yeah.

‐You really shouldn't have.

SIERRA: Aunt Nina,

can you help me build a

gingerbread house this week?

Everyone else is too busy.

Oh, they are?

I really wish I had a

little brother or sister

to do stuff like that with.

You do, huh?

That's been coming up

a lot lately.

Interesting, interesting.

Well, in the meantime,

I would love to build a

gingerbread house with you.

If I'm in town, absolutely.

Me too, if that's okay.

Yeah!

Wow, looks like

Brady's got another fan.

Brady, it doesn't

bother you that

Nina never told

any one of us about you?

Not at all.

Oh, I get where

Nina's coming from.

You know, you start

seeing someone new.

People tend to get

their hopes up,

but if it doesn't work out,

you feel like you're

letting people down.

‐Right.

‐Yeah, like what happened

with Ivan, right?

Will.

(chuckles)

I'm sorry, sorry.

Not all of us are

as lucky as you, Will.

But if there's one thing

I've learned, it's...

that tomorrow's

not guaranteed.

You have to treasure

each day you have together

as if it's your last.

Wise beyond your years.

Thank you.

He's a keeper.

I mean, no pressure.

(laughter)

Uh, I'm sure she'll get

tired of me soon, right, Nina?

Oh, yeah, right,

get outta here, mister.

(laughter)

Okay, guys, I have to ask.

What was Nina like

as a little girl?

NINA: Oh, I don't think

we need to do that.

‐I think we do.

‐Well, for one thing,

she did always

want to be a pilot.

Ever since her first flight,

when the captain

showed her the cockpit

and gave her one of those

little pins with the wings.

(chuckles) I still

have that, actually.

Did she, uh, tell you about

her Christmas world tour?

Oh, come on, Will, why?

Okay, okay, okay, so

when Nina was about seven,

she had this giant map

on her wall,

and she had this whole

world tour mapped out.

I'm talking like,

I don't know, 20, 25 cities?

So the plan was, she was gonna

stay up on Christmas Eve,

and then when Santa came,

she was gonna, you know,

convince him

to let her tag along.

So, she's all packed up,

she's ready to go,

but then she falls asleep

and she missed Santa.

So then the next morning,

before anybody else got up,

she called a cab and headed

straight to the airport.

‐What?

‐(laughter)

You really did that?

She did.

Yeah, the only

problem though, hon?

She didn't have a plane ticket,

or the money to buy one.

(laughing)

I didn't even have enough

money in my piggy bank

‐to take a taxi home.

‐(laughter)

So... so when she calls

me from the airport,

I don't know whether

I should laugh or cry,

or ground her for a year.

You should've grounded Will!

He's the one who helped me pack.

It was the least

I could do. (chuckles)

Hey, you know, um,

you guys should

come out with us tonight.

Oh, yeah, to the Elbow Room.

It's sort of become

like a holiday tradition

when everyone's in town.

And there is a Santa contest.

Oh, that sounds fun.

Count us in.

‐MARCIE: Great!

‐All right.

‐Great!

‐Really?

Why not?

I guess I gotta get

a Santa outfit?

I got you covered.

(chuckles)

Fun!

Hey, it's so good to see you.

Hey. (chuckles)

You know what?

Let's get outta here.

We just here.

Yeah, I know, but

I know too many people.

The whole town is here.

What's wrong with that?

That I'll spend

the entire night hearing about

how Madison won the spelling bee

and so‐and‐so made partner.

And how you became

an airline pilot?

Give it half an hour.

If you're not having

a good time, we'll go.

Shirley Temples are on me.

(chuckles)

Hey! (chuckles)

Hey, guys?

Hey, before I forget,

we're having

a little get‐together at

our place tomorrow night.

You should come.

Gosh, so many invitations

from you two.

Hey, it's not every

Christmas you're here.

And with a man friend

by your side.

I have a feeling

that's the real reason.

Hey, just come, okay?

And it's a white elephant party.

Yeah, I don't know what that is,

but it sounds awesome.

Count us in.

All right. (chuckles)

We're a maybe, a maybe,

if the airport doesn't open

and we're still here.

I have a feelin' you'll be

making it to the party, sis.

‐(laughs)

‐A Christmas miracle.

Stayin' in Vernon Falls, woo!

(giggles)

Looks like you're

stuck with me.

And you with me,

my friend.

MAN:

All right, everybody!

It's time for the annual

Santa Claus contest!

So, line up,

show us your Santa stuff.

The first prize this year

is a romantic sleigh ride.

I am so winning that.

Oh, come on, you're not

really going up there.

I'm wearing a Santa costume

in a bar in Vernon Falls.

It's a once in a

lifetime opportunity.

♪ Come on, Santa ♪

♪ Now don't be late ♪

♪ I've been good all year ♪

♪ Have you lost

some weight? ♪

♪ I've got my gifts

wrapped up ♪

♪ The tree's all trimmed ♪

♪ Come on, Santa ♪

♪ Let the fun begin ♪

♪ Let's have a

rockin' Christmas ♪

♪ Let's have

a jolly season ♪

Seven. Who's next?

(audience laughs)

‐Woo!

‐There it is, all right.

There it is!

‐A little old school.

‐I love your work!

Here it is, it's an eight,

everybody, for him, eight!

(laughs)

There we go.

(laughs)

I loved it.

Come on!

No, Marcy!

Come on!

Show us what you've got,

girl.

Here they come!

Oh, we got a duo!

♪ Bring good kids

new shiny guitars ♪

♪ Dump your joy all

under the stars ♪

Woo!

♪♪

Whoa!

I like it, I like it.

We've got some choreo here.

(cheers, applause)

I'm givin' 'em the first nine

of the evening, everybody.

The first nine!

BRADY: No, I'm not‐‐

I'm not just saying it.

Runner‐up?

‐We were robbed.

‐I don't care.

That is the most holiday fun

I've had in ages.

Me too.

But do not forget.

Fun ain't free.

How could I forget?

I've figured out how

you're gonna pay me back.

Oh, really?

How's that?

Well, I've only been with

the airline for a few months,

but I feel like,

for some reason,

everyone's already made up

their mind about me.

Even you.

I mean, I have no idea why,

it's‐‐ it's not fair.

But admit it.

I am not the guy

you heard I was, right?

Okay, I admit,

You have exceeded

my very low

expectations of you.

Where are you going with this?

You are gonna help me

fix my reputation.

That is the favor.

And how am I gonna do that?

By spreading the word

through the airline gossip mill

that I'm not the guy

they think I am.

Send texts.

Post nice things about

me on social media.

Whatever you gotta do.

Just let our co‐workers

know that

I'm actually one of

the good guys.

So, what do you say?

Deal?

All right. I'll help you

with your reputation rehab.

Deal.

Thank you.

(cell phone chimes)

Goodnight.

Goodnight. St. Nick.

♪♪

What are you doing,

Nina Rooney?

(sighs)

One.

(panting)

(clears throat)

Morning.

Oh. (chuckles)

Morning.

Whoo.

Gettin', uh‐‐

Gettin' in a little

early workout, I see.

Comes with having

a Marine for a dad.

Been doing this every day

since I was a kid.

Well, it's paid off.

(chuckles)

Uh, I think I'm gonna

grab some breakfast.

Right behind ya.

(chuckles)

How was the party last night?

Shockingly fun,

I have to admit.

Morning.

‐Morning.

‐Help yourself, Brady.

‐Oh, thank you.

I'm glad you're both up.

Listen, um...

your mother and I have

something that

we need to talk to you about

that's been troubling us.

What's up?

Is there something you two

would like to tell us?

What do you mean?

We mean...

you're staying under our roof.

I think we deserve

to know the truth.

(clears throat)

Mom, Dad, you do deserve

the truth, but...

please understand,

I didn't mean to lie,

and I certainly never

meant to hurt anyone.

You could've just

told us that you two

didn't really have to work

at Christmas.

A getaway in Turks and

Caicos sounds very romantic.

Even if you do

have to fly there.

‐How did you find out?

‐Yeah.

Well, I wasn't snooping.

I was hanging up your coat

and your hotel reservations

fell out.

You could've just told us.

We would've understood.

I know, of course, of course,

I could've told you.

I‐‐ I'm sorry, I‐‐

you know, I was‐‐

I was keeping it‐‐

I was keeping the trip

a secret.

It was my fault.

Christmas was the only time

that our schedules lined up

‐for our beach getaway‐‐

‐Yes.

so I told Nina

to tell you guys that

we were working so she didn't

feel pressured to stay home.

So much pressure.

I'm really sorry, guys.

You'd be surprised how

understanding we are.

Thank you.

‐I'm sorry.

‐Yeah.

Oh.

Doesn't look like you're gonna

be flying out today, either.

I think that I'm officially

out of warm clothes.

No problem,

I've got you covered.

‐Oh.

And since you're both free,

we sure could use your help

getting ready for the Snow Ball.

We have so much work to do

before tomorrow.

Yeah, she needs

some other minions

to order around besides me.

Well, we're happy to help.

‐Good. Thanks.

‐Totally.

♪

Six plates.

‐Okay, this is done.

‐I can pick up the cupcakes.

After I do the tables.

‐Hi.

‐Honey, I need you

to do place settings,

and Brady, can you help him

with the tables?

I'm all yours, Mrs. Rooney.

And mine, though too,

right, honey? (chuckles)

Yeah. (chuckles)

That's right.

‐Have fun.

‐All right.

Oh. (chuckles)

Hey, how are you doin'?

I have an idea.

Tell me what you think.

‐Take it right over there.

‐All right.

‐Yeah, all right.

‐Hey, Bert.

I got this.

Oh, good, I've got

other things to do.

Still here, huh?

Oh, yeah.

So, how long have you

and Nina been dating?

Oh, um...

A little while.

Months or weeks?

A few months,

and a few weeks.

Here you are,

meeting her whole family,

everyone she knows.

Everyone in town is

talking about you.

You're practically

celebrities.

Our very own, uh,

Brangelina or Bennifer.

I guess that makes us Bradina.

Guess it would.

(sighs)

Those couples broke up,

though.

I mean,

they started out strong,

but they flamed out.

It seems to me

that a couple who's known

each other a long time,

has been friends first and,

you know, hasn't rushed it,

just think they got

a better chance.

You know what I mean?

‐How's it goin', honey bun?

‐(laughs) It's going good.

Snookums, snooker‐doodle.

(chuckling)

I was just about to tell Ivan

here, when it comes to love,

there's no one recipe

for success.

We're proof of that.

Well, these tables

won't cloth themselves.

Yep.

Hey, thanks for the help.

‐Yeah, any time.

‐Better put these on.

Yeah, I'm gonna help you out.

BERT:

Thank you so much for help.

Couldn't have done

it without you.

‐I know.

‐Thank you, sweetheart.

Appreciate it.

‐Come on, we have to‐‐

‐Yes, yes.

So, uh, when am I gonna get

the whole Nina and Ivan story?

You don't want to

hear about that.

Uh, yeah, I do.

It's the whole

reason we're doing

this crazy charade

in the first place.

Okay, that's fair.

I've known Ivan a long time,

but we only started dating

about five years ago,

and it was right when I got

my commercial pilot's license.

And I thought he'd be really

happy for me, you know?

I was living my dream,

but he ended up just being

really frustrated

that I wasn't around enough.

The curse of the

travel industry.

Yeah.

Eventually, he got so fed up

that he told me I had to choose

between being a pilot

and being with him,

and I didn't know

what to say,

other than I don't see why

I can't do both.

Yeah.

So, when the holidays

rolled around,

I made sure to be here

for Christmas.

I‐‐ I got a new gown

for the ball,

I even planned this romantic

getaway for New Years Eve.

And then the night

of the ball, he, um‐‐

He broke up with me.

Seriously?

Wow, that's pretty cold.

Yeah, I stayed home

that night, it was...

I was so heartbroken.

And, well, later,

I found out he went, alone,

and danced with

Julie Pendergast.

I guess they connected and...

before long,

they were dating.

I haven't been home

for Christmas since.

Right.

Being back here and...

seeing him,

seeing everybody...

getting a taste of this life

that I passed up, I‐‐

I don't know.

I can't help but wonder

if I made the wrong choice.

Do you still have

feelings for him?

I didn't think I did.

I don't know.

I don't know how I feel.

Well, breaking up's

never easy.

Trust me, I know.

Yeah, but I'm sure

you're the breaker,

not the breakee,

most of the time.

Why would you say that?

Come on, who's gonna

break up with you?

You'd be surprised.

I've‐‐

In fact,

I was dumped recently.

Really?

‐Yeah.

‐(cell phone rings)

‐I gotta take this.

‐Saved by the bell.

Hello.

Yeah.

No, we've been

over this before.

My answer's still the same.

‐Everything okay?

‐Yeah, it's fine.

Everyone wants to know

when I'm getting to LA.

Family.

I would like to

know that, too.

Are you sure I'm

doing this right?

You're doing fine, rookie.

Yeah, lay off

the candy, though.

Ornamental use only.

Hey, part of my process.

Right.

Thanks for helping me

with this, you guys.

Of course,

favorite niece.

It's not every day

we get to do something

like this together.

I wish you could be here

for Christmas every year.

I know.

All right, so you're making

your first gingerbread house,

you got runner‐up

at your first

Santa competition,

you attended your first

tree trimming.

Anything else on your

holiday bucket list

we should tick off

while we're here?

Hm...

As a matter of fact,

there is.

What's a white elephant party?

The way white elephant works is

we take turns in

numerical order.

When it's your turn,

you can take a present,

or you can steal someone else's

already‐opened present, okay?

And if your present is taken,

you can choose a new one,

or you can steal someone's,

unless it's been stolen

three times already.

Hey, don't get too

attached to those.

I really always wanted

a copy of this.

‐Thank you.

‐Wow.

Oh, I've always

wanted to go there.

BRADY: Me too.

Well...

uh, number five,

sorry, not sorry, sis.

‐You're joking?

‐Nope.

Will, you never travel.

‐And now I do.

‐(chuckles)

Hey, you can go again, Nina,

it's okay.

Oh, okay.

Hmm... penguins.

That was a good choice.

Thank you. I love a penguin.

‐Oh!

‐Oh, no.

‐Oh.

‐Oh, come on! What?

Somethin' tells me you're

stuck with those, Nina.

MARCY: You can make

anything work.

‐Who's up?

‐I'm up, I'm up.

All right,

decisions, decisions.

Come on, go for

the headphones.

Uh‐huh.

♪♪

(chuckles)

Chivalry is not dead,

apparently.

‐Mr. Nice Guy, all right.

‐(laughs)

‐Hand it over, buddy.

‐No!

‐Was that three times?

‐You had it coming.

Come on!

You didn't have to do that.

You kiddin' me?

I wanted this.

‐It's a win‐win.

‐(laughs) Yeah, right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

All right.

Mistletoe break.

Yes, a little work,

a little play.

Can work and play

at this party.

(chuckles)

‐There we go.

‐All right.

All right, you two.

‐Oh, no.

‐Oh, no, yeah.

We're just not

really the PDA type.

Oh, come on,

respect the kisstletoe.

Don't make us kick you out.

Fine!

‐All right. (chuckles)

‐No big deal.

Yeah.

NINA: Fine.

Totally, so‐‐

(chuckles)

Hey.

(glass breaks)

Oh, club soda, quick,

quick, quick, honey.

Oh, you're not getting

an invite next year.

I'm joking, I'm joking.

(laughs)

You two really get each other.

Is he the one?

Marcy.

Okay, okay, you're

pleading the fifth, I get it.

I respect that.

(cell phone buzzing)

I'm sorry, this is work.

I'll take it really quick.

No problem,

take your time.

Please tell me

the airport's opened.

I don't know how much

longer I can do this.

You're not

seriously still at it

with the faux‐couple thing?

Nina, what are you doing?

Brady will leave

in a day or two,

and if anyone asks,

I'll just say we broke up.

Oh, so your solution's

more lying?

Wait a minute.

You like him.

He's not such a bad guy,

if you get to know him.

Oh, Nina, no, this is bad,

bad, bad, bad.

We have the commandments

for a reason!

This is not gonna

end well for you.

I'm a big girl, Tara,

I can handle myself.

I gotta go, okay?

Thanks for this, boyfriend.

I'm gonna hit all 1,000.

‐I hope you do.

‐(chuckles)

I don't know about you,

but, uh, I'm not tired.

Yeah, me neither.

Are you thinkin'

what I'm thinkin'?

That depends.

What are you thinking?

Hot chocolate and

a Christmas movie, of course.

Get out of my head, Sloane.

That's perfect,

I'll get the hot‐‐

Oh.

I'm beginning to think

winter storm Meghan hates us.

Yeah.

Okay.

Patagonia.

Spent two weeks

trekking there.

Is there anywhere

you haven't been?

Okay, come on, my turn.

Oh, this is an easy one.

The Louvre.

Many times, I love Paris.

Okay, come on.

Okay, I can't

pronounce this one,

but it's in Namibia,

I think,

it's, uh, Sossusvlei?

The sand dunes.

Yeah, I've never been

but always wanted to go.

Oh, me too.

‐One day.

‐Yeah.

Maybe I'll see you there.

We have the best job.

Yeah.

For me, being a pilot was just

a means to explore the world.

You wake up in the morning,

you choose a destination,

and then a day or two later,

you're there.

I feel the same way.

Not everyone can just

drop everything and

run off to Machu Picchu.

That's true. Well,

expect for people like us.

Or flight attendants.

You date a lot of those, huh?

No way. No.

I mean, nothing against them.

I don't know,

I just don't think

mixing work and relationships

is that good of an idea.

Wait a minute. What about

when you hit on me in security?

Uh...

I didn't know we

were co‐workers.

I was wearing my uniform.

All right.

This is the truth.

I've seen you once before.

It's about a year ago and

I was working for Sun Bolt,

we had a layover in Philly

and, uh,

HQ sent us to the wrong gate

and you were there.

You remember that?

Oh, yeah.

I mean, it's not every day

that you see a female pilot,

‐even this day and age.

‐That's true.

I was just wondering

to myself

who you were and...

you must've been so determined.

I had to put up with

a lot of people

who didn't take me

very seriously.

I bet.

And then, next thing I know,

I'm in the airport,

and you're yelling at me.

Accusing me of

stealing your suitcase.

I thought, well, you know,

life is presenting me

with an opportunity,

so I took it.

Guess you gotta break

your own rule sometimes,

right?

(chuckles)

Glad we got to chat.

That was fun.

Yeah, I should, uh‐‐

it's getting pretty late,

I should get goin'.

Yeah, tired too.

All right, goodnight, Rooney.

Goodnight, Sloane.

♪♪

BRADY: Namaste.

‐Namaste.

Ah, you should've

joined us, honey.

‐Get centered for the big day.

‐Are you kidding me?

I've got way too much

on my plate already,

including this last‐minute

social media push

to get the attendance

up tonight.

Oh, Nina, I posted the party

on your board.

‐Wall.

‐Wall. Whatever.

I hope I did it right.

Many of the major roads

have now been cleared,

so traffic is resuming and

people are getting out there,

completing that last‐minute

Christmas shopping.

Although the worst of

winter storm Meghan is over,

Cleveland International

remains closed,

due to ice and

unsafe conditions

on the runways,

just two days

before Christmas.

Looks like you two

aren't going anywhere soon.

(chuckles)

Brady, I'll have a suit

delivered

for the party tonight.

And you two will be

our guests of honor.

(chuckles)

(squeals)

I'm so happy!

(knocking)

Hey.

‐Hey.

‐Can we talk?

Yeah, come in.

What's up?

That is a lot of pink.

Um...

I think we should

tell your mom that I'm sick.

What? Why?

So we can get out of

the party.

You don't want to go, right?

I didn't want to go, but...

But now you do?

I was hoping to avoid

the whole Snow Ball thing,

but...

my parents really want us

to go and...

it won't be so bad,

now that I have a date.

Even a fake one?

Wait a minute.

Is this about you

and the whole

Queen of the Snow Ball thing?

No, no, don't be ridiculous.

I don't care about that.

Uh‐huh.

Look, every day that

this charade goes on,

I feel worse about it, okay?

We're making fools

of people out there.

These are your family

and your friends.

It is not an ideal situation,

I know that,

but we're here, and I'm

trying to make the best of it.

And don't forget,

I will tell everyone

what a great guy you are.

I won't even have to lie.

So, do I have a date?

You have a date.

‐BRADY: It fits perfect.

‐You look so handsome.

‐Thank you.

‐Chairwoman shouldn't be late.

Oh...

♪♪

You used to look at me

like that.

I still do, my love.

What're you

lookin' at, Sloane?

My date.

You look stunning.

Thank you.

Like a woman in love.

Probably just

the holiday spirit.

Hey, let me get

a photo of you two.

(chuckles)

Oh.

What're you doing?

You look really stiff.

Put your arms around each other.

(chuckles)

Of course.

‐Yeah, okay.

‐MOTHER: Nice.

Just put your heads

a little closer together.

MOTHER: Yeah.

‐Lovely, oh!

‐Yes.

All right, say Snow Ball!

BOTH: Snow Ball!

(indistinct chatter)

Listen, you two

look amazing together,

and you make me sick,

okay? (chuckles)

Here's the happy couple!

‐Hi!

‐Whoa, look at you,

miss thing.

Aren't you

the belle of the ball?

‐What are you two‐‐

‐Don't worry,

we're not Snow Ball crashers,

right, Nina?

No, no, look, I invited them

last minute, okay?

It's fine.

I've heard about this

Snow Ball thing for years.

No way I was gonna pass up

the chance to be with my girl

on her special night.

Okay, Tara.

Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to the

35th Annual Snow Ball.

(cheers, applause)

Tonight, we have

raised over $50,000

for the Cleveland

Children's Hospital.

(applause)

You so broke our

number one rule.

I did not, we have

an arrangement, that's all.

Yeah, right, I've got eyes.

I can see the way you two

look at each other.

Okay, have you ever heard of

immersing yourself in a role?

Oh, so you're

Meryl Streep now?

You have all voted and I have

the results in my hand.

It's time to announce

this year's Snow King

and Queen.

Oh, here we go, you guys.

Oh, this is wonderful.

Brady Sloane and Nina Rooney!

(cheers, applause)

I've been wanting to

do this for years.

(chuckles)

(cheers, applause)

(chuckles)

What is that?

Oh, it's tradition.

The king and queen

always have the first dance.

Okay.

♪ Bells are ringing

down the street ♪

♪ Children singing

soft and sweet ♪

♪ Knowing there are

presents on the way ♪

I just want to say thank you.

I've had the best

holiday season

I've had in ages

and it's because of you.

I feel the same way.

You shared your family

with me,

and you gave me a taste of

a real Christmas.

Well, maybe next year,

I should come to LA

and pretend to be

your girlfriend.

I don't think so.

(chuckles) Okay.

I don't want to pretend.

I want to take you on

a real date.

And not just anywhere,

I mean, we can‐‐

We can meet up in Florence

or Paris or Bali or...

anyplace in that book.

Well, they all sound perfect.

As long as you're there.

♪ All I'm missing

is your kiss ♪

♪ All I want is you

on Christmas day ♪

I've wanted to do that from

the first moment I saw you.

I'm glad you did.

(cell phone rings)

It's HQ.

They reopened the airport.

Are you still flying with me

to Miami tomorrow?

I have a 10 a. m. to Dallas

and then onto LA.

Back to work we go.

(chuckles)

And on Christmas Eve.

It feels weird

to be leaving here.

That's the job, right?

That's the job.

Hey.

Mind if I cut in?

‐Ivan, actually‐‐

‐It's not a problem, is it?

I mean, you guys aren't

really a couple anyway.

Ivan, what are you

talking about?

We're‐‐ We're together,

we've been together for months.

Are you sure about that, Nina?

I just met your girlfriend.

Yeah, outside.

Merry Christmas, Brady.

I've missed you.

Veronica,

what are you doing here?

Coming to your rescue,

of course.

After I saw you tagged

in that photo on Instagram,

looking like you'd been adopted

by a bunch of strangers

in some Ohio burb,

I booked the first flight

possible.

I wasn't sure where I'd

find you until, luckily,

the cabbie said

the whole town was here

at this party,

and here you are.

Hi, I'm Veronica,

Brady's girlfriend.

Your girlfriend?

No, we broke up, almost

two months ago, right, V?

(chuckles) Brady, we were

taking a little time out.

That's all.

I know,

I know it was my idea.

Dating during the holidays

freaks me out,

but I've come to my senses

and here I am.

And I didn't want you to be

alone at Christmas like always.

He's not alone,

he spends Christmas

with his family in LA.

Brady doesn't have

any family there.

Or anywhere, for that matter.

Is that true?

Yeah, I made that up.

I didn't want to look pathetic

in front of you and your family.

You didn't have anything

to do for holidays, so...

you used me to pass the time

until you could get back to LA

and your real girlfriend.

If you can please just

let me explain this.

You wanted me to help you

with your reputation, but...

Brady, the truth is,

you're not a great guy.

Our deal's off.

You lied to me.

Please go.

Both of you.

‐Nina, I am so‐‐

‐Ivan. I‐‐ I can't.

Honey.

What did you mean by "deal?"

Brady and I aren't together.

We made it up so that I could

get through the holidays here.

What were you thinking?

I didn't mean to lie to you.

I‐‐ I saw Ivan

through the window at

the tree trimming party

and I panicked,

so I convinced Brady to

pretend to be my boyfriend

for one night

so that it would easier

to be around Ivan,

and then the storm happened

and‐‐

and we were stuck and

I didn't know what to do,

and for once,

it felt like

I actually fit in here.

I mean, you invited me to

parties and dinners.

And why?

'Cause I had a date?

That was the most fun we've had

as a family in years,

and it was‐‐

It was because of a lie.

I'm so sorry.

You have every right

to be upset with me.

I made a huge mistake.

Veronica.

Look, I'm sorry that you

came all the way out here,

but I'm not leaving with you.

What? Why?

Because we broke up.

Remember?

And now we're

getting back together.

Couples do that.

Veronica,

when we were together

we drove each other crazy.

So, we break up.

And then...

we start missing each other,

so we get back together again.

‐Until...

‐We needed our space again.

It shouldn't be this hard, V.

Look, I care about you.

You're a good person,

but...

I know now that

you're not my person.

And I think deep down...

you know I'm not yours,

either.

I just thought that

even though you weren't

answering my calls,

maybe if I took a chance

and showed up in person,

it would make things better.

I just thought

if we tried harder,

it would all be okay.

You deserve better than okay.

We both do.

Friends?

Friends.

Goodbye, Brady.

♪♪

Hi, honey.

Mom, hi.

I'm so sorry about the party.

I ruined your big night.

No.

You just made it

a little more memorable.

I'm the one that's sorry.

We never wanted you to feel

so pressured to find someone

that you felt like

you needed to lie.

I know.

I think it was just...

seeing Ivan and...

feeling accepted by everyone.

Realizing I could

finally be queen.

I'm so stupid.

You're human, Nina.

And when it comes to

your father and me,

just know that

if you're happy,

we're happy for you.

And don't worry about what

anyone else around here thinks.

You are a smart,

strong young woman.

And a pilot, no less.

Just know that we are

so proud of you

for all the things

you've accomplished.

I know it was

a rough night, honey,

but tomorrow's another day.

Christmas Eve, no less.

But that Brady

was quite a catch.

So you've said.

Maybe he's feeling as bad

about tonight as you are.

♪♪

Morning, Captain Sloane.

My uniform's still at

the Rooneys', so‐‐

We keep a secret stash

in the coat hatch.

You're not the first

to need it.

Thanks.

♪♪

You know, thanks to Brady,

I'm thinkin' meditation

could help with my anxiety.

Who knows. Maybe I'll

be okay flying again.

That'd be good.

(chuckles)

Hello?

Sorry.

Hey, um...

I know last night was hard,

but I've been thinkin'.

I'm not sure you two

really told the truth.

What do you mean?

Well, you said the relationship

was a lie, but...

there was something real

between you two.

And when you came down

those stairs last night

in that gown‐‐

(chuckles) the look on

that young man's face.

You can't fake that.

No matter how hard you try.

I hope you two think about

giving it another shot.

For real this time.

Thank you.

I love you.

Oh, honey.

Oh, sweetheart, it was

so nice having you home

for the holidays

for a change.

Even though you only did

make it to Christmas Eve.

(chuckling)

I had fun too, Mom, okay.

‐Love you.

Be safe.

Okay.

Bring on the

I told you sos.

No, I'm gonna spare you.

Besides,

things are lookin' up.

Guess who sweet‐talked

the hotel manager

and got him to change

our rezzies?

We're goin' to Turks tonight.

We can ring in New Year

on the beach.

‐Tonight?

‐Yeah!

Wow.

(chuckles)

That's amazing.

Bye, Brady.

Tara?

I'm not going to Turks.

Or Miami.

I'm sorry.

Nina...

We've been talking about

this trip for months,

and you hate being home

for the holidays.

I know, you're right.

I‐‐ I did.

But I want to see my niece

open her presents.

I want to sing

Christmas carols

with Will and Marcy

and play board games with

my parents by the fire.

I don't want to miss

that stuff anymore.

Who are you and what

have you done with my Nina?

I'm so sorry.

It's just what I need

right now.

(sighs)

Well, you do look like you're

coming down with something.

‐Flu, maybe?

‐Yeah.

Oh, yes, yes,

you are burning up.

You better get yourself home.

I'll find somebody else

to fly this bird.

Thank you.

Will you do me one more favor?

Yeah.

Check this one through to LA.

It's Brady's.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, babe.

‐Oh, seven.

‐Oh, playing a strategy game.

‐Seven.

‐Yeah, oh, that's good.

‐Getting close.

‐Good one, honey.

‐Four, five, coming up‐‐

‐She does it again!

‐How did she do‐‐

‐Aunt Nina!

You're back again!

Well, if there's

one good thing

that came out of

winter storm Meghan,

she reminded me how much

I love spending Christmas

with all of you.

Anyone with you?

No, Mom, just me.

That's just fine.

And we could really use

a sixth player.

‐Yes!

‐Well, count me in!

Let's just start over.

Re‐deal.

‐What? I got a great hand!

‐What!

‐I'll shuffle, I'll shuffle.

‐Grandpa will shuffle.

‐(laughs)

‐(indistinct chatter)

It's not poker, sweetheart,

it's not poker.

It's Brady's.

(chuckles)

(sighs)

Merry Christmas.

♪♪

♪ Up on the housetop,

reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good old

Santa Claus ♪

Oh, hey, sweetheart,

did I wake you?

No, but why are you playing

"Up On The Housetop" in

the middle of the night?

Oh, that.

Well,

that's a good question.

Which I can't answer.

But he can.

♪ Down through the chimney

with old St. Nick ♪

Brady.

♪ First comes the stocking

of little Nell ♪

♪ Oh, dear Santa... ♪

‐ Merry Christmas.

I'm gonna go now.

What're you doing here?

I came to get my bag.

We have got to stop doing this.

(chuckles)

What about LA?

I was at LAX when I got

the call from the airline that

they had my bag,

and I realized it was

the wrong one.

And then Jay told me that

he was going to Turks

instead of you.

I knew I had to

come back to Cleveland.

And Veronica?

I am so sorry about that.

We broke up months ago,

I swear.

All the phone calls and...

No, no, I never

took her calls.

That was Sun Bolt,

my old airline.

They wanted me to come back.

They told me that they would

give me a raise and promotion

if I got on a train

to Atlanta

and started working

right away.

But I refused.

Why?

Because there was nowhere else

that I wanted to be but here,

having my first

real Christmas with you.

And you wanted me to

help fix your reputation.

No, I don't care about that.

I know this whole thing

started off as being fake,

but the way I feel

about you, it's‐‐

it's very real.

So, as long as you think

that I'm a good guy, it's‐‐

It's all that really

matters to me.

Well...

I don't think

you're a good guy.

I know you are.

♪♪

(mother laughs)

Okay, okay, everyone, I have

something for your mother.

Merry Christmas.

Oh!

It's an RV.

Open it.

(gasps)

Look, look, look!

Wow.

Oh, honey!

(gasps) I'm gonna be

a big sister!

‐What?

‐(gasping)

‐Are you kidding?

‐You're not joking?

MOTHER:

Okay, okay, one more.

‐This is for you.

‐Thanks, Mom.

‐This is so great.

‐Thank you.

‐Merry Christmas.

♪♪

Grounded for Christmas (2019) - full transcript