How to Fall in Love by Christmas (2023) Movie Script

(joyful music)

(bell ringing)

(Podcast host): Did you know

Christmas is the best time

to fall in love?

It's like scientifically proven.

And love is scientific.

Chemistry.

Think about it.

People are more social

during the holiday season.

People are more social

during the holiday season.

They're more open to getting out

of their comfort zone.

They're more open to getting out

of their comfort zone.

(cellphone chimes)

- Huh.

Sis, this single is quite

happy not to mingle.

(Podcast host):

So therefore,

(Podcast host):

So therefore,

people who are open

to the magic of Christmas time

open themselves up

more to love.

open themselves up

more to love.

This episode will be diving

into a hot new dating app:

Take 2 Heart.

(♪♪)

(cellphone vibrating)

(cellphone chimes)

It's not until 9:30.

I'll be there

with plenty of time to spare.

I'll be there

with plenty of time to spare.

(cellphone chimes)

(sighs)

I'll be there in five.

(♪♪)

(elevator chimes)

Can you pass these out?

The names are on the tags.

Ah. Hello, everyone.

Ah, merry almost Christmas.

I must've missed the 9:30

actually means 9:00

memo in the chat group.

actually means 9:00

memo in the chat group.

- Uh, Nora,

we felt this board meeting

was of particular importance

we felt this board meeting

was of particular importance

given the current state

of the company.

- Well, that is quite cryptic,

Christine.

- Well, that is quite cryptic,

Christine.

I mean, our readership

has dipped a bit.

- Oh, not a dip, a major drop.

- Well, usually Christmas

is our biggest reader season

- Well, usually Christmas

is our biggest reader season

and our biggest

advertising season.

- Well, that may have

been true in the past,

uh, but it has been brought

to our attention

uh, but it has been brought

to our attention

that Level Eleven has taken

a bite out of our audience.

We are missing out

on a key demographic

We are missing out

on a key demographic

that our advertisers

are very interested in reaching,

people aged 18-39.

- Ha! Oh. Um...

- Max...

- Nora...

- Max...

- Nora...

- I know that you feel you have

a certain stature on the board

because of your recent move

to chairperson but--

because of your recent move

to chairperson but--

- My father handed over

a multi-million dollar

hedge fund to me

and I nearly doubled

its value in less than a year.

and I nearly doubled

its value in less than a year.

It's that same hedge fund

that allowed you

to build this company.

People, the board, me.

I am thirsty for

a Nora Winters column.

Now look, we have run

all of the online data

Now look, we have run

all of the online data

and we have found a partner

with some stellar potential.

and we have found a partner

with some stellar potential.

One that's gonna

help bring readers

into this new

target demographic.

Have you ever heard

of "Take 2 Heart"?

Have you ever heard

of "Take 2 Heart"?

Oh, Nora, get out

from under that rock.

It's a revolutionary

new dating app

It's a revolutionary

new dating app

that pushes people

out of their comfort zone

and into situations

they wouldn't normally

find themselves in,

they wouldn't normally

find themselves in,

to meet people

the old-fashioned way,

face to face.

- What does this have

to do with Prism?

- What does this have

to do with Prism?

- Oh well, you know,

Christmas is the most

romantic time of the year.

- Oh, it is.

- What about Valentine's Day?

- Oh, it is.

- What about Valentine's Day?

- It's too cliché.

Christmas is magical.

It's cozy.

- Hmm.

- The program

on Take 2 Heart's app

will be used to prove

that Christmas is

will be used to prove

that Christmas is

the best time of year

to fall in love.

And the person who is gonna

test out this theory will be...

And the person who is gonna

test out this theory will be...

Drum roll, Christine.

Nora Winters!

- Excuse me?

- So, you are gonna follow

Take 2 Heart's multi-step plan

- So, you are gonna follow

Take 2 Heart's multi-step plan

on how to fall in love.

And while doing so, you're gonna

create a series of columns

And while doing so, you're gonna

create a series of columns

to be posted on the Prism site,

with some exclusive content

along the way.

with some exclusive content

along the way.

Romance and Christmas

poll very high

with this new demographic

and you poll very high

with the current demographic,

and you poll very high

with the current demographic,

so it's a win-win for everyone.

- Hmm.

Except me.

(laughs awkwardly)

Oh!

I'm not doing a dating app

and I'm not writing

a dating column.

and I'm not writing

a dating column.

- You don't really have

a choice.

- It's my company.

- No, it's a public company,

of which my hedge fund owns

the majority of voting shares.

of which my hedge fund owns

the majority of voting shares.

(clicks tongue)

Okay, look, this-this is a fun

and engaging idea,

Okay, look, this-this is a fun

and engaging idea,

however, if you really do wanna

go after this new demographic,

I'm sure

that there are other ways.

I'm sure

that there are other ways.

- Nora, your way is costing us.

- And if I don't do this?

- Hypothetically,

the board could vote you out

as CEO and put in

someone else who's willing

as CEO and put in

someone else who's willing

to do what it takes to ensure

the future of Prism.

- Are you serious, Max?

- Your way is not working, Nora.

- Let's put it to a vote.

All those in favor of me doing

this silly,

All those in favor of me doing

this silly,

likely momentary dating app.

- All opposed?

I'm gonna send over everything

you need to get started.

Take 2 Heart would like

to start publishing articles

by Wednesday.

- That's two days!

- Well, Christmas

is only two weeks away!

Time is of the essence.

I, for one, am looking forward

to seeing what you create.

Come on, Christine.

to seeing what you create.

Come on, Christine.

(sighs)

(chuckles)

(soft music)

The Take 2 Heart steps

for success.

The Take 2 Heart steps

for success.

(joyful music)

- Okay, so you just stand like,

right like that. Good?

- Okay, so you just stand like,

right like that. Good?

- You do realize

I can't sing, right?

- That's okay, that's okay.

Sandy will balance out

the altos.

You're just here

to sort of balance out visually.

You're just here

to sort of balance out visually.

- Okay, thanks. Ugh...

This Take 2 Heart thing

is just so much!

This Take 2 Heart thing

is just so much!

Adley, they want me

to stage my own meet cute.

That's insane!

- Well, how else are you

supposed to fall in love?

- Well, how else are you

supposed to fall in love?

- I'm gonna write

a great article

and make everyone think

I'm falling in love.

I'm just gonna write it.

Nobody's gonna know.

I'm just gonna write it.

Nobody's gonna know.

- Or you could actually

put yourself out there again.

- No.

- Just saying.

- What I need to do

is I need to find someone

- What I need to do

is I need to find someone

to fake fall in love with.

- You seen a romantic comedy.

All you have to do

is spill your hot cocoa

on someone, and boom,

is spill your hot cocoa

on someone, and boom,

you got a meet cute.

- Or a second-degree burn.

- Ah, shoot. It's Clark.

He's just running things down

at the bakery.

He's just running things down

at the bakery.

Hi, honey! Yeah. Oh.

(sighs)

- Hey, Reader,

so I know it's been a while

- Hey, Reader,

so I know it's been a while

but I think this is all insane

and what did I get myself into?

Ah! What am I doing?

(light music)

Okay, it's not real.

None of it's real.

Okay, it's not real.

None of it's real.

Just do the meet cute.

Make the board happy

and keep your job

Make the board happy

and keep your job

from a whiny little nepo baby.

Hmm.

Oh! Oh, I can't...oh...(sighs)

(hands clap slowly)

- Wow, I mean uh,

that's... you nailed that.

- Wow, I mean uh,

that's... you nailed that.

- Excuse me?

- That meet cute

that you just tried

to stage for yourself?

that you just tried

to stage for yourself?

- I don't know

what you're talking about.

- Right, no,

it's a, it's a classic.

I've only ever seen

it in movies, though.

I've never actually seen it

in real life.

I've never actually seen it

in real life.

- Again, I don't know

what you're talking about.

- So you were just trying to

pour piping hot cocoa

- So you were just trying to

pour piping hot cocoa

on some poor,

unsuspecting stranger?

That's... that's almost worse!

- No! It was... for work.

That's... that's almost worse!

- No! It was... for work.

(laughs)

- Why is that funny?

- No, I just...

Ah, that's good.

- No, I just...

Ah, that's good.

- Well, it's too bad

I didn't choose you.

- Hmm, yeah. Yeah.

Huge, huge bummer.

- Hmm, yeah. Yeah.

Huge, huge bummer.

Look, whatever it is you were

trying to do meet someone there,

I hope it works out for ya.

- Okay, I wasn't.

I wasn't trying... I'm not...

Oh, whatever.

- Is everything okay?

- Oh.

- What happened to you?

(gasps)

- What happened to you?

(gasps)

Wait, did you?

- Yeah. Yeah, I did,

and it was a huge fail.

- Oh, by the way,

(clears throat)

Lola wanted to come

straight to you from college,

Lola wanted to come

straight to you from college,

so would it be okay

if you brought her

to dinner tonight?

- Oh! Of course,

I can't wait to see her.

- Okay, great. Okay!

I can't wait to see her.

- Okay, great. Okay!

- Okay.

- It's go time.

There you go, first page.

- Hmm, well you remember

I'm miming.

- Yes.

♪ A merry Christmas

♪ We wish you

a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you

a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you

a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

(Lola): Hey, Nora?

Hello?

(Nora): Lola!

I didn't hear you come in!

- Hey!

I didn't hear you come in!

- Hey!

(Nora laughs)

Oh!

- Oh, oh!

- Okay, wait, wait, wait.

- I hope nothing in there

was breakable.

- I hope nothing in there

was breakable.

(screaming excitedly)

I missed you so much!

- I missed you too, aunt Nora.

Wait.

So this thing with Take 2 Heart

seems cool.

So this thing with Take 2 Heart

seems cool.

- What?

- You dating,

using their program...

- You dating,

using their program...

- Wait, how do you know that?

- Oh, I mean, it's all over

the socials.

I was just looking at it.

Right here.

- Huh!

"Nora Winter trust Take 2 Heart

to fall in love

before Christmas."

Wow.

- There's something wrong?

- Uh... No, nothing.

Okay, we should go.

- Yes.

- Your mom will not be thrilled

if we are late for dinner.

- Your mom will not be thrilled

if we are late for dinner.

- No, especially giving

your track record

of family dinners recently.

- Okay, don't bring that up.

of family dinners recently.

- Okay, don't bring that up.

I'll help you carry

these presents.

- Okay. Thank you.

- Oh! You got it?

- Yep!

- Oh! You got it?

- Yep!

(laughing softly)

(Clark):

Wait, you're doing what?

- It's called "How to Fall

in Love by Christmas".

- That sounds like so much fun.

And you've been so focused

on your work.

- You haven't dated anyone

for like,

as long as I can remember.

- I have been a tiny bit busy.

- This will be

really good for you.

Get you out of your shell,

into new experiences.

- Yeah, and if you really do

fall in love--

- Yeah, and if you really do

fall in love--

- Okay, it's just the name

of the series.

- But it wouldn't be

the worst thing.

I mean, just have a little fun,

sis. It's Christmas.

I mean, just have a little fun,

sis. It's Christmas.

- I saw the invites

to the fundraiser

and they look great.

- Well, Lola designed it.

- Oh.

How's the foundation doing?

- Well, uh,

the invites

- Well, uh,

the invites

for the charity event

all went out.

- What was that?

- What?

- What was that?

- What?

- That look?

- There was no look.

- Okay, you always play

with your earring

- Okay, you always play

with your earring

when you're not

telling the truth.

- Just tell her, Mom.

- Tell me what?

(chuckles nervously)

Well, I don't know

if you've seen

the foundation's

financial report.

- I have been preoccupied.

- We've been

a little overextended this year

and uh, you know,

with the after school

baking classes.

- And the free seniors'

programs.

- And other charity donations,

we might be in the red.

- And other charity donations,

we might be in the red.

- How much in the red?

- From what I've gathered,

redder than a poinsettia.

- From what I've gathered,

redder than a poinsettia.

- But we always find a way

to bounce back.

- But we always find a way

to bounce back.

And the bakery is humming along

and I'm not gonna

let this stop us

from making

as much money as possible

from making

as much money as possible

at the charity fundraiser.

- Which we will.

- Okay.

So, your mom tells me

that you have been taking

a patisserie class.

- Oh my gosh! Yes! Yes!

(soft music)

- Okay, so cool news.

Did you see the photos

from that recent

billionaire's space trip?

Amazing, right?

The guy who shot it

just moved to town,

like literally just got here,

and we hired him

to photograph this series.

and we hired him

to photograph this series.

- What? Why?

- Because his fans are

a totally different demo

than the readers of Prism

and the users of Take 2 Heart,

than the readers of Prism

and the users of Take 2 Heart,

so it's kind of like

this perfect Venn diagram

of new potential readers.

- Okay,

do we really need

a photographer?

do we really need

a photographer?

I mean, I think

my writing speaks for itself.

- No, not in this day and age

of short attention spans

- No, not in this day and age

of short attention spans

and visual media.

We need pics.

But like cool, edgy,

shareable pics,

that are likely to get

stellar impressions.

that are likely to get

stellar impressions.

Plus, Take 2 Heart

wants to make sure

you're actually going for it

and really holding up

your end of the bargain.

Hey, uh Jack,

can you come in here, please?

Hey, uh Jack,

can you come in here, please?

This photographer's incredible.

You're gonna love him.

- Uh...

(light music)

- You.

- And you.

- You two know each other?

- Uh, no. No, we--

- We met.

Yesterday.

When she tried to stage

her own meet cute.

- Okay, no uh, we kinda met.

We didn't really meet, meet.

- Okay, no uh, we kinda met.

We didn't really meet, meet.

- We definitely met.

- What's my name?

(sighs)

See, we didn't meet.

- What is your name?

- Nora.

- Ah, cute.

- Nora.

- Ah, cute.

- What a weird thing to say.

Especially to a CEO.

- What a weird thing to say.

Especially to a CEO.

- This is kinda stellar, right?

You guys already have

natural chemistry.

- Oh, no, no, we don't.

- No, I try

- Oh, no, no, we don't.

- No, I try

to have chemistry

with everyone I meet, so.

- Right. Uh, okay, so, Jack,

you are going to capture

Nora's journey to love

by showing the magic

of the season.

People love love

and people love Christmas.

People love love

and people love Christmas.

People love Nora Winters.

- I think that we should keep

my dates anonymous.

- I think that we should keep

my dates anonymous.

I mean, if we keep

the guys anonymous

then I think

there's a higher probability

then I think

there's a higher probability

that I will make a connection

with someone

who isn't dating me

for the wrong reason.

who isn't dating me

for the wrong reason.

- Yes, that is why we pay you

the big bucks. I dig it.

Okay, so Jack you are going

to capture Nora's face,

Okay, so Jack you are going

to capture Nora's face,

in that stellar style of yours,

and keep the guys obscured

and anonymous.

All right!

I am very excited to see

what you two cook up.

- Hmm, I'm free now.

You wanna get started?

- Uh, yeah. Yes.

I just, I have to um...

Find my wallet.

Uh, so I will

see you back here soon.

- I got

a signed Sammy Sosa rookie card.

You wanna see it?

- Uh, sure.

- What do I do?

He saw me stage

my own meet cute.

He saw me stage

my own meet cute.

- You're blowing this

way out of proportion.

- Adley, he slow clapped.

- All right, it's not ideal.

I'll give you that.

But what other option

do you have?

Oh shoot, I gotta run.

Baking for the fundraiser

is in full swing.

Baking for the fundraiser

is in full swing.

I love you.

I'll talk to you later, okay?

- Oh. Ugh. Oh!

- You find it?

- My wallet. Uh...

No, it's probably in my purse.

We uh, have a lot of work to do.

We should probably get started.

We uh, have a lot of work to do.

We should probably get started.

- Sure.

(jazzy music)

- So, the way I see it,

I will meet someone,

- So, the way I see it,

I will meet someone,

we will go on

a few festive dates,

get in the holiday spirit,

and then we can end

with this fundraiser

that my family does every year

with this fundraiser

that my family does every year

that benefits my mother's bakery

and her charitable foundation.

The fundraiser could serve

as the climax to our column.

The fundraiser could serve

as the climax to our column.

Wrapping up our magical

love story with a bow,

and call it a day.

- I think that sounds perfect.

Unrealistic, but perfect.

- Perfect's what I'm going for.

- Okay. We'll come back to that.

Um, my vision for this series

is high art.

Um, my vision for this series

is high art.

Raw, alter-realism.

- We need it to feel romantic.

We want the reader

to really believe

We want the reader

to really believe

that I am actually

falling in love.

- Do you plan on not actually

falling in love?

- Do you plan on not actually

falling in love?

- No one has to know.

We just need them to feel

like I'm falling in love.

- It feels a bit deceptive.

- Think of it like writing

beautiful fiction.

- Think of it like writing

beautiful fiction.

And now,

the way I see the style is say,

frame it like

a classic romance movie.

frame it like

a classic romance movie.

Give the people

something aspirational.

- Hmm. We need real,

not fake aspiration.

- Hmm. We need real,

not fake aspiration.

- Well, it's not fake.

- But you just said

you don't actually plan

to fall in love,

which, for the record,

to fall in love,

which, for the record,

I don't support.

(sighs)

- So, I say we go

in the opposite direction.

- So, I say we go

in the opposite direction.

We go for drama, high impact.

You put yourself out there,

you get hurt. Real. Raw.

You put yourself out there,

you get hurt. Real. Raw.

- You actually think

I could fall in love?

- I think you have

a better chance at doing so

- I think you have

a better chance at doing so

if you come at it

with an open mind.

I mean, what are you afraid of?

- I'm not afraid of anything.

Except sharks.

Uh, and storm drains.

Except sharks.

Uh, and storm drains.

- Right. So...

We follow

the "Back to Square One" plan

We follow

the "Back to Square One" plan

from Take 2 Heart

and we should be set.

- What is that?

- It's for people who wanna

put themselves out there

- It's for people who wanna

put themselves out there

but haven't dated in a while.

- What makes you think

I haven't dated in a while?

Oh.

(chuckles)

- Anyway, I-I have an idea.

Should we get started?

- Anyway, I-I have an idea.

Should we get started?

- We are on a tight deadline

but I uh, am sure that I...

Yes, I have

back-to-back meetings today

Yes, I have

back-to-back meetings today

so, how about tomorrow morning?

- Great.

- Fine.

(sighs)

(joyful music)

(cellphone chimes)

- Hey, Sara.

(Sara): My favorite client.

This is huge

for both you and the agency.

This is huge

for both you and the agency.

- Yeah. Yeah, we'll see.

Not sure how real

this is gonna be.

Uh, but have you heard

any word back yet

Uh, but have you heard

any word back yet

on the proposed exhibition

at the Smithton White Gallery?

- Not yet. However,

with this announcement,

I do have some news.

with this announcement,

I do have some news.

Prism's rival, Level Eleven,

is keeping

a very close eye on you.

- Why?

- Because they're super

competitive with each other.

- Because they're super

competitive with each other.

And Level Eleven is looking

to bring on someone full time.

Ever since they saw

the post about you

working with Nora Winters,

they have been

chomping at the bit.

You crush this

and you could have

more offers

than you know what to do with.

more offers

than you know what to do with.

- Then maybe Smithton White

will give us a second look.

- Maybe.

I will follow up with them soon.

(soft music)

- "Dear Reader,

Christmas is the most

wonderful time of the year.

Christmas is the most

wonderful time of the year.

But what if it was also

the most wonderful time

of the year

the most wonderful time

of the year

to fall in love?"

Blech.

Stay tuned to see

if the holiday meet cute

is true

or a work of fiction.

(sighs)

(soft music)

(Nora sighs)

Well, just --

(elevator chimes)

You're late.

- Oh, time is just a construct.

- And infuriating.

- One of my better qualities.

- And infuriating.

- One of my better qualities.

- Right.

- Look, I'm sorry.

My nephew is staying with me

for the holidays.

My nephew is staying with me

for the holidays.

He lost his shoes.

(scoffs)

- Anyway, you're right.

I should've let you know

I was running,

I should've let you know

I was running,

literally, running behind.

- Hmm.

- Name's Kyle.

He's my half-sister's son.

- Name's Kyle.

He's my half-sister's son.

He loses everything.

Do you wanna know

where his shoe was?

On the ceiling fan.

How does a 5th grader

On the ceiling fan.

How does a 5th grader

get his shoe on a ceiling fan

in the first place?

- Okay, I believe you.

Kind of.

Let's go.

- After you.

Let's go.

- After you.

(light music)

- This is the surprise?

I love this place.

- You've been here before?

Well, then it doesn't fit

the brief.

- Oh, I think it's perfect.

- Huh.

Let the mingling begin.

(jazzy music)

- And you have how many cats?

(camera shutter snaps)

- Uh no, I-I don't think

I could see myself

- Uh no, I-I don't think

I could see myself

living in a bunker full time.

Hmm.

(camera shutter snaps)

And that's um...

whose hair?

(♪♪)

This isn't working.

- I don't disagree with you.

This isn't working.

- I don't disagree with you.

How many times

have you been

at this Christmas market

over the years?

- Quite a few.

- Exactly.

- Quite a few.

- Exactly.

The Take 2 Heart step says

to meet someone

outside your comfort zone.

This is, well, it seems to be

well within your comfort zone.

This is, well, it seems to be

well within your comfort zone.

- You think that's the reason

that I'm not meeting

anybody here.

- I think you're not following

the instructions on the app.

- I think you're not following

the instructions on the app.

Look, I know you said

you're gonna write fiction

but isn't fiction better

if it's based in reality

but isn't fiction better

if it's based in reality

just a little bit?

- What would you suggest?

(soft rhythmic music)

- Ha, I didn't know

they had skating in here.

- Ha, I didn't know

they had skating in here.

This is the same place

that my family

holds their Christmas fundraiser

every year.

holds their Christmas fundraiser

every year.

- Okay. We need a new place.

- Oh, no.

No, I can confidently say

that skating is outside

of my comfort zone.

- Perfect.

And the light's great in here.

Well, go rent some skates

and get out there.

Well, go rent some skates

and get out there.

You only have a few days left

to fall in love, right?

- Uh-huh.

(♪♪)

- Are you gonna be okay?

- Yeah. Yeah, just uh, ha,

need to get my sea legs.

- Yeah. Yeah, just uh, ha,

need to get my sea legs.

- Huh.

(rhythmic music)

(Nora): I got this. Ha.

- You sure?

(Nora): I got this. Ha.

- You sure?

- Just get your shot.

(♪♪)

Huh, you've got great technique.

(camera shutter snaps)

(indistinct chatter)

(sighs)

(♪♪)

Hey, those are

some serious skates.

- I totally agree.

- Are they custom?

- Yes.

- Oh, neat. Where'd you get 'em?

- Uh-huh.

I'll meet you guys later.

(sighs)

Oh!

- Oh!

- Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry.

- No, it's fine. Are you okay?

- Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry.

- No, it's fine. Are you okay?

- I am.

- Great.

(light music)

Ooh! Sorry.

- Ooh! I got you.

(camera shutter snaps)

(Nora): Oh, we're doing good.

Thanks for skating with me.

(Steve): It's not bad.

(camera shutter snaps)

(Steve): It's not bad.

(camera shutter snaps)

(laughs)

- That was surprisingly fun.

I'd love to do it again

sometime.

- Well, I'm actually

seeing someone.

- Well, I'm actually

seeing someone.

So, have a merry Christmas.

(Jack):

Well, that could've gone better.

- Yeah, right? Ouch.

- Yeah, he was never into you.

- Why did he skate with me then?

- 'Cause he was just trying

to be nice.

- 'Cause he was just trying

to be nice.

You were kinda desperate.

- I am not desperate.

I'm not that desperate.

- But the photos look great.

I'm gonna grab something

from the snack bar.

You want anything?

- No.

You want anything?

- No.

I'm just gonna return

these skates.

I'll meet you back here.

(light music)

- Is this seat taken?

- Oh, no not taken

in the slightest.

- Have you been here before?

- Uh, first time. You?

- First time.

- Uh, first time. You?

- First time.

- Yeah, not as brave

as I was as a kid.

- Right?

- Yeah. Fear of falling.

- Right?

- Yeah. Fear of falling.

- None at all.

- Oh, no.

(both laugh)

- Leo.

- Oh, uh, Nora.

Nice to meet you.

- This might sound

a little crazy,

but it's the holidays, right?

Would you like

to get a drink sometime?

Would you like

to get a drink sometime?

- That doesn't sound

crazy at all.

Um, I would love that.

My number's on the back.

Um, just text me

and we'll set something up.

Um, just text me

and we'll set something up.

- Cool. It was nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you too, Leo.

Ah!

- Now, that's what

I'm talking about.

- Now, that's what

I'm talking about.

- Oh! What?

- Is that him already?

Ah, that's a good sign.

- Yeah, he asked me out

for tomorrow.

- Yeah, he asked me out

for tomorrow.

- Great!

Still think you need backup.

- What? Why? He just...

He just asked me out.

- You need insurance

this series will work, right?

- You need insurance

this series will work, right?

So, humor me.

A former colleague of mine

is having

a Christmas mixer tonight.

is having

a Christmas mixer tonight.

Come by, have a drink.

Meet someone

who could be your backup

in case option one here

isn't actually the one.

in case option one here

isn't actually the one.

- Okay, well,

I don't believe in the one.

- Okay, well,

I don't believe in the one.

- Says the woman famous

for writing a dating column.

Huh.

I'll pick you up at 8:00.

(gentle music)

- Dear Reader,

I am surprised to report

that the holiday meet cute

might have worked.

that the holiday meet cute

might have worked.

I met someone out

of my comfort zone.

I met someone out

of my comfort zone.

We'll call him Mr. L.

Will he be

the romantic connection

Will he be

the romantic connection

that this writer is seeking

this holiday season,

or will he be

the proverbial lump of coal

in my stocking?

(chuckles)

(Olivia):

I'm just worried about him.

It's Christmas,

we're not together.

It's Christmas,

we're not together.

- It's going fine. I mean,

you've signed the kid up

for enough holiday activities

to fill his whole winter break.

- Well, that's the idea

to keep him entertained

- Well, that's the idea

to keep him entertained

and you sane.

I know how hard it can be

moving to a new city.

- And how are things

at the hospital, Superwoman?

- And how are things

at the hospital, Superwoman?

- Chaotic and short-staffed.

- Well, they're lucky

to have you.

- Well, they're lucky

to have you.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

They're paging me.

I gotta run. But um...

I'm gonna text you

my Christmas plans

and I'll let you know

if I can make it, okay?

and I'll let you know

if I can make it, okay?

- Sounds good.

- I love ya, bye.

(joyful music)

(sighs)

(Adley chuckles)

- What?

- Did you forget

how to roll out dough?

- It's been a while

since rolling dough

- It's been a while

since rolling dough

is part of

my day-to-day activities.

- Uh-huh, I can tell.

So, I went online

and I saw Jack,

So, I went online

and I saw Jack,

and he is cute!

And single.

- And mildly infuriating

and full of himself.

- And mildly infuriating

and full of himself.

- But I saw the post.

You said you met someone.

- Yeah, in theory.

As long as the board

and Take 2 Heart

believe

I'm really falling in love,

believe

I'm really falling in love,

who cares if I fluff it up

a little bit.

They want a good story,

I'm gonna give 'em a good story.

(cellphone vibrating)

Ugh.

(cellphone vibrating)

Ugh.

Hey, Max,

what can I do for you?

- Take 2 Heart just sent notes

on your article.

- Take 2 Heart just sent notes

on your article.

That roller rink bit,

that was cute, on brand,

and they loved that fail

with the first guy.

That was actually super real.

But they do have some tweaks.

- Oh, do they?

- Look, Nora,

I know that you and I

don't always see eye to eye,

but I am on your team here.

You built Prism

from the ground up.

You built Prism

from the ground up.

And while I agree that

there need to be some changes,

I believe that you should be

a part of them.

I believe that you should be

a part of them.

However,

for this series to work

and for the crossover

of users to happen,

I need to know

what you're feeling.

Not just what's happening.

You know, give me

gritty, real, honest.

Give me the old Nora Winters.

Okay? I gotta bounce.

- Oh.

- I agree with him.

I think you really gotta open up

if this is gonna work.

- How many

of these snowmen cookie

do we have to make?

- For the fundraiser, about 100.

- Hmm.

- What,

are you getting soft on me?

- I admit,

I am a bit out of practice.

- I admit,

I am a bit out of practice.

(rhythmic music)

(Jack): Hey, guys!

- Hi!

(Jack): Hey, guys!

- Hi!

- Hey!

(scoffs)

- Uh.

- Oh!

- Hey, how you doing?

(phone buzzes)

(cellphone chimes)

(clicks tongue)

(exhales)

Hey, uh, I just need

to do a quick lap.

- Uh, sure, yeah.

Yeah. Whatever.

Do you whatever you need to do.

- Are you sure?

I just don't wanna bail on you

since you don't know anyone.

I just don't wanna bail on you

since you don't know anyone.

- You're not bailing.

Not at all.

- Why are you acting weird?

- I'm not acting weird.

- Why are you acting weird?

- I'm not acting weird.

Not, not me, no.

Not weird.

- Okay.

Meet back here in 20?

- 10-4, good buddy.

(chuckles)

- Yeah, that was weird.

(chuckles)

- Yeah, that was weird.

(light music)

- Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry.

Um, I-I didn't know

anybody was in here.

- I'm Geoffrey.

(soft music)

- Nora.

(chuckles)

- And I never played

another game

of mini golf

again in my life.

of mini golf

again in my life.

(both laugh)

It just flew

right out of his hands.

It was incredible.

(laughing)

(gentle music)

(chuckling)

(cellphone chimes)

Excuse me.

(cellphone chimes)

Excuse me.

Uh, I am so sorry.

I'm gonna have to go.

- Okay.

I'm gonna have to go.

- Okay.

- But I would love

to take you out sometime.

You know, if you'd like.

- I would love that.

Have you ever been

to Gregson's Christmas Market?

- No. But it sounds magical.

- Oh, it is.

(chuckles)

(camera shutter snaps)

(Nora laughs)

(jazzy music)

(indistinct chatter)

- It is so nice to meet you.

- Oh, you too.

- It is so nice to meet you.

- Oh, you too.

(chuckles)

(sighs happily)

Jack.

Jack!

- Oh, excuse me.

So, it looks like you found

a very photogenic

insurance policy, I see.

(Nora): Oh, aren't you sneaky.

That's fantastic.

We can definitely use that.

Which leads me to,

I should go home.

Which leads me to,

I should go home.

- I'll walk you.

- I am all the way across town.

- Ah, I love the subway.

- Okay.

(soft music)

(Jack):

So, this fundraiser thing.

(Jack):

So, this fundraiser thing.

- Oh, well,

my parents started it, um,

to raise money

to give back to the community.

to raise money

to give back to the community.

Uh, they offered

all these free programs,

baking lessons for kids,

senior events.

baking lessons for kids,

senior events.

And so now, my sister,

she still does the thing

once a year,

and the funds that they raise,

well,

and the funds that they raise,

well,

it pretty much covers

the whole thing.

I used to be really involved

but as Prism grew,

I used to be really involved

but as Prism grew,

I just couldn't juggle it all.

- Sounds important.

Look, I have some ideas

- Sounds important.

Look, I have some ideas

for dates

that I wanna run by you

and I think they're fully

Take 2 Heart approved.

How about bowling?

(laughs)

- No.

I do not think bowling

is on brand for Prism.

I do not think bowling

is on brand for Prism.

How about...

volunteering at a soup kitchen?

How about...

volunteering at a soup kitchen?

- Ugh, terrible idea.

But I do fully support

the cause.

- Hmm.

- What about Christmas karaoke?

- Hmm.

- What about Christmas karaoke?

- Absolutely not.

(sighs)

We are gonna have

to settle this like adults.

We are gonna have

to settle this like adults.

- All right.

(laughs)

- That's your version

of settling something

like an adult?

- Yeah. Isn't it yours?

- On three?

- On three.

- One, two, three.

A-ha!

(chuckles)

Christmas market it is.

It's festive,

Christmas market it is.

It's festive,

it has amazing lighting,

so you'll like that.

Plus, we already know

our way around the place.

It'll be the perfect date.

This is me.

(soft music)

Thank you for getting me home.

- Happy to.

- Meet me tomorrow morning

at the bakery?

- Sounds like a plan.

(♪♪)

- Who is that?

- That's a woman

I'm working with.

- That's a woman

I'm working with.

- She's pretty.

I like...

That one.

- Yeah, me too, little man.

- Can I call Mom before bed?

- Oof,

she's probably still at work

- Oof,

she's probably still at work

but we can give her a try.

- Adults are always at work.

- How about this?

I have to visit

a Christmas tree farm tomorrow.

What do you say you play hooky

and come with me?

What do you say you play hooky

and come with me?

We could even start the day

with all you can eat

pancakes at the diner.

All right.

(soft music)

(lips smacking)

- Dear reader,

(lips smacking)

- Dear reader,

this writer can confirm for you

that, yes,

this writer can confirm for you

that, yes,

people are way more willing

to be open to you

people are way more willing

to be open to you

if you put yourself

out of your comfort zone.

But is it the holiday season

or...

But is it the holiday season

or...

is it just that I am finally

putting myself out there

for the first time

in a very long time?

Hmm.

(cellphone pings)

(cellphone chimes)

(sighs)

(bell on door jingles)

- So, I have a plan.

- Okay.

- So, I have a plan.

- Okay.

- I might have told everyone

that you were working

with the space photographer guy

and that he's gonna be

at the fundraiser.

and that he's gonna be

at the fundraiser.

And that Prism is gonna do

a write-up on the bakery.

And that if people come

to the Christmas charity event

And that if people come

to the Christmas charity event

that they could

maybe get a chance

to be featured in your column.

- Well, that is not a bad plan,

I just wish you'd asked me

before you told the whole town.

I just wish you'd asked me

before you told the whole town.

(Jack): Okay, yes, thank you.

And if anything changes,

please just let us know.

- Hey. Hi! You must be Kyle.

I'm Nora. Nice to meet you.

- Hi. And you must be Jack,

the famed Jack.

- Hi. And you must be Jack,

the famed Jack.

- Uncle Jack and I went

for pancakes this morning

before the apartment

went under water.

before the apartment

went under water.

- What?

- It was a small leak

turned into a literal flood.

Yeah, we don't know

when we can get back in.

Yeah, we don't know

when we can get back in.

And I am currently on the hunt

for a hotel room for us,

but as it's close

to Christmas--

- You can stay with us.

- Adley.

- You can stay with us.

- Adley.

- What? I mean,

we're just up the road

and we've got plenty of room

at the metaphorical inn.

and we've got plenty of room

at the metaphorical inn.

- Do you have a Christmas tree?

- A big one.

- I'm sure

they have other offers.

- Well, actually, we don't.

- Uncle Jack, can we? Please?

- From what I've read online,

you're relatively new

to the city, so...

- Are you a stalker now?

- I am new to the city

and my family's all out west,

so...

and my family's all out west,

so...

- No one should be

without their family

during the holidays.

I insist. Okay?

Plus, I could use some help

baking cookies for Santa.

Plus, I could use some help

baking cookies for Santa.

It was very nice to meet you,

Kyle and Jack.

Nora will give you my address

and I'll see you soon.

Nora will give you my address

and I'll see you soon.

- Well, your sister

is very generous.

- Well, your sister

is very generous.

- That she is.

We should go.

(light music)

(Jack):

Well, that looks like fun.

(Jack):

Well, that looks like fun.

You wanna join them?

All right.

So, where's your guy, Option A?

- His name is Leo

and he is no longer an option.

- His name is Leo

and he is no longer an option.

- So, I was right.

You did need insurance.

Wait, does that mean

no one is coming?

- Geoffrey was gonna come

and he asked

for a raincheck too.

and he asked

for a raincheck too.

- Can we at least look

at the trees, please?

- Can we at least look

at the trees, please?

- I do still need content.

- But your date's not here.

- I don't have to actually go

on a date to write about a date.

- I don't have to actually go

on a date to write about a date.

Fiction, remember?

What do you say we try to find

the tallest Christmas tree?

What do you say we try to find

the tallest Christmas tree?

(Nora chuckles)

(light music)

- Flash cards? Oh, you did not!

- They help me stay organized.

- Flash cards? Oh, you did not!

- They help me stay organized.

- For a date?

- For the column.

(sighs mockingly)

- How is a woman

like you single?

I mean, you are

incredibly successful,

conventionally attractive.

- Oh, thanks.

conventionally attractive.

- Oh, thanks.

- I meant that as a compliment.

- Okay.

Um, well, actually,

I was married.

Um, well, actually,

I was married.

Briefly. Long time ago.

To a fantastic guy.

But it was right when Prism

was getting some traction

and I wanted to grow that,

and he wanted

to move to a farm,

and have a big family,

and live off the land and yeah,

and have a big family,

and live off the land and yeah,

we really loved each other,

but we just weren't a good fit.

So, after that,

Prism started to take off

and...

And what about you?

Have you ever been married?

- Uh, no. No.

Engaged, twice.

- Hmm.

- Yeah, both times, I literally

put everything ahead of her

and it cost me everything.

It's part of the reason

for the career change.

- I mean, life's too short.

I uh, I want to experience

as much love and joy as I can

I uh, I want to experience

as much love and joy as I can

while I'm here.

Do you miss writing?

- Uh, sometimes, I guess.

But I don't miss bearing my soul

on the internet,

But I don't miss bearing my soul

on the internet,

only to be trolled for it.

- Says the woman writing

a dating column.

- No, that was not my choice.

I just... I need the readers

to believe

that I am falling in love,

and then, the board

won't vote me out of CEO.

- Whew, no pressure.

- Ha, no, none at all.

- Whew, no pressure.

- Ha, no, none at all.

- Isn't it perfect? We need it.

- Kyle, why did you

pick this tree?

- 'Cause it's tiny

and funny looking.

And I was worried

everybody would want

And I was worried

everybody would want

the big, fluffier trees.

And I didn't want this one

to be lonely.

So, I think

we should take it home.

So, I think

we should take it home.

Do you think you sister would

like this Christmas tree?

- Kyle, I think

she would love it.

- Kyle, I think

she would love it.

- Yes!

(laughs)

How long is he staying with you?

- Uh, until the new year.

My half-sister, Olivia,

she's a single mother

ER doctor back in Boston,

she's a single mother

ER doctor back in Boston,

and uh, well, she needed

a little help this season,

so I offered to take Kyle

for a few weeks.

so I offered to take Kyle

for a few weeks.

- Oh, that's nice of you.

- Well, it's the least I can do.

She's the one saving lives.

- Well, if she comes to town,

she is more than welcome

to the fundraiser.

- I'll extend the invite.

Thank you.

- Uncle Jack,

can we get hot cocoa

after this?

- I would never turn down

hot cocoa.

- I would never turn down

hot cocoa.

- Yes.

(joyful music)

- All right,

I just finished my last gift

for the Michaelson family.

Anyone need help?

- I just started

on the Smiths' gifts.

- Well, give me one.

- So, do you guys

do this every year?

Sponsor this many families?

- Well, Nora actually

started the tradition.

- Oh, we started it together.

- So, Jack, why don't

you tell us about yourself?

- So, Jack, why don't

you tell us about yourself?

We know you're a photographer

and your photos are wonderful.

- Thank you.

Uh, it was actually

quite a career change.

Uh, it was actually

quite a career change.

- Well, what did you do before?

- Corporate finance.

- Hmm.

- Yeah, I uh,

- Hmm.

- Yeah, I uh,

worked for the same company

for three decades.

But my grandfather,

Franklin Peterson,

he was a photographer.

- He did wildlife photography,

right?

- Taught me everything I know.

- But you went

to corporate finance anyway?

- But you went

to corporate finance anyway?

- I took a safer route.

But one day,

it was like I woke up

and I realized

that my life was flying by

and I realized

that my life was flying by

and I hadn't done

all the things

that I really wanted to do.

I was too afraid to do.

So, I quit.

I packed my bags,

I bought a new camera,

and I travelled around

the world taking photographs

and I travelled around

the world taking photographs

of all those places

I'd seen in screensavers.

- Hey,

that's pretty adventurous.

- Hey,

that's pretty adventurous.

- You wouldn't recognize me

in my finance days.

- You like this version better?

- Most of the time.

- Hmm.

- More so now.

- And the column is going well?

- It's uh...

- Off to...

- A start.

- Off to...

- A start.

(both laugh)

It's a solid start.

- Okay.

- Um, I mean, I met a guy,

and it's...

- Um, I mean, I met a guy,

and it's...

(cellphone pings)

It's going well.

(chuckles)

(cellphone chimes)

- Oh, Nora, don't forget

to stop by the train museum

- Oh, Nora, don't forget

to stop by the train museum

to drop off the deposit

for our space.

We have to get it in

by 4:00 p.m.

We have to get it in

by 4:00 p.m.

or we lose the location.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

(chuckling)

(Lola): Night, Aunt Nora.

(chuckling)

(Lola): Night, Aunt Nora.

(soft music)

- So, what's the plan?

'Cause your guys keep bailing.

- So, what's the plan?

'Cause your guys keep bailing.

- My guys don't keep bailing,

they keep rain-checking,

- My guys don't keep bailing,

they keep rain-checking,

which based on my column,

nobody would know.

So, well, kind of.

- What have you got to lose?

I mean, if you really

put yourself out there?

- Nothing other than

being mocked, ridiculed,

- Nothing other than

being mocked, ridiculed,

never taken seriously again.

- Well, I'm here to help.

If you need me.

I mean, I know how much

this series means to you,

I mean, I know how much

this series means to you,

so if I can help then I want to.

- You're gonna help me

lie to my readers?

- You're gonna help me

lie to my readers?

- I read that piece you wrote

on Kyle and the tree.

That wasn't a lie.

And you encouraged us,

dear readers...

(chuckles)

...to do a small act of kindness

this holiday season.

...to do a small act of kindness

this holiday season.

So, consider this mine.

It is the most wonderful time

of the year after all.

- Well, that is very kind.

Thank you.

And have a good night

at my sister's house,

And have a good night

at my sister's house,

which will never not be weird.

(soft music)

(Nora): Dear Reader,

Christmas is a few days away

(Nora): Dear Reader,

Christmas is a few days away

and there is a new candidate,

Mr. G.,

who after a bumpy start,

I am finally going to get

to spend

some one-on-one time with.

Now, I'm not saying

that this writer

Now, I'm not saying

that this writer

is no longer a skeptic,

because I can assure you,

I still am, but...

(sighs)

Be honest. Okay.

Christmas can be

a challenging time.

Christmas can be

a challenging time.

For me, it is.

(sighs)

This experiment has offered me

more bites of the apple,

This experiment has offered me

more bites of the apple,

if you will,

than I have had

in a long time.

Well, will that lead to love?

That is yet to be determined.

(soft music)

- Okay, everybody,

listen up, all right?

- Okay, everybody,

listen up, all right?

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the annual Winters Family

snowman building contest!

to the annual Winters Family

snowman building contest!

Unfortunately,

Clark got stuck at the bakery,

so Kyle, you and Lola

are gonna be against Jack

and Aunt Nora,

and I am gonna be the ref.

Whoever builds the best snowman,

with full facial features, wins.

- And for the record,

I never lose.

- Ooh! I like that attitude.

- Okay, on your mark,

get set, go!

- Okay, on your mark,

get set, go!

(all giggling)

(Adley): Perfect.

(Kyle): All right.

(grunts)

- Hmm, pretty good, pretty good.

- Let go. Right here.

- Perfect. On the top?

(Kyle): Uh, yeah.

- I think we have buttons

in here somewhere.

- I think we have buttons

in here somewhere.

- Looking good, guys.

(overlapping excited chatter)

- Uh...

(Kyle): Okay, okay, look.

(Lola): Don't touch it.

(laughing)

- Nice try.

Gotta stable it, too.

(Kyle): Yeah.

- Aunt Nora's a thief!

(Kyle): Yeah.

- Aunt Nora's a thief!

(Kyle): Uh-oh,

oh, where's the other--

Oh, there it is.

- Ah!

(Adley): You lost your hat!

- Ah!

(Adley): You lost your hat!

- No!

- Okay, I think I'm set, okay.

- And...

Time's up.

- Yeah!

- Hmm.

The winner is...

...Kyle and Lola.

- Yes! Yes!

- Good job!

- You two are the winners,

you get to open

the Christmas presents first

on Christmas morning!

- Yeah!

- You just picked it

'cause it's a baker.

- You just picked it

'cause it's a baker.

- No, no.

- You know what?

You guys only won

because we let them.

- Yeah, okay.

(all laughing)

- Can we call it even?

(Nora): I got her this time.

- You totally got me!

(Nora): I got her this time.

- You totally got me!

- I'm going low. You go high.

- Okay, I'm going high.

(all cheering indistinctly)

(Nora): Right in the chest. Oh!

(Olivia): How's it going?

(Nora): Right in the chest. Oh!

(Olivia): How's it going?

- Really well. See for yourself.

- High five!

- Oh, she's done! She's done!

- High five!

- Oh, she's done! She's done!

- Oh, that looks fun.

Listen, I don't think I'm gonna

be making it down tonight.

- Come on, we still have

a few days left until Christmas.

- Come on, we still have

a few days left until Christmas.

- Yes, and I'm gonna try

to make it work

but we're gonna need

a Christmas miracle.

We're really short staffed.

- Well, don't worry.

Kyle's in good,

very festive hands.

- Switch.

- Oh that's it.

- Switch.

- Oh that's it.

- Can we call it even?

- You look happy.

- You know what? I am.

And I think I wanna make this

a family tradition.

- What, sleeping over

at your co-worker's

sister's house?

at your co-worker's

sister's house?

- Uh, no.

Us spending family time

together.

I feel like

we're seriously lagging

I feel like

we're seriously lagging

in the family traditions

department.

- Yeah, I would like that.

(cellphone pings)

Oh, listen, I gotta go.

Love ya. Bye!

Oh, listen, I gotta go.

Love ya. Bye!

- Come on, Sis.

Oh, nice one.

- Winning snowman!

- Cheese!

Hey, Kyle, uh, do you wanna

come with me to the bakery?

Hey, Kyle, uh, do you wanna

come with me to the bakery?

We're meeting my dad

to finish up some baking

for our booth at the fundraiser.

(cellphone chimes)

- Uncle Jack, can we go too?

- Uh...

- Oh, um, I've got

something else I've gotta do.

- Nora, don't forget to drop off

the deposit at the train museum.

Larry is gonna meet you there

at 4:00.

- Okay, I'll see you later.

- Come on, kiddo.

- Okay, I'll see you later.

- Come on, kiddo.

- Bye.

- She cares, Mom.

- I know.

- She cares, Mom.

- I know.

I just wish she'd be

a bit more present, is all.

You know, holidays are about

spending time with family.

Not trying to cram in

as much as work as possible.

Not trying to cram in

as much as work as possible.

- I know.

(soft music)

- Okay, Max, what is going on?

- You might wanna

sit down for this.

- Oh.

- I know this whole

how to fall in love

by Christmas thing

is kinda your worst nightmare.

- Uh-huh.

is kinda your worst nightmare.

- Uh-huh.

- But I think it's kinda great.

You and Jack, you're creating

something that's unique,

You and Jack, you're creating

something that's unique,

compelling, and kinda beautiful.

(light music)

- Why do you look like

you're gonna pass out?

- Why do you look like

you're gonna pass out?

- Because I don't think

it's enough.

It's the board, Nora.

CEO evaluation.

They're putting measures

in place to vote you out.

They're putting measures

in place to vote you out.

I guess the Take 2 Heart deal

is a bit shaky

after the low engagement.

- Why are you telling me this?

- Because I don't agree

with the direction

they wanna take Prism in.

- Yeah, of course.

So, what do you think?

- Yeah, of course.

So, what do you think?

- These are just phenomenal.

Some of your best work yet,

Jack.

- Well, I'm glad

the photography's authentic

- Well, I'm glad

the photography's authentic

because not everything is.

- What do you mean?

- This whole

falling in love thing.

- This whole

falling in love thing.

I don't know how real it is.

- Well, with work like this,

there is no doubt

- Well, with work like this,

there is no doubt

Prism is gonna be offering you

that photography contract.

Get you that home base.

- When I said that,

I meant a gallery,

- When I said that,

I meant a gallery,

not another website.

- Another website pays

quite a lot of money.

- Another website pays

quite a lot of money.

- I don't wanna give up

on the gallery.

- I'm gonna keep working on it.

In the meantime,

you keep killing it like this

and you are going to have

you keep killing it like this

and you are going to have

a lot of offers

to choose from.

I'm gonna follow up

with Level Eleven right now.

Talk soon.

Hi. Yeah, this is Sara Miller.

Look, I have some information

I would just love

to share with you

I would just love

to share with you

about Jack's assignment

with Nora Winters over at Prism.

Apparently, there is

some fabrication going on.

Apparently, there is

some fabrication going on.

- Hmm. So, what do we do?

- We find a way to prove

to the board

that their motion

shouldn't go forward.

- Haven't they already

made up their minds?

- They still need

a majority vote.

- They still need

a majority vote.

Christine, she's on the fence.

Nora, we can fix this.

And the way we're gonna do it

is through your column.

And the way we're gonna do it

is through your column.

(sighs)

(soft music)

(sighs)

(cellphone pings)

- Hmm.

I need some advice.

Can you meet me

at the Christmas market?

Hot cocoa's on me.

(soft music)

So, Take 2 Heart

isn't thrilled with the content

and the Prism board

is actively talking

about replacing me.

is actively talking

about replacing me.

- Okay.

Have you ever done

a SWOT analysis before?

Have you ever done

a SWOT analysis before?

- Uh, strength, weaknesses,

opportunities, threats.

Um, yeah, I've done one

for my business

but I've never done it

for myself.

- Okay. Strengths as a CEO.

- Uh...

I...

am hardworking,

trustworthy, independent.

am hardworking,

trustworthy, independent.

I founded a company

and grew it to what it is today.

I founded a company

and grew it to what it is today.

- And your weaknesses?

- Uh...

I can be...

...narrow-minded,

to a fault.

(sighs)

You know,

we spend our whole lives

trying to be something,

trying to do something,

trying to achieve something.

And I mean, in the end...

...this is all that matters.

This...

...this is all that matters.

This...

This old-fashioned

human connection.

- Which, I would say,

is your opportunity.

- Which, I would say,

is your opportunity.

- And my threat?

Hmm.

If I don't do this,

everything I built,

my lifestyle brand,

everything I built,

my lifestyle brand,

by women, for women,

to empower women,

is just gone.

You know?

I wouldn't even mind bringing

in the younger readers,

I wouldn't even mind bringing

in the younger readers,

I just don't wanna

lose the connection

we have with the ones

that are already there.

we have with the ones

that are already there.

- Well, I think we're looking

at another opportunity here.

I know it's scary

to put yourself out there

I know it's scary

to put yourself out there

but think of all the women

who could relate

to your journey

of opening up your heart again.

to your journey

of opening up your heart again.

Partnership

with Take 2 Heart, or not.

- Uh.

So, I dug a little deeper

on your work.

- Oh yeah?

- Hmm.

- What'd you think?

- Hmm.

- What'd you think?

- Hmm.

You have a very unique eye.

- Was that a compliment?

- It was more of a statement.

(laughs)

- Was that a laugh?

- Um, more of

a positive emotional reaction.

- Um, more of

a positive emotional reaction.

(both laugh)

Oh.

- Look, I...

I know this isn't easy

- Look, I...

I know this isn't easy

but you're embracing

the challenge.

And I think if you lean

into the Christmas spirit

just a little bit more,

you might find

just a little bit more,

you might find

exactly what you're looking for.

(soft music)

Hmm. Whoa, that's,

that was...

- Oh.

(laughs)

Oh, no.

- Yeah.

Oh, no.

- Yeah.

- No way.

- Nope.

- That's like, I mean,

I didn't wanna kiss you

and yeah,

I didn't wanna kiss you

and yeah,

I mean,

you don't wanna kiss me.

- No, it --

- No, right. Gross.

- Gross.

(both chuckle)

What do you say, do you wanna,

do you wanna get outta here

and grab a bite to eat?

do you wanna get outta here

and grab a bite to eat?

- Oh, I, I'd love to

but I am having dinner

with Geoffrey in an hour.

but I am having dinner

with Geoffrey in an hour.

- A real date, huh?

Well, do you think

I should photograph it?

Get some actual photos

with the actual guy

Get some actual photos

with the actual guy

for this new

non-fiction version?

- Actually, I think I should

fly solo on this one.

- You won't even know I'm there.

And this is kinda the reason

for the series, after all.

(sighs)

- Okay. Okay, fine.

We're gonna be at Zini's

at 8:00.

We're gonna be at Zini's

at 8:00.

And um...

I-I won't see you there.

(laughs)

(sighs)

Oh, man.

(clears throat)

Hey...

Thank you again for your help.

- Happy to.

- Hmm. All right. See ya soon.

- See ya.

(chuckles)

(soft music)

(sending a text)

(cellphone pings)

(sending a text)

(joyful music)

(Nora sighs)

(sighs)

- Dear Reader,

I wanna tell you a story

about a person in my life.

We will call him Space.

Now, Space has really

stepped it up for me

Now, Space has really

stepped it up for me

this holiday season

but he really helped me see

that the people

that I always thought

were so much happier

than I was during the holidays

were so much happier

than I was during the holidays

were just letting themselves

be happy.

were just letting themselves

be happy.

They were leaning in

to the magic of the season.

Which, dear reader,

is something

I am going to try to do.

For real, this time.

(sighs)

Hmm.

Ahh.

(joyful music)

(Nora): Are you kidding me?

- I would never kid

about something as serious

as radio show contests.

- It's just so wild.

You won multiple prizes on air.

- It's just so wild.

You won multiple prizes on air.

- Well, what can I say,

I'm a lucky guy.

- Oh.

- In more ways than one.

- Oh.

- In more ways than one.

- Aw.

It was fun tonight.

(Geoffrey): Yeah, I agree.

It was fun tonight.

(Geoffrey): Yeah, I agree.

(camera shutter snaps)

(Nora chuckles)

- Listen, my sister is having

this dinner thing

at her house tomorrow

this dinner thing

at her house tomorrow

and I know we just started

seeing each other but I was --

- I would love to go.

- You would?

- Yes, I would.

(camera shutter snaps)

(soft music)

- Okay, so according

to Adley's list,

we need to make custom ornaments

for all of

the silent auction winners,

and she gave me a rough sketch

of what they should look like.

and she gave me a rough sketch

of what they should look like.

- Do you guys always do

this level of detail?

- We try to.

Actually, the last few years,

Adley really has had

to shoulder most of it.

But she has done a fantastic job

keeping my mother's vision

alive.

(cellphone vibrates)

Oh.

(cellphone vibrates)

Oh.

Shoot. Sorry.

- No, no, go ahead.

- Hello?

- Okay, so,

good news and bad news.

I feel like you and Jack

are really starting

to find your groove.

But Take 2 Heart wants

to avoid any potential

But Take 2 Heart wants

to avoid any potential

girl falls in love with a guy

right under her nose angle.

girl falls in love with a guy

right under her nose angle.

It's a little too convenient.

I'd stick with Mr. G.,

if I were you.

Lean into that.

- Yeah, okay.

Lean into that.

- Yeah, okay.

Um, I'm...

I don't have feelings for Jack.

I mean, I mean, Space.

- Sorry,

I can't really talk right now.

- Sorry,

I can't really talk right now.

Chat soon. Bye.

- But...

Sorry about that.

- Should I uh,

stick to photography?

(laughs)

You might wanna

not quit your day job.

You might wanna

not quit your day job.

- Okay. I mean, it's --

- It's cute.

- It's like a tr--

- Oh, now it's a,

I see it's a tree.

- There you go,

I see it's a tree.

- There you go,

there's the tree.

- Yeah, there's the tree.

(joyful music)

- We'll take care of it.

We'll take care of it.

- I got the fancy ornaments.

(sighs)

- You forgot.

(sighs)

- You forgot.

- What? I... I forgot?

(gasps)

Oh, the form!

Oh, Adley, I'm sorry.

You know what?

Oh, Adley, I'm sorry.

You know what?

I'll go talk to him.

I've got my checkbook.

- No, no, no, I handled it.

- Oh. Okay, then we're good?

- No. No, we're not good, Nora.

(sighs)

Look,

I know that Prism

is important to you,

but you and I,

we made a promise to Mom

but you and I,

we made a promise to Mom

to run this foundation together.

And sometimes it feels like

I am the only one

And sometimes it feels like

I am the only one

who takes that promise

seriously.

- Okay, Adley, you do this.

You do this every time.

It's every time this idea

that I abandoned the family,

It's every time this idea

that I abandoned the family,

or whatever, because didn't

take over the bakery.

or whatever, because didn't

take over the bakery.

- That's kinda exactly

what you did.

- You know what? You're right.

I did follow my passions

and my dreams,

and they didn't involve

making cookies.

and they didn't involve

making cookies.

But I am always there for you.

- Actions speak louder

than words, Nora,

- Actions speak louder

than words, Nora,

and your actions

speak loud and clear.

(sighs)

- Everything okay?

- Uh, no. Apparently not.

- Everything okay?

- Uh, no. Apparently not.

- She's just stressed.

- Yeah, okay.

You should take those.

I should go.

- No, hey, no.

I think quite the opposite.

I think you're very wanted here.

Come on.

(soft music)

- And I told him,

"No, there's no way

- And I told him,

"No, there's no way

we're gonna take that deal.

My client deserves better."

Excuse me,

pass the potatoes, please.

- You know,

that reminds me of the time--

- You know,

that reminds me of the time--

- And they did,

they came up on their offer,

which of course,

I always do.

You know,

I say the client comes first.

That's my motto.

And then, of course,

there was another time,

ooh, hold on here for a second,

they got away,

and then,

there was another time,

and then,

there was another time,

a client comes in

from out of town...

...and you know, he says,

"Hey, I need you

to do something, right?"

He comes in

completely unannounced.

And you know.

He says,

"I need you to take care

of XYZ."

"I need you to take care

of XYZ."

And I can't tell you

what XYZ is, of course,

'cause that's completely

confidential, but he says,

"Need it to be done, ASAP."

So, and-and I did it.

"Need it to be done, ASAP."

So, and-and I did it.

You know, what can I say?

I'm good at what I do.

You know what I mean?

Client comes first.

You know what I mean?

Client comes first.

(Nora): I'm glad

you liked the potatoes.

- Oh, everything was wonderful.

The roast was a little dry,

but a trick my mother

used to use,

she'd put just a little bit

of water in the base of the tin.

she'd put just a little bit

of water in the base of the tin.

Keeps everything

nice and moist.

- Oh, well, I'll make sure

I pass along the tip.

(chuckles)

Ooh.

(chuckles awkwardly)

- So, I will see you tomorrow.

I'm excited for the fundraiser.

- Oh, I'll see you there.

- Okay.

(door opening)

(sighs)

- Don't say anything.

- It's late.

You should probably

just stay here for the night.

Your room's already made up.

- You know what?

I should uh,

I should put Kyle to bed.

- I don't know,

I think I should--

- I don't know,

I think I should--

- I just miss you.

I know

that you have so much going on.

I know

that you have so much going on.

It's honestly so impressive.

- Well, look at you.

You have this beautiful family,

and this business

that people love.

And every year,

you throw this event

And every year,

you throw this event

that actually makes

a difference

in people's lives.

I mean, you're the one

that's impressive.

And I'm sorry

I don't tell you that enough.

And I miss you, too.

I love you.

(sniffs)

- Don't cry.

(laughs)

I guess you should just uh,

stay the night, then?

I guess you should just uh,

stay the night, then?

- Can I borrow some pajamas?

- Yeah, I got lots.

So, Geoffrey...

He seems nice.

- Yeah, he is, I think.

I mean, we have a lot in common.

- Jack... he's a lovely guy.

- He's just a friend.

- I always thought

that was a funny saying.

- What do you mean?

- I think a soulmate

is just a friend

you happen to have

deeper chemistry with.

You know, the kind of friend

your soul just knows.

You know, the kind of friend

your soul just knows.

- That is so cheesy.

- I know, I know,

but I'm just saying, you know,

there's a lot of people

out there that you'll have

a deeper chemistry with

in your lifetime.

a deeper chemistry with

in your lifetime.

But not everyone

will make you feel like home.

But not everyone

will make you feel like home.

- Hmm.

(soft music)

(sighs)

(cellphone chimes)

- Sara?

- Jack.

Level Eleven is

sending over a job offer.

I forwarded them a sneak peek

of your latest work

I forwarded them a sneak peek

of your latest work

and they absolutely love it.

- Is that legal?

I mean, my work for Prism

is owned by Prism, right?

- It's not like

they're publishing it,

they're just using it

to evaluate you.

Anyhow, there should be

an offer coming soon.

Anyhow, there should be

an offer coming soon.

Keep an eye on your email.

Gotta go. Bye.

(both sigh)

(sighs)

(groans)

(soft music)

(Nora):

Ooh! What are you doing up?

- What are you doing up?

- I asked you first.

(giggles)

- I asked you first.

(giggles)

Oh, I was having

trouble sleeping.

Thought I'd get

a midnight snack.

- Hmm. Chestnut?

- Don't mind if I do.

(breathes deeply)

- I wanted to edit

some of the new photos.

This is one of my favorites.

- Hmm.

- I love how alive you look

in these.

- You always shoot

in black and white?

- You always shoot

in black and white?

- It was my grandpa's style.

Said it got rid

of anything superfluous.

- I like that.

- And this gallery placement

that I'm trying to land,

it was the first gallery

to feature his work

it was the first gallery

to feature his work

all those years ago.

Yeah, he loved that place.

- Hmm. I think it's really brave

that you went for it.

- Hmm. I think it's really brave

that you went for it.

- I just got tired of feeling

like I wasn't doing

everything I could

to live the life I loved.

everything I could

to live the life I loved.

- Hmm.

Life you love. Hmm.

I'm gonna take another chestnut.

(chuckles)

I'll see you in the morning?

- Night, Nora.

- Night.

- Night, Nora.

- Night.

(soft music)

(♪♪)

So, Adley and Clark finished

all the baking last night.

So, Adley and Clark finished

all the baking last night.

And they are

at the museum setting up

And they are

at the museum setting up

and they want us to finish

stuffing these gift boxes.

- You got it, boss.

- We wanna put

one Christmas tree

and one gingerbread

in each box.

and one gingerbread

in each box.

- Okay.

- Here's a glove.

- Thanks.

(cellphone pings)

- Oh!

I've been waiting for this.

Oh.

- What's up?

- It's from Max.

The board has scheduled

a call for later today.

The board has scheduled

a call for later today.

- That's not such a bad thing,

is it?

- No, but the fit

of that glove's a bad thing.

- No, but the fit

of that glove's a bad thing.

Um, why don't you take the boxes

and I will touch the cookies.

- Deal. So, are you,

are you really worried?

- Deal. So, are you,

are you really worried?

- I feel like this whole thing

is manufactured.

- I feel like this whole thing

is manufactured.

Love can't be rushed.

I mean, if you plant a seed,

you don't get a plant

the next day.

you don't get a plant

the next day.

It has to grow.

It takes time.

It has to grow.

It takes time.

- Nora Winters,

are you a romantic?

- No. No, of course not.

I just...

I don't know why I thought

I could get away

I don't know why I thought

I could get away

with faking the whole thing.

No wonder the board's not happy.

I never used to write like this.

- And why is that?

I never used to write like this.

- And why is that?

- Well, I used to be

a different person.

You know,

when I started writing,

You know,

when I started writing,

I didn't think about

what was gonna be

in the comments section,

I just wrote what I felt

in the comments section,

I just wrote what I felt

and pushed publish,

and never gave it

a second thought.

We need more boxes.

- Well, that's what made you

so successful.

- Well, that's what made you

so successful.

- Yeah. But at some point,

as the site grew and grew

and grew,

as the site grew and grew

and grew,

then you know what?

The scrutiny on me

grew and grew and grew.

The scrutiny on me

grew and grew and grew.

- I think you're admitting

that you're afraid of something.

Before I took this assignment,

I went back and I read

all your old writing.

And you're right,

you're not the same.

And you're right,

you're not the same.

You're better.

You, you're more thoughtful.

You come at things

from a stronger point of view.

And look,

I understand your concerns

but I don't think you actually

have anything to be afraid of.

but I don't think you actually

have anything to be afraid of.

- I just don't wanna be a fraud.

- So, don't be.

If they want honest,

give them honest.

Look, tell the board

and your readers

that Mr. Haircut,

or whatever anonymous name

you gave Geoffrey,

or whatever anonymous name

you gave Geoffrey,

is handsome and charming,

but you just don't feel it

with him.

I mean, who cares

if you don't actually

fall in love before Christmas?

- Well, that is

the title of the series.

- Well, that is

the title of the series.

It would literally ruin it.

- Not if you're real.

What are you really feeling,

Nora Winters?

(soft music)

- Because if, I mean,

if you write about that,

I think you'll get

your stellar content.

I think you'll get

your stellar content.

(chuckles)

Which I need.

- Cheers.

(both laugh)

- Cheers.

(both laugh)

(soft music)

(cellphone chimes)

- Hey.

(Sara): I'm gonna need

you to pack your bags

because Level Eleven

just offered you

the full-time position!

They want you

at their holiday company party

tonight

so they can introduce you

to the team.

so they can introduce you

to the team.

- But I'm in the middle

of the assignment for Prism.

- Yeah, but you're finished

that tomorrow

so you can just sneak out

a few hours early.

so you can just sneak out

a few hours early.

- Well, who'd finish

shooting Nora's series?

- Jack, did you hear the words

that I'm saying?

- Jack, did you hear the words

that I'm saying?

Level Eleven.

Full-time position.

Big deal.

This is not contract

or freelance work.

- Okay, well, where are we at

with the gallery?

- Okay, well, where are we at

with the gallery?

- Jack, you are being

offered more money

than any client I've ever had

in my entire career.

than any client I've ever had

in my entire career.

Why are you still thinking

so small?

- You knew a gallery exhibition

was always the goal.

- You knew a gallery exhibition

was always the goal.

- And it will be.

While you're crushing it

at Level.

What time can I tell them

you'll be there?

What time can I tell them

you'll be there?

(soft music)

- No, I'm not going.

- Jack, don't be silly.

- Look, Sara,

you took a chance on me

all those years ago,

and I'll be forever grateful

but I think...

and I'll be forever grateful

but I think...

I think it's time for me

to focus on other things.

- Like what?

- A gallery exhibition.

Time with loved ones.

Look, I just, I need a change.

Thank you for everything

but I'm not bailing on Nora.

She need me.

This series means

too much to her.

I'm not going.

- Wow.

- Whew.

(sighs happily)

(soft music)

- Look at you.

That looks stunning.

- Look at you.

That looks stunning.

- Thank you!

I actually just learned

this new makeup tip.

You put the white

in your water line

You put the white

in your water line

and then just like, a dash

of glitter in your corner,

and it makes your eyes pop.

And then, you use this primer

to smooth out your pores,

And then, you use this primer

to smooth out your pores,

which you literally don't have,

but I do.

which you literally don't have,

but I do.

- I didn't realize

that you knew so much

about makeup.

- Hmm, trial and error.

- Listen, I know

that you still have

another semester at school

but would you have any interest

in writing for the site?

but would you have any interest

in writing for the site?

I mean, maybe doing

a monthly roundup

of makeup products,

tips you've learned,

of makeup products,

tips you've learned,

that kinda thing?

- Are you serious?

I'd love to.

Writing for Prism

has been my goal

since I was like, eight.

has been my goal

since I was like, eight.

- Why didn't you

ever say anything?

- I... I mean...

I guess I didn't think

I had anything to say.

I mean, you're such a legend.

- Oh.

I mean, you're such a legend.

- Oh.

- And I know you took

a break from writing,

but this thing

that you're doing

with Take 2 Heart,

it's so cool.

with Take 2 Heart,

it's so cool.

And plus, you and Jack are like,

the ultimate creative duo.

- Oh.

(chuckles)

- Oh.

(chuckles)

Well, he is... Talented.

- Hmm, and he definitely has

a crush on you.

- Hmm, and he definitely has

a crush on you.

- Okay.

- Mm-hmm.

(chuckling)

- So, tell me

whatever other magic

makeup tricks you have.

- Oh! Okay.

(joyful music)

(Adley): Oh no!

- Whoa, whoa! I got it!

(Adley): Oh no!

- Whoa, whoa! I got it!

- Oh no! Oh, gosh.

- Okay.

- Oh, sorry.

I thought I was tall enough

to reach the top.

I thought I was tall enough

to reach the top.

- Oh, well, allow me.

- Thank you.

- There you go.

- Look,

I know that Nora

didn't intentionally invite you

I know that Nora

didn't intentionally invite you

to our little fundraiser

but we are all so glad

that you and Kyle are here.

- Are you kidding?

I'm honored to be here.

- Are you kidding?

I'm honored to be here.

And you have

a really special family.

And Nora, well, she's --

- She's pretty great.

And Nora, well, she's --

- She's pretty great.

(soft music)

Look,

I don't mean to overstep,

Look,

I don't mean to overstep,

but in my experience,

telling someone how you feel,

it's always a good idea.

- Hmm.

(♪♪)

- Oh, hey. Looks good.

(sighs)

(cellphone pings)

(soft music)

What?!

- Everything is set up.

- Wow!

Great set-up!

(Clark): Nice work, Jack.

(Jack): Hi, guys.

- Yeah, looks good.

(Lola): Okay, Winters family,

let's get this party started!

(Lola): Okay, Winters family,

let's get this party started!

- Yeah!

- Bye, see ya.

- So exciting!

(orchestral music)

(camera shutter snaps)

- Magic. And you know what?

Here's a donation slip

in case you wanna contribute

Here's a donation slip

in case you wanna contribute

to the bakery's free programs

that give--

Hey.

Uh, sorry, give back

to the community.

In addition, I'll be giving away

a free photography class

to all donors, thank you.

Hi, guys.

Yeah, if you can just...

a little closer.

Yeah, if you can just...

a little closer.

There we go.

- Hi. Thank you for coming.

- Oh, my pleasure.

- Good to see you.

- Yeah, you too. Oh.

- Oh... yeah.

We're getting there,

but you know...

It could be better.

- Mm-hmm.

It could be better.

- Mm-hmm.

- Uh, well, let me show you...

Oh, you remember.

(Geoffrey): Yeah, hi.

(Adley): Nice to see you.

(Nora): Let me show you

the rest of the--

(Geoffrey): Certainly.

(surrounding chatter)

- Hey, Katy, it's Jack Paxton.

Yeah, it's been a while.

Hey, listen, is your company

still looking to make

some donations before the end

of the fiscal year?

some donations before the end

of the fiscal year?

Well, I think I might have

the perfect charity for you.

Yeah.

That's so generous,

thank you.

- I am telling you,

it is wild, man.

Yeah. Well,

that Nora Winters

Yeah. Well,

that Nora Winters

is actually writing about me.

Well, yeah,

because I'm Mr. G.

Well, yeah,

because I'm Mr. G.

Well, yeah, of course,

she's nice,

she's great,

but you know,

but her name next to mine,

this is huge.

but her name next to mine,

this is huge.

Hey, tell you what,

see if you can get me

an interview with The Post

and I can do

one of those kinda you know,

and I can do

one of those kinda you know,

tell-all kinda things.

Oh yeah.

Yeah, 'cause this'll be great

for my business.

Yeah, 'cause this'll be great

for my business.

And you know what?

They will eat this stuff up.

- Looks good, right?

- Oh!

(cellphone pings)

- Yeah, couple more down here.

(cellphone pings)

- Yeah, couple more down here.

- Max, hi.

- Nora, I'm sorry

to call you on Christmas Eve

but I wanted you

to call you on Christmas Eve

but I wanted you

to hear it from me.

- Oh, is this about Jack

and Level Eleven?

- Yeah, no, I heard,

but this is about you

and the column.

but this is about you

and the column.

I'm so sorry.

I just heard from the board.

They're pulling

the collaboration

between us and Take 2 Heart.

I guess they weren't...

thrilled

with some recent developments.

thrilled

with some recent developments.

I just sent you an email.

- "Nora Winters'

How to Fall in Love

by Christmas series

was completely fake,

an inside source says."

was completely fake,

an inside source says."

Wow.

- Any idea who the source is?

- Well, Jack, right?

Who else could it be?

- I'm sorry, Nora.

Merry Christmas.

- Hey, I was looking for you.

- Oh, you were?

- Hey, I was looking for you.

- Oh, you were?

Were you gonna tell me?

What is this?

- I don't know but listen,

Geoffrey, he's using you.

- I don't know but listen,

Geoffrey, he's using you.

- Geoffrey's using me.

Ha, you would say that

because you used me.

Ha, you would say that

because you used me.

- That's not true.

- Oh, so you didn't

basically rat me out

- Oh, so you didn't

basically rat me out

with the work

that we did for my column

by selling it to a rival site

for more money?

by selling it to a rival site

for more money?

- That was my agent.

- And you didn't know

that she was doing that?

- And you didn't know

that she was doing that?

So, you're just basically

motivated by money

and this was all a lie.

- Says the woman

totally comfortable

faking falling in love.

- Well, at least

I'm trying to change.

Unlike you.

- You know what? Forget it.

This was a waste of time.

- Yeah, it was a waste of time.

Why don't you just go

have a great,

Why don't you just go

have a great,

fun Christmas party

at your new company.

(soft music)

- Everything all right?

- Uh, yeah.

(soft music)

- How're we doing?

- Um... might have to

cut back a little.

- Um... might have to

cut back a little.

- The foundation,

that's not

what Mom would've wanted.

that's not

what Mom would've wanted.

- Sometimes you just have

to face the facts

that things

don't always go your way.

- What's with you?

(sighs)

This whole silly thing,

this partnership

with Take 2 Heart,

this partnership

with Take 2 Heart,

I just... I shouldn't have

let myself get pushed into it.

- But you started writing

and...

- But you started writing

and...

And you have real feelings

for someone, yeah?

- Hey, there you are.

I have been looking for you

everywhere.

I have been looking for you

everywhere.

Did you wanna go do

the photo booth?

- Um... I...

Are you...

Are you recording right now?

Are you...

Are you recording right now?

- Well, uh...

Well, yeah.

I mean, but can you blame me?

Well, yeah.

I mean, but can you blame me?

Well, because

you're Nora Winters

and I just thought

it would be a good idea

if I had some proof.

- Proof?

- That I'm Mr. G.

- Why would you need proof?

- Because I am getting

so much more investors

interested in my company

by mentioning you

in the interviews.

by mentioning you

in the interviews.

- Interviews?

- Yeah.

And I've got

another one tomorrow.

I just wanna make sure I can,

you know,

I just wanna make sure I can,

you know,

quote everything factually.

- Okay, wow. Um, uh...

I don't... I don't think

this is gonna work out.

- What about your column?

- Uh...

- Nora, hold on. Wait!

- Geoffrey, um, I think...

I think it's time

we excuse ourselves.

I'll just...

Just, just come this way, okay?

- Ah...

Just, just come this way, okay?

- Ah...

- It's okay.

- Hey, buddy.

I think it's time to pack up

our things and head out, okay?

I think it's time to pack up

our things and head out, okay?

Here.

(indistinct chatter)

- I was totally wrong

about everything.

- I was totally wrong

about everything.

I mean, Geoffrey was so obvious.

I should've known

what was going on there,

right away.

- Sure, but Jack?

right away.

- Sure, but Jack?

I mean, I've seen the way

you two look at each other.

- Adley, he used me

as a bargaining tool.

- Adley, he used me

as a bargaining tool.

- No, he didn't.

No, Nora, last time I saw him,

he was doing everything

he could to fundraise.

He did it.

Apparently, he knew people

who wanted to donate

to that cause.

We're good.

- He left to go

to Level Eleven's

Christmas party tonight.

- No, he didn't.

He fired his agent,

he turned down the job

at Level Eleven.

I heard him. I heard him do it

with my own two ears.

I heard him. I heard him do it

with my own two ears.

(exhales)

- Listen.

He lights you up in a way

I haven't seen in years.

He lights you up in a way

I haven't seen in years.

You two have

something really special.

You two have

something really special.

And I would think twice

about letting it go.

(soft music)

(sighs)

(paper crinkling)

(gentle music)

(sighs)

- Hey, Max, um...

I'm gonna go live

with one more piece.

I'm gonna go live

with one more piece.

- Yes, hi, I'd like

to book a hotel room

for a few nights.

- Hey,

where are you two headed?

- Hey,

where are you two headed?

Santa's coming here

in a few hours.

This is the address

I told him to go to.

- Mom!

- Sorry,

- Mom!

- Sorry,

I'm gonna have

to call you back.

- It's a Christmas miracle.

- But how?

- It's a Christmas miracle.

- But how?

- I had a little help from Nora

and a little bit of luck.

The hospital was fully staffed.

They didn't need me tonight.

The hospital was fully staffed.

They didn't need me tonight.

(cellphone pings)

- Sorry, one sec.

(Nora): Dear Reader,

I have to come clean.

Did I start this series

as a skeptic?

Did I start this series

as a skeptic?

I sure did.

Did I think

it was actually possible

Did I think

it was actually possible

to lean into the magic

of the season

and let that magic

open your heart?

Absolutely not.

But was I wrong?

I very much was.

But was I wrong?

I very much was.

I am here to tell you

that I did,

in fact, fall in love,

more or less, by Christmas,

thanks to Take 2 Heart.

It happened with someone

I never expected.

Someone who challenged me,

supported me,

Someone who challenged me,

supported me,

protected me, encouraged me.

Someone who took me

totally by surprise.

- Nora Winters,

I think you just saved your job.

- Nora Winters,

I think you just saved your job.

(Nora): I didn't realize

it was even happening.

And that's the best part

about love,

And that's the best part

about love,

it can surprise you,

if you stay open to it.

- What are you waiting for? Go!

- Yeah?

- Yeah, go.

- Okay.

(hopeful music)

(cellphone pings)

- Did you read my post?

- I'm very impressed.

- Impressed enough

to forgive me?

(soft music)

- It's bad luck

not to kiss under the mistletoe.

- It's gross.

(laughs)

So, Jack Paxton,

in your professional opinion,

do you think that you can

fall in love by Christmas?

- Absolutely.

Do you?

- Absolutely.

(♪♪)

Oh, look!

(chuckling)

(Adley): You guys!

Look how beautiful. Aw.

You look very handsome together.

(soft music)

(joyful music)

♪ The first Noël

♪ The angels did say

♪ Was too certain

for shepherds ♪

♪ In fields were they lay

♪ In fields where they

♪ Lay keeping their sheep

♪ On a cold Winter's night

♪ That was so deep

♪ Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël

♪ Born is the King of Israel

♪ Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël ♪

Subtitling: difuze

How to Fall in Love by Christmas (2023) - full transcript