The Story of Us (2019) - full transcript
Jamie learns that her first love Sawyer is the architect of a development that wants to change her beloved neighborhood and threatens her bookstore. Can old Valentines help them see eye to eye?
Hello.
It is a beautiful day to sell
books, isn't it, Eliot?
Yes, I agree.
Hey, Alex. What's up?
Hey, Jamie.
I was trying to figure out
a good book to give Taylor
for Valentine's Day.
She likes romantic comedies,
I figure...
Mirth is funny, right?
Yes, it is.
And Edith Wharton,
one of the greatest authors
of all time.
The first woman to win
a Pulitzer for literature.
But in this case Mirth
is ironic.
Also romantic, but much funnier,
and spoiler alert,
a happy ending.
Although, if you want her crying
on your shoulder
about the importance
of following your heart
when it comes to true love
then "House of Mirth" it is.
Happy deciding.
You are a lifesaver.
Well, I hope she likes them.
Alright, thank you, Jamie.
Of course. Bye.
Bye.
Hey, Luce.
Did you know Lennox Music
is closed?
What? When?
I don't know.
I just saw the place is empty
and there's a "closed
for business" sign
on the front door.
That is the third business
on this block
since the beginning of the year.
Fourth, if you count Cassidy's
Candles in December.
What is going on?
What?
There's my favourite niece.
Your parents Skyped me
last night from Winnipeg.
I swear, they're gonna put
100,000 miles on that RV
by the end of the year if they-
what is it?
When did you get this?
This morning.
And I checked.
Every shop in the business
district got one, too.
I bet if you check your mail
you have one.
What do you think this means?
I guess we'll find out
at the meeting.
But if this Ridley is a property
development company?
No, that can't be good news
for any of us.
So, as you can see, we turn
the Waterford business district
into a mixed use space
which will drive revenue
for the entire town.
I like the adjustments.
I think the Waterford
council will, too.
Thank you.
Sawyer, how many projects
have you done for Ridley?
Five?
If you pick this one, seven.
Seven. Impressive.
I'm gonna let you in
on a little secret.
The Waterford project
isn't secure yet.
It will be, which is where
you come in.
Me?
You're from Waterford.
A point you made in
your initial presentation.
I am.
That's gonna help us
when it comes
to persuading the community.
Hold on, Dana, I haven't
been back in a very long time
and besides I'm just
the architect.
But you could be more.
Here's your opportunity.
The Waterford council wants us
to present our designs
in a couple of days before they
take an initial vote next week.
We have secured several
properties already
but their sales are contingent
on this project going
to the next step.
Help Ridley take that next step
and we can talk about
bringing you in-house
on a permanent basis.
So no more per project bids?
How does that sound to you?
That sounds great.
Good.
Maybe it won't be that bad?
The flyer only says they're
discussing a project.
This happened a few years ago
in Tanner Falls.
Some developers came in,
said they were gonna do
some improvements,
wiped out all of the stores
in the business district
and then they built them back up
to look like something
out of an H.G. Wells novel.
And not one of the cool ones.
Well, if they do go forward
with something like that
they at least have to buy
you out.
But I'd still lose the store.
And I've dreamed of owning
this place since I worked here
in high school.
It's the reason that I fell in
love with reading and writing
and storytelling.
I don't want another store,
I want True Love.
Come on.
I know something that's gonna
make you feel better.
Is that Jason Barnaby?
He met Lisa in the travel
section last year.
I think he's gonna propose.
I think you're right.
What're we looking at?
Rick!
What?
There's a proposal.
Yes.
How many proposals
does that make?
Four since I bought this place.
This shop really is a lucky
charm for love.
Ooh, I'm gonna use that.
Which brings me to...
Recipe for love?
Not all of us are in
a romantic time out.
Hiatus.
My boss, the incurable romantic
who owns a romance bookstore
while actively avoiding romance.
Do you see the irony here?
Is this for couples only?
No, no, no.
All sorts of singles
will be there,
including yours truly.
Yeah, but you're teaching,
so you don't count.
He counts.
Thanks.
Cooking class?
Just ask her out directly.
Well, what if she says no?
Then you'll know.
Finally.
I need to go make some risotto.
Oh boy.
Eliot, I just fed you.
Snuggle time on the couch it is.
It's about time you came back.
I was scared you'd never
show your face again
after coming in last in
the Fantasy football pool.
Remind me next time not to draft
a quarterback first.
I will do no such thing.
It's nice.
Thank you for this, man.
Really.
It's the least I could do.
As many times as you've
let me stay with you
in Portland and Chicago.
Don't forget Missoula.
How could I forget Missoula?
Less than a week, I swear.
Hey, it's all good.
Enough time for me to,
get your opinion
on a little situation that
I can't quite figure out.
Okay.
There's a woman...
There always is.
I'm serious this time.
Okay, okay.
What's the situation?
I can't quite ask her out.
What?
That is not the Rick I know.
No, it's 'cause I like her.
I... I really, really like her.
We... we had that...
that ker-pow moment
when we first met...
you know the one
I'm talking about.
I do.
And I can't forget it.
She liked me, too.
I know she did.
Why didn't you ask her out then?
I was dating Megan.
Megan, that disaster.
Yeah, thanks for reminding me.
Alright, never mind.
It just... sorry.
Just... you were telling
me about...?
Lucy.
Yeah.
But I made the classic mistake
of letting too much time pass
after we first met and now I'm
not sure if she only sees me
as a friend...
I can't believe the day has
arrived that Rick the romancer
has met his match.
Now, when do I get
to meet this nice girl?
Tomorrow night.
I'm... I'm... I'm doing this
Valentine's theme cooking class
down at the restaurant
and Lucy said she'd come.
Do you think that you could-
Count me in!
Just, you know,
obviously don't expect me
to cook anything edible.
No, no, no, no.
I'm the chef.
You're the wingman.
Yes, chef.
Thanks.
No problem.
Hi.
Can I help you find something?
You know, actually I
was hoping to catch Jamie.
Is she here?
She is not.
Do you know when she'll be back?
No, sorry I don't.
Look out!
Good catch.
Sawyer.
But soft, what light through
yonder window breaks.
What?
It's Romeo and Juliet.
You look like you're up
on a balcony.
There's no balcony.
What?
In the story she's standing
at a window.
Everybody gets it wrong.
I'm sorry.
I... I'm just
completely thrown.
Yeah. So was I.
I suppose I shouldn't be, this
was always your favourite place.
Let's start again.
Hi, Sawyer.
Hey, Jamie.
You dropped this.
Thank you.
I don't remember this courtyard.
But you remember the tree,
right?
The tree was always here.
In fact, they actually built
the bookstore around it
so they wouldn't have
to take it down.
Yeah, this courtyard
was completely overgrown.
I talked Mr. Ogilvy into letting
me clean it up a few years ago.
And we're hoping to expand.
Or I should say were hoping
to expand.
You were?
Not anymore?
It's a long story.
These developers are buying
all of the land
in the business district and,
I mean, you know they're
just gonna destroy everything.
Destroy?
Well, it's not decided yet but
they're having a meeting later
to see if they're gonna move
forward with the project.
Isn't that what business
developers do, though?
They just tear everything down
and put up something hideous?
It might not be hideous.
Well, I'm sure they
will not leave
my little bookstore unscathed.
Wait, you... you bought
the bookstore?
Yeah.
Yeah. I bought it
a few years ago.
Just like I always said I would.
I had no idea.
Well, how would you?
You've been gone for 15 years.
Unless Rick
tells you everything.
Not that thing.
Well, enough about me.
How are you?
What're you doing back here?
I...
Excuse me.
Hold on.
Hey, Dana, could you...
could you...
could you hold on just a sec?
I gotta take this.
Of course.
Yeah, go.
It was great to see you.
Good to see you too.
Bye.
Hey, Dana.
Yeah...
Bye.
It's Jamie Vaughn, right?
With True Love Books?
And cafe, yes.
Eric Duncan.
I'm new to the city council
in the area.
Nice to meet you, councilman.
I'm, glad you dropped by
to see the designs
for the development.
- Proposed development.
- Proposed development.
We're hopeful that
it will generate
some much-needed interest in
the local business community.
Well, what about the Fire
and Ice Festival?
It has drawn a lot of interest
to the area
and been very popular
for the last few years.
And I hope it continues to be,
but we should,
consider all options.
Sure.
I just have a million
questions starting with
Councilman?
What happens
to the existing stores
if this project goes through?
I'm sorry,
could... could you
excuse me for a second?
Hey, how are you?
Yeah.
Hi.
Just one second, thank you.
Jamie.
My goodness.
Sawyer O'Dell?
Hello, Anita.
So nothing for 15 years
and then I see you twice
in one hour?
Yeah.
Well, I wasn't exactly sure
how to approach
the subject earlier...
Sawyer, are the designs
ready to show?
Yes, they are cued up.
Excellent.
Hello.
Are you local business owners?
Yes, we are.
I'm Anita Vaughn from Anita's
Flowers and this is my niece...
Jamie Vaughn, True Love Books
and Cafe.
Nice to meet you both.
I hope you'll be as excited
as we are about the vision
we have in mind for the project.
Proposed project.
Well, I'm confident
that Sawyer's designs
will help persuade the council's
decision to go forward.
Ready?
Your designs?
Yeah.
Are you alright?
I guess we'll find out.
There you go.
Enjoy.
I knew it.
They're wiping out
all the stores.
Just like Tanner Falls.
Really?
Yep, and Sawyer is a part of it.
I cannot believe
he didn't tell me.
How long did you two date?
Well, we met in the eighth grade
but we didn't start dating
until sophomore year.
Were you prom queen and king?
He was king.
I was the girl who stayed late
in the library
focusing on my books
and studies.
Of course you were.
Yeah. And you would think
those differences
would have driven us apart,
especially being so young,
but that wasn't
until after graduation.
What happened?
Well, right before he left
for college he came to me
and he gave me this
big speech about
how we were way too young
to be so serious,
especially with him going off to
Columbia and me staying at Reed.
You know, we had our
whole futures to consider.
And that was that.
We broke up.
I'm sorry, honey.
It was a long time ago.
Have you tried these,
by the way?
They are amazing.
Yeah.
Rick's workin' on a new recipe.
That reminds me,
you're coming with me tonight.
Where?
Rick's Valentine's
cooking class.
And no "I'm writing" excuses.
I need you there in case
I meet someone.
That way we can discuss
the pros and cons.
What about Rick?
Yeah, I'll ask Rick's
opinion too,
you know, guy's perspective.
But first I need to meet
my own true love.
Well, how do you know
you haven't already met him?
I mean, Waterford isn't exactly
Portland in terms of population.
No.
I will know when I meet him.
We will both have that moment
where we just know.
You know?
Okay, this is going
somewhere else.
No, I don't know.
Why didn't you tell me that
Jamie bought True Love Books?
Remember a few years ago when
I casually mentioned
she was dating that dentist and
your reaction was to tell me
to never let you know anything
about Jamie
because it distracted you?
Vaguely.
Well, you did.
So I didn't.
Anything else you're
not telling me?
She's not happy
about the project.
Yeah, yeah, I get that already.
And she's single.
So what... what happened
with the dentist?
He moved to Texas last year.
So they weren't that serious.
They were serious.
He got some...
some job offer that
he couldn't turn down,
he asked her to move with him,
she declined.
Why?
You'll have to ask her.
Given how she reacted when
she found out I was working
with Ridley that feels
highly unlikely.
Is she dating anyone now?
No one.
She's on a romantic hiatus.
That does sounds like something
she would say.
Yeah.
Lucy thinks that,
instead of dating,
Jamie pours all her heart
into the bookstore.
The very one that you're trying
to tear down.
Wha...?
We have to find a way
to fight back.
Okay.
But how?
I have exactly no idea.
But we have got to come up
with something.
I mean, this place just means
to much for them
to cavalierly tear it down.
What is that?
It's a book.
It's not a book.
These are valentines.
These are so cute.
These are valentines
from old True Love customers
to True Love Books.
This is ridiculously sweet.
Look, this one says
it's from 1965.
Mr. Ogilvy must have kept them.
"Dear True Love, without you
we wouldn't have had
"our first Valentine's Day coffee
and found our own true loves.
"You'll always have a place
in our hearts.
"Love, Chris and Cara".
"A valentine of appreciation
to True Love Books and Cafe.
"You brought us together in
classics and helped us find
"our happily ever after.
"Forever grateful,
Sam and Lauren".
We should put these out
for the customers.
Yes, and show how important
True Love is to the community.
That's it.
What's it?
That's how we fight back.
Yes, yes, that's right.
Valentine's cards from old
True Love customers.
People who met there.
Yeah, and some of them date back
to the middle of last century.
Yeah, and this year alone we've
had four proposals in the store.
Now, isn't that a legacy
worth saving?
And when is it going to run?
Great, thank you so much!
We're in!
Yes!
Of course you're here.
This is a small town.
Okay, everybody, if you all
would find a cooking station.
Jamie, would you like to...
Yes, I would.
Well, okay, thank you.
Alright.
You look great.
Thank you, you do, too.
Hi.
Do you want to...
Sure.
- I'm Lucy.
- I'm Quentin.
I like your sweater.
Alright, chef.
What is on the menu?
We're gonna start off
with an arugula salad,
marinated figs, cherry tomatoes
and feta cheese.
Followed by our entree
of miso glazed salmon,
roasted potatoes, and bok choy.
I love glazed salmon.
What's for dessert?
Raspberry chocolate torte.
Yes!
What?
Nothing.
I mean, I just think if a guy
wants to say something
to a woman like
"hey, I like you" or
"hey, I'm actively employed
by the company trying
"to tear down your store"
that direct communication
goes a lot farther than
dancing around the topic or,
you know, being vague about it,
but you guys do you.
Okay, if one partner would
head to the back
and grab some salad fixings.
Got it!
I'm sorry I didn't mention
my involvement with Ridley
when I first saw you
at the bookshop.
Thank you.
But, in my defence,
I didn't know it was your
bookshop until just then.
But you knew it was True Love
and you know how much
that place means to me.
Well, yeah, but
not for a long time.
No, it wasn't a long time ago
to me.
And if you think that finding
out my ex being a part of
team Ridley is gonna stop me
from doing what I need to do
to save True Love then you have
another thing coming.
What're you cooking up?
Miso glazed salmon.
Weren't you paying attention?
I was paying attention and
you are planning something.
Sawyer?
What?
You wanna give everybody else
some arugula?
Sorry.
"Is romance on your mind?
"True Love Books and Cafe
in Waterford may be
"the place to go.
"With dozens of proposals
"and successful first dates
in its history,
"some say the bookstore
and cafe is love's lucky charm.
"And while we'll
never know for sure,
"many former customers believe
in its romantic magic so much
"they've been sending
thank you valentines
"to the store for decades.
"Isn't this the type of
Waterford legacy worth saving?"
This is wonderful, Jamie.
Was the article your idea?
I did the interview yesterday.
Yeah, I probably should have
thought of it before
but it didn't occur to me
until I found the valentines
and with the vote coming up,
which did you hear?
It got moved up
to February 14th.
Valentine's Day?
So soon.
I guess Ridley's putting
pressure on them
to make a decision.
But honestly, this article has
generated so much interest
in the store.
We have people coming in
from Portland and Eugene.
Lucy called this morning and
said there was a line already
outside the door.
Will it be enough, though?
What do you mean?
If you stop Ridley Properties
this time
won't a development team
just come in right behind them?
I mean, it sure seems like the
council has their sights set
on wiping this whole area clean
and starting over.
Actually it's pretty evenly
split which means that Eric
will have the final say and
he is very open to listening.
Or he notices a pretty woman
is the face of the opposition.
It's not like that.
Oh, honey.
I saw how he looked at you
at the cooking class.
Sawyer saw, too.
Sawyer?
What did Sawyer say?
He didn't say anything.
I mean, after your little spat.
It was not a spat.
Couples have spats.
We had a vigorous disagreement.
However you want to put it.
The point is Sawyer kept
watching both of you
during the whole class.
Well, there's nothing going on
with me and Eric.
Especially after...
Sawyer?
Matt.
The guy I was just dating
who moved away.
But to be fair to Matt he wanted
you to go with him.
Unlike Sawyer, who just left.
Yeah, to go to college.
Who's side are you on?
Always yours.
Which is why I'm so proud
of you for that.
Thank you.
I wonder what the feedback will
be like from the Ridley side.
Your goal was to persuade the
community to embrace our deal.
I know.
To be very clear this is
the opposite of that.
I understand, which is
why I'm working to meet
with as many of the owners
as possible.
Well, perhaps you should
concentrate on Miss Vaughn.
Look, I know that Jamie can be
a little passionate
about her causes...
Jamie? How well do you know
Miss Vaughn?
Well, I haven't seen her
since high school.
But in high school?
We... dated.
She was your high school
sweetheart?
We never referred
to ourselves as-
Sawyer.
Yes. We were high school
sweethearts.
And now?
Now nothing.
Well, a friendly nothing.
We did just take a cooking
class together the other day.
That's good, because there
can be no lingering animosity
between the two of you
that could imperil this deal.
I got it.
I got it under control.
I just sent an SOS to Rick,
we are almost out of
sugar cookies.
This is fantastic.
That'll teach him.
Who? Mr. Arugula?
What?
Matt?
What does your ex want?
And speaking of blast
from the past...
Yeah.
Nice article.
Thanks.
But I have to ask.
What did you think of
my actual designs?
They're... beautiful.
And they will fit right in.
In Sweden.
Sweden?
Yeah, like Nordic minimalism,
which I am actually a huge
fan of, it's just...
not Waterford.
I should get back to work.
Yeah.
In my bookstore.
'Cause it's busy.
I have to do something
to counter Jamie's article.
Good luck fighting against
True Love.
Have you been by there today?
It's like a mosh pit.
Yeah, it's like every unattached
person in town
all of a sudden has an interest
in the written word,
including Quentin.
Who's Quentin?
Sweater guy from
my cooking class.
Yeah.
Lucy and him exchanged
phone numbers and now,
according to Lucy who likes to
tell me these sorts of things,
they're making plans for dinner,
which is not the outcome
that I was going for.
You know, Jamie had a point.
You should tell Lucy
how you feel.
Yeah, maybe I should
have told her
when she was 100 percent single
but now she's not.
They've only just talked.
She's still 98 percent single.
Whatever.
What about you and Jamie?
There was no effort at subtlety
in that conversation pivot.
Nope.
So?
Have you talked to her since
your cooking class disaster?
Briefly.
And meanwhile, only one store
in the business district
is willing to sit down with me.
Olga's Dance Studio.
That's the benefit of her having
lived here longer than you.
Jamie's in mostly
everybody's ear.
Yeah, but my sort of being from
Waterford is one of the reasons
why Ridley gave me this shot.
If they hire me I won't have to
travel so far for every project
and I might maybe even
eventually be able
to buy a house.
You need to reintroduce yourself
to folks in a friendlier way.
Embrace the community.
Embrace the community.
"Dearest, I know you
told me not to write,
"but you also told me
to not wait for you
"while you go fight
for our country.
"But you see, my darling,
it is quite impossible for me
"to let you go
"and so I will wait for you and
give you glimpses of the world
"you have here
upon your return".
They were so in love.
Who?
Mary and Harris, the original
owners of the book store.
I found some of their letters
in the Story of Us box.
Harris broke up with Mary
before he was shipped overseas
for World War II because he
didn't want her waiting for him.
But she ignored him
and kept writing anyway.
Good girl.
Yeah.
Her letters about what
was happening in Waterford
is what kept him going
while he was away.
Nowadays she'd probably send him
texts with some emojis mixed in.
Yeah.
So not the same.
Sounds romantic.
Which makes sense for a couple
who started a bookstore
called True Love.
I mean, wouldn't that be nice?
To have someone who'd want
to do something so creative
with you like start a bookstore?
I thought you were
on a romantic hiatus.
Doesn't mean I can't recognize
romance in other people.
Thank you.
Wait, what?
Does that say Ridley?
Don't look now, but I...
No way.
I love Waterford.
My mom and I moved here
when I was 12 years old.
Chuck, your dad gave me my
first job at the pizzeria.
I remember.
So this isn't just gonna be some
random tear-down.
I'm a hometown boy who's
come back to his roots
to do what I can to help
make things better
for a place that I care
a lot about.
I'm sorry.
Hometown boy?
That's me.
And when was the last time
you were here?
Well, it's...
it's been a while.
Since you graduated
high school, right?
About that.
So... How did you even come up
with these designs
if you haven't even been here
in a decade and a half?
Well, I... I don't need
to be on location
in order to create my designs.
Oh, what? Because it's
all just the same?
Just some stores
to be torn down?
Not at all.
History to be ignored?
Beth, how long have you had
your hobby warehouse?
Thirty-five years.
Thirty-five years!
Thirty-five years. People have
been coming to your store
for everything they need
from scrapbooking needs
to their homemade
Christmas decorations.
That's right.
But because of where your store
is located,
some people in Portland, think
it would make a great place
for some retail space-station-
like mega development,
forcing you to sell
your life's work.
Is that right?
It's not.
It is not.
It's not a space station.
It's not.
Hey, Lucy.
Let me help you with that.
Thank you.
Where's Jamie?
Jousting with her ex.
Sawyer has her going, huh?
That and trying to save
the store she's loved
since childhood, and sunk
her life savings into.
There.
How do I look?
The only answer is gorgeous.
Oh, aren't you sweet?
Why do you ask?
Quentin's stopping by.
Sweater guy?
It's February, Rick.
People wear sweaters.
You have sweaters.
Yeah, but I make 'em look cool.
So do you like this Quentin guy?
I mean, you get that wow
moment that you talk about?
I don't know if I'd call it
"wow",
but he's nice and handsome.
But no "wow"?
No, I haven't had many of those.
Only one, actually.
What happened with that guy?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing happened
with that guy.
You two...
never went out?
Nope.
I thought for sure that we would
but it never happened.
Maybe our timing
was just off or...
maybe it was all one-sided.
So where is he now?
Lucy.
Hi.
Quentin!
Hi.
For you.
That's...
thank you.
I'm gonna go make some risotto.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Thank you.
No fair, you already know
everyone in Waterford.
Thanks, Sawyer!
Well, it seems the hometown
boy is making progress.
Well, you had, what, a 15-year
head start on me?
Six.
Six years.
I only came back to Waterford
six years ago.
Hold on, you didn't come back
right after college?
Jamie!
There you are.
Karen.
Hello.
I never see you anymore.
Well, we've been busy.
Being busy is the best way
to get over heartbreak.
That's certainly been Matt's
motto this past year.
I'm Karen Van Horn.
Sawyer O'Dell.
Sawyer?
Jamie's ex.
- From a long...
- Long.
Time ago.
I see. Matt talks
about you all the time.
He does?
Matt?
My son.
Jamie and Matt dated...
A long...
Last year.
Time ago.
A year's not that long ago.
And since we're,
on the subject of time,
Jamie and I have a lunch
reservation right now.
Yes, we do, right now.
It was so good to see you,
though.
I'm so sorry.
Buh-bye.
Nice to meet you.
I take it she's not
your biggest fan?
Actually it's the opposite.
Yeah, if she had her way Matt
and I would be together.
What are the chances of that?
Considering he's in Texas and
I'm here I'm gonna go with none.
I think we're safe now.
This reminds me of when we
skipped algebra in high school.
And Coach Taylor caught us.
And you miraculously talked
our way out of detention.
Well, you're not the only one
who can be charming you know.
I'm well aware of how charming
you can be.
Believe it or not I was
really happy to see you
in the bookstore again.
Before things got complicated.
Complicated.
That is one word.
I was glad to see you, too.
Yeah?
It reminded me of how
we first met.
I don't remember you trying
to bean me in the head
with Jane Austen
when we first met.
No, but it was
in the same bookstore.
Yes.
Right where, romance
and Sci-Fi genres converge.
Right there on the shelf,
the book we were both
looking for.
The Princess Bride.
Yeah.
You had just arrived
in Waterford.
Yeah, my fifth town
in four years
and you were my second friend.
Rick will always be first.
But you'll always be prettier.
Don't tell him that.
I would never, it would
destroy him.
Okay, I gotta confess.
I should have said
something earlier but...
I'm hungry.
Me too! I skipped breakfast!
Lunch?
Lunch.
I know just the place.
I cannot believe you are eating
ice cream in this weather.
It's the Sundae Madness.
I can't believe
they still have it.
I think that was your exact
order on our very first date.
It was.
I've missed this so much.
I've been to a million
other ice cream shops.
Nothing compares to Jeff's.
I missed it like crazy
when I was in Minnesota.
When were you in Minnesota?
Right after I graduated
from Reed.
I did an internship at a
newspaper in Minneapolis
and they made me a full-time
reporter.
Mostly human interest stories.
Did you like it?
I did.
Yeah, I learned a lot
about storytelling that way.
But eventually I came to realize
just how much I missed
this place.
So six years ago
when I got back,
Mr. Ogilvy made me manager
of the store
and then when he decided to
retire I knew I had to buy it.
Well, that doesn't surprise me.
You living outside of Oregon,
however, does.
I never thought you would.
I know.
You said that when you broke up
with me
all those years ago.
We broke up with each other.
Did we?
I thought we did.
No, like you had
a very good point.
People should go out
into the world,
see other things,
have other experiences,
before they decide where
they want to settle down.
That's what I did
and that's how I know.
This is where I wanna be.
So are you still writing?
Here and there.
Published anything?
Not yet.
Have you tried?
I haven't.
Why not?
Probably for the same reason
everybody else
who writes but doesn't publish.
Fear of rejection.
Rejection hurts.
Duck crossing?
Yeah. Yeah, those went in
a little while ago.
Do you remember
Mrs. Montenegro?
The woman on Ashland Avenue.
Exactly.
So turns out she was buying land
on the outskirts of town,
just little by little,
until eventually she got
the local preservation society
to designate the area
a bird sanctuary.
Really?
Yes, but unforeseen result is
we've now had an influx of ducks.
- Ducks?
- Yeah, ducks.
Hundreds of ducks.
And they obviously follow
the rules of the road?
Well...
I don't know if they actually...
Hey, Sawyer!
Dad wants to say hi.
I should...
Yeah, yeah go ahead.
Hey, what's all this?
I'm doing a last minute
Valentine theme
wine tasting down
at the restaurant.
What made you think of this?
Let me guess, Lucy?
Yeah, Lucy.
I saw her down
at the park and we talked.
Now I don't know if I'm seeing
what I want to see
but I feel like...
mayb... okay, probably not,
but...
Rick, you need to tell her
how you feel.
Okay, so I'm gonna do
a wine tasting,
create a fun,
friendly environment
where I can tell her how I feel.
You're gonna be there, right?
To help me out and make me look
good like you did the other day?
You don't need me for that.
Yeah, they were
just shaking hands.
Just Sawyer, Chuck,
and Chuck's dad,
like they were old friends.
Or old employer-employee.
From an eternity ago.
Well, I remember every person
I've ever employed.
Yeah, well you're good
like that.
And so is Chuck,
and Chuck's dad.
Yeah, it's Sawyer I'm mad at.
Mad?
Okay, I'm frustrated.
I'm not mad.
He is winning people over right
and left and now I think
Olga's Dance Studio is gonna
back the proposal.
Well, it's not just
Sawyer's charm.
What do you mean?
Is that...?
A 20 percent increase
from their last offer.
I'm not gonna accept it.
Aunt Anita.
No, this is my home, and
the store is still my joy.
And besides, I'm too young
to retire just yet.
Yeah, but if you got that
that means the others did, too.
It's a good offer, Jamie.
I could pay off
my second mortgage.
And aren't we just delaying
the inevitable?
No.
No, the vote on the 14th
is to see if the council
even recommends going forward
with the project.
We stop it there and it's done.
We all stick together and we say
no we can actually sway
the council's vote.
I know councilwoman Baker's
in favour of it going forward,
and her husband owns Golf Mart
over on 3rd Street.
Now that's a big chunk of land.
Yeah, but all of us together
is even more land.
More property, more voice.
How many of you all remember
what happened at Tanner Falls?
I mean, some of those store
owners didn't even have
a place to go back to or a place
they could even recognize.
We all want what's best for
Waterford and we understand
the importance of bringing
in new people to the district,
it's why we started the Fire
and Ice Festival.
Look, you all know how much
I love my bookstore.
I mean, even before it was mine.
But I believe all of you love
your stores just as much.
I've been at the same dance
studio for over 20 years.
I don't know where I'd be
without it.
Right.
And if we are all one voice
at that council vote
maybe you won't have to, Olga.
What's on your mind, Chuck?
Well...
Chuck Blevins
from the pizza place
sent in his agreement
this morning.
Well, that's good news.
He liked the idea of one of
his dad's old employees
being in charge of the redesign.
Good job.
How's it going
with the bookstore?
Jamie and I are talking.
About her supporting
the project?
It's a work in progress.
As long as there is progress
before the council vote.
There's a reason Ridley
chose you for this.
I remember.
Eliot!
Oh, Eliot.
What'll we do if we can't save
this place, huh?
Okay, there you go, bud.
There you go, bud.
"Darling Mary, words alone
cannot express
"how grateful I am
that you did not listen
"when I told you not to write.
"Each story you relay to me
of the people back in Waterford
"reminds me anew what
it is I'm fighting for.
"It's love.
"Though we have been apart
for what feels like ages,
"my love for you remains
ever steadfast, ever true.
"Please keep the stories comin,
my dear.
"Your words inspire me
and bring me hope.
"Love, Harris".
So we're gonna keep
half the copies
of these letters here,
take the other half
to the Fire and Ice Festival.
Bring people from there to here.
And here to there.
So they can read
what happens next.
Exactly.
Yeah, I want these letters
to inspire people
and help them reconnect
with the town's history.
Maybe then they'll be less eager
to tear it down.
What're you thinking?
I'm thinking... can you watch
the store for a little while?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks for meeting me.
This used to be your favourite
building in Waterford.
You drew it all the time.
I did it in watercolours, too.
Always reminded me
of someplace grand.
Well, it originally
was a church.
And now it has been re-purposed
to be a town hall and a theatre.
You know, you say
you're a hometown boy
but did you actually miss your
home town while you were away?
Honestly?
I've been too busy with work
or looking for the next project
to do much of anything else.
Then let me remind
you what you left behind.
They wrote each other
throughout his time away in the war
and then when he got back
they bought True Love Books.
Her father originally owned
this building
but Harris loved books so much
he got the entire property
and the rest is...
History.
This is such a special place.
The store, the courtyard,
the tree.
I've always thought so.
And then to find these
valentines from old customers,
I mean, people who went out,
picked out a card,
and wrote in their appreciation
for True Love Books?
It just... it makes it that much
more special.
You can take that
if you want, I can...
No, no.
Were you ever tempted to go
to Texas with Matt,
start some place new?
A little.
But I couldn't tell if it was
because of how I felt for him
or if I was just...
Lonely?
Reliving not going to Columbia
with you way back when.
Do you wish you had?
Do you wish you had stayed?
Don't answer that.
Really?
I mean, you didn't stay
and I didn't go
and because of those decisions
we are who we are today.
Well, for what it's worth
I think you turned out
pretty well.
Yeah?
Jury's still out on you.
Yeah.
Now's your shot.
Be cool.
Yeah.
Alright.
Here we go.
Hey, Luce.
Hi.
You said you liked
that Chardonnay
last time you were here.
Unoaked.
You remember.
Yeah, I remember
all sorts of things,
like, the first time
that we met.
August 9th, two years ago.
You'd only been in town
for a week
and you walked in here wearing
a, purple paisley shirt,
ordered a salmon miso,
unoaked Chardonnay.
And I remember
you were hilarious
and dating Megan the model.
Yeah, we broke up.
Yeah. Ten months later.
Sorry! Sorry.
Consults ran late.
Of course.
Hi, Rick.
I gotta go...
Make some risotto.
Pour some wine.
So...
I'm having that
and it's delicious.
Maybe you shouldn't arrange
any more Valentine's gatherings.
No, not at all.
What if we sent Lucy
a valentine from Rick
telling her how he feels?
And invade his privacy?
Fine, fine, fine.
No scheming, we'll just let him
continue to pine for her
while gently encouraging him
to reveal his feelings.
Well, it is the mature course
of action.
Heading home?
Fire and Ice Festival
starts tomorrow
so this hometown girl's
gotta go get ready.
Well, so does this hometown boy.
Mind a little company
on the walk?
Not at all.
Alright.
So we've talked about my past
and Rick and Lucy
but I couldn't help but notice
we haven't talked
about your love life.
That's because there's not much
to talk about.
So no one?
There was a woman, Sarah.
We came close.
Close as in...?
I thought about proposing.
Yeah, well that was about
the same time she met the guy
that was everything
she ever wanted.
And she said it made her
realize that,
in her own words, we were just
kinda going through the motions.
- Was she right?
- Yeah. Yeah.
I recognized it even
as she was telling me.
I thought about proposing just
because it was a time in my life
where I thought I should.
And Sarah was,
or is I should say,
a wonderful person but we were
only ever just playing
at being a couple instead of really
connecting like we should.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it hurt my ego
not my heart.
I know the difference.
- You live in your parent's house?
- Yep. I bought it six months ago,
right before they left
on their big retirement trip
across the continent.
Yeah, Frank and Elaine always
talked about wanting to do that.
Yep, and they did it.
Yeah, I just, I couldn't stand
the thought of
letting this place go.
I'm glad you didn't.
I always loved this place.
Whenever I think about having
a home of my own
it looks like this.
You don't have a house?
A condo, but I'm not there
that much.
I thought a big house was
something you always wanted.
Part of being freelance
is having to take jobs
all over the country
wherever they are.
One of the draws to Ridley is
a chance to stay in one place.
How many times have I walked you
to this door?
Jamie!
Matt?
Matt, what're...
I've been trying to reach you
to let you know I was coming.
Sorry.
Matt Van Horn,
this is Sawyer O'Dell.
The Sawyer.
I'm sure there are others
out there.
Right?
Thanks, I'm good.
And thank you
for walking me home.
Yeah.
Hi.
Do you wanna come in?
That'd be great.
Okay.
Thanks.
So what're you doing here, Matt?
You always were direct.
It saves time.
Which I don't have a lot
of right now.
There's a lot going on.
I read your article in the paper
about the bookstore.
You did?
The second I saw your face
in the photo...
I just got hit with the biggest
wave of regret.
I miss you, Jamie.
Just... all of a sudden?
It's always been a struggle.
Are they tearing down
the bookstore?
I don't know.
I hope not.
If it were to close,
would you be open to moving
back to Texas with me?
You could come to Austin.
You could start your own
bookstore there.
Matt.
We had something, Jamie.
I let that get away once.
I'd be a fool not to try again.
Would you think about it?
Harris for you,
I'll take your Mary.
Thank you.
Hi. Harris for your Mary.
Thanks.
Hello.
That must have been tough,
him showing you up like that.
Or are we still pretending
that your feelings for Jamie
are platonic?
No, no, she's still my ker-pow.
And are you gonna tell her
that directly?
Throwing my own words
back at me, I see.
It's really satisfying.
Rick, we are two smart
and talented-
Yeah!
Successful men!
You forgot handsome.
Why can't we figure this out?
We've figured it out.
We just need to act on it.
For a woman on a romantic hiatus
you have a lot of guy issues.
I know.
I mean Lucy, it was like
one of those fantasies
where the ex shows up,
like, grovelling
because they made
such a huge mistake.
I know that fantasy.
Right?
And Matt is such a good guy.
And you know, for so long
I wondered if I should have
just gone with him
but my life is here.
Although even that's up
in the air now.
What about Sawyer?
Was he super jealous
when Matt swooped in?
I was too numb to tell.
Just distract me
with Quentin talk, please.
There is no more Quentin.
Already?
No spark.
I hoped, but...
What was that?
What was what?
That look at Rick.
A look at Rick.
Do you like him?
And don't say "yeah,
he's my friend"
'cause you know what I mean.
I have liked Rick since
the first moment I saw him.
Quentin could not compare.
You cannot say anything.
- But I wanna...
- But I...
But I want to.
I said no.
Hello. A customer.
Hello.
Have you read the story
of Harris...
Sawyer.
Excuse me.
Sure.
Hey. Yeah?
We have to do something.
About Matt, I think
we should just-
Lucy.
Lucy?
Lucy.
Lucy likes Rick.
I'm gonna go tell him.
No!
No, you absolutely cannot
tell him.
I made a promise and that
would be a violation of trust.
So what do we do?
Well, we have to get
them together.
I thought we weren't scheming.
Well, that was before I knew
the feelings were mutual.
I'm just gonna nod
like that makes sense.
Valentine's Day is in two days.
This whole festival is about,
music and romance
and love and food-
Food!
Food.
Food!
Hey!
No spying.
They're right out in the open.
Rick would totally spy.
Okay, a little bit of spying,
come on.
Hey, Jamie says you
need help handing out samples?
She did?
Don't you?
Right.
Wait, wait, wait.
Yes. Help.
Here.
So I know what I'm serving.
You really do make
great risotto.
I've I've had
some practice lately.
How long is lately?
August 9th.
Two years ago.
Please tell me Quentin's
not gonna show up all of a sud...
He's not.
Why not?
Because he's not my "wow".
Ker-pow?
It's what I call it.
I called it when
I first saw you.
I need to clear up a few things.
Matt?
And the council vote is in a
couple of days and I don't know
what my life is going to look
like and I just don't know
if right now is the right time...
How... how...
how about this?
I take you to a pre-Valentine's
dinner tomorrow
and we see where it goes
from there?
Okay.
Tomorrow it is.
I'll see you at True Love.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
I am so happy for you!
And so relieved that I don't
have to listen to Rick
go on and on and on
about how amazing you are.
Oh, no.
You are so going to have
to hear about that.
And don't think I'm not gonna
ask you a million questions
about how much you knew
the whole time?!
But not now because
Rick's taking me to dinner.
Well go get ready!
I will pack up.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Thank you for coming.
Thanks for calling so soon.
Have you thought about
what I asked?
I have.
It's been, buzzing
in my head since I saw you.
But it's a no.
Matt, I know there's a part
of me that could talk myself
into getting back together with
you but it wouldn't be right.
I'm sorry, Matt.
Goodbye, Jamie.
Bye.
Miss Sutton?
Hello, Miss Vaughn.
Well, this is a surprise.
What brings you in?
I thought I would stop by
on my way to the festival.
I have to say, Miss Vaughn,
generating that article
was a deft move.
And the love letters
are popular, as well.
Thank you.
But by now you must realize
it's a losing battle.
Oh, no.
Not at all.
I mean, look around.
Yes, you're quite busy.
But yours is only one store.
That's bringing a lot of
foot traffic into the district.
For now.
But what about
after Valentine's Day,
when the lure of love goes away?
The lure of love
never goes away.
I suppose not.
But the emphasis brought on
by this holiday will.
Valentine's Day is one of
the best days of the year
and you don't have to be in
a relationship to enjoy it.
But in the end, Waterford's
council is going to vote
to go forward with Ridley
Property and Sawyer's redesign.
He's already persuaded three
more stores to support the plan,
including Keg and Bikes, which
puts us at a tipping point.
Persuade. Right.
I almost forgot
that's why he's here.
Well, that's not the real issue.
What is?
Your future.
If... when the council decides
to go ahead with the vote
and if you remain a hold-out,
they could evoke eminent domain
and take your property for
the benefit of the community,
which means they'll likely pay
a far lower price
than what we are offering now.
You have a window
of opportunity, Miss Vaughn,
but it's shrinking.
This is our final offer.
Your store is lovely.
I can see why you're fighting
for it.
Perhaps you could use the money
from the sale to recreate
it elsewhere.
It wouldn't be the same.
I know.
And I truly am sorry.
What's wrong?
Your boss, Dana Sutton,
was just here.
Did she say something?
Nothing I didn't already know.
It was just a timely reminder.
Of?
Of why you're really here.
To be your charming self
and persuade everyone to sell.
Persuade me to sell.
Jamie...
You know, I can't help
but wonder.
Have you just been humouring me
this whole time?
Or did you ever actually give
Waterford a chance?
My being here is all about
giving Waterford a chance.
To... to... to help it
thrive again
the way I remember it used to.
I know you think I exaggerate
my memories about this place
to score points
but it's not true.
Waterford is where
the best parts
of my growing up took place.
Where my best friends are.
Where I... fell in love.
In the past.
Past is prologue, Jamie.
I know I left when we were kids
but I am back now
and I can't stop thinking
about you.
See?
I don't know what's real
and what's you just doing
what you need to do to get
the job so you can walk away.
Again.
I didn't walk away.
We agreed.
No, you made that decision
for both of us.
I never saw it like that.
You know what?
Past isn't prologue.
It's past.
Just like True Love
will be soon.
And maybe that's where
we should stay, too.
Jamie...
No, it's okay.
I'm not even mad.
You're doing what you need
to do and I respect that.
But I am gonna pass on
dinner tonight.
It was good to see you again.
"My darling Mary,
"even though we are separated
by countless miles
"and an ocean of worry
"I still feel your presence
deep in my heart
"where I have kept you
since the moment we met.
"As long as you continue
to believe in me,
"believe in us, I know we
can overcome any obstacle
"no matter how great.
"Because that is the nature
of true love.
"It always finds a way.
Always".
There is a tree in the courtyard
of True Love Bookstore and Cafe.
Okay.
The original builders crafted
the entire store
around that tree.
Yeah, and probably chopped down
a bunch of others
in the process.
We don't know that for certain,
but what we do know
is that they went to
extraordinary lengths to keep
that tree alive and thriving.
Where are you going with this?
I have an idea for
the Waterford redesign.
I know, I've seen it.
No, no, a new idea.
I knew it.
I could feel Sawyer
slipping back into my heart
and I should have
stopped it immediately.
No, you shouldn't have.
Never stop love.
Just because you love someone
and it doesn't work out
doesn't mean there isn't value
in the experience.
I mean, even the dentist.
- Matt.
- Matt.
I mean, you learned something
from him, didn't you?
Yeah, but I don't wanna
look back.
At least not with Matt.
But is that all there was
between me and Sawyer?
The past?
I see how you two look
at each other now
and there is no doubt
about how you feel.
And I think it's always
been there.
That's how it is
with true loves.
But... here I am about
to lose this bookstore
that I practically grew up in,
where he and I met,
where I have put
my heart and soul,
all for a project
that he's a part of?
How can that be true love?
True love doesn't have
to be perfect.
It just has to be true.
Whenever you're ready.
Thank you.
Council members,
I'm Dana Sutton.
With me is Sawyer O'Dell,
and together we represent
Ridley Property Development
which, as you know,
has presented a proposal
for a redesign
of the Waterford
business district.
We are here today to withdraw
that proposal
and we'd like to present a new
one if council is amenable.
You realize this will mean
we'll have to delay the vote
until everyone has the chance
to review the designs in depth?
We do.
And honestly,
my business instincts
are completely against this
but my creative instinct says
that what Sawyer came up
with deserves to be seen.
Well, then let's see it.
Everybody wants the Waterford
business district to succeed.
The question is which direction
do we take
in order to achieve that goal?
If we choose only to preserve
the history then we risk failing
to revitalize the district and
losing out on the opportunity
to bring new business
to Waterford.
If we just wipe the slate clean
we lose the charm and history
of what makes Waterford
the kind of place
that we like to call home.
After being here for the first
time in a long time
and several conversations
with the very persuasive
Miss Jamie Vaughn
I started thinking about
a new route.
True love.
Look, they saved
the tree, the courtyard.
I believe this design
will help foster a sense
of Waterford's history
and community
while respecting the past,
honouring the present,
and planning for the future.
Thank you, Mr. O'Dell.
Now-
Can I say something?
Please, Miss Vaughn.
Hi.
As most of you know I have
been leading the opposition
to the redesign.
To me there is magic in
the history of this place.
In the Story of Us.
However, that doesn't mean that
we have to sacrifice our future
and after looking at
Mr. O'Dell's new designs
I believe he's found a way
to bridge that divide,
for which I am profoundly
grateful.
So, for what it's worth,
the redesign by Ridley
has my full support.
Clearly, your support is worth
a great deal, Miss Vaughn.
Now, if there are no objections,
we would like to table the
discussion until next week,
but just for me, I agree
with Miss Vaughn.
I like it.
Sawyer?
Congratulations.
I feel confident that we will be
welcoming you
to Ridley Property very soon.
Thank you, Dana, and
thank you for everything,
especially all the support
tonight.
But...
But?
You said that one of the things
you like about my work
is my ability to anticipate
a client's needs.
Which you just demonstrated.
But I think that it's time for
me to listen to my own needs,
and I need to make a home,
a real home,
and I would like it to be
in Waterford.
And you think that prevents you
from working at Ridley?
Doesn't it?
Sawyer, you just pulled off
a tremendous success
that goes far beyond your talent
for architecture.
I'm not letting you go
that easily.
You want to be in Waterford,
fine.
You have to be here
while the project goes forward,
anyway.
Afterward, we'll negotiate.
And I anticipate that it will go
very well for both of us.
Where's Jamie?
She's not here.
Okay, where is she?
She told me to give you this.
What's this?
It's a red envelope
on Valentine's Day.
It's a valentine.
Have fun.
So I started writing
something new.
A love story.
And I would like
your opinion on it.
What's it about?
Well, a boy and a girl meet,
fall in love,
then they get separated only
to have circumstance
bring them back together again.
And they realize they never
stopped loving each other
the entire time.
And that's how you know
it's true love.
That's my favourite
kind of story.
Mine too.
But I'm gonna need your help
to finish it.
And you will have it.
Always.
It is a beautiful day to sell
books, isn't it, Eliot?
Yes, I agree.
Hey, Alex. What's up?
Hey, Jamie.
I was trying to figure out
a good book to give Taylor
for Valentine's Day.
She likes romantic comedies,
I figure...
Mirth is funny, right?
Yes, it is.
And Edith Wharton,
one of the greatest authors
of all time.
The first woman to win
a Pulitzer for literature.
But in this case Mirth
is ironic.
Also romantic, but much funnier,
and spoiler alert,
a happy ending.
Although, if you want her crying
on your shoulder
about the importance
of following your heart
when it comes to true love
then "House of Mirth" it is.
Happy deciding.
You are a lifesaver.
Well, I hope she likes them.
Alright, thank you, Jamie.
Of course. Bye.
Bye.
Hey, Luce.
Did you know Lennox Music
is closed?
What? When?
I don't know.
I just saw the place is empty
and there's a "closed
for business" sign
on the front door.
That is the third business
on this block
since the beginning of the year.
Fourth, if you count Cassidy's
Candles in December.
What is going on?
What?
There's my favourite niece.
Your parents Skyped me
last night from Winnipeg.
I swear, they're gonna put
100,000 miles on that RV
by the end of the year if they-
what is it?
When did you get this?
This morning.
And I checked.
Every shop in the business
district got one, too.
I bet if you check your mail
you have one.
What do you think this means?
I guess we'll find out
at the meeting.
But if this Ridley is a property
development company?
No, that can't be good news
for any of us.
So, as you can see, we turn
the Waterford business district
into a mixed use space
which will drive revenue
for the entire town.
I like the adjustments.
I think the Waterford
council will, too.
Thank you.
Sawyer, how many projects
have you done for Ridley?
Five?
If you pick this one, seven.
Seven. Impressive.
I'm gonna let you in
on a little secret.
The Waterford project
isn't secure yet.
It will be, which is where
you come in.
Me?
You're from Waterford.
A point you made in
your initial presentation.
I am.
That's gonna help us
when it comes
to persuading the community.
Hold on, Dana, I haven't
been back in a very long time
and besides I'm just
the architect.
But you could be more.
Here's your opportunity.
The Waterford council wants us
to present our designs
in a couple of days before they
take an initial vote next week.
We have secured several
properties already
but their sales are contingent
on this project going
to the next step.
Help Ridley take that next step
and we can talk about
bringing you in-house
on a permanent basis.
So no more per project bids?
How does that sound to you?
That sounds great.
Good.
Maybe it won't be that bad?
The flyer only says they're
discussing a project.
This happened a few years ago
in Tanner Falls.
Some developers came in,
said they were gonna do
some improvements,
wiped out all of the stores
in the business district
and then they built them back up
to look like something
out of an H.G. Wells novel.
And not one of the cool ones.
Well, if they do go forward
with something like that
they at least have to buy
you out.
But I'd still lose the store.
And I've dreamed of owning
this place since I worked here
in high school.
It's the reason that I fell in
love with reading and writing
and storytelling.
I don't want another store,
I want True Love.
Come on.
I know something that's gonna
make you feel better.
Is that Jason Barnaby?
He met Lisa in the travel
section last year.
I think he's gonna propose.
I think you're right.
What're we looking at?
Rick!
What?
There's a proposal.
Yes.
How many proposals
does that make?
Four since I bought this place.
This shop really is a lucky
charm for love.
Ooh, I'm gonna use that.
Which brings me to...
Recipe for love?
Not all of us are in
a romantic time out.
Hiatus.
My boss, the incurable romantic
who owns a romance bookstore
while actively avoiding romance.
Do you see the irony here?
Is this for couples only?
No, no, no.
All sorts of singles
will be there,
including yours truly.
Yeah, but you're teaching,
so you don't count.
He counts.
Thanks.
Cooking class?
Just ask her out directly.
Well, what if she says no?
Then you'll know.
Finally.
I need to go make some risotto.
Oh boy.
Eliot, I just fed you.
Snuggle time on the couch it is.
It's about time you came back.
I was scared you'd never
show your face again
after coming in last in
the Fantasy football pool.
Remind me next time not to draft
a quarterback first.
I will do no such thing.
It's nice.
Thank you for this, man.
Really.
It's the least I could do.
As many times as you've
let me stay with you
in Portland and Chicago.
Don't forget Missoula.
How could I forget Missoula?
Less than a week, I swear.
Hey, it's all good.
Enough time for me to,
get your opinion
on a little situation that
I can't quite figure out.
Okay.
There's a woman...
There always is.
I'm serious this time.
Okay, okay.
What's the situation?
I can't quite ask her out.
What?
That is not the Rick I know.
No, it's 'cause I like her.
I... I really, really like her.
We... we had that...
that ker-pow moment
when we first met...
you know the one
I'm talking about.
I do.
And I can't forget it.
She liked me, too.
I know she did.
Why didn't you ask her out then?
I was dating Megan.
Megan, that disaster.
Yeah, thanks for reminding me.
Alright, never mind.
It just... sorry.
Just... you were telling
me about...?
Lucy.
Yeah.
But I made the classic mistake
of letting too much time pass
after we first met and now I'm
not sure if she only sees me
as a friend...
I can't believe the day has
arrived that Rick the romancer
has met his match.
Now, when do I get
to meet this nice girl?
Tomorrow night.
I'm... I'm... I'm doing this
Valentine's theme cooking class
down at the restaurant
and Lucy said she'd come.
Do you think that you could-
Count me in!
Just, you know,
obviously don't expect me
to cook anything edible.
No, no, no, no.
I'm the chef.
You're the wingman.
Yes, chef.
Thanks.
No problem.
Hi.
Can I help you find something?
You know, actually I
was hoping to catch Jamie.
Is she here?
She is not.
Do you know when she'll be back?
No, sorry I don't.
Look out!
Good catch.
Sawyer.
But soft, what light through
yonder window breaks.
What?
It's Romeo and Juliet.
You look like you're up
on a balcony.
There's no balcony.
What?
In the story she's standing
at a window.
Everybody gets it wrong.
I'm sorry.
I... I'm just
completely thrown.
Yeah. So was I.
I suppose I shouldn't be, this
was always your favourite place.
Let's start again.
Hi, Sawyer.
Hey, Jamie.
You dropped this.
Thank you.
I don't remember this courtyard.
But you remember the tree,
right?
The tree was always here.
In fact, they actually built
the bookstore around it
so they wouldn't have
to take it down.
Yeah, this courtyard
was completely overgrown.
I talked Mr. Ogilvy into letting
me clean it up a few years ago.
And we're hoping to expand.
Or I should say were hoping
to expand.
You were?
Not anymore?
It's a long story.
These developers are buying
all of the land
in the business district and,
I mean, you know they're
just gonna destroy everything.
Destroy?
Well, it's not decided yet but
they're having a meeting later
to see if they're gonna move
forward with the project.
Isn't that what business
developers do, though?
They just tear everything down
and put up something hideous?
It might not be hideous.
Well, I'm sure they
will not leave
my little bookstore unscathed.
Wait, you... you bought
the bookstore?
Yeah.
Yeah. I bought it
a few years ago.
Just like I always said I would.
I had no idea.
Well, how would you?
You've been gone for 15 years.
Unless Rick
tells you everything.
Not that thing.
Well, enough about me.
How are you?
What're you doing back here?
I...
Excuse me.
Hold on.
Hey, Dana, could you...
could you...
could you hold on just a sec?
I gotta take this.
Of course.
Yeah, go.
It was great to see you.
Good to see you too.
Bye.
Hey, Dana.
Yeah...
Bye.
It's Jamie Vaughn, right?
With True Love Books?
And cafe, yes.
Eric Duncan.
I'm new to the city council
in the area.
Nice to meet you, councilman.
I'm, glad you dropped by
to see the designs
for the development.
- Proposed development.
- Proposed development.
We're hopeful that
it will generate
some much-needed interest in
the local business community.
Well, what about the Fire
and Ice Festival?
It has drawn a lot of interest
to the area
and been very popular
for the last few years.
And I hope it continues to be,
but we should,
consider all options.
Sure.
I just have a million
questions starting with
Councilman?
What happens
to the existing stores
if this project goes through?
I'm sorry,
could... could you
excuse me for a second?
Hey, how are you?
Yeah.
Hi.
Just one second, thank you.
Jamie.
My goodness.
Sawyer O'Dell?
Hello, Anita.
So nothing for 15 years
and then I see you twice
in one hour?
Yeah.
Well, I wasn't exactly sure
how to approach
the subject earlier...
Sawyer, are the designs
ready to show?
Yes, they are cued up.
Excellent.
Hello.
Are you local business owners?
Yes, we are.
I'm Anita Vaughn from Anita's
Flowers and this is my niece...
Jamie Vaughn, True Love Books
and Cafe.
Nice to meet you both.
I hope you'll be as excited
as we are about the vision
we have in mind for the project.
Proposed project.
Well, I'm confident
that Sawyer's designs
will help persuade the council's
decision to go forward.
Ready?
Your designs?
Yeah.
Are you alright?
I guess we'll find out.
There you go.
Enjoy.
I knew it.
They're wiping out
all the stores.
Just like Tanner Falls.
Really?
Yep, and Sawyer is a part of it.
I cannot believe
he didn't tell me.
How long did you two date?
Well, we met in the eighth grade
but we didn't start dating
until sophomore year.
Were you prom queen and king?
He was king.
I was the girl who stayed late
in the library
focusing on my books
and studies.
Of course you were.
Yeah. And you would think
those differences
would have driven us apart,
especially being so young,
but that wasn't
until after graduation.
What happened?
Well, right before he left
for college he came to me
and he gave me this
big speech about
how we were way too young
to be so serious,
especially with him going off to
Columbia and me staying at Reed.
You know, we had our
whole futures to consider.
And that was that.
We broke up.
I'm sorry, honey.
It was a long time ago.
Have you tried these,
by the way?
They are amazing.
Yeah.
Rick's workin' on a new recipe.
That reminds me,
you're coming with me tonight.
Where?
Rick's Valentine's
cooking class.
And no "I'm writing" excuses.
I need you there in case
I meet someone.
That way we can discuss
the pros and cons.
What about Rick?
Yeah, I'll ask Rick's
opinion too,
you know, guy's perspective.
But first I need to meet
my own true love.
Well, how do you know
you haven't already met him?
I mean, Waterford isn't exactly
Portland in terms of population.
No.
I will know when I meet him.
We will both have that moment
where we just know.
You know?
Okay, this is going
somewhere else.
No, I don't know.
Why didn't you tell me that
Jamie bought True Love Books?
Remember a few years ago when
I casually mentioned
she was dating that dentist and
your reaction was to tell me
to never let you know anything
about Jamie
because it distracted you?
Vaguely.
Well, you did.
So I didn't.
Anything else you're
not telling me?
She's not happy
about the project.
Yeah, yeah, I get that already.
And she's single.
So what... what happened
with the dentist?
He moved to Texas last year.
So they weren't that serious.
They were serious.
He got some...
some job offer that
he couldn't turn down,
he asked her to move with him,
she declined.
Why?
You'll have to ask her.
Given how she reacted when
she found out I was working
with Ridley that feels
highly unlikely.
Is she dating anyone now?
No one.
She's on a romantic hiatus.
That does sounds like something
she would say.
Yeah.
Lucy thinks that,
instead of dating,
Jamie pours all her heart
into the bookstore.
The very one that you're trying
to tear down.
Wha...?
We have to find a way
to fight back.
Okay.
But how?
I have exactly no idea.
But we have got to come up
with something.
I mean, this place just means
to much for them
to cavalierly tear it down.
What is that?
It's a book.
It's not a book.
These are valentines.
These are so cute.
These are valentines
from old True Love customers
to True Love Books.
This is ridiculously sweet.
Look, this one says
it's from 1965.
Mr. Ogilvy must have kept them.
"Dear True Love, without you
we wouldn't have had
"our first Valentine's Day coffee
and found our own true loves.
"You'll always have a place
in our hearts.
"Love, Chris and Cara".
"A valentine of appreciation
to True Love Books and Cafe.
"You brought us together in
classics and helped us find
"our happily ever after.
"Forever grateful,
Sam and Lauren".
We should put these out
for the customers.
Yes, and show how important
True Love is to the community.
That's it.
What's it?
That's how we fight back.
Yes, yes, that's right.
Valentine's cards from old
True Love customers.
People who met there.
Yeah, and some of them date back
to the middle of last century.
Yeah, and this year alone we've
had four proposals in the store.
Now, isn't that a legacy
worth saving?
And when is it going to run?
Great, thank you so much!
We're in!
Yes!
Of course you're here.
This is a small town.
Okay, everybody, if you all
would find a cooking station.
Jamie, would you like to...
Yes, I would.
Well, okay, thank you.
Alright.
You look great.
Thank you, you do, too.
Hi.
Do you want to...
Sure.
- I'm Lucy.
- I'm Quentin.
I like your sweater.
Alright, chef.
What is on the menu?
We're gonna start off
with an arugula salad,
marinated figs, cherry tomatoes
and feta cheese.
Followed by our entree
of miso glazed salmon,
roasted potatoes, and bok choy.
I love glazed salmon.
What's for dessert?
Raspberry chocolate torte.
Yes!
What?
Nothing.
I mean, I just think if a guy
wants to say something
to a woman like
"hey, I like you" or
"hey, I'm actively employed
by the company trying
"to tear down your store"
that direct communication
goes a lot farther than
dancing around the topic or,
you know, being vague about it,
but you guys do you.
Okay, if one partner would
head to the back
and grab some salad fixings.
Got it!
I'm sorry I didn't mention
my involvement with Ridley
when I first saw you
at the bookshop.
Thank you.
But, in my defence,
I didn't know it was your
bookshop until just then.
But you knew it was True Love
and you know how much
that place means to me.
Well, yeah, but
not for a long time.
No, it wasn't a long time ago
to me.
And if you think that finding
out my ex being a part of
team Ridley is gonna stop me
from doing what I need to do
to save True Love then you have
another thing coming.
What're you cooking up?
Miso glazed salmon.
Weren't you paying attention?
I was paying attention and
you are planning something.
Sawyer?
What?
You wanna give everybody else
some arugula?
Sorry.
"Is romance on your mind?
"True Love Books and Cafe
in Waterford may be
"the place to go.
"With dozens of proposals
"and successful first dates
in its history,
"some say the bookstore
and cafe is love's lucky charm.
"And while we'll
never know for sure,
"many former customers believe
in its romantic magic so much
"they've been sending
thank you valentines
"to the store for decades.
"Isn't this the type of
Waterford legacy worth saving?"
This is wonderful, Jamie.
Was the article your idea?
I did the interview yesterday.
Yeah, I probably should have
thought of it before
but it didn't occur to me
until I found the valentines
and with the vote coming up,
which did you hear?
It got moved up
to February 14th.
Valentine's Day?
So soon.
I guess Ridley's putting
pressure on them
to make a decision.
But honestly, this article has
generated so much interest
in the store.
We have people coming in
from Portland and Eugene.
Lucy called this morning and
said there was a line already
outside the door.
Will it be enough, though?
What do you mean?
If you stop Ridley Properties
this time
won't a development team
just come in right behind them?
I mean, it sure seems like the
council has their sights set
on wiping this whole area clean
and starting over.
Actually it's pretty evenly
split which means that Eric
will have the final say and
he is very open to listening.
Or he notices a pretty woman
is the face of the opposition.
It's not like that.
Oh, honey.
I saw how he looked at you
at the cooking class.
Sawyer saw, too.
Sawyer?
What did Sawyer say?
He didn't say anything.
I mean, after your little spat.
It was not a spat.
Couples have spats.
We had a vigorous disagreement.
However you want to put it.
The point is Sawyer kept
watching both of you
during the whole class.
Well, there's nothing going on
with me and Eric.
Especially after...
Sawyer?
Matt.
The guy I was just dating
who moved away.
But to be fair to Matt he wanted
you to go with him.
Unlike Sawyer, who just left.
Yeah, to go to college.
Who's side are you on?
Always yours.
Which is why I'm so proud
of you for that.
Thank you.
I wonder what the feedback will
be like from the Ridley side.
Your goal was to persuade the
community to embrace our deal.
I know.
To be very clear this is
the opposite of that.
I understand, which is
why I'm working to meet
with as many of the owners
as possible.
Well, perhaps you should
concentrate on Miss Vaughn.
Look, I know that Jamie can be
a little passionate
about her causes...
Jamie? How well do you know
Miss Vaughn?
Well, I haven't seen her
since high school.
But in high school?
We... dated.
She was your high school
sweetheart?
We never referred
to ourselves as-
Sawyer.
Yes. We were high school
sweethearts.
And now?
Now nothing.
Well, a friendly nothing.
We did just take a cooking
class together the other day.
That's good, because there
can be no lingering animosity
between the two of you
that could imperil this deal.
I got it.
I got it under control.
I just sent an SOS to Rick,
we are almost out of
sugar cookies.
This is fantastic.
That'll teach him.
Who? Mr. Arugula?
What?
Matt?
What does your ex want?
And speaking of blast
from the past...
Yeah.
Nice article.
Thanks.
But I have to ask.
What did you think of
my actual designs?
They're... beautiful.
And they will fit right in.
In Sweden.
Sweden?
Yeah, like Nordic minimalism,
which I am actually a huge
fan of, it's just...
not Waterford.
I should get back to work.
Yeah.
In my bookstore.
'Cause it's busy.
I have to do something
to counter Jamie's article.
Good luck fighting against
True Love.
Have you been by there today?
It's like a mosh pit.
Yeah, it's like every unattached
person in town
all of a sudden has an interest
in the written word,
including Quentin.
Who's Quentin?
Sweater guy from
my cooking class.
Yeah.
Lucy and him exchanged
phone numbers and now,
according to Lucy who likes to
tell me these sorts of things,
they're making plans for dinner,
which is not the outcome
that I was going for.
You know, Jamie had a point.
You should tell Lucy
how you feel.
Yeah, maybe I should
have told her
when she was 100 percent single
but now she's not.
They've only just talked.
She's still 98 percent single.
Whatever.
What about you and Jamie?
There was no effort at subtlety
in that conversation pivot.
Nope.
So?
Have you talked to her since
your cooking class disaster?
Briefly.
And meanwhile, only one store
in the business district
is willing to sit down with me.
Olga's Dance Studio.
That's the benefit of her having
lived here longer than you.
Jamie's in mostly
everybody's ear.
Yeah, but my sort of being from
Waterford is one of the reasons
why Ridley gave me this shot.
If they hire me I won't have to
travel so far for every project
and I might maybe even
eventually be able
to buy a house.
You need to reintroduce yourself
to folks in a friendlier way.
Embrace the community.
Embrace the community.
"Dearest, I know you
told me not to write,
"but you also told me
to not wait for you
"while you go fight
for our country.
"But you see, my darling,
it is quite impossible for me
"to let you go
"and so I will wait for you and
give you glimpses of the world
"you have here
upon your return".
They were so in love.
Who?
Mary and Harris, the original
owners of the book store.
I found some of their letters
in the Story of Us box.
Harris broke up with Mary
before he was shipped overseas
for World War II because he
didn't want her waiting for him.
But she ignored him
and kept writing anyway.
Good girl.
Yeah.
Her letters about what
was happening in Waterford
is what kept him going
while he was away.
Nowadays she'd probably send him
texts with some emojis mixed in.
Yeah.
So not the same.
Sounds romantic.
Which makes sense for a couple
who started a bookstore
called True Love.
I mean, wouldn't that be nice?
To have someone who'd want
to do something so creative
with you like start a bookstore?
I thought you were
on a romantic hiatus.
Doesn't mean I can't recognize
romance in other people.
Thank you.
Wait, what?
Does that say Ridley?
Don't look now, but I...
No way.
I love Waterford.
My mom and I moved here
when I was 12 years old.
Chuck, your dad gave me my
first job at the pizzeria.
I remember.
So this isn't just gonna be some
random tear-down.
I'm a hometown boy who's
come back to his roots
to do what I can to help
make things better
for a place that I care
a lot about.
I'm sorry.
Hometown boy?
That's me.
And when was the last time
you were here?
Well, it's...
it's been a while.
Since you graduated
high school, right?
About that.
So... How did you even come up
with these designs
if you haven't even been here
in a decade and a half?
Well, I... I don't need
to be on location
in order to create my designs.
Oh, what? Because it's
all just the same?
Just some stores
to be torn down?
Not at all.
History to be ignored?
Beth, how long have you had
your hobby warehouse?
Thirty-five years.
Thirty-five years!
Thirty-five years. People have
been coming to your store
for everything they need
from scrapbooking needs
to their homemade
Christmas decorations.
That's right.
But because of where your store
is located,
some people in Portland, think
it would make a great place
for some retail space-station-
like mega development,
forcing you to sell
your life's work.
Is that right?
It's not.
It is not.
It's not a space station.
It's not.
Hey, Lucy.
Let me help you with that.
Thank you.
Where's Jamie?
Jousting with her ex.
Sawyer has her going, huh?
That and trying to save
the store she's loved
since childhood, and sunk
her life savings into.
There.
How do I look?
The only answer is gorgeous.
Oh, aren't you sweet?
Why do you ask?
Quentin's stopping by.
Sweater guy?
It's February, Rick.
People wear sweaters.
You have sweaters.
Yeah, but I make 'em look cool.
So do you like this Quentin guy?
I mean, you get that wow
moment that you talk about?
I don't know if I'd call it
"wow",
but he's nice and handsome.
But no "wow"?
No, I haven't had many of those.
Only one, actually.
What happened with that guy?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing happened
with that guy.
You two...
never went out?
Nope.
I thought for sure that we would
but it never happened.
Maybe our timing
was just off or...
maybe it was all one-sided.
So where is he now?
Lucy.
Hi.
Quentin!
Hi.
For you.
That's...
thank you.
I'm gonna go make some risotto.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Thank you.
No fair, you already know
everyone in Waterford.
Thanks, Sawyer!
Well, it seems the hometown
boy is making progress.
Well, you had, what, a 15-year
head start on me?
Six.
Six years.
I only came back to Waterford
six years ago.
Hold on, you didn't come back
right after college?
Jamie!
There you are.
Karen.
Hello.
I never see you anymore.
Well, we've been busy.
Being busy is the best way
to get over heartbreak.
That's certainly been Matt's
motto this past year.
I'm Karen Van Horn.
Sawyer O'Dell.
Sawyer?
Jamie's ex.
- From a long...
- Long.
Time ago.
I see. Matt talks
about you all the time.
He does?
Matt?
My son.
Jamie and Matt dated...
A long...
Last year.
Time ago.
A year's not that long ago.
And since we're,
on the subject of time,
Jamie and I have a lunch
reservation right now.
Yes, we do, right now.
It was so good to see you,
though.
I'm so sorry.
Buh-bye.
Nice to meet you.
I take it she's not
your biggest fan?
Actually it's the opposite.
Yeah, if she had her way Matt
and I would be together.
What are the chances of that?
Considering he's in Texas and
I'm here I'm gonna go with none.
I think we're safe now.
This reminds me of when we
skipped algebra in high school.
And Coach Taylor caught us.
And you miraculously talked
our way out of detention.
Well, you're not the only one
who can be charming you know.
I'm well aware of how charming
you can be.
Believe it or not I was
really happy to see you
in the bookstore again.
Before things got complicated.
Complicated.
That is one word.
I was glad to see you, too.
Yeah?
It reminded me of how
we first met.
I don't remember you trying
to bean me in the head
with Jane Austen
when we first met.
No, but it was
in the same bookstore.
Yes.
Right where, romance
and Sci-Fi genres converge.
Right there on the shelf,
the book we were both
looking for.
The Princess Bride.
Yeah.
You had just arrived
in Waterford.
Yeah, my fifth town
in four years
and you were my second friend.
Rick will always be first.
But you'll always be prettier.
Don't tell him that.
I would never, it would
destroy him.
Okay, I gotta confess.
I should have said
something earlier but...
I'm hungry.
Me too! I skipped breakfast!
Lunch?
Lunch.
I know just the place.
I cannot believe you are eating
ice cream in this weather.
It's the Sundae Madness.
I can't believe
they still have it.
I think that was your exact
order on our very first date.
It was.
I've missed this so much.
I've been to a million
other ice cream shops.
Nothing compares to Jeff's.
I missed it like crazy
when I was in Minnesota.
When were you in Minnesota?
Right after I graduated
from Reed.
I did an internship at a
newspaper in Minneapolis
and they made me a full-time
reporter.
Mostly human interest stories.
Did you like it?
I did.
Yeah, I learned a lot
about storytelling that way.
But eventually I came to realize
just how much I missed
this place.
So six years ago
when I got back,
Mr. Ogilvy made me manager
of the store
and then when he decided to
retire I knew I had to buy it.
Well, that doesn't surprise me.
You living outside of Oregon,
however, does.
I never thought you would.
I know.
You said that when you broke up
with me
all those years ago.
We broke up with each other.
Did we?
I thought we did.
No, like you had
a very good point.
People should go out
into the world,
see other things,
have other experiences,
before they decide where
they want to settle down.
That's what I did
and that's how I know.
This is where I wanna be.
So are you still writing?
Here and there.
Published anything?
Not yet.
Have you tried?
I haven't.
Why not?
Probably for the same reason
everybody else
who writes but doesn't publish.
Fear of rejection.
Rejection hurts.
Duck crossing?
Yeah. Yeah, those went in
a little while ago.
Do you remember
Mrs. Montenegro?
The woman on Ashland Avenue.
Exactly.
So turns out she was buying land
on the outskirts of town,
just little by little,
until eventually she got
the local preservation society
to designate the area
a bird sanctuary.
Really?
Yes, but unforeseen result is
we've now had an influx of ducks.
- Ducks?
- Yeah, ducks.
Hundreds of ducks.
And they obviously follow
the rules of the road?
Well...
I don't know if they actually...
Hey, Sawyer!
Dad wants to say hi.
I should...
Yeah, yeah go ahead.
Hey, what's all this?
I'm doing a last minute
Valentine theme
wine tasting down
at the restaurant.
What made you think of this?
Let me guess, Lucy?
Yeah, Lucy.
I saw her down
at the park and we talked.
Now I don't know if I'm seeing
what I want to see
but I feel like...
mayb... okay, probably not,
but...
Rick, you need to tell her
how you feel.
Okay, so I'm gonna do
a wine tasting,
create a fun,
friendly environment
where I can tell her how I feel.
You're gonna be there, right?
To help me out and make me look
good like you did the other day?
You don't need me for that.
Yeah, they were
just shaking hands.
Just Sawyer, Chuck,
and Chuck's dad,
like they were old friends.
Or old employer-employee.
From an eternity ago.
Well, I remember every person
I've ever employed.
Yeah, well you're good
like that.
And so is Chuck,
and Chuck's dad.
Yeah, it's Sawyer I'm mad at.
Mad?
Okay, I'm frustrated.
I'm not mad.
He is winning people over right
and left and now I think
Olga's Dance Studio is gonna
back the proposal.
Well, it's not just
Sawyer's charm.
What do you mean?
Is that...?
A 20 percent increase
from their last offer.
I'm not gonna accept it.
Aunt Anita.
No, this is my home, and
the store is still my joy.
And besides, I'm too young
to retire just yet.
Yeah, but if you got that
that means the others did, too.
It's a good offer, Jamie.
I could pay off
my second mortgage.
And aren't we just delaying
the inevitable?
No.
No, the vote on the 14th
is to see if the council
even recommends going forward
with the project.
We stop it there and it's done.
We all stick together and we say
no we can actually sway
the council's vote.
I know councilwoman Baker's
in favour of it going forward,
and her husband owns Golf Mart
over on 3rd Street.
Now that's a big chunk of land.
Yeah, but all of us together
is even more land.
More property, more voice.
How many of you all remember
what happened at Tanner Falls?
I mean, some of those store
owners didn't even have
a place to go back to or a place
they could even recognize.
We all want what's best for
Waterford and we understand
the importance of bringing
in new people to the district,
it's why we started the Fire
and Ice Festival.
Look, you all know how much
I love my bookstore.
I mean, even before it was mine.
But I believe all of you love
your stores just as much.
I've been at the same dance
studio for over 20 years.
I don't know where I'd be
without it.
Right.
And if we are all one voice
at that council vote
maybe you won't have to, Olga.
What's on your mind, Chuck?
Well...
Chuck Blevins
from the pizza place
sent in his agreement
this morning.
Well, that's good news.
He liked the idea of one of
his dad's old employees
being in charge of the redesign.
Good job.
How's it going
with the bookstore?
Jamie and I are talking.
About her supporting
the project?
It's a work in progress.
As long as there is progress
before the council vote.
There's a reason Ridley
chose you for this.
I remember.
Eliot!
Oh, Eliot.
What'll we do if we can't save
this place, huh?
Okay, there you go, bud.
There you go, bud.
"Darling Mary, words alone
cannot express
"how grateful I am
that you did not listen
"when I told you not to write.
"Each story you relay to me
of the people back in Waterford
"reminds me anew what
it is I'm fighting for.
"It's love.
"Though we have been apart
for what feels like ages,
"my love for you remains
ever steadfast, ever true.
"Please keep the stories comin,
my dear.
"Your words inspire me
and bring me hope.
"Love, Harris".
So we're gonna keep
half the copies
of these letters here,
take the other half
to the Fire and Ice Festival.
Bring people from there to here.
And here to there.
So they can read
what happens next.
Exactly.
Yeah, I want these letters
to inspire people
and help them reconnect
with the town's history.
Maybe then they'll be less eager
to tear it down.
What're you thinking?
I'm thinking... can you watch
the store for a little while?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Thanks for meeting me.
This used to be your favourite
building in Waterford.
You drew it all the time.
I did it in watercolours, too.
Always reminded me
of someplace grand.
Well, it originally
was a church.
And now it has been re-purposed
to be a town hall and a theatre.
You know, you say
you're a hometown boy
but did you actually miss your
home town while you were away?
Honestly?
I've been too busy with work
or looking for the next project
to do much of anything else.
Then let me remind
you what you left behind.
They wrote each other
throughout his time away in the war
and then when he got back
they bought True Love Books.
Her father originally owned
this building
but Harris loved books so much
he got the entire property
and the rest is...
History.
This is such a special place.
The store, the courtyard,
the tree.
I've always thought so.
And then to find these
valentines from old customers,
I mean, people who went out,
picked out a card,
and wrote in their appreciation
for True Love Books?
It just... it makes it that much
more special.
You can take that
if you want, I can...
No, no.
Were you ever tempted to go
to Texas with Matt,
start some place new?
A little.
But I couldn't tell if it was
because of how I felt for him
or if I was just...
Lonely?
Reliving not going to Columbia
with you way back when.
Do you wish you had?
Do you wish you had stayed?
Don't answer that.
Really?
I mean, you didn't stay
and I didn't go
and because of those decisions
we are who we are today.
Well, for what it's worth
I think you turned out
pretty well.
Yeah?
Jury's still out on you.
Yeah.
Now's your shot.
Be cool.
Yeah.
Alright.
Here we go.
Hey, Luce.
Hi.
You said you liked
that Chardonnay
last time you were here.
Unoaked.
You remember.
Yeah, I remember
all sorts of things,
like, the first time
that we met.
August 9th, two years ago.
You'd only been in town
for a week
and you walked in here wearing
a, purple paisley shirt,
ordered a salmon miso,
unoaked Chardonnay.
And I remember
you were hilarious
and dating Megan the model.
Yeah, we broke up.
Yeah. Ten months later.
Sorry! Sorry.
Consults ran late.
Of course.
Hi, Rick.
I gotta go...
Make some risotto.
Pour some wine.
So...
I'm having that
and it's delicious.
Maybe you shouldn't arrange
any more Valentine's gatherings.
No, not at all.
What if we sent Lucy
a valentine from Rick
telling her how he feels?
And invade his privacy?
Fine, fine, fine.
No scheming, we'll just let him
continue to pine for her
while gently encouraging him
to reveal his feelings.
Well, it is the mature course
of action.
Heading home?
Fire and Ice Festival
starts tomorrow
so this hometown girl's
gotta go get ready.
Well, so does this hometown boy.
Mind a little company
on the walk?
Not at all.
Alright.
So we've talked about my past
and Rick and Lucy
but I couldn't help but notice
we haven't talked
about your love life.
That's because there's not much
to talk about.
So no one?
There was a woman, Sarah.
We came close.
Close as in...?
I thought about proposing.
Yeah, well that was about
the same time she met the guy
that was everything
she ever wanted.
And she said it made her
realize that,
in her own words, we were just
kinda going through the motions.
- Was she right?
- Yeah. Yeah.
I recognized it even
as she was telling me.
I thought about proposing just
because it was a time in my life
where I thought I should.
And Sarah was,
or is I should say,
a wonderful person but we were
only ever just playing
at being a couple instead of really
connecting like we should.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it hurt my ego
not my heart.
I know the difference.
- You live in your parent's house?
- Yep. I bought it six months ago,
right before they left
on their big retirement trip
across the continent.
Yeah, Frank and Elaine always
talked about wanting to do that.
Yep, and they did it.
Yeah, I just, I couldn't stand
the thought of
letting this place go.
I'm glad you didn't.
I always loved this place.
Whenever I think about having
a home of my own
it looks like this.
You don't have a house?
A condo, but I'm not there
that much.
I thought a big house was
something you always wanted.
Part of being freelance
is having to take jobs
all over the country
wherever they are.
One of the draws to Ridley is
a chance to stay in one place.
How many times have I walked you
to this door?
Jamie!
Matt?
Matt, what're...
I've been trying to reach you
to let you know I was coming.
Sorry.
Matt Van Horn,
this is Sawyer O'Dell.
The Sawyer.
I'm sure there are others
out there.
Right?
Thanks, I'm good.
And thank you
for walking me home.
Yeah.
Hi.
Do you wanna come in?
That'd be great.
Okay.
Thanks.
So what're you doing here, Matt?
You always were direct.
It saves time.
Which I don't have a lot
of right now.
There's a lot going on.
I read your article in the paper
about the bookstore.
You did?
The second I saw your face
in the photo...
I just got hit with the biggest
wave of regret.
I miss you, Jamie.
Just... all of a sudden?
It's always been a struggle.
Are they tearing down
the bookstore?
I don't know.
I hope not.
If it were to close,
would you be open to moving
back to Texas with me?
You could come to Austin.
You could start your own
bookstore there.
Matt.
We had something, Jamie.
I let that get away once.
I'd be a fool not to try again.
Would you think about it?
Harris for you,
I'll take your Mary.
Thank you.
Hi. Harris for your Mary.
Thanks.
Hello.
That must have been tough,
him showing you up like that.
Or are we still pretending
that your feelings for Jamie
are platonic?
No, no, she's still my ker-pow.
And are you gonna tell her
that directly?
Throwing my own words
back at me, I see.
It's really satisfying.
Rick, we are two smart
and talented-
Yeah!
Successful men!
You forgot handsome.
Why can't we figure this out?
We've figured it out.
We just need to act on it.
For a woman on a romantic hiatus
you have a lot of guy issues.
I know.
I mean Lucy, it was like
one of those fantasies
where the ex shows up,
like, grovelling
because they made
such a huge mistake.
I know that fantasy.
Right?
And Matt is such a good guy.
And you know, for so long
I wondered if I should have
just gone with him
but my life is here.
Although even that's up
in the air now.
What about Sawyer?
Was he super jealous
when Matt swooped in?
I was too numb to tell.
Just distract me
with Quentin talk, please.
There is no more Quentin.
Already?
No spark.
I hoped, but...
What was that?
What was what?
That look at Rick.
A look at Rick.
Do you like him?
And don't say "yeah,
he's my friend"
'cause you know what I mean.
I have liked Rick since
the first moment I saw him.
Quentin could not compare.
You cannot say anything.
- But I wanna...
- But I...
But I want to.
I said no.
Hello. A customer.
Hello.
Have you read the story
of Harris...
Sawyer.
Excuse me.
Sure.
Hey. Yeah?
We have to do something.
About Matt, I think
we should just-
Lucy.
Lucy?
Lucy.
Lucy likes Rick.
I'm gonna go tell him.
No!
No, you absolutely cannot
tell him.
I made a promise and that
would be a violation of trust.
So what do we do?
Well, we have to get
them together.
I thought we weren't scheming.
Well, that was before I knew
the feelings were mutual.
I'm just gonna nod
like that makes sense.
Valentine's Day is in two days.
This whole festival is about,
music and romance
and love and food-
Food!
Food.
Food!
Hey!
No spying.
They're right out in the open.
Rick would totally spy.
Okay, a little bit of spying,
come on.
Hey, Jamie says you
need help handing out samples?
She did?
Don't you?
Right.
Wait, wait, wait.
Yes. Help.
Here.
So I know what I'm serving.
You really do make
great risotto.
I've I've had
some practice lately.
How long is lately?
August 9th.
Two years ago.
Please tell me Quentin's
not gonna show up all of a sud...
He's not.
Why not?
Because he's not my "wow".
Ker-pow?
It's what I call it.
I called it when
I first saw you.
I need to clear up a few things.
Matt?
And the council vote is in a
couple of days and I don't know
what my life is going to look
like and I just don't know
if right now is the right time...
How... how...
how about this?
I take you to a pre-Valentine's
dinner tomorrow
and we see where it goes
from there?
Okay.
Tomorrow it is.
I'll see you at True Love.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
I am so happy for you!
And so relieved that I don't
have to listen to Rick
go on and on and on
about how amazing you are.
Oh, no.
You are so going to have
to hear about that.
And don't think I'm not gonna
ask you a million questions
about how much you knew
the whole time?!
But not now because
Rick's taking me to dinner.
Well go get ready!
I will pack up.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Thank you for coming.
Thanks for calling so soon.
Have you thought about
what I asked?
I have.
It's been, buzzing
in my head since I saw you.
But it's a no.
Matt, I know there's a part
of me that could talk myself
into getting back together with
you but it wouldn't be right.
I'm sorry, Matt.
Goodbye, Jamie.
Bye.
Miss Sutton?
Hello, Miss Vaughn.
Well, this is a surprise.
What brings you in?
I thought I would stop by
on my way to the festival.
I have to say, Miss Vaughn,
generating that article
was a deft move.
And the love letters
are popular, as well.
Thank you.
But by now you must realize
it's a losing battle.
Oh, no.
Not at all.
I mean, look around.
Yes, you're quite busy.
But yours is only one store.
That's bringing a lot of
foot traffic into the district.
For now.
But what about
after Valentine's Day,
when the lure of love goes away?
The lure of love
never goes away.
I suppose not.
But the emphasis brought on
by this holiday will.
Valentine's Day is one of
the best days of the year
and you don't have to be in
a relationship to enjoy it.
But in the end, Waterford's
council is going to vote
to go forward with Ridley
Property and Sawyer's redesign.
He's already persuaded three
more stores to support the plan,
including Keg and Bikes, which
puts us at a tipping point.
Persuade. Right.
I almost forgot
that's why he's here.
Well, that's not the real issue.
What is?
Your future.
If... when the council decides
to go ahead with the vote
and if you remain a hold-out,
they could evoke eminent domain
and take your property for
the benefit of the community,
which means they'll likely pay
a far lower price
than what we are offering now.
You have a window
of opportunity, Miss Vaughn,
but it's shrinking.
This is our final offer.
Your store is lovely.
I can see why you're fighting
for it.
Perhaps you could use the money
from the sale to recreate
it elsewhere.
It wouldn't be the same.
I know.
And I truly am sorry.
What's wrong?
Your boss, Dana Sutton,
was just here.
Did she say something?
Nothing I didn't already know.
It was just a timely reminder.
Of?
Of why you're really here.
To be your charming self
and persuade everyone to sell.
Persuade me to sell.
Jamie...
You know, I can't help
but wonder.
Have you just been humouring me
this whole time?
Or did you ever actually give
Waterford a chance?
My being here is all about
giving Waterford a chance.
To... to... to help it
thrive again
the way I remember it used to.
I know you think I exaggerate
my memories about this place
to score points
but it's not true.
Waterford is where
the best parts
of my growing up took place.
Where my best friends are.
Where I... fell in love.
In the past.
Past is prologue, Jamie.
I know I left when we were kids
but I am back now
and I can't stop thinking
about you.
See?
I don't know what's real
and what's you just doing
what you need to do to get
the job so you can walk away.
Again.
I didn't walk away.
We agreed.
No, you made that decision
for both of us.
I never saw it like that.
You know what?
Past isn't prologue.
It's past.
Just like True Love
will be soon.
And maybe that's where
we should stay, too.
Jamie...
No, it's okay.
I'm not even mad.
You're doing what you need
to do and I respect that.
But I am gonna pass on
dinner tonight.
It was good to see you again.
"My darling Mary,
"even though we are separated
by countless miles
"and an ocean of worry
"I still feel your presence
deep in my heart
"where I have kept you
since the moment we met.
"As long as you continue
to believe in me,
"believe in us, I know we
can overcome any obstacle
"no matter how great.
"Because that is the nature
of true love.
"It always finds a way.
Always".
There is a tree in the courtyard
of True Love Bookstore and Cafe.
Okay.
The original builders crafted
the entire store
around that tree.
Yeah, and probably chopped down
a bunch of others
in the process.
We don't know that for certain,
but what we do know
is that they went to
extraordinary lengths to keep
that tree alive and thriving.
Where are you going with this?
I have an idea for
the Waterford redesign.
I know, I've seen it.
No, no, a new idea.
I knew it.
I could feel Sawyer
slipping back into my heart
and I should have
stopped it immediately.
No, you shouldn't have.
Never stop love.
Just because you love someone
and it doesn't work out
doesn't mean there isn't value
in the experience.
I mean, even the dentist.
- Matt.
- Matt.
I mean, you learned something
from him, didn't you?
Yeah, but I don't wanna
look back.
At least not with Matt.
But is that all there was
between me and Sawyer?
The past?
I see how you two look
at each other now
and there is no doubt
about how you feel.
And I think it's always
been there.
That's how it is
with true loves.
But... here I am about
to lose this bookstore
that I practically grew up in,
where he and I met,
where I have put
my heart and soul,
all for a project
that he's a part of?
How can that be true love?
True love doesn't have
to be perfect.
It just has to be true.
Whenever you're ready.
Thank you.
Council members,
I'm Dana Sutton.
With me is Sawyer O'Dell,
and together we represent
Ridley Property Development
which, as you know,
has presented a proposal
for a redesign
of the Waterford
business district.
We are here today to withdraw
that proposal
and we'd like to present a new
one if council is amenable.
You realize this will mean
we'll have to delay the vote
until everyone has the chance
to review the designs in depth?
We do.
And honestly,
my business instincts
are completely against this
but my creative instinct says
that what Sawyer came up
with deserves to be seen.
Well, then let's see it.
Everybody wants the Waterford
business district to succeed.
The question is which direction
do we take
in order to achieve that goal?
If we choose only to preserve
the history then we risk failing
to revitalize the district and
losing out on the opportunity
to bring new business
to Waterford.
If we just wipe the slate clean
we lose the charm and history
of what makes Waterford
the kind of place
that we like to call home.
After being here for the first
time in a long time
and several conversations
with the very persuasive
Miss Jamie Vaughn
I started thinking about
a new route.
True love.
Look, they saved
the tree, the courtyard.
I believe this design
will help foster a sense
of Waterford's history
and community
while respecting the past,
honouring the present,
and planning for the future.
Thank you, Mr. O'Dell.
Now-
Can I say something?
Please, Miss Vaughn.
Hi.
As most of you know I have
been leading the opposition
to the redesign.
To me there is magic in
the history of this place.
In the Story of Us.
However, that doesn't mean that
we have to sacrifice our future
and after looking at
Mr. O'Dell's new designs
I believe he's found a way
to bridge that divide,
for which I am profoundly
grateful.
So, for what it's worth,
the redesign by Ridley
has my full support.
Clearly, your support is worth
a great deal, Miss Vaughn.
Now, if there are no objections,
we would like to table the
discussion until next week,
but just for me, I agree
with Miss Vaughn.
I like it.
Sawyer?
Congratulations.
I feel confident that we will be
welcoming you
to Ridley Property very soon.
Thank you, Dana, and
thank you for everything,
especially all the support
tonight.
But...
But?
You said that one of the things
you like about my work
is my ability to anticipate
a client's needs.
Which you just demonstrated.
But I think that it's time for
me to listen to my own needs,
and I need to make a home,
a real home,
and I would like it to be
in Waterford.
And you think that prevents you
from working at Ridley?
Doesn't it?
Sawyer, you just pulled off
a tremendous success
that goes far beyond your talent
for architecture.
I'm not letting you go
that easily.
You want to be in Waterford,
fine.
You have to be here
while the project goes forward,
anyway.
Afterward, we'll negotiate.
And I anticipate that it will go
very well for both of us.
Where's Jamie?
She's not here.
Okay, where is she?
She told me to give you this.
What's this?
It's a red envelope
on Valentine's Day.
It's a valentine.
Have fun.
So I started writing
something new.
A love story.
And I would like
your opinion on it.
What's it about?
Well, a boy and a girl meet,
fall in love,
then they get separated only
to have circumstance
bring them back together again.
And they realize they never
stopped loving each other
the entire time.
And that's how you know
it's true love.
That's my favourite
kind of story.
Mine too.
But I'm gonna need your help
to finish it.
And you will have it.
Always.