Winter Love Story (2019) - full transcript

(soft piano music)

(pop beat)
- ♪ I feel more awake ♪

♪ Than ever before ♪

- ♪ Whoa, whoa ♪

- ♪ And when I get up

♪ The sun is no more ♪

- ♪ Whoa, whoa ♪

- ♪ I'll meet you at midnight
I can't miss that smile ♪

♪ The warmth of the streetlight
I know you'll stay a while ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪

- Erica? I have a grande
non-fat mocha for Erica?



- It's actually Eric.
- Oh!

Sorry. Have a great day!

(laughing)

Do you think that they know
that we do that on purpose?

- You do that on purpose. And
if you weren't my best friend,

I would've fired you by now.
- Oh, please, you love it,

Billy. Er, Beckham... Becca!

- Very funny.
- OK, I'm gonna be late.

I wish you were coming with me.
- Me too. This place isn't

gonna run itself. You can
tell me all about it after.

- Ooh, here comes the nerves.

- You'll be great. Good luck!
- Thank you!

- ♪ I'll meet you at midnight
I can't miss that smile ♪

♪ The warmth of the streetlight
I know you'll stay a while ♪



♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ I feel it all ♪

♪ My heart beats faster
I feel it all ♪

♪ When we're together ♪

♪ And when it's dark outside ♪

♪ There's a light with you
I'll always wanna feel ♪

♪ I feel it all
I feel it all ♪

- Cassie, hi.

- Piper, hi! I'm so glad
that you're here.

- What kind of publicist
would I be if I wasn't

at my client's
very first book signing?

Are you excited?
- Yeah...

Excited, nervous,
tempted to run and hide.

- Don't be silly. Your book is
amazing! Read it twice already.

- Not even my mom
has read it twice.

- It's so relatable.
You put into writing

everything my girlfriends and I
secretly talk about.

- Well, it is based
on my real break-up.

- I know! It's like you got
your heart broken just for us.

And all the things
you did to move on.

I mean, who goes skydiving
to get over a heartbreak?

- Just doing my part.

It's going to be really great to
have a familiar face here today.

- Let's get inside. This
"familiar face" is freezing.

- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

- So are you ready?
- Uh, define ready.

- Just relax and be yourself.
This will be fun.

- OK, but you're sure
that I won't have to read

or answer questions? Because I
really hate speaking in public.

- Which is why you'll only be
signing copies of your book

until Elliot turns up.
- Elliot?

- Somersby.

Of the Dread Monarch Saga.

- Oh, right, the dragon guy.

- The best-selling
dragon guy.

I used the fact
that he's one of our authors

to get you displayed
next to him.

- I think the dragon ate
part of my display.

- Well, if you're not happy
with it, we can move it.

- Oh no! Are you kidding me?
My book is on display

in a real bookstore.
I think this is fantastic!

- Well, it's just
the beginning.

Come on, let's get you set up.
♪♪

(indistinct chatter)

(sighing)

- Hi! Ms. Winslett?
- Hi!

- I really
loved your book.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

- Mom, hi! You came!
- Oh, I wouldn't miss it.

- You're not missing much.
- This takes me back

to my very first book signing.

- I'm pretty sure you never had
a crowd this small.

- It was a different time.
People read more books then.

- It's madness out there.

- Mom, this is
my publicist Piper.

- Hold up.

Your mother
is Jeannine Jordan?!

But your name is--
- My maiden name is Jordan.

(both laughing)

- I have read

all your novels! Um, sorry.

May I get a picture?
- Only if you don't mind

taking a picture of me
with my very talented daughter.

- Of course.
(click)

- Oh!
- This will look great

on my website.
(click)

- That would be
great press for Cassie.

You never told me
your mother

was an award-winning author.
When people hear about this--

- I don't really want
to throw that around.

- My daughter wants to launch
her career all on her own.

Which I fully support.

Don't worry, honey.
I'll just show the picture

to my friends at hot yoga.
- Make sure they buy the book.

(laughing)

- That must be Elliot.
Shall we head over

- Oh, what, and leave
all my fans?

- Come on.

♪♪

(indistinct talking)
- Who's Elliot?

- The Dragon writer.
- Welcome, everyone.

We all love his amazing

Dread Monarch Saga,

so it is both a pleasure
and an honour

to welcome the one,
the only Elliot Somersby.

(applause)
- Thank you.

- Wow! Is it always
like this?

- Pretty much.
I'll introduce you later.

- Thanks very much
and thank you for buying

my little dragon saga.

Ha! Hmmm...

Is that for me?
- Yeah.

- Oh, thanks, but I'm OK
with my bottle of water.

(women giggling)
- Wow, he's really laying

the "aw shucks" routine on
pretty thick, don't you think?

- Don't know if he can write,
but he can certainly work

a crowd.
- Today, I would like to read

a passage from
my second chronicling

of my Dread Monarch Saga,

Dragon's Lair.

"The wounded dragon
flew through the air

"for what might be
one last time.

"Klar-Al stroked its brow,

"clung to its neck,
and whispered,

You are my Eternal Warrior."

- "Klar-Al"?
- Princess of the Nine Kingdoms

and heir to
the Crystal Scepter.

- The what?
- You haven't read them?!

- Shh!
- Sorry.

- "'And so I shall forever be.'

"the winged creature replied
with a great sigh,

"its valiant spirit
ascending through the veil

"from which there is no return,

"not even for a dragon

as noble as he."

Thank you all so much.

(inaudible talking)
- You know, Mom, it's really

sweet of Piper to introduce us,
but we should just go.

This line's gonna take forever.
- The writing isn't bad.

- It's a book about dragons,
how hard can it be to write?

(soft jazz music playing)
(indistinct chattering)

We should probably leave.

- Elliot's just gonna
take a short break.

- We really should go.
- Don't be silly.

- I thought I recognized you!

- You recognized me?

- Elliot, this is--
- I am such a huge fan.

I don't know
if you remember me. I was

in your Freshman Lit
class in Princeton.

Between your novels and your
classes, you single-handedly

inspired me to change my major
from business to

creative writing.
- I'm really sorry about that.

- I can't believe the Jeannine
Jordan is at one my events.

- Well, no, actually,
I'm here for my daughter,

but I am glad I got
to see your reading.

- I'm the daughter. Hi.
- Hi. I'm the dragon writer.

- You heard me?
- It's OK.

You know, writing
dragons is easy;

it's the elves that give me
the most trouble.

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

- Please call me Elliot.
All my critics do.

- I shouldn't
have said anything.

You know, I know
nothing about dragons,

and I'm sure writing about them
is very challenging.

- It's OK. I appreciate
your honesty.

And thank you so much

for bringing your mom. Can I
sign a copy for both of you?

- Oh, uh, she's actually here
for my book signing.

- Elliot Somersby,
this is Cassie Winslett.

She's one of MacDonner Press'
new authors.

- Oh! Uh...
Wow, so embarrassed.

Cassie, it's nice
to meet you.

Welcome to
the MacDonner Press family.

- I mean, I could sign a copy
of my book for you if you want.

- I deserve that.
- Uh, sorry to interrupt,

but this crowd is
a little restless.

- Great. Um, such a pleasure
to see you again.

- Well, thank you.
- Cassie, I'm gonna read this.

- You don't have to.
- No, I want to.

It was nice meeting you,
new writer Cassie.

- Isn't he great?
He's a major talent.

(cell phone musical ringtone)
Sorry, I have to take this.

- How about I treat you
to a celebratory latte?

- Mm-hmm.

♪♪

- OK, all I have heard about

is this Elliot guy
and his book signing.

I want to hear about my
brilliant best friend's.

Tell me, how did it go?
- It didn't really "go."

- Couldn't have been that bad.
- Let's just say I've signed

more coffee cups here
in an hour than books there.

- OK, I think you're being
modest. Is she, Jeannine?

- He even won her over. She's
the toughest critic I know.

Do you remember
my first grade book report?

- Oh, I remember.
- She made me

do four revisions,
and it was a 30-page book--

- 30-page book on butterflies!
- And to cheer you up,

I made you a vanilla bean
ice cream float--

- With the cookie crumbles?
- I think that was the start

of my career.
- Writing is rewriting.

My Princeton students pay a lot
for that advice.

What? You think I can't read
and hear you at the same time?

And to answer your question,
Cassie had a small

but supportive crowd.
- And by that, she means

her and my publicist, Piper.
- You haven't

done any publicity, you refuse
to throw my name around.

- Because I don't want
everyone to know me

as "PEN/Faulkner Award-winning
Jeannine Jordan's daughter."

I want to make
my own name for myself.

- And I respect that,
but if no one knows that you've

written a book, you're not
gonna be known as anything.

Now, take Elliot here...

- "Elliot." They're
on a first-name basis.

- His performance made me
interested in reading a story

about a talking dragon.
And I'm enjoying it.

- So why should that
matter to me?

- Because I would never have
picked up a fantasy book

and now I can't put it down.
(cell phone ringing)

Sweetheart, you could have
the same effect on people.

- Uh, it's Piper,
I need to take this.

Just excuse me.
Piper, hey.

- Is there really
a talking dragon?

- Well, technically,
it's telepathic.

- Gotcha.
- OK, I'll see you then.

Um...

So my book editor to meet me;
what do you think that means?

- Well, if it's lunch,
that's a good thing.

- What if it's
at their office?

- Who wants more lattes?
- With cookie crumbles?

- Yeah. Coming up.
- OK.

♪♪

(inaudible conversations)

Hi, I'm Cassandra Winslett.

I have a 10 o'clock
appointment with Gwendolyn.

- Go right in,
they're expecting you.

- "They"?

- Cassie! Thank you
for coming in.

You know Piper and Julian...
- We didn't officially meet,

but nice to see you again.
- Oh, here he is,

Elliot.
- Hello again.

- Hi.
- Did you finish my book yet?

- I have encyclopaedias
that are smaller.

Did you finish mine?
- I did, actually, yeah.

- You're kidding?
- No. It's alright,

you could make it up to me by
reading mine on the book tour.

- What book tour?

- Piper and Julian told me
how well you two

hit it off at the reading.
- You had great chemistry.

- We barely spoke.
- I felt it, too.

- We recently had success
pairing new writers

with our established authors.

And as you may
have noticed,

Elliot tends to draw a crowd
wherever he goes.

- Sure, but my book is
a romantic comedy memoir

about getting over a breakup,
and Elliot writes...

nerd novels. I'm sorry.

- Uh, successful nerd novels.

- Still, I don't see
the connection.

- Here's the thing, Cassie.
You need the exposure,

especially with females
18 to 35.

That's a large, loyal market

that still buys books, then
blogs and tweets about them.

And they happen to love

Elliot's novels.
- Oh, I saw.

Practically passed out
when he put on his glasses.

You know, I'm sorry, but do you
even need those glasses

or are they the fake kind?
- I'll never tell.

- So much chemistry.

- It's palpable.
- This is why we want

you two on tour together.
- Wow,

me on a book tour.

OK, well, how long is the tour?

- It's a week trial run. Just a
few Northeastern college towns.

- And what does
a trial run mean?

- Here's the thing:
your book just came out,

and our early projections
show sluggish sales,

which is making it hard
to get reviewers to read it.

- But these things
take time, right?

- Slow roll-outs are
a thing of the past.

Name recognition sells.
So the hope is that by teaming

you with our star author,
we'll see sales increase.

- And if not?
- Then, unfortunately,

we'll have to re-evaluate
our partnership.

- No pressure, right?
- I'm sorry.

It's tough for
new writers out there.

But we love your book and we see
a lot of promise in you.

- What did you want me
to do on tour? I mean,

aside from winning
Elliot's fan base.

- Similar to
the signings yesterday,

but with readings.
- Readings?

I just... I really hate
public speaking,

so what if I just sign the books
and let Elliot do the talking?

- Well, there's also
interviews and Q and A's...

- Maybe we could
come up with something

that doesn't end with me
breaking out in hives

or freezing on stage.

It's just not very good
for sales.

- Well, I was told that
your mother was at the reading.

She's a big draw.
Maybe you'd be more comfortable

doing interviews with her?
The press would eat it up.

♪♪

- This has been a great meeting.

Just really,
you've given me a lot

to think about. Thank you.

- Wow. Wow, I wasn't
expecting that reaction.

- Cassie!
- Yeah.

I'm so sorry. I didn't mean
to run out like that.

I'm very appreciative
of everything

that you're trying to do for me.
- I can imagine how overwhelming

this all seems, but we have
to do something big

to get people to read
your wonderful book.

Otherwise--

- I'm just another
wannabe writer in a coffee shop.

♪♪

- This should warm you up.
- Thanks, Becca.

- What's going on with you?

- Nothing, why?

- You just hung
the sign upside-down.

- I'm so sorry.
- And I heard you call

a customer
by his correct name earlier.

- I couldn't think
of a funny name.

- For Joe? That's

a softball name.
Everything rhymes with it.

- You know, I just...
I have a lot of my mind.

- The book?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- Ahem!

- What are you doing here?
- Cassie! Please excuse

my rude barista.
How can we help you?

- I actually came
to talk to the rude barista.

- This is the dragon writer.
- Oh!

You didn't say he was cute.
- Maybe I don't think he's cute.

- Order anything you want.
It's on us.

- I like her.
Can she do that?

- That's my roommate, Becca.
She owns the place, so yeah.

- Look, I just wanted to come by

and apologize for what happened
today at MacDonner Press.

- I did feel a little ambushed.
- Yeah,

I could tell. I'm sorry,

I thought they would have given
you a heads-up about the tour.

- I appreciate the apology,

but you didn't have to come all
the way down here to deliver it.

- Well, I also have
an ulterior motive.

I want you on this tour.

- Oh, you want me
to be your opening act?

- Opening act, it's...
You're funny.

- Listen, I'm actually
on the clock,

so if you could just make it
fast, whatever you have to say.

- As a barista?
- Not all of us

were bestsellers by age 27,
so some of us have to work.

- Aw, you googled me.
- And you're stalking me.

How did you find me,
by the way?

Is tracking one
of your dragon powers?

- Yeah. That and I asked Piper.
Look, I think you that you have

a fresh approach
to storytelling.

That's why I requested
you to be on the tour.

- Listen, the tour is
an incredible opportunity--

- But?
- Nobody wants to hear from me.

The moment anyone finds out
who my mom is,

I cease to exist as a person
and much less a writer.

And I mean, come on,
admit it,

that's why you wanted
to tour with me, right?

To get closer
to your literary hero?

- OK, I admit that the thought
might have crossed my mind,

but that's before I read
your book and realized

what a witty, original writer

you are, not just a barista

who is Jeannine
Jordan's daughter.

- Well, maybe I am a witty,
original barista, too.

- I imagine you're
a lot more than that.

Listen, this is

where I'm gonna be
tonight at 7.

We're going over
the details on the tour.

I hope I see you there.

♪♪

(indistinct conversations)

- I don't think she's coming.
- She'll be here.

Give her 5 minutes.
(piano music playing)

See? What did I tell you?

- Listen, I am so sorry
that I'm late.

I would actually blame
the train, but it's my fault.

I almost let my nerves
get the best of me.

- All my pleading worked then?
- It's slow season

at the coffee shop,
so the timing just worked out.

- Coffee shops
have slow seasons?

- Can't tell you how excited we
are for this awesome book tour!

- It's going to be epic.
- It's going to be epic.

- Don't forget "awesome."
- It's just a quick tour. Here,

Albany, Boston and Buffalo.
- They love you in Buffalo.

- Me?
- No, Elliot.

- Right.
- Cassie, if you need anything,

I'll be your point person.
So you give me a call,

it doesn't matter the time.
- We reserved a rental car.

- We're driving? I thought you
were a best-selling author.

- I have a dog,
ands she prefers to drive.

- Your dog knows how to drive?
- She's a very clever dog.

- Then why can't she fly?
- If you would prefer

to fly, we can make arrangements
or get you a driver.

- I don't want to make
anything overly complicated.

Great! Then you can ride
with me. I'd enjoy the company.

- What about your dog?
- Lousy conversationalist.

- I love it! This is great PR.
Plus you will have a chance

to get to know
one another and trade

writing tips or whatever.
- OK, I have one condition.

- I already told them that
your mom's not coming along

as a wingman.
- Make that two conditions.

What he just said
and I control the driving music.

- OK, but I get to pick
the road snacks.

- Well, Mr. Somersby, looks
like we have ourselves a deal.

When do we start?
- Monday.

- Monday as in two days
from now Monday?

- We're hoping to get ahead
of any potential snowstorm.

- It'll go fast. Before you know
it, you'll both be back

and working on your next books!
- Elliot, people are already

asking about that third book.

- Oh yeah, the third book.
It's the big finale.

- Oh! And, Elliot,
I also have

you down for...
Blue fine-points for signing,

breath mints,

room temperature water,
extra blankets for your room,

concierge service.
Anything else?

- No, that's fine. Thank you.

- What about you, Cassie?
What do you need?

- M and M's. No red ones.

- "M and M's, no red ones."

- I think that she's kidding.

- I don't understand.
- Cassie thinks

that I'm a diva.
- I didn't say that.

- But you thought it.
- But I didn't say it.

- I can already tell this tour
is gonna be a success.

I'm tweeting out the dates now.
- It is going to be--

- Awesome.
- Epic.

♪♪

- Do you think
that I'm overpacking?

- Not at all.

- I've never been on a book
tour, I don't really know

what I need.
- You definitely need this.

It'll look way better
on you than on me.

Maybe Elliot will like it.
- I'm not interested

in what Elliot likes.
- Mm-hmm.

He wasn't wearing
a wedding ring.

- I don't care.
- It would be interesting.

You going on tour to promote
your breakup book

and then falling in love.

It could be your sequel!

- I will take your sweater,
but not your sequel.

♪♪

OK.

Yeah, I think this is
a two-person job.

I just... I can't...
- Here, just...

- OK.
- Yes!

- Alright.

Three.
- OK. Oh, my God! Oh no!

(chuckling)
We're good.

- OK.
- Great.

I packed it up.
- Yeah, you did.

- OK, OK. Hey, Mom!

Right on time.
- This reminds me

of the first time
I sent you off for summer camp.

Oh, uh, smile!

- Oh, wait.

- (chuckling): OK.
(click)

- Very funny, but we're
gonna take another one.

I want a real picture.

This is a big deal.

(click)
- OK, Mom, it's not prom.

- No, this is better.

You are never gonna forget
your first tour.

- Or my only tour.
- Oh, Cassie, stop talking

like that. This is
the first day of the rest

of your long, fabulous career.
I want you to savour

every moment.

- Mom, you didn't have
to get me anything.

- Your father gave that

to me on my first tour.

You should have it.

- "Always write
from the heart."

- He'd be so proud of you.

- Thanks, Mom. I love it.
Come here.

(laughing)
- OK, come here.

- Sorry, am I interrupting?

- Oh, uh, no. We're, uh...
We're just saying goodbye.

- I can wait in the car,
if you want to take a minute.

- No, it's OK.
- Alright. Let me get your bag.

Bags. Wow, you pack enough?

- I can pack more if you want.
- No, no,

this'll be my...
my workout for the tour. Ugh!

- Well, I will miss you both.

- Take lots of pictures.
I'll put them on your fan site.

- I don't have a fan site.
- You do now.

(click)
- OK.

Bye!
- Bye!

- Have fun! Elliot,

don't drive too fast.

♪♪

- Oh, OK, so I need to get this
out in the open.

- Alright, I'm listening.

- I know you're the big draw

and I'm the tag-along
new writer,

but we're equals and despite
my barista experience,

I am not here to fetch your
coffee or get you baked goods.

- Never crossed my mind to have
you fetch anything for me.

- OK. Well then, drive on.
Oh, I made a road trip playlist.

♪♪
(barking)

Aw! Is this your entourage?

- Yeah. That's Bungee.
- Bungee?

Like jumping?
- She was a bouncy puppy.

- You are way less scary
than bungee jumping.

So, is she the secret
to your success?

- You guessed it. She's the
brains behind this operation.

- Well, I hope
that you get comfy, Bungee,

because it is going to be
a long ride.

- Actually, the first leg
is pretty short.

You read the itinerary, right?

- Oh, Piper sent that
to me this morning,

but I didn't have a chance
with all the packing.

- I hope you packed
a life jacket,

because they are throwing you
in the deep end.

- What do you mean?

♪♪
I don't want to go

in the deep end.
I want to get out of the pool.

How can you be so calm?
- You get used to it.

(crunching noise)
- Piper!

- How are my favourite authors?
- I think I'm gonna be sick!

- You should do it now
before you get on TV.

- You're not helping.
- Just take a deep breath.

(deep breath)
That's it.

And another one.
- Now, when you get out there,

don't look in cameras.
Just look at Samantha.

- Samantha?
- The host.

She's gonna ask you about your
book. Like what inspired it?

What's your routine? Easy stuff.

Pretend like you're talking
to one of your friends.

- One of my friends. Got it.
- OK.

(knocking)
- You're ready for us?

- OK.
- Be good, Bungee.

- How does he make everything
look so easy?

- That's Elliot.

I'll be just off camera.
Don't forget to smile.

But not too smiley.

- Smile but not too smiley.
That makes perfect sense.

Are you live tweeting
the interview?

- What? No, I'm just making
some arrangements for Bungee.

You're gonna be OK.
You just have to breathe.

- Why does everyone keep
reminding me to breathe?

Has anyone ever forgotten
to breathe? Is that a thing?

- It's OK.
- I'm gonna be right here

if you need me, OK?
I got your back.

- Elliot Somersby.
It's been a while.

- Samatha Wallace, hi.
How are you?

- And you must be Cassandra
Winslett. The interns cannot

stop talking about your book.
- Oh. Well, good things, I hope.

- We all have
a breakup story, am I right?

Elliot knows the drill.
We're gonna start with a segment

on his book, and then we'll move
on to you, Cassandra.

Sound good?
- Mm-hmm.

Oh, you can call me Cassie.
- Cassie it is.

(TV show theme music)
- I'm just trying to be myself.

- OK. Here we go.

Welcome back. With me now
is Elliot Somersby,

author of the best-selling
Dread Monarch Saga,

and an exciting new writer,
Cassie Winslett.

Let's start with you, Elliot.
First of all, congratulations!

Your second book is doing
even better than the first.

How does that feel?
- Can't lie, Samantha,

it feels pretty great.
- And I know your fans

are eagerly awaiting
the third book

in the trilogy. Any idea
when we'll be able to see that?

- Um, let's just say I'm working

very hard at giving it
the ending that it deserves.

As for when you're gonna see it,

well, I can't give away
all my secrets now, can I?

(Samantha and Elliot chuckling)
- And, Cassie, I assume

that there are no dragons
in your book.

- No dragons.

Although it is an adventure
book, if you consider

everything that I did to get
over my breakup an adventure.

- I thought that the chapter
where you go stand-up paddle

boarding is hilarious.
Would you say

that My Heartbreak Year
is your Eat, Pray, Love?

- Well, I did
a lot of eating.

(women chuckling)
Um, though the "journey"

was local and definitely
on a budget.

- So it's accessible?
- (softly): Yeah.

- Pardon me?
- Yes.

(mouthing)

And, um... We've all had
our heart broken.

I know I've done
my fair share of wallowing,

but I realized it's not
about holding on

to the past, but your future
and learning to love yourself

as you move forward.
Sorry, I'm kind of rambling.

I'm a little nervous.
- It's fine. The question

that we all want to know is:
what does your mother

think about all of this?
- My mother?

- For those in the audience
that don't know,

Cassie's mother is
author Jeannine Jordan.

And this is your first book,
she must have had

tons of advice, right?
- Um... Well...

...we're very supportive
of one another.

- Great!

Well, it looks like we're

out of time. I'd love to thank
my guests Elliot Somersby

and Cassandra Winslett
for being here today.

Stay tuned. When we come back,

we are gonna learn how to grow
tomatoes in the snow.

(TV show theme music)

Alright! Great job, guys!

I hope you have
a great rest of your book tour.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

- I completely bombed that,
Elliot. I'm sorry.

You know, if you wanna back out
of touring with me,

I completely understand.
- Hey, hey. It wasn't that bad.

Are you OK?

- Yeah.

I just... It's a lot.

- Yah. Um...

I'm gonna head back
to the Green Room

to make sure Bungee hasn't eaten
any pillows or anything.

- I heard there's a gift basket
with our name on it,

so, you know, I could stress eat
some candy right about now.

- OK.

at did we get?

- Oh, uh, a couple of mugs

and candy...

and copies of our own books.

- Ha!

Well, at least, we could
sign each other's,

sell 'em online.

- You know, I know we have

to do these interviews,
but I don't have to like them.

- Why? You got this.

- Just... You know, growing up,

I was always sheltered
from my mom's writer life.

And then when I was 10,
my dad died

and the shield
wasn't there anymore.

- Oh. Sorry,
that must've been hard.

- It was. Especially on her.

I mean, suddenly, she's single

and juggling everything and...

You know, she is so impressive,

and I would happily
talk about her all day long,

it's just it's everybody else.
They want to pick us apart.

- Is that maybe where
the stage fright came from?

♪♪
- I guess so.

- The fear of not living up
to what came before?

I get it.

(chuckling)

- You know, growing up,

it didn't matter what I wrote,
my teachers always compared

my work to my mom's.
I mean, I was a kid!

- Yet you still
became a writer.

(Cassie chuckling)
- It's hereditary, I guess.

It's just I really want my book

to be my own voice, you know?
I don't...

I don't want to be seen
as the "kid of someone famous."

It's very important to me
that I make my own way.

I mean, otherwise, what's the
point if nobody's interested?

- You make them interested.

You're the writer,
you tell the story.

- Oh, is that some
of your wizard wisdom?

- First of all, there's
no wizards in my book.

You haven't read
my book yet, have you?

- What snacks did you bring?
- Wow,

nice pivot, great pivot. I'm
gonna let this one go this time.

- Come on, it's all beef jerky
and potato chips!

- There's some turkey jerky
in there too.

- Yeah, OK, wow.
You have not been

on a road trip
with a woman in a while,

have you?
- Bungee would eat it.

- Bungee would eat
this grocery bag!

OK, we need
to make a food stop.

(Elliot sighing)
- OK, alright. You know what?

I know the perfect place.

(laughing)

- Normally, we don't allow pets,

but it's slow
and your dog is adorable.

- Thank you. It's so cold
outside, I really appreciate it.

- And I'm also a fan.

(waitress chuckling)

- Wow, where did you
find this place?

On a list of places
where all your fans work?

- Actually, believe it or not,

I ate here three times a day
for two days straight.

- What? How did you do that?

- I was on my first tour.

I was younger.
I was trying to save money.

- Mm-hmm.
- But you gotta admit, though,

the food is pretty good.
- You're right, delicious, but--

- It's better than beef jerky.

But not dog treats. Right,
Bungee? Hm, you want one?

Yeah, good girl. Yeah.
- You two are cute together.

- Yeah, well, we've been
through a lot.

She was a congratulations
for my first book.

- Oh. From your publisher?

(music playing in background)
- No. From, uh...

from my ex-wife, Allison.

You know, sometimes I think

Bungee likes her
more than she likes me.

- Oh, why is she with you?

I'm sorry.
I don't mean to pry.

- No. Road trips are fueled
on gasoline and stories.

- Well, I did spill
my guts to you earlier.

- Allison just recently
moved to Buffalo.

She hasn't seen the dog
for a few months.

Actually, since we've
been divorced.

So I just... I thought it'd be
nice if they saw each other.

- Well, it's very
amicable of you.

- You know, I got
the idea from you.

- What?
- Yeah.

Your book, that chapter when
you first see your ex?

- Oh! When I do
my first and only flash mob.

- Yeah. That was really funny,
by the way.

And I guess I just...

I was thinking
that maybe I could reconnect

and remain on good terms
with her.

- I just wrote it.

I didn't think anyone
would be influenced by it.

- Well, I was.
So, thank you.

- Sure.

- May I get you
anything else?

- Uh... no.

We should hit the road
if we want to get to Boston.

- Be safe out there.
They're saying a winter storm

is definitely gonna hit.
- Should we be worried?

- No. No. If there's anything
to worry about,

Julian and Piper
will let us know.

♪♪

(kids laughing)

(Cassie chuckling)
- Snow angels!

I... I can't remember
the last time I did that.

- You want to make one,
don't you?

- Oh yeah, but it's not
very professional.

- Oof!
- Hahaha!

- What are you waiting for?
Come join me.

(Cassie laughing)

- Hi!
- Hello!

- Busted!
- Hi!

- Mr. Somersby,
I am so excited

to have you stay
in my home.

- Thank you.
Thanks for having us.

- That's nice.
- This is Cassie Winslett.

- Oh, nice to meet you.
- Hi, nice to meet you.

We don't normally do that.

- Oh, I've been tempted
to do that myself.

(all laughing)
Mr. Somersby--

- Please. Call me Elliot.

- Oh, Elliot,
would you come and sign

the guest registry, please?
Otherwise, the gals

in the book club will never
believe you stayed here.

- I'd be happy to, of course.
- That's good.

I'll send my husband
to get your bags.

- Great, OK. I'm just gonna
go grab Bungee.

- You come on with me.
(Cassie chuckling)

And this is your room.

- It's cozy.
- And if you'll follow me,

Mr. Somersby, I have
just the room for you.

It's right this way.
(Cassie sighing)

- Hey, neighbour!
- Hey.

I didn't take you for being
a bed and breakfast kind of guy.

- I just figured these places
are a bit more dog friendly

than hotels.
- Hey, is, uh...

is your room the size
of a closet, too?

- Maybe like a walk-in closet.

You wanna check it out?
- Ha!

♪♪

- Wow! This is amazing!

I think my room
would fit in here four times.

- The B and B owner was a fan.
- Yeah, clearly.

Even Bungee's dog bed

is bigger than mine.
- Yeah.

Tell you what, why don't we
flip for the room.

- Oh, come on, you're kidding.
Only a crazy person would

risk giving this up.
- Call it.

I'm serious, call it.
- Heads.

- Heads!

Wow, must be your lucky day.

♪♪
- Hey, thank you.

- For what?
- The coin toss.

I saw that it was tails.
- Was it?

Must have missed that.
(Cassie chuckling)

Come on. Enjoy the room.

- Hey...
- Becca, hey. Are you busy?

- No. I was hoping you'd call.
How's it going with the writer?

- It's not at all
what I expected.

He's so down to earth.

And we're actually staying
at a bed and breakfast.

- Were there
no hotels available?

- That's the thing. No ego.
We're staying here for his dog.

- A bed and breakfast
for his dog?

How bad is it? You can tell me.
- [It's nice.]

I mean, it's not
trendy or anything,

but it's traditional.

- (chuckling): OK.
You have to send me pictures.

- [OK, I will.]
- OK.

Oh, I gotta go.
Have fun.

Perfect!

♪♪

(knocking on door)
- Elliot, are you in there?

- Uh, yeah.

Hey.
- Hey.

Listen, are you hungry?
The B and B host brought up

a lot of food that I'm pretty
sure was meant for you.

- Um...

yeah. Sure.

Stay.

Stay.

- She's a really big fan.
- Wow!

Ha! Ha! I think
we better enjoy this

before she finds out
I didn't start book 3 yet.

- You haven't? But you seemed
so confident about it

in the interviews.
Wait, does Gwendolyn know?

- Uh... actually,

you're the first person
I've ever told.

- Oh. It's gotta be weird,

knowing it's your last book.

- Can I be honest with you?

Like a writer to writer thing?

I think that
I'm avoiding writing

because once I finish,
who am I?

- You're the guy who wrote
a huge book series.

- Yeah, sure,

but what if I can't write
anything like that again?

I don't want to be
a one-hit wonder.

- Technically,
it would be three hits.

- You know what I mean.
- Yeah.

I don't want to be

known as just
the "dragon" writer.

- Come on, you don't really see
yourself that way, do you?

- I didn't see myself...

I didn't see myself
being divorced,

and that happened
a year ago.

So between that

and the series coming
to an end, it's just...

- It's a lot of change.
(Elliot sighing)

- Yeah.

- Well, what a pair
we make, huh?

You've got writer's block and
my entire future is on the line.

- At least we won't go hungry.
- (laughing): Yeah.

That's for sure.

♪♪

(sighing)

(exhaling)

♪♪

♪♪

(knocking on door)

- Cassie? Cassie, are you awake?

(barking)
- Uh, yeah.

I'll be right there.

Coming!

(barking)
Come on, Bungee!

Bungee! Bungee! Bungee!

Hi! Hey, good morning, Bungee.

And Elliot.
- Morning.

I was just about to take
Bungee for a walk.

I was gonna get a coffee.
Do you want one?

- Yeah, sure. Thank you.
- Alright.

Now, let's go
for a walk. Come on.

(Cassie laughing)
Wow, she loves you.

- Yeah. Hey, you know,
why don't I

take her for a walk, and
you could go get the coffees.

- Ah, no. I couldn't
ask that of you.

- Ah, yeah, hey.
She and I are pals now.

Seriously. Besides, I could use
a blast of cold air

in the face to help
wake me up. I was

up late last night... working.

- Wow! Well, I wish
I could say the same.

Uh, OK, sure.

Oh, just a quick word
of warning: squirrels.

Beware of them.
- OK. Watch out for squirrels.

OK. OK, come on.

♪♪

(Bungee barking)

Oh! No, to the right!

To the right! Ooh!

♪♪

- She saw a squirrel?
- Yeah, she saw a squirrel.

(Cassie laughing)
- Sorry.

Bungee! Oh, I'm sorry.
- No, it's fine.

- All over you.
Uh, you've got a little...

(cell phone ringing)
Oh!

I have to, uh...

I gotta take this.
- Yeah, yeah,

of course.
- Hi, Ally,

Yeah, yeah.

No, Bungee is... She's good.

Yeah, she's getting
plenty of exercise.

OK. Alright, bye.
(cell phone beeping)

Uh... We just got
our first review.

- How much do they love you?
- Oh, this is not me.

This is you.
- Mine?

- Yeah. It looks like this book
tour is... it's paying off.

- Oh! Well, I mean,

I know reviews are
subjective and everything,

so I don't really care,
but... what does it say?

Do they like it?
Please tell me they like it.

- It's from the Times
Book Review,

and yeah, they love it.

I quote,

"Cassandra Winslett's
honest account

of moving on had me
in tears of laughter."

It also says,
"New writer Winslett

is the voice
for women under 35!"

- (laughing):
I'm so relieved!

- You deserve it. You do.
(cell phone beeping)

Looks like somebody else
has read your review.

- Yeah. Becca is asking me

if she can post my review.
(cell phone beeping)

Piper is so excited that she's
flying up for the readings.

(cell phone beeping)

- And they're both requesting
more pictures for the fan site.

- Really? Well,
I can help with that.

- Yeah.

- A photo of you
reading your first

congratulatory texts.
(click)

Hahaha!
(cell phone ringing)

- Oh, hey, it's my mom.

- Oh, yeah, we'll... we're gonna
give you some privacy.

- OK.
- OK. Congratulations.

- Thanks.
- Come on.

- Hey, Mom!
Did you read the review?

- I did. I knew
they were going to love you.

- Oh, I can't believe it.

- [Why not? Everyone else
can see how amazing you are.]

It's time that you start
to see that, too.

- Thanks, Mom.

- Now, go out there
and own that tour.

(chuckling)
♪♪

- "...as the wounded dragon
flew through the air

for what might be
the last time."

Thank you.
(Piper talking indistinctly)

Thanks.

OK, I warmed them up for you.
- You can just stay up there.

- Oh, you got this. Come on, go!
Go, go, go!

- Good job.
- Hi!

This is my first time

reading in front of a crowd.

I'm not as skilled
as Mr. Dragon here.

(some people chuckling)

I, um... I wrote this book
after having my heart broken.

"After the breakup, I got tired
of seeing my puffy eyes

"and messy hair in the mirror,
so I decided to stop feeling

"sorry for myself
and start living. First,

"I made a list of all the things
I'd always wanted to do.

And then second, I decided
to take a year and do them all."

♪♪

Thank you. Thank you so much.

(polite applause)

Thank you.

I think my reading actually
put people to sleep.

I think
I put myself to sleep.

- Listen, if you can
learn French,

run a marathon
and do all those other things

you wrote about,
you can definitely conquer this.

I really believe that.
- If you say so.

- Besides, they don't
look asleep

to me.
♪♪

- Hi.

Oh.

- Thanks.

♪♪

Alright, so because

public speaking
in pretty much unavoidable,

I think that we should work
on your stage fright.

- Is it unavoidable?
I mean,

I won't tell if you want
to do all the talking.

- Two words: book deal.

- OK, fine. You're right.
It's just I need to practice.

- Why not right now?

Ladies and gentlemen,
the Bard of Breakups,

Cassie Winslett!
Oh, my God! Hey!

(Elliot imitating crowd cheer)

Alright, so you're on the stage.
You go up to the mic.

What's the first thing
that you say?

- Hello? Howdy?

- "Howdy"? Seriously?

- I don't know.
It is way different

doing it in front
of a group of strangers

than it is with you and Bungee
and the open road.

- The audience is there for you.
They're on your side.

Try this. Close your eyes.

(musical cue on radio)
- Brace yourself, Albany,

the next week looks
to be a snowy one

as a winter storm
blows down from the north.

Now, let's return to our music.
- OK, now I am worried.

- Oh, I think we're gonna
get ahead of it.

Forget about the weather
for a minute.

OK, close your eyes.
Alright, you're on stage.

Now, picture speaking

to all of your
favourite people.

(sound of applause)

- Elliot's never agreed
to tour with anyone before.

- He hasn't?
- Nope.

As outgoing as he is on stage,
he's actually really private.

He's all about his writing
and his dog.

Julian and I even took bets
on when he'd request

to start driving alone.
- (Elliot): Thank you.

- Before I start,
I just want to take a moment

and introduce
a good friend of mine,

Cassie Winslett.

Cassie just released
a fantastic new memoir.

I think

you should hear from her
before you hear

from me.

What do you say?
Would you like her to read

a passage from her book,
My Heartbreak Year?

- Come on.

- Cassie Winslett, everyone!

Just go on
like we practiced.

- Mm-hmm.
- Close your eyes.

Picture all
your favourite people.

(applause)

- "It wasn't that he was
the love of my life.

"He wasn't even one of those
great loves that you read about

"or see in the movies.

"It was that he loved me

"at a moment
when I thought I needed it.

"But it was
after he broke up with me

"on my birthday...
(crowd reacting)

"...that I realized
it wasn't his love

that I needed, but my own."

♪♪

- That was great.

- You know, full confession:
that wasn't so bad.

- I'm gonna be your opening act
pretty soon.

- I highly doubt that.
Nothing prepared me for reading

my own words in front
of a roomful of strangers

and having them "get" it.
What a rush!

(cell phone beeping)

Becca said
that my social media following

is starting to grow
since the review,

and some people are even posting
pictures from the reading!

- Hashtag "Way to go."
- I know I'm being obnoxious.

It's just... it's so unreal.
- No, you're not.

we should go celebrate.
- We have to be in Buffalo

by the end of the night.
- We can make a detour.

- What about the storm?
- What storm?

(chuckling)
Come on, what do you say?

- OK.

- Alright. Oh, maybe...
don't tell Piper.

Bye, Piper.
- We'll see you in Buffalo!

♪♪

(inaudible conversations)

- So I noticed that there was
no winter activities

in your many
breakup adventures,

so today we're
going snowshoeing.

- Oh! That's awesome, I've never
done that before. Is it hard?

- No, it's easy. We even got
a doggie daycare for Bungee.

- Nice!

- So, what do you think?
- Yeah, it's fun.

Hey, you wanna race?
- I don't know how far

we're gonna get.
- It's OK. Ready? Go!

Whoa!

Thanks.

♪♪

- Yeah.

- Ready?
- Yeah.

(kids laughing)
- Hey, Becca.

Did you get the photos I sent?
We just went snowshoeing.

- Yes. Are all book tours
like this?

- If they are,
I never wanna come home.

Oh, here comes Elliot. I gotta
go. Tell everyone I said hi.

- OK. Bye.

- Oh!

Wow, only 17 texts
from Piper wondering

where we are.
- Yeah. Well, 6 from Julian.

He says that the snowstorm is
definitely heading our way.

- OK, come on.

- Come on, Bungee.

♪♪

- Looks like we didn't
get ahead of the storm.

Should I text Piper, tell her
we'll be there tomorrow?

- Yeah. Yeah, I think
that's a good idea.

- OK.

Hey! We're in luck,

we got the last cabin.
It's a two-bedroom, two-bath.

They're getting it ready now.
- I would sleep in a tub

if it got us
out of this storm.

- OK.

- Alright. Come on, Bungee.
Let's get the bags.

♪♪

You know, I gotta say, between
the fire and the gift basket,

being snowed in
is not that bad.

- Yeah, well, the owner's
daughter is apparently a fan.

- Really? I should
send her a thank you.

- Of mine.

- That's great!
(Cassie chuckling)

Really, way to go.
- Thanks. Yeah.

You know, I actually make
a killer hot chocolate.

- Oh yeah? Is that one

of your many skills you learned
on your breakup adventures?

- It is actually. I ended up
taking a chocolate-making class

and a cheese-making class,
but not at the same time.

- Haha! Well, I don't know
if you know this,

but I make a pretty mean
cup of hot chocolate myself.

- Are you suggesting
a cocoa cook-off?

- I might be.
What do you say?

- Challenge accepted.

You're going down.
- I don't think so.

- (Cassie): Is yours ready?
- Alright.

No peeking, 'cause this is
a secret recipe.

- OK. Hey, eyes
on your own pot.

- So, have you been thinking
about a second book yet?

- Well, I have
a notebook full of ideas,

but I'm not sure
I like any of them.

- There's got to be one idea
in there that you like.

- Well, they're all
fiction and--

- Your mom writes fiction.

You know,

you can't run away
from who you are.

- I'm just not sure I'm up
for all the comparison.

- Something tells me that
you can handle almost anything.

- Well, I think that
my hot chocolate is ready.

- Yeah. Mine too.

- Prepare to be wowed.

(both chuckling)

- You know, we're always gonna
be compared to someone.

I'm competing against myself
every time I write a new book.

- Yeah. How's that
going, by the way?

- It isn't.

- It will.
I believe in you.

You know, I think I'm gonna wait
for the book tour to end

before I decide
my next move.

- I think it's important

to remember that you're creating
your own name here.

In the future, there's gonna be
a whole new generation

of readers who know
Jeannine Jordan only

as Cassie Winslett's mom.
(Cassie chuckling)

- Ever thought about becoming
a motivational speaker?

- Well...
- Haha!

- Alright, why don't we
switch and drink?

- Sure.
- Alright.

Oh, wait, wait. Hold on.

(Cassie chuckling)

- Mmm! Is that peppermint?

- Very good.

Spicy!
- Oh yeah. I put cinnamon in it

and then just a dash
of cayenne.

You know, I actually think
I like yours better.

- I think I prefer yours.

Alright, should we
call it a draw?

- Well, there are no losers
when it comes to hot chocolate.

(both chuckling)
- Cheers.

♪♪

Hey, buddy.

(deep breath)

♪♪
(amused sigh)

Shh... Shh...

Shh...

♪♪

♪♪

Yeah, we got held up
by the storm, but we should

be there this afternoon.
You'll have plenty of time

to see her. Yes, Ally,
I'll call you when we get there.

OK, bye.

Hey!
- Hey.

- Morning, sleepyhead.

- I fell asleep
on you, didn't I?

- Yeah. Just when I was
telling you a pivotal

plot point in my new book.
- Are you serious?

- No. No, I...

I wish.
- Thank you for this by the way.

- Yeah, well, that wasn't me.
That was the dog.

- Oh. Well, that was
very kind of you, Bungee.

- You just looked so cozy,
I didn't want to wake you.

The roads are all clear,

so we should be good to get back
to civilization now.

- Oh. Well, I kind
of like it here.

It won't take me long
to get ready.

♪♪

- I like it here, too.

(lip-smacking calling noises)
Come on, Bungee.

Come on, Bungee!

♪♪

(cell phone ringing)

- I bet it's Piper
asking for our ETA.

(cell phone ringing)
And it's Piper asking

for an ETA.

Hey, Piper, what's up?
We were just talking about you.

- Are you close?
We've got a full day ahead.

- Unless Elliot suddenly decides
to drive like a grandmother,

we should be there
in about 30 minutes.

- [Great! Julian and I]

[are already at the inn.
We'll meet you here.]

No more detours.
- We'll come straight there,

I promise.
(music playing on the radio)

(Cassie chuckling)

What? Do I have
something on my face?

- You've been reading my book.
- How do you know that?

(sniggering)

So, what do you think?

I've been waiting very
impatiently for your thoughts.

- Really? Mine?

- Of course.
I respect your opinion.

- Well, I haven't
finished it yet.

- Alright, well,
what do you think so far?

- It's...

inventive and artistic.

And what really surprises me
is how realistic

the characters are.

Like the queen, um...

- Klar-Al.
- Klar-Al.

Even she's faced with really
hard decisions, like leaving

the dragon's lair, you
understand why she has to go.

- You do?

- Yeah, of course.
I would do the same thing.

I mean, she can never
reach the height of her powers

in the dragon's world.
- Yeah, I never really thought

of it that way.
- She's inspired by her ex.

- Yeah, and I'm the dragon
she left behind.

I don't see you as a dragon.
- Well, you haven't seen me

when I'm hungry.
- Haha! Stop.

You know, I don't know

what you have planned next,
but I would have

all of the main characters
travel back on their own,

instead of forcing them
back together.

It could make
for a more dynamic ending.

- It's not a bad idea.
♪♪

- Oh, we're so glad you're here.
- We were getting worried.

- Welcome, Mr. Somersby.

I'll be taking care of your dog
during your stay.

I've been given a complete
run-down on her feeding

and her exercise program.
There is a dog bed

and blankets waiting in
the room. She's in good hands.

- Great. Thank you so much.

- Now I understand your list.

Extra blankets, water;

Bungee is the diva, not you.

- You figured it out.
- OK, Bungee, let's go.

We have an appointment
at the doggie day spa. Come on!

- Hmm, I want a spa appointment.
- I don't think

there's gonna be time for that.
- There's been some changes

to the itinerary.
- In addition to the signing,

we've also added a radio
interview. And then there's

the Q and A at the university
tonight. We have to make up

for lost time.
- Also congratulations, Elliot.

- For what?
- You've been awarded

the American Publishers'
Author of the Year Award.

The reception is in New York
in two weeks.

- Elliot, that's huge!
- OK,

go freshen up. We'll meet
back here in 45 minutes.

- They'll get your bags.
- OK.

- Alright, you guys,
I ask all my guests

to join me in the Book Chat
Speed Round.

Now, the rules are
very, very simple.

Answer as many questions
as you can

in under one minute.
Are you ready?

- Sure.
- OK, we're setting the timer.

And... where do you
like to write?

- My best friend's coffee shop,
Brewed by Becca

in Princeton, New Jersey!
- Elliot?

- Usually my laptop.

- Oh, come on!
- That's not a real answer.

- OK, favourite book that
you've read most recently?

- My Hearbreak Year

by Cassie Winslett.
- Is that another joke answer?

- No. I've read it
multiple times.

- You have?
- OK. Off that answer,

what do you like most
about each other's writing?

- Uh, his imagination.

- She makes me want
to be a better writer.

(tick tock)
(buzzing)

- And that's our speed round.
I honestly don't know

if we could've topped
that last answer anyway.

I'd like to give
a huge thank you

to Cassie Winslett
and Elliot Somersby.

Thank you guys
so much for coming on.

- Thanks for having us.
- And we're off.

(cell phone vibrating)
- Thanks. That was a blast.

I'm sorry, I just gotta
return this call.

- Yeah.

(inaudible talking)

- That was really incredible
what you said,

but you have
your own book to promote,

you don't have to pretend
to be into mine.

- I didn't. I meant
every word of it.

- Really?
- Yeah.

But I do have

to go. I'm late. I gotta
drop Bungee off to Allison.

But I'll see you at the Q and A?
- Mm-hmm.

- Great!

- I can't wait to send these
pictures to your roommate.

- You and Becca are friends?!
- Oh yeah, we text all the time.

She reached out
about your website, and now

we're constantly trading photos.
The three of us should have

a girl's night when we get back.
- Yeah, sure.

- Where did Elliot go?

- Oh! He went to go see his ex.
She wants to see the dog.

- Huh.

- What does "huh" mean?

- I'm just really impressed
that they get along.

I mean, he was crushed when she
left. I think he blames himself.

- Oh. How did it end?

- He spent more time
working on his book

than his relationship, and
one succeeded and one failed.

I guess it's just
how it goes.

Let's get a coffee.

♪♪

- Alright, we have time
for a few more questions.

You in the second row.
- This question is for Cassie.

Which adventure was
your favourite and which was

the hardest to do?
- Which adventure was

my favourite?

I'm gonna answer
your second question first.

The hardest was going out
to dinner by myself.

I don't mean just
sitting at a bar

scrolling through your phone
trying to look busy, alone.

You all know
what I'm talking about.

I challenged myself
to go out to dinner,

to sit at a table
with no book, and no phone,

and just enjoy being there.

Which was
surprisingly difficult.

But it also became
my favourite adventure.

I appreciated the food more,
I made friends with strangers,

and, most importantly,

I felt good about myself.
I challenge you all to try it.

- Well, I have
one more question.

Elliot,

it's my understanding
that after the signing tonight,

this is the end
of the book tour--

- Yeah. Yeah. It went by fast.

- Yeah, it did.

- What do you plan to do after?
- Write.

I mean, you're all waiting
for the third book, right?

(crowd cheering)

- Anything you want to tell us
about your final book?

- As someone who just finished
reading his second book,

I'm not even thinking
about a third.

I'm gonna read the first and
second book over again.

Who's with me?
(crowd cheering)

- Cassie Winslett
and Elliot Somersby!

(cheering)

- Thank you for the save.

- I owed you one.

- That was a long day.
Well done, everyone.

- Who wants to celebrate?
- Actually, I was...

I was gonna show Cassie
around the city.

- That's OK, we can go together.

- Julian, we should go. We have
a lot of work to do still.

- We do?
- Yeah.

Sure. We have tons of work.
Have fun, you two.

- Let go.
Let me know where you are.

- Julian!
- OK. You can pin it

on the phone. There's
a setting for pinning.

- (Piper): Julian!
(soft music)

- You know, I never thought
I'd say this,

but I don't want
this book tour to end.

- Neither do I.

- (together): So...
(both laughing)

- I've been thinking--
- Yeah, so have I.

- You go first.
- No. You, please.

- I think I'm gonna stick
around here for a little while.

I want to give Allison

and Bungee just
some more time together.

- Yeah, I totally understand.

That's very... responsible.

- Allison asked me to drop
Bungee off tomorrow morning.

So, I... I won't
see you tomorrow.

♪♪

This is... this is
our last night together.

- Oh.

- I'm sorry, what was it
that you wanted to say to me?

- Uh, I was just... gonna say...

...that I'm starving,

and we should have
a farewell meal.

- Yeah. I'd love that.

- Yeah, I would
love that, too.

- Hey, Cassie.
- Yeah?

- Thank you

for making this the best tour
that I've ever had.

♪♪

- Let's go eat.

♪♪

Hello?

Becca? Is anyone here?

- (all): Surprise!
(laughter)

- What?!

- Oh, welcome home, sweetheart!

- What is all this?
- It's your Welcome Home Party!

- I can't believe
you did all this.

- It was your mom's idea.
- You were so nervous about

the tour, and then you went out
and you won over everyone.

I am so happy for you.
- Thanks, Mom.

- Your social media's on fire.
You have

to check out your website.
- Oh.

- So, some are the ones
you sent me

and others, your fans tagged.

And the rest came from Piper.
- Oh, that one,

that's my favourite.
(indistinct conversations)

- I don't even recognize myself.

- Well, that's because
you don't see what we see.

OK, I'm gonna get us
something to drink.

♪♪

- This one is my favourite.

- That was from
the last night of the tour.

- You fell in love,
didn't you?

- I didn't mean to.
- We never do.

Do you want to talk about it?
- No.

No, there's nothing
to talk about. He's uh...

He's in Buffalo.
It's where his ex is.

- That's ironic.

Maybe he should read your book
for pointers on how to move on.

- He did. A few times.

You know, it's fine.
Hahaha! I'm being silly.

We were just two writers
on a tour, so...

- Hey, there's no tears
at your own party.

- Yep. You're right. Haha!

- Come on,
time to celebrate.

- Yes.

- Um, thank you all
so much for being here.

I'm so lucky to have
such a great group of friends.

- Awww!
- Mom, thank you.

You know, your...

your notes on all of my book
reports were overkill...

(laughter)
...but you made me who I am,

so thank you.

Cheers to you.

- (people): Cheers!

- Did I ever tell you
that I became

a writer to avoid
going into medicine?

- You were gonna be
a doctor?

- Your grandfather
had this dream

that I was gonna join
his medical practice.

- I didn't know that.

- Yeah, he was so beloved
and so respected,

and I thought
I could never live up

to any of his accomplishments.
So, I told him

that I was studying medicine,

but secretly I was writing.

- I bet grandpa was so upset.
- Oh, he was.

Not that I was deceiving him,
but because I didn't try.

I thought I could never be
as good as he was,

so I just avoided
medicine altogether.

- What are you
telling me, Mom?

- I know it can't be easy
for you being compared to me,

but instead
of running away

from your dream,
you're still going for it,

and you've handled it
with such grace.

Honey, I was never that brave.

- Oh, Mom, you're
the bravest person that I know.

- Keep writing.
It's what you're meant to do.

I love you.
- I love you, too.

♪♪

(typing on keyboard)

- Hey, roomie.
- Hey.

Wait. Weren't you
in that same spot when I left?

- Mm-hmm. I hit a groove
and I can't stop.

- What are you working on?
- A new book.

It's a novel.
- Really?

- Mm-hmm.

I still haven't figured out
the ending yet.

- It's not about dragons, is it?
- No way.

- OK, good.
Speaking of--

- No, I haven't heard from him,
and I'd be surprised

if I ever do.

- That's not
what I was gonna say.

I got an alert about
this new Elliot interview.

(Cassie chuckling)

- I'm sorry. You get
alerts about Elliot?

- I set up alerts
about the two of you

when you were going on tour,
and I just haven't changed

my settings yet.
- Yeah, OK. Mm-hmm, sure. Great.

Alright.
- OK, watch.

- Am I bringing a date
to the Awards?

Let's just say
that I'm working on it.

- He's working on it!
That's code

for he doesn't have a date.
- Or it's just proof

that instead of moving on,

he is working things out
with his ex.

- OK, this might be
our first friend fight,

'cause I disagree.
♪♪

- OK.

(indistinct conversations)

(women laughing)

- Hey, look who's here!
- Piper?

- This place is so cute!
- I can't believe

we finally get
to meet in person.

- I know! We talked
so much during the tour,

feels like I've
known you forever.

- That pic you sent--
- -The one of them laughing?

- It got so many "likes."
- Nice!

- I don't mean to interrupt
girl-bonding time,

which I'm loving by the way,
but what are you doing

in Princetown? I mean, I know
our winter mocha latte is good,

but I don't know
if it's leave-the-city good.

- Oh, no, they are
that good, actually.

- Your presence
has been requested

at the American Publishers
Awards tomorrow night.

- The one Elliot's receiving?

MacDonner Press has a table,
and it's my job

to make sure you look
the part of hot new writer.

- Oh, what does that look like?

- It has less coffee stains.

(chuckling)

- Wow, I haven't
seen him since Buffalo.

I feel like I imagined
the entire trip.

- You didn't
imagine anything.

He's gonna be
excited to see you.

Trust me.
♪♪

(indistinct chattering)

- How's the man
of the hour?

- Fine.

It's a little...
it's a little fancy.

- Yeah.
- Usually, my fans are dressed

in costume.
- Do you have your speech?

- Yeah.
- Great.

♪♪

- Uh, excuse me.
- Yes.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I'm gonna go
find our table.

- You look incredible.

- You're not
so bad yourself.

- Good evening, all.
Will everyone

please take their seats.
- I think that's our cue.

Me?

- Of course.
Who else?

(chuckling)

♪♪

- Cassie, it's wonderful
to see you.

- I'm very happy
to be here.

- We have a lot to celebrate:

a successful book tour,
your rising sales,

and... MacDonner Press
extending your publishing deal.

- Really? Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.

- Um, I'm so sorry. I just...
I got really excited.

That's great news.
- Ladies and gentlemen,

thank you and welcome

to this evening's
Awards' presentation.

I am thrilled
to present this year's

American Publishers Author
of the Year, Elliot Somersby.

- Thank you.
Thanks very much.

Thank you. Wow!

Wow! What an honour,
thank you.

Thank you so much.

I'd like to thank
the American Publishers

for this incredible award.

As some of you might know,

I just recently wrapped
a book tour.

While on the road,
I realized that

even though writing
is a solitary craft,

I couldn't have done it alone.

I, uh... I'd like to thank
Gwendolyn MacDonner

and the entire team
at MacDonner Press.

And I'd like
to thank Allison

for always encouraging me
to keep writing,

even when I was just
a wannabe writer.

When I was working
on my first book,

she, uh... she just...

She was always there for me.

- I... I am so sorry.
I don't feel very well,

I think I should go.

(indistinct whispering)

- (Elliot): Um...

Sorry. If you'll just bear
with me for a second,

I have so many people
I'd like to thank.

♪♪

Finally, I would like
to thank my fans

who I wouldn't be here without.

So, thank you, everyone.

This award truly is
an honour. Thank you.

Thank you.

Hey.

Where's Cassie?
- She didn't feel well.

- Uh, take this.
- Yeah.

♪♪
Hi. Thank you.

Thank you so much.
- Congratulations!

- (Becca): Are you sure
you heard him correctly?

- Yes. He made a point
of thanking his ex.

(Becca sighing)

- Are they back together?

- I don't know.
He's just... He's not over her.

You know, I actually
convinced myself

that he felt the same way.
And I got all dressed up, and...

I just... I felt
so foolish I had to leave.

- If it makes you feel any
better, you looked beautiful.

♪♪
(chuckling)

- Yeah.

Some heartbreak expert
I turned out to be, huh?

- OK, let's go or we'll be late!
(cell phone ringing)

(Beep!)
Is that Elliot again?

- Mm-hmm.
- He's been calling non-stop

for three days;
are you ever gonna answer?

- Until I know what to say,
that phone is staying

in my pocket. Let's go.
- Fair enough.

♪♪

- ♪ There's this feeling
we're all ♪

♪ So much more than we see ♪

♪ They can box us up
in walls ♪

♪ But that don't
change anything ♪

♪ There's a sun on the rise
painting all the sky blue ♪

♪ Where morning meets night ♪
- For your website.

Yah!
- OK.

- Nice!
- Alright.

Let's go get ready.
(applause)

(cheering)
Thank you

all so much for coming
to what I consider

to be my do-over signing.
(people laughing)

This bookstore means a lot
to me. I basically grew up here.

I bought my very first book here
with my allowance money.

And I also kicked off

my first book tour here, though
I didn't know it at the time.

(laughter)
I'd also like to announce

that I'm officially coming out
with a second book.

Thanks to all
of your support,

I am actually writing
a novel,

and I believe
that a sneak peek

of my very first chapter
is on my website.

Just saying that this novel
has been

a labour of love
is an understatement.

Oh, and it looks
like we have a question.

- Take it.
- OK. A question in the back?

- Yeah, uh, I know

that this book is fiction,
but the pages

on your website,
they seem kind of real.

I was wondering
what the influence was.

- Uh, well, sir,

the book is inspired

by a... a road trip I took

on my very first book tour.
- And, uh,

who is the influence
for your dashing leading man?

- I don't believe that I used
the term "dashing"

to describe him.
- I mean, that was just implied.

- Well, he was based

on the writer
I went on tour with, loosely.

Elliot Somersby,
maybe you've heard of him?

- I have actually. He's a very,
very talented writer.

(crowd laughing)

So have you... have you thought
of an ending yet?

- I'm still working on that.
- Well, maybe your dashing

leading man could help you out.
- You know, I actually think

that he has been too busy in
his own personal life to help.

So if anyone else
has questions...

- Yeah, I have another one.
- Wait, what are you doing?

- It's fun. I've never been
on this side before.

- I mean, no, what are you
doing here? What about Allison?

- Allison?

We're not together.
- But your speech.

- Is that why you left?

- Why don't we take five,

and those of you who'd like
to line up for the book signing,

Cassie will be with you shortly.
(indistinct chatter)

- Allison and I,
we're just trying to be friends.

That's it.

You were the one
that I wanted there that night.

- You did? But--

- I invited you.

I-I just wanted it
to be a surprise.

- It just seemed
like you had a lot

that you needed to work through.
- Yeah, well, I did.

And I needed
to do it alone.

I needed to
get over myself.

I needed to write.

I needed to stop
living in the past,

move forward.

I was able to do that
because of you.

Because of your book.

And if you'd stayed
for my entire speech...

...this is what you would
have heard: "Every story

"has a hero.

"A character
who enchants us

"and challenges us,

"who inspires us
to be better people,

"who makes us
see the world

"in a whole new light.

"And I wouldn't be
up here tonight

"if it wasn't
for the hero in my life,

Cassie Winslett”"

You see, Cassie, I...

I didn't just fall in love
with your writing...

...I fell in love with you.

I love you,
Cassie Winslett,

and I... I hope
that you love me back.

- I have loved you since
the very first book signing.

- Well, then I guess this is

a great place to do this.

♪♪

(applause)

(Cassie chuckling)

I just have
one more surprise.

(barking)
- (crowd): Awww!

- Bungee! Hahaha!
- Bungee, come here!

Come here. She didn't want
to miss this.

- This next joint book tour
is going to be huge!

- We're going to need
to double the appearances.

- I like that idea.
- You like that idea?

- Mm-hmm.
(bark)

♪♪

♪♪

- ♪ There's this feeling
we're all ♪

♪ So much more than we see ♪

♪ They can box us up
in walls ♪

♪ But that don't change anything
There's a sun on the rise ♪