- 2 hours ago
As the Christmas party for a book publishing company approaches, editor Maggie volunteers to help her boss Amanda find a date. Matchmaking is a bit of a hobby for Maggie, but she is thrown off her game when Jaxson, her boyfriend from her college years, shows up at her work—as a newly signed, successful author. Maggie would love to deny she feels anything for him still, but Jaxson isn’t making it easy. She’ll have to face her decisions of the past, along with Amanda eyeing Jaxson, to bring together the perfect matches at Christmas.
Director: Brian Brough
Writer: Brittany Wiscombe
Starring: Emily Rose, Corey Sevier
Director: Brian Brough
Writer: Brittany Wiscombe
Starring: Emily Rose, Corey Sevier
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Since I was a kid, I always felt awkward and uneasy with myself.
00:00:30Through learning to drive, acne, doing laundry, going to college, each was unbearable.
00:00:39Because I was incomplete.
00:00:42I hadn't met Linda.
00:00:43But now that I have her in my life, I don't ever want to let her go.
00:00:49I am so grateful for you.
00:00:50I love you.
00:00:51I love you too.
00:00:52So cute.
00:00:53Oh, and we can't forget the reason that we're all here tonight, and that is our dear friend
00:00:58Maggie.
00:00:59I know.
00:01:00That's right.
00:01:01She brought us together.
00:01:03Thank you, Maggie.
00:01:05Cheers.
00:01:06To Maggie.
00:01:20Maggie.
00:01:21Huh?
00:01:22That is all because of you.
00:01:23Oh, I'm just so happy that it worked out.
00:01:26You're coming to the wedding, right?
00:01:28Yeah, of course.
00:01:29Oh, Linda.
00:01:30We need a picture.
00:01:31Maggie, can you take it?
00:01:32Yeah, definitely.
00:01:33Okay.
00:01:36All right.
00:01:37Ready?
00:01:38One, two, three.
00:01:42Don't tell me.
00:01:43Another happy couple.
00:01:44Yeah, went to their engagement party last night.
00:01:47I wish they could get married in time for Christmas.
00:01:48I guess it would be a lot to plan, but it would be romantic.
00:01:51Come on.
00:01:52This isn't a victory.
00:01:53It has to be a lucky guess.
00:01:54Don't say guess, all right?
00:01:55You don't have this track record by mere guesses.
00:01:58And yet I don't see your photo up there.
00:02:00That's because I'm too busy helping other people fall in love.
00:02:03Sure.
00:02:04How do you even know this many people?
00:02:06I've moved around a lot.
00:02:08Maggie?
00:02:10Oh, yeah.
00:02:12So yeah, I finished the edit on the Wilmington Heights manuscript.
00:02:15Book three?
00:02:16Uh-huh.
00:02:17And Dale's supposed to have an outline to me for book four by the end of the month.
00:02:19But between you and me, I think he's gonna need a break.
00:02:22Don't we all?
00:02:23I've heard we're about to sign a new author, and I'm leaning towards assigning him to you.
00:02:26Okay.
00:02:27Yeah.
00:02:28Fine.
00:02:29I think I can take on one more.
00:02:30Good.
00:02:31I'll have more details as soon as it's finalized.
00:02:32Great.
00:02:35Ugh.
00:02:36What?
00:02:37Company Christmas party.
00:02:38Oh, yeah.
00:02:39When is it?
00:02:40The 20th.
00:02:41I hate these.
00:02:42Really?
00:02:43I thought everybody looked forward to them.
00:02:45Trust me.
00:02:46Compared to all the other companies I've worked for, this one is top notch.
00:02:49Well, on the surface maybe, but I hate having to get a date.
00:02:53You don't have to bring a date.
00:02:54People notice when I don't.
00:02:56That awkward conversation as they introduce their dates and then look around like, hey,
00:03:01where's your date?
00:03:02Last year, I went with my brother.
00:03:04It wasn't any better.
00:03:05I could find you somebody.
00:03:08A setup?
00:03:09That's worse.
00:03:10No, really.
00:03:11It's kind of become a hobby of mine.
00:03:13I just paired up two friends.
00:03:14They're getting married.
00:03:15And then earlier this year was Ali from reception.
00:03:18And then before that was Stuart in the mail room.
00:03:20And I also paired up a neighbor with the daughter of the VP over non-fiction.
00:03:25Really?
00:03:26Bruce's daughter?
00:03:27Yeah.
00:03:28She's super tricky, but I totally did it.
00:03:30Oh, it's not important.
00:03:31Excuse me, Amanda.
00:03:32Hey, a couple questions for you on the expense report.
00:03:35Which ones?
00:03:36Uh, here.
00:03:37Well, this one?
00:03:41Uh, dinner to smooth things over with the Greensboro.
00:03:45You know what?
00:03:46Go for it.
00:03:47And this one?
00:03:48Company Christmas gifts for the fiction authors.
00:03:50Wait, wait, wait.
00:03:51You want me to pair you up for the Christmas party?
00:03:53Yes.
00:03:54And this one.
00:03:55And please, whatever you do, make it painless.
00:03:58Oh, yeah.
00:03:59Yeah, yeah.
00:04:00Of course.
00:04:01Oh.
00:04:02That one, I don't remember.
00:04:03Don't you have notes on these?
00:04:05Or can't you call?
00:04:06That's fine.
00:04:07I'll think of something.
00:04:08Thanks.
00:04:17Uh-oh.
00:04:18What?
00:04:19You're gonna hate it.
00:04:20You're gonna hate it.
00:04:21I'm bracing myself.
00:04:23Amanda wants me to find her a date for the Christmas party.
00:04:26Haven't you met your quota for the year?
00:04:29No, you can't have too much of a good thing.
00:04:31Uh, yes, you can.
00:04:32Shh.
00:04:33You think you can find her a soulmate by Christmas?
00:04:36Maybe.
00:04:37You wanna bet on it?
00:04:39No.
00:04:40No, no.
00:04:41And listen, I don't need your negative vibes on this one, okay?
00:04:52Oh, I have no idea what to get Mom and Dad this year.
00:04:55Dad says slippers, no books, and good children.
00:04:58He says that every year, Nicole.
00:05:00And when is he gonna realize we're adults?
00:05:02Never.
00:05:03Although Andrea and I are hanging onto that for our kids.
00:05:06Oh, yeah?
00:05:07What is it they want?
00:05:08Sawyer wants board games and Tammy wants superhero action figures.
00:05:12Any hints for Mom?
00:05:14She says she wants a massage table.
00:05:16Oh, yeah.
00:05:17Well, she'll never use that.
00:05:18I'm gonna claim that one then.
00:05:19I don't care if she doesn't use it as long as I have something from her list.
00:05:22Great.
00:05:23So you're gonna make me be creative?
00:05:24Yep.
00:05:25You're good at it.
00:05:28Right.
00:05:31Okay, so help me brainstorm.
00:05:33I just gave you a whole bunch of ideas.
00:05:35Yeah, no, no, no.
00:05:36I'm not talking about presents.
00:05:37I'm talking about men.
00:05:38I'm trying to find a date for my boss for the Christmas party.
00:05:42I don't know.
00:05:43Come on, cough up all the friends that we know.
00:05:46I'll even consider acquaintances.
00:05:49Toby.
00:05:50Toby?
00:05:51Oh, the dental hygienist from Andrew's office?
00:05:55Yeah.
00:05:56Andrew thinks he's a good worker.
00:05:58Mm-hmm.
00:05:59Well, I guess I was thinking somebody more, you know, distinguished and settled.
00:06:05You must be kissing up to your boss.
00:06:07No, it's not that at all.
00:06:09She's just, she's a really good person.
00:06:11All right, the boss part, that's not even a factor.
00:06:14Come on, who do we know?
00:06:15What do we...
00:06:16Oh, Marvin.
00:06:18He owns a cafe around the corner.
00:06:20Oh, yeah.
00:06:21You love that place.
00:06:22Yeah.
00:06:23Do you know him that well?
00:06:24Oh, he is super sweet.
00:06:26I mean, he's divorced, but he's a really hard worker.
00:06:29Do you realize you always fixate on setting other people up, but never yourself?
00:06:33Well, not since Jackson.
00:06:34Hey, don't, no, don't, don't say his name.
00:06:37All right.
00:06:38Oh, you know what?
00:06:41I think I gotta go.
00:06:42Hmm.
00:06:43Hey, you wanna go on on something for Dad?
00:06:45Yes, I do.
00:06:46Can you just tell me what you end up getting him?
00:06:48Okay.
00:06:50See ya.
00:06:51Mm-hmm.
00:06:56Oh, hey, did you hear?
00:06:57Hmm?
00:06:58The Christmas book I designed is flying off the shelf.
00:06:59The e-book, too.
00:07:00And it's all because of your cover design?
00:07:02It has nothing to do with what the author wrote?
00:07:04I'm just saying.
00:07:05Uh-huh.
00:07:06I feel a sense of pride here.
00:07:07Well, that is great.
00:07:09Oh, Amanda's looking for you.
00:07:11Probably so you two can plan her romantic future.
00:07:14Oof.
00:07:15Okay.
00:07:19I think you'll be happy with the editor.
00:07:21Oh, here she is.
00:07:23Maggie, I'd like to introduce you to Jackson Jones.
00:07:26I'm sure you've heard of him.
00:07:27Hi.
00:07:28Hi.
00:07:29Jackson's been looking for a change in publisher, and we are delighted he's chosen us.
00:07:34You'll be his editor.
00:07:35Oh, that's great news.
00:07:38Yes, it is.
00:07:39It's nice to meet you.
00:07:41Yeah, it's nice to meet you, too.
00:07:44I've heard so much about you.
00:07:49So?
00:07:50Oh, you know, I look forward to hearing thoughts about your next book.
00:07:55Well, I have time right now.
00:07:57Right now?
00:07:58Okay, sure.
00:08:02All right, yeah, I'll go see if the conference room is available.
00:08:05Great.
00:08:08Great.
00:08:09This is great.
00:08:12Great.
00:08:17What's wrong?
00:08:18Nothing.
00:08:19Nothing.
00:08:20Wow, I almost believe you.
00:08:21Jackson Jones.
00:08:23I thought that was him.
00:08:25You can never tell because the book jacket photo is always too glammed up to be recognizable.
00:08:29Or it's in black and white.
00:08:30Well, he's my new author, so there's that.
00:08:33Oh.
00:08:34Lucky you.
00:08:35Not really.
00:08:36Why?
00:08:37Because I almost married him.
00:08:38Mr. Jones, have a seat.
00:08:54So.
00:08:57It's been a long time.
00:08:59It's good to see you.
00:09:00Yeah.
00:09:01Yeah.
00:09:02You look good.
00:09:03Thanks.
00:09:04How you been?
00:09:05How about we just need to talk about you.
00:09:07All right.
00:09:08What is it that you're wanting to do next?
00:09:09Um.
00:09:10Well, I'm kind of tired of the mysteries and thrillers I've been writing.
00:09:11Okay.
00:09:12So I want to dabble in some other genres.
00:09:13Hmm.
00:09:14It's risky.
00:09:15Well, it doesn't mean I'm going to stop writing my bread and butter.
00:09:16But I think I've earned the right to do what I want.
00:09:18All right.
00:09:19Yeah, no, I'm going to have to run that by Amanda and maybe a couple others.
00:09:22Why is that?
00:09:23Oh, you know, I don't know the terms of your, you know, contract, but I can imagine it's
00:09:28a pretty lucrative thing.
00:09:29Yeah.
00:09:30I'm going to have to run that by Amanda and maybe a couple others.
00:09:31Why is that?
00:09:32Oh, you know, I don't know the terms of your, you know, contract, but I can imagine it's a pretty
00:09:44lucrative one here at Red Lake Publishing.
00:09:47It's fair.
00:09:48I just think that they're going to want to, you know, make sure that they recoup whatever
00:09:51it is that they're paying you.
00:09:53And writing in a different genre would jeopardize that?
00:09:55Well, it's a precaution.
00:09:57Is that why you were shopping around for other publishers?
00:10:01What?
00:10:03Oh, you know, I'm just, I'm just asking.
00:10:05Do they not like the whole new genre thing?
00:10:07No, that's, that's, that's not why I left.
00:10:12Could you, uh, just stop the note taking for a sec?
00:10:18It's a meeting.
00:10:19It's my job.
00:10:20Yeah, but you don't have, um, why don't I collect my thoughts a bit more?
00:10:29Is there a way I can reach you?
00:10:31Oh, yeah.
00:10:32Uh, there you go.
00:10:36Mm-hmm.
00:10:37Um.
00:10:38Landville.
00:10:39Great.
00:10:40Well, it was, uh, good to see you.
00:10:43Yeah.
00:10:44You know, I was wondering what it would be like if we ran into each other again.
00:10:59I have to admit, it's, uh, pretty much as awkward as I imagined.
00:11:04Yeah, so now that we've gotten that out of the way, I think it's best if we just get back to work.
00:11:10Sounds good.
00:11:12Oh.
00:11:13Uh.
00:11:14He seems nice.
00:11:15He's your type, right?
00:11:16No.
00:11:17No.
00:11:18So what happened with you guys?
00:11:19Nothing.
00:11:20Well, I guess not.
00:11:21When were you engaged?
00:11:22Uh, it was my second year of college.
00:11:23Was he a jerk or something?
00:11:24It's complicated.
00:11:25So why didn't you marry him?
00:11:26There were so many obstacles.
00:11:40Okay.
00:11:41Did you ever get married?
00:11:43I can't tell.
00:11:44Let me go.
00:11:46You're gonna come in.
00:11:51okay like what for starters i i got the scholarship to oxford and i really wanted to go for it and
00:11:59he got upset and so we broke up and i mean you know yeah yeah it sounds like it wasn't meant to
00:12:06be and then was it my parents no actually my whole family they had you know issues with his
00:12:14aspirations to become an author that's funny considering yeah so there was an age thing
00:12:20and it's a scholarship thing and we were just too young to be in love like romeo and juliet
00:12:27or bell and edward wesley and buttercup wait except for the fact that all those people
00:12:35you listed were actually in love like samson and delilah bingo
00:12:39maggie
00:12:46what are you doing here
00:12:49i'm waiting for you why well i wanted to talk about um
00:12:55listen if we're gonna be working together it can't be like that
00:13:00i don't know what you mean yes you do but we're not handling this right and if
00:13:06we don't address it's gonna get worse look mr jones i really appreciate you
00:13:12mr jones come on
00:13:15jackson i can't just pretend that this isn't weird fine let's just admit that it's weird
00:13:23i don't know how that's any better well we're growing up now right we can say the past isn't
00:13:31the past and move forward i think that's a lot easier said than done i think we're strong enough
00:13:37to try so what do you say can we start over
00:13:41okay great so why don't we try all this again another day i'll bring my story notes and you can look
00:13:55them over yeah okay how about tomorrow uh yeah that's fine
00:14:02good night mac
00:14:05okay date options
00:14:28for amanda
00:14:32who else
00:14:50oh shoot
00:14:53oh shoot
00:14:58oh shoot
00:15:00you
00:15:14oh shoot
00:15:22Hey, Amanda.
00:15:50Oh, hey.
00:15:51You cycling today?
00:15:51No, actually, I was going to stay for a run,
00:15:53but I was hoping to catch you on a break
00:15:54because I have a list of 11 guys
00:15:56that I think will be great for you.
00:15:5911?
00:16:00Yeah.
00:16:01I don't think I have time to meet that many guys
00:16:02before Christmas.
00:16:03Well, no, I brought you pictures.
00:16:05You have random men's pictures?
00:16:06They're not random, okay?
00:16:08I know each of these guys.
00:16:09And besides, you know, photos,
00:16:10those aren't really hard to get.
00:16:12I'm surprised you went to all this hassle.
00:16:13Well, it wasn't a hassle at all.
00:16:14There you are.
00:16:16Whoa.
00:16:17Okay, so I know that there's more to a person
00:16:19than a photo.
00:16:20So think of this sort of like a...
00:16:22Menu?
00:16:23A sampling, okay?
00:16:25And I can tell you a little bit about each one.
00:16:27Do you have a pen?
00:16:28Uh, yeah, I do.
00:16:29Where'd it go?
00:16:30There.
00:16:31There you go.
00:16:36Wait, don't you want to know about...
00:16:37Okay.
00:16:38How's that?
00:16:45Well, I'm actually surprised there's any lift.
00:16:47Let's keep it reasonable.
00:16:49Okay, so what I'll do is I'll go ahead and set up a time
00:16:51for you to meet each of them.
00:16:53Meet them?
00:16:54Yeah.
00:16:54Like one-on-one, but yeah.
00:16:57Okay, something quick.
00:16:58Uh, coffee date.
00:16:59Coffee?
00:17:00Really?
00:17:00There's not really potential there to have, like,
00:17:02a good deep conversation.
00:17:03I don't really have time for these things.
00:17:06Is there any way you can set them all up on the same day?
00:17:09Well, that's not really romantic.
00:17:10You know, you're like,
00:17:11oh my gosh, it's so nice to meet you.
00:17:12I love your eyes.
00:17:13Next.
00:17:14Have I mentioned that I don't enjoy dating?
00:17:17Have I mentioned?
00:17:17I think it's because you haven't met the right guy yet.
00:17:20Of course.
00:17:21Okay, so, I'll go ahead and I'll set you up.
00:17:25Bye.
00:17:28We wish you were married.
00:17:31Hey, Maggie.
00:17:32Hey.
00:17:33Listen, I have somebody that I want you to meet.
00:17:36Oh, you always threaten that.
00:17:38Marvin, you're gonna really like her.
00:17:41Okay, just text me the details.
00:17:43I will.
00:17:44Okay.
00:17:45Here we go.
00:17:49Still got that flare.
00:17:51What?
00:17:52Social butterfly charm.
00:17:54Friends with everybody.
00:17:55Oh, I mean, I guess so.
00:18:00All right, so, shall we?
00:18:03Yes.
00:18:03And I wasn't kidding about new genres for me.
00:18:05Okay, what are you thinking?
00:18:07Christmas book.
00:18:08Obviously not for this year, but it could be fun, right?
00:18:11Yeah, I mean, Christmas, that seems to be a genre
00:18:14that other successful authors have crossed over to
00:18:16and done pretty well in, so that'd be great.
00:18:19But, you know, I think we're gonna need something else
00:18:22other than just Christmas.
00:18:23Oh, don't worry.
00:18:24I got more.
00:18:25Hmm.
00:18:26Period piece.
00:18:27Character-driven, one person's struggle
00:18:30through the Civil War.
00:18:31Oh, and I also have a mystery
00:18:32that's set with a scientific background.
00:18:35Oh, no.
00:18:37Don't like it?
00:18:38Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:18:40Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:18:42Hi.
00:18:43Sorry to interrupt.
00:18:44I'm Nicole.
00:18:46Oh, I remember you just fine.
00:18:49This is Jackson.
00:18:51Oh.
00:18:52What are you doing here?
00:18:54I'm working with Maggie's Publishing House.
00:18:57Oh, that's interesting.
00:18:59Doing what?
00:19:00He's an author, Nicole.
00:19:03Wow. Pulled that one off after all.
00:19:06You been writing long?
00:19:07He's a best-selling author.
00:19:09I've been writing for a while.
00:19:11Well, good for you.
00:19:13Hey, so we really need to get back to our meeting.
00:19:16Sure. I'll call you later.
00:19:18It's good to see you again.
00:19:19Mm-hmm.
00:19:24So, where were we?
00:19:27Scientific background.
00:19:29He's still just as smug as I remember him.
00:19:32I mean, really, does 15 years or whatever
00:19:34do nothing to improve a person?
00:19:36He wasn't smug. It was just work.
00:19:38I'm just glad you listened to Mom and Dad
00:19:40and left him behind.
00:19:43Are you listening?
00:19:44Yes. Yes, Nicole.
00:19:46He's still no good.
00:19:49Look, you guys always love to say that,
00:19:50but Jackson never did anything wrong.
00:19:53He was trying to hold you back.
00:19:55By marrying me? Really?
00:19:58All I'm saying is don't do that wistful thing
00:20:01and look back on all the good memories
00:20:03and forget the bad.
00:20:04Okay, and I'm just saying
00:20:05there really were no bad memories.
00:20:09You guys just never approved of...
00:20:11Okay, you know what?
00:20:12Just forget it.
00:20:14Okay?
00:20:14He's an author.
00:20:15I'm an editor.
00:20:16It was just work.
00:20:17I'm gonna hold you to that.
00:20:19Okay.
00:20:21Good night, Nicole.
00:20:21Good night.
00:20:23Please tell me he's not in a red suit.
00:20:40No, you're meeting him at the coffee shop.
00:20:43There he is.
00:20:45Oh.
00:20:46Yeah.
00:20:46Better than his picture, right?
00:20:48Which one is he?
00:20:49Alan.
00:20:49I'm fine.
00:20:51Alan.
00:20:52Okay.
00:20:52Yep, all right.
00:20:53Go ahead.
00:20:54Wait, aren't you gonna introduce me?
00:20:57No.
00:20:58No, if I get dragged in there,
00:20:59you'll use me as a crutch.
00:21:00Come on.
00:21:01Go ahead.
00:21:01You'll be fine.
00:21:07Okay.
00:21:11Um, Alan?
00:21:12Amanda.
00:21:14Nice to meet you.
00:21:15Oh, hi.
00:21:17Nice to meet you.
00:21:18Thank you for coming.
00:21:19Have a nice seat.
00:21:22Oh.
00:21:23I forgot about the height difference.
00:21:30It's not gonna work.
00:21:35Come on.
00:21:36Come on, man.
00:21:37Hi, James.
00:21:39Hi, James.
00:21:39Hi, James.
00:21:39Hi, James.
00:21:40Hi, James.
00:21:40Hi, James.
00:21:41Hi, James.
00:21:42It's great to meet you.
00:21:43Yes.
00:21:43No, thanks for your time, really.
00:21:45It was awesome.
00:21:47Hopefully we do this again, you know.
00:21:48It, uh...
00:21:49Um, or I can...
00:21:51No, I'll just...
00:21:53All right.
00:21:56Thanks.
00:21:57Take care.
00:22:00All right, so how did it go?
00:22:02He's nice.
00:22:04Okay, look, that was my fault.
00:22:05I didn't really think through Alan as an option
00:22:07or if he liked a certain height.
00:22:08We were in two different atmospheric levels.
00:22:10Look, don't worry about it.
00:22:11All right, look, Stephen is next.
00:22:13He's super nice.
00:22:14He loves books.
00:22:15He reads all the time.
00:22:16You guys are gonna have a lot to talk about.
00:22:19Fine.
00:22:23I've been looking forward to this.
00:22:24Really?
00:22:25Yeah, I devour books.
00:22:27And Maggie had a lot of great things to say about you.
00:22:30Oh, thank you.
00:22:32Uh, she says you're an avid reader.
00:22:35That's putting it mildly.
00:22:36Any favorites?
00:22:38Well, uh, my favorites, I'm sorry to admit,
00:22:41are actually from another publisher,
00:22:43but I'm sure you've heard of them.
00:22:44Half-Blood Fiend, Galaxy Feud,
00:22:47Rise of the Oryx, and, uh,
00:22:48Into the Black of Space.
00:22:50Science fiction.
00:22:52And fantasy.
00:22:53Oh.
00:22:59Maggie?
00:23:01Jackson.
00:23:03What are you doing here?
00:23:04Uh, supervising, I guess.
00:23:07Uh, Amanda's meeting somebody,
00:23:08so I'm just making sure it's all okay.
00:23:11And does she know you're out here watching her?
00:23:13Yeah.
00:23:14I'm not crazy.
00:23:16I'm actually, I'm setting her up.
00:23:18It's kind of this hobby of mine.
00:23:20Huh.
00:23:21That's new.
00:23:22At least in the last 15 years.
00:23:23Hmm.
00:23:24Yeah, I like pairing up friends
00:23:26that I think will get along.
00:23:27You know, it's kind of fun.
00:23:29Any of them work out?
00:23:31Yeah, actually, six couples are married.
00:23:34Really?
00:23:35Yeah.
00:23:35A few of them are still dating, so.
00:23:37Any breakups?
00:23:39Hmm, one or two.
00:23:43So, uh, how they doing?
00:23:45So, Maggie tells me that you're over
00:23:46the whole fiction department.
00:23:48Any chance that your company might be getting
00:23:50into the sci-fi and fantasy ring?
00:23:51It's not our specialty.
00:23:54We do have a few titles that have an element
00:23:56of science fiction, but nothing quite as, uh,
00:24:01concentrated as what you like.
00:24:04Hmm.
00:24:05You know what?
00:24:05Um, I wanted to show you some of the figures
00:24:08from the genre's readership.
00:24:10We're a devout group.
00:24:12And, uh, I mean, just look at what Rise of the Orcs did
00:24:14in sales.
00:24:15I think they're doing okay.
00:24:18I, uh-oh.
00:24:21That doesn't look good.
00:24:23Yeah, it doesn't look promising.
00:24:24Yeah, I should go save her.
00:24:26Better luck next time.
00:24:31It was good to see you.
00:24:32You too.
00:24:40Maybe we should get in line and tell Santa
00:24:42I need a date for Christmas.
00:24:44Okay, look, I think if you just looked at some of these guys
00:24:46that you crossed out without meeting...
00:24:47No offense, but how did any of your friends
00:24:50ever get together?
00:24:52Sometimes it's a little bit of a, you know,
00:24:54learning curve, but...
00:24:56Oh, hey, there's Marvin.
00:25:02Okay, so he owns a cafe around the corner from work.
00:25:05He's super nice.
00:25:07Maybe start with the bad,
00:25:09and then I can be pleasantly surprised.
00:25:14So Maggie tells me that you work together.
00:25:17Yeah.
00:25:19And how do the two of you know each other?
00:25:21Oh, uh, well, she just kept coming into the cafe
00:25:25and, uh, well, over time, we started talking.
00:25:30She's a good soul.
00:25:32Yeah.
00:25:35She's bolder than I am.
00:25:37I'm not one to talk easily with strangers.
00:25:42Ah, yeah.
00:25:43That's those, uh, childhood warnings from your mom.
00:25:45Right.
00:25:46Mm-hmm.
00:25:47Stranger danger.
00:25:48Yeah.
00:25:49It's always been hard for me to strike up a conversation
00:25:52with someone I don't know.
00:25:54Well, I think you're doing just fine.
00:25:56Yeah.
00:25:57Yeah.
00:26:02Oh, they're exchanging numbers.
00:26:05This is good.
00:26:11This is really good.
00:26:18Hey.
00:26:26So you set up the second date?
00:26:28Yes.
00:26:29When?
00:26:30Thursday.
00:26:31Okay.
00:26:32That's excellent.
00:26:34Isn't he nice?
00:26:35He's so nice.
00:26:35Okay, don't get too crazy.
00:26:37Yes, Marvin is nice and handsome.
00:26:40Mm-hmm.
00:26:41And I can respect him, unlike...
00:26:44Steven.
00:26:44I know, I know.
00:26:45Okay, so what can I do to help?
00:26:47Uh, Marvin suggested a couple of options for dinner.
00:26:51Italian, a boutique Chinese place, or...
00:26:56What?
00:26:58Or he offered to make me dinner at his cafe.
00:27:01Is that weird?
00:27:01No, it's not weird.
00:27:03That's romantic.
00:27:05None of those iffy waiters in loud, overcrowded restaurants.
00:27:08It's perfect.
00:27:09What time?
00:27:10Uh, 8.30.
00:27:11All right, so the cafe closes at 8.
00:27:13So it'll be just the two of you.
00:27:15He'll be cooking.
00:27:18Oh, pick that one.
00:27:19What if it gets awkward?
00:27:21Oh, it won't.
00:27:22No, Marvin's really good at making people feel welcome and...
00:27:25and cared for.
00:27:26Okay, if you're sure.
00:27:32Totally sure.
00:27:37The posters for Marguerite Van Kelly's book signing are in the conference room.
00:27:40Okay, yeah, great.
00:27:41I'll pick them up in the morning before the event.
00:27:46You want me to stick around?
00:27:47I can wait to go to lunch.
00:27:48Uh, no, I'm fine, thanks.
00:27:50Cool.
00:27:50I wasn't expecting you.
00:27:55Well, I finished the preliminary outline for my Christmas book.
00:27:59Ready for your feedback.
00:28:01Oh, well, you could have emailed it.
00:28:03Yeah, I guess I could have.
00:28:04Okay, great, yeah, um, I'll take a look at it.
00:28:07Sure.
00:28:11Hey, do you want to get out for a little bit?
00:28:12Uh, I got a lot of work.
00:28:13You can take a break.
00:28:14There's something I want to check out for the Christmas book.
00:28:16It's kind of like research.
00:28:18Yeah, uh, I don't...
00:28:19Come on.
00:28:20Don't you want to make sure it works for the book?
00:28:24Okay.
00:28:25Yeah, I guess I can fit it in.
00:28:27Great.
00:28:33So, a sleigh ride?
00:28:35You really had to research this?
00:28:37You ever been on one?
00:28:38But a hayride, that counts, right?
00:28:40No, it does not.
00:28:41I'm all about authenticity.
00:28:43Oh, right.
00:28:44And all of your novels about world domination schemes.
00:28:47It really highlights that.
00:28:48Yeah!
00:28:50You never rode one of these in New York?
00:28:53I didn't have much need for a sleigh ride in any of my action novels.
00:28:56Oh.
00:28:57So why'd you decide to leave the Big Apple?
00:29:00I got tired of it.
00:29:03And when was that?
00:29:05About two months ago.
00:29:06So you decided to move back home.
00:29:09I'm surprised you decided to move home.
00:29:11Well, work's taken me a bunch of places, so...
00:29:14Yeah, junior copy editor at the Herald.
00:29:17Writer and editor at that magazine company.
00:29:20Health magazine?
00:29:22The Life...
00:29:23Lifestyle magazine.
00:29:24Sadly.
00:29:25Right.
00:29:25Mm-hmm.
00:29:26Hmm.
00:29:27It's happening.
00:29:29What happened next?
00:29:31There was the technical editor at the textbook publisher, and then, um...
00:29:36Well, there was just, you know, there was a few in between there.
00:29:40Oh, riveting.
00:29:41Mm-hmm.
00:29:42It's a while jumping around.
00:29:44Maybe I was trying to flesh out my resume.
00:29:47Sure you were.
00:29:47Okay, and your career?
00:29:50Really, the book that makes your career a tiger's burden?
00:29:55Yes, please.
00:29:57Tease me about that.
00:29:57Okay.
00:29:58I will.
00:29:58I'm strangely proud of it.
00:30:00Wait, does that mean you read it?
00:30:02Yeah.
00:30:04Yeah.
00:30:07Yes, I did.
00:30:11Please tell me you've read some of my better stuff since then.
00:30:14You've had better stuff?
00:30:15I walked into that.
00:30:18No, you did.
00:30:23So Nicole's married.
00:30:25Noticed the ring.
00:30:26Yeah, actually, she has two kids, too.
00:30:29Wow, that's great.
00:30:32Yeah.
00:30:34I'm really sorry about the other day.
00:30:36Ah, it's...
00:30:37She still hates me.
00:30:39No, I mean, it's not that she...
00:30:41She doesn't hate you.
00:30:43She just...
00:30:44Yeah, she hates you.
00:30:47She hates you.
00:30:48I'm sorry.
00:30:50I can never figure out what I did to get on her bad side.
00:30:53And you?
00:30:57What about, you know, your relationships?
00:31:02A few, but nothing special.
00:31:05Yeah.
00:31:06You?
00:31:07I've been really busy with work, so there's that, you know.
00:31:10Yeah, I find it kind of hard to really get to know anyone these days, but the, uh, author persona.
00:31:19That's all anybody sees.
00:31:21Oh, yeah, that's the price of fame.
00:31:22I guess so.
00:31:23I'm so sad.
00:31:26But it is nice to talk to someone who knew me before.
00:31:30Yeah.
00:31:31Yeah.
00:31:31Yeah.
00:31:36Yeah.
00:31:42Hey.
00:31:44There you go.
00:31:47Hey.
00:31:47Hey.
00:31:48So, Marvin's making a raspberry bread pudding Thursday.
00:31:54Oh, I don't think I've ever had that at his cafe before.
00:31:57Well, he asked me my favorite dessert, my favorite fruit, and voila.
00:32:01Hmm.
00:32:02He's, um, doing a lot to prepare.
00:32:07And?
00:32:08It seems like he wants to impress me.
00:32:11Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?
00:32:13I don't want him to be disappointed, though.
00:32:16And you?
00:32:16No, never.
00:32:17Don't worry about that.
00:32:18Or if it doesn't work out, I don't want this all to be a waste of time.
00:32:22Well, why would it be?
00:32:25I don't know.
00:32:27Maybe I'm just nervous.
00:32:29Yeah.
00:32:29Well, don't be.
00:32:30All right?
00:32:31Just, just enjoy it.
00:32:33Dating can be risky, but it can also be kind of fun, too.
00:32:38Oh, Marguerite needs me.
00:32:40Okay.
00:32:40I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:42Okay.
00:32:42Amanda, look, you deserve to find somebody that you love.
00:32:45Just give Marvin a chance.
00:32:47Okay.
00:32:49Good.
00:32:49I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:50I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:50I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:51I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:52I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:52I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:53I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:54I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:54I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:55I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:55I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:56I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:57I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:58I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:58I'm going to head back to the office.
00:32:59Oh, my God.
00:33:29Hello.
00:33:47Hi.
00:33:48I hope you're hungry.
00:33:50Oh, I hope you can save the leftovers.
00:33:53Please, make yourself comfortable.
00:33:55Oh, you look nice.
00:33:58What can I get for you?
00:34:00How can I get you started here?
00:34:01Anything.
00:34:02It all looks good.
00:34:04Yeah.
00:34:05Favorite bread?
00:34:06Asiago cheese, rye, sourdough?
00:34:09Sourdough.
00:34:09Sourdough.
00:34:10All righty.
00:34:12Just...
00:34:13What is that?
00:34:15That is a special house blend of mayo.
00:34:18Secret recipe?
00:34:20Well, of course.
00:34:20Yeah, yeah.
00:34:21Okay, meat and cheese.
00:34:24Uh, turkey and that one.
00:34:27That one.
00:34:28Good choice.
00:34:33There we go.
00:34:34Yeah.
00:34:34So, how long have you had your cafe?
00:34:41Oh, uh, seven years.
00:34:44I don't normally make sandwiches, but if they all look like that...
00:34:48You'd eat them every night.
00:34:50Yeah.
00:34:51Soup?
00:34:52Yes.
00:34:54Do you ever get tired of it?
00:34:57Of food?
00:34:58And cooking.
00:35:00Well, let me ask you this.
00:35:01If you get a few minutes to yourself, do you still like to read?
00:35:05Yes.
00:35:05Uh-huh.
00:35:06Yeah, same here.
00:35:07You know, back when I first opened the place, it was actually really stressful.
00:35:12It took over almost everything else in my life.
00:35:14Maggie mentioned you were married.
00:35:17Oh.
00:35:19Did that happen before the cafe?
00:35:21Uh, actually, I got a little too caught up in the cafe, and things unraveled.
00:35:29I'm sorry.
00:35:30Well, I can see now that the cafe is something that I can enjoy.
00:35:34I love to cook, and meet the people that come here.
00:35:39You have it all figured out.
00:35:41Uh, well, it's not that I haven't made my share of mistakes, but, uh, yeah, I mean, there's
00:35:48a balance now.
00:35:50I look forward to it all.
00:35:51That sounds nice.
00:35:53And free of regret.
00:35:56I wish.
00:35:58No.
00:35:59But, you know, you learn from regrets, right?
00:36:05You gonna try that soup?
00:36:09Good?
00:36:11Delicious.
00:36:12Well, load up.
00:36:14You need the energy.
00:36:15Gonna have you help me make the dessert later.
00:36:17Oh, I'm not a good cook.
00:36:20Oh, that's okay.
00:36:21I am.
00:36:22And I'll be right there to help you.
00:36:24Ah.
00:36:30Hey.
00:36:31Hey.
00:36:32So, how was your date?
00:36:34It was good.
00:36:35Really?
00:36:37Yes.
00:36:37Are you surprised?
00:36:38I'm delighted.
00:36:39I want you to tell me all about it.
00:36:40Marvin is a great cook and reassuring and someone I feel I can trust.
00:36:48Yeah, good.
00:36:49So, do you have another date before the Christmas party, or?
00:36:52No.
00:36:53Are you just gonna go to the Christmas party then, or?
00:36:55You were right about him being so nice and thoughtful.
00:36:59He's a great friend.
00:37:00But, I can't see him as anything more than that.
00:37:05Are you sure?
00:37:06I mean, it really was just the first date, right?
00:37:09Some of the best relationships are built on friendship.
00:37:13Isn't that a line from one of our self-help books?
00:37:16Yeah, but it's true.
00:37:19I guess.
00:37:21Still, I was honest with him.
00:37:23I didn't want to hurt him, and I didn't want to waste his time.
00:37:26How'd he take it?
00:37:28Exactly as I thought he would.
00:37:29Completely understanding and supportive.
00:37:33Well, I'm sorry that it didn't work out.
00:37:36No, don't worry about it.
00:37:38If nothing else, it's flattering that you thought I could match up with someone as good as he is.
00:37:45It's like Amanda's giving up on the idea of being set up.
00:37:48It's kind of strange when she had a good date with Marvin.
00:37:52Yeah.
00:37:53Well, that's plenty of icing, honey.
00:37:55Maybe it's an attraction thing.
00:37:58It's no big deal.
00:37:58Just try again.
00:38:00Well, I could, but it's like her heart's not in it anymore.
00:38:04Do you think she's disappointed with the suggestions I made that they didn't pan out?
00:38:08Maybe she just wants a simple date.
00:38:10I mean, you always promise everlasting love.
00:38:12Think of the pressure.
00:38:14She goes into it looking at long term, but barely knows the guy on the surface.
00:38:17Not surprisingly insightful.
00:38:21Surprisingly?
00:38:22Although, if she did just want a date, then she would have gone with Marvin.
00:38:27I mean, she said that she liked him, just not romantically.
00:38:29So maybe she does want someone she can truly love.
00:38:32Okay, so then do I keep looking for a date for her or not?
00:38:35Ask her.
00:38:36Although, I'm more curious if you are taking a date.
00:38:39I haven't even thought about that.
00:38:46Wow, what is this place?
00:38:48We're having the Christmas party here this year.
00:38:50There are some aspects about the party that we need help with, so I nominated you to be on the party committee.
00:38:57Hey, um, what?
00:38:59Sorry.
00:39:00Yeah, lucky me.
00:39:01You know how important it is.
00:39:03It's not about employee morale.
00:39:05Okay, well, it's not just about employee morale.
00:39:09It's a chance for us to wine and dine our authors and keep them happy.
00:39:13Let me show you guys around.
00:39:17Food will be set up over here.
00:39:20We have the catering arranged, but there are some holes that we need the committee to handle.
00:39:28There's decorating, the day of the party, handling the coat check, which will be by the entrance of
00:39:35course, and handling the toy drive donations.
00:39:39Oh, there's a toy drive?
00:39:40Yeah, every year.
00:39:42Now, Tori, you don't mind decorating, so you and I can handle that?
00:39:46Mm-hmm.
00:39:47Good.
00:39:47Anyone else want to help out there?
00:39:50Great.
00:39:51You know what?
00:39:52I'll go ahead and take the toy drive.
00:39:54Perfect.
00:39:55Thanks.
00:39:56Jim, that leaves you to handle the coat check.
00:39:58Now, there are some decorations that need to be prepared before the party.
00:40:03Wait, I'm sorry.
00:40:04Wait, when you say prepared, what exactly do you mean?
00:40:07Made?
00:40:08Made?
00:40:09Yeah.
00:40:10Sorry.
00:40:11But I'll let you all know what that entails.
00:40:16So what job are you going to have on the party committee?
00:40:18Well, the perk and curse of being a VP is that I have to entertain the authors.
00:40:24Sorry to spring the committee thing on you, but I know you're reliable.
00:40:28No, it's fine.
00:40:28It's probably good to have a purpose at the party so I don't have to stand around and look
00:40:31busy.
00:40:31That's the spirit.
00:40:33Oh, oh, speaking of, I have been rethinking the guys that I know for your date.
00:40:38And I think that...
00:40:39Oh, that.
00:40:41Maybe let me look over your list again, okay?
00:40:45Okay.
00:40:45Yeah.
00:40:46Sure.
00:40:52Hey.
00:40:53Here's some messages.
00:40:54What did you get roped into doing?
00:40:59Oh, the toy donation table.
00:41:01Ooh.
00:41:02Yeah, the secret is to act really stressed this type of year.
00:41:04And then you don't get picked to be on the committee.
00:41:07It's all work anyway, though, right?
00:41:09Yeah, well, next year have at least one meltdown.
00:41:11November's a logical time for it.
00:41:13Ha, ha, ha.
00:41:14That's a good tip.
00:41:15Hey.
00:41:16You still trying to pair up Amanda?
00:41:19Yeah.
00:41:20What about Chester?
00:41:22Chester?
00:41:23I'm just saying.
00:41:24I mean, I think there could be something there.
00:41:27But he's an accountant.
00:41:29So he's incapable of love?
00:41:31No, I just...
00:41:32Okay.
00:41:33Thanks.
00:41:34I don't think they'd make a good match.
00:41:35All right.
00:41:45This is becoming a habit.
00:41:47I was in the neighborhood again.
00:41:48Ah.
00:41:49That was your day.
00:41:50I survived.
00:41:52Sounds like you could use a break.
00:41:54I have just a thing in mind.
00:41:56You do?
00:41:58Mm-hmm.
00:42:00Okay.
00:42:03You down to this place?
00:42:03I tripped and gashed my knee here.
00:42:07I did try to stop your fall.
00:42:09No, if I remember correctly, you were the one that caused the fall.
00:42:13Come on.
00:42:15No, it's been like...
00:42:17It had to have been at least ten years since I've skated last.
00:42:20Eh, you'll pick it up.
00:42:22Come on.
00:42:22Uh-huh.
00:42:23That's what you said last time.
00:42:30Okay.
00:42:31Oh!
00:42:32You gotta trust yourself.
00:42:33I trust myself.
00:42:35I just don't trust my feet or these skates.
00:42:38Come on.
00:42:40I'm...
00:42:41I'm...
00:42:41I'm good.
00:42:42Relax.
00:42:43I will not let you fall.
00:42:45Again.
00:42:53That's it.
00:42:53It's good.
00:42:55Yeah?
00:42:56That's loose enough.
00:42:57Okay, I'm loose.
00:42:58I'm loose.
00:42:58Totally loose.
00:42:59So, question for you.
00:43:01Uh-huh.
00:43:02Do you think back then that, uh, I'd ever end up here?
00:43:05Back then?
00:43:06I thought we agreed that we'd leave the past alone.
00:43:10Yeah, but humor me.
00:43:11I know it's one thing to say you want to be an author when you grow up, but careful, don't lock the news.
00:43:15Oh, right.
00:43:16Okay.
00:43:17Yeah, I...
00:43:18I knew you'd make it.
00:43:21You did?
00:43:22Yeah, but I believed a lot back then.
00:43:25All right.
00:43:27All right.
00:43:27Fair enough.
00:43:28I always admired that you knew what you wanted to do.
00:43:36I had no idea what I was going to be.
00:43:38I just knew what I was good at.
00:43:39Grammar?
00:43:40Reading, writing?
00:43:41Yeah.
00:43:44The question is, you're happy.
00:43:50In work?
00:43:53Mostly.
00:43:54It's just that it's, you know, it's become more work lately.
00:44:01So not happy.
00:44:02No, I didn't, I didn't say that.
00:44:04So that's why you keep moving around from job to job.
00:44:06Maybe.
00:44:09How about you?
00:44:10Are you happy?
00:44:12Sure.
00:44:13I love writing.
00:44:15I have some fame.
00:44:17A little fortune.
00:44:20So modest.
00:44:22So I read, like, publishing.
00:44:24I mean, the fortune part.
00:44:25I can't imagine that we can compete with what you're used to.
00:44:30Yeah, but money's not everything, right?
00:44:32Come on.
00:44:33Why?
00:44:37Just stop being fun.
00:44:40There got to be too much about the deadlines, the machine.
00:44:43Everything got bigger, more time-consuming, and it's just not where I wanted to be anymore.
00:44:47Then why Red Lake?
00:44:49Well, they're not the only ones I've met with.
00:44:51I spent several months meeting with various publishers, and I liked Red Lake.
00:44:55It felt like a good fit.
00:44:58And that's the only reason that you picked them?
00:45:01No.
00:45:04You're wondering if I came back for you.
00:45:06Of course not.
00:45:09What if I did?
00:45:15My feet really hurt.
00:45:20You are a wimp.
00:45:21No.
00:45:23Come on.
00:45:24Do you want me to carry you?
00:45:25No.
00:45:27No, don't.
00:45:29I don't care.
00:45:32Sounds like you're rekindling things.
00:45:34No, I just really, I don't want to hurt him.
00:45:37Yeah, that makes sense.
00:45:39I mean, it was so bad before.
00:45:42You regret it.
00:45:43No, I, well, yeah, I mean, yes, of course.
00:45:45I mean, I regret hurting him, but I...
00:45:48But not breaking things off from years ago.
00:45:50You do regret not marrying him, though.
00:45:52I just, I really wish things were different.
00:45:54Like what?
00:45:56Like I wish that we would have met when I was at Oxford
00:45:58or, you know, when we were just a little older.
00:46:01Not when we were so young.
00:46:02How is that different from today?
00:46:04I'm just, I'm just saying that I wish that the timing
00:46:06was different.
00:46:08So you let him go all those years ago because you had to?
00:46:10Yes.
00:46:11And now, couldn't the timing be right?
00:46:13No.
00:46:14No, no.
00:46:15Because you don't love him anymore.
00:46:18Look, I, I don't know how I feel about Jackson, okay?
00:46:23I, I just know that jumping into a relationship
00:46:25with Jackson right now, that, that feels wrong.
00:46:30Okay, why?
00:46:32Yeah, because nothing's changed.
00:46:35All right.
00:46:36Based on what little pieces you've told me
00:46:38about why you broke up,
00:46:39none of them had to do with you not loving him.
00:46:42If nothing's changed, then you still care about him.
00:46:44I should get back to work.
00:46:53I should have been a shrink.
00:46:55I'd be rich by now.
00:46:57The great Dr. Dean.
00:46:58Hey.
00:47:23Hi. Sorry to interrupt your gingerbread obsession.
00:47:28It's for work.
00:47:30Really?
00:47:31Yeah. They're Christmas decorations for the Christmas party.
00:47:35Or at least they will be when I'm done.
00:47:38Want some help?
00:47:40Yeah, sure. Come on in.
00:47:44What is it? Like a creative mind thing or something?
00:47:48What?
00:47:49Just your propensity for artistic perfection over there.
00:47:53I mean, I'm still working on this roof.
00:47:56Well, I made one of these every year growing up.
00:47:58Until college.
00:48:00My roommates would have made fun of me.
00:48:02How did you know you'd still be good at it?
00:48:04Well, how do you know I don't make five of these a year?
00:48:06Okay, just for that, you're gonna make another one.
00:48:09Oh?
00:48:13Okay. Hold on.
00:48:16Okay. It's a lot.
00:48:18What do we got going on? Okay, let's see.
00:48:21Now, the trick is...
00:48:24I'll figure it out.
00:48:26Not to use too much.
00:48:28Okay.
00:48:30Just enough.
00:48:33See?
00:48:34Now, put it on.
00:48:36Okay.
00:48:38That's it. And just hold it for a few seconds.
00:48:40That's it.
00:48:41That's it?
00:48:42Mm-hmm.
00:48:43All right.
00:48:44Wow.
00:48:45See?
00:48:46You know, growing up, I thought it would be cool to live in one of these.
00:48:48A gingerbread house?
00:48:49Okay.
00:48:50Maybe it was just the candy one.
00:48:52Or a Hansel and Gretel thing.
00:48:53Yeah.
00:48:54Maybe one else a little bit.
00:48:55I don't know.
00:48:56I think I just like what it represents.
00:48:57I don't know.
00:48:58Warmth?
00:48:59Comfort?
00:49:00Home.
00:49:01Some place to call my own.
00:49:02Everything you care about's inside.
00:49:03I think it's a little tiny to have everything that you care about in it.
00:49:07It's true.
00:49:08I need a place to put all my books.
00:49:09And a little bit to have everything that you care about in it.
00:49:11Warmth, comfort, home.
00:49:13Some place to call my own and everything you care about's inside.
00:49:19I think it's a little tiny to have everything that you care about in it.
00:49:23It's true.
00:49:25I need a place to put all my books.
00:49:34You can definitely tell which ones are yours and which ones are mine.
00:49:37I wouldn't worry about it.
00:49:38No one at the party will.
00:49:40Well, thank you for your help.
00:49:42You're welcome.
00:49:43Oh, hey.
00:49:44Hmm.
00:49:47I have something for you.
00:49:49Oh, a manuscript.
00:49:52I was hoping I could get your take on it.
00:49:54Wait, is this that Christmas one? That was really fast.
00:49:56No, no, this is an older story.
00:49:59I've just never finished it till now.
00:50:02Oh, well, are you sure it's not under contract with your old publisher?
00:50:05No, I wrote this well before my career took off.
00:50:07I could probably still need to polish, but.
00:50:10Well, I've got one other author in the queue, but yeah.
00:50:14Oh, that's fine.
00:50:15But you will read it?
00:50:17Of course.
00:50:19Thanks.
00:50:19I'm hearing next year's budgets will be cut in most departments, with the exception of marketing.
00:50:28So with Jackson Jones on board, we want to push that even more.
00:50:31Oh, right.
00:50:32Well, with what his books could do for our company, it makes sense that we'd want to capitalize on his name.
00:50:36Good.
00:50:36Chester has a departmental budget.
00:50:39Okay.
00:50:41Please, please review these.
00:50:43Nobody in accounting appreciates TikTok phone calls and emails accusing us of cutting their budget that they had already spent by June.
00:50:52It wasn't me.
00:50:53I know, I know.
00:50:54I was just saying that because I'm trying to keep myself from pointing out the audiobook division.
00:51:00Okay.
00:51:01That should do it.
00:51:02Thanks, everyone.
00:51:07So, how are things going with Jackson?
00:51:11Uh, what do you mean?
00:51:12Is he playing nice or, you know, being all ego?
00:51:18Oh, yeah, no.
00:51:19He's not like that at all.
00:51:21He's very nice.
00:51:23What do you think about him?
00:51:25I mean, you know, as a date.
00:51:28For who?
00:51:30For me.
00:51:31I was thinking maybe he makes sense as my date to the Christmas party.
00:51:35Oh, well, is he your type?
00:51:38He's handsome.
00:51:39Yeah, I suppose so.
00:51:43The good thing is, work can be my excuse for asking.
00:51:47It gives me a chance to explore if, I don't know, maybe something more could happen.
00:51:52Oh, that's a good strategy.
00:51:55When's he coming in next?
00:51:56Um, I really don't, I don't know.
00:52:01Do you think maybe you can invent a reason for him to come by again?
00:52:06Uh, yeah.
00:52:09Yeah, I should, I could probably think of something.
00:52:12Okay.
00:52:13Thank you, Maggie.
00:52:14Sure.
00:52:15Yeah.
00:52:21Hey, Maggie.
00:52:23I thought you might want to see this.
00:52:24It's the sales reports for your author's books.
00:52:27Oh, great.
00:52:28Yeah.
00:52:30Hey, uh, do you have anything for Jackson Jones?
00:52:33Anything that he needs to sign?
00:52:36No, that'd be the legal department.
00:52:38Oh, yeah, right.
00:52:40Yeah, I'm sorry.
00:52:40Sorry about that.
00:52:41Thanks.
00:52:41Did you need something?
00:52:43Oh, it was just Amanda.
00:52:44She, um, just, you know, we're just looking for a reason for him to drop by the office.
00:52:49Oh, we did give him a signing bonus, but it hasn't gone out in the mail yet.
00:52:55Oh, yeah.
00:52:56Yeah, that would be, that'd be perfect.
00:52:58Yeah.
00:52:58Hey, Jackson.
00:53:09Yeah, this is, this is Maggie.
00:53:11Listen, accounting has your signing bonus here.
00:53:14Um, thought maybe you could just swing by and pick it up instead of us sticking it in
00:53:17the mail.
00:53:18It might be safer.
00:53:20Okay.
00:53:21Great.
00:53:23Yeah, thanks.
00:53:27The mail might be safer.
00:53:28Jackson.
00:53:43I guess I got here a little late.
00:53:45Uh, Maggie's...
00:53:45I have your check for you.
00:53:47Oh, thank you.
00:53:49Look, I know Maggie's taking care of you, but I would love to hear firsthand what you've
00:53:53got in the works.
00:53:54So, would you like to grab a bite to eat?
00:53:57Sure.
00:53:58Sounds good.
00:53:59Okay.
00:54:00All right.
00:54:03I don't know why it bothers you.
00:54:05You both moved on years ago.
00:54:07Who cares if he goes out with your boss?
00:54:08Well, it's, it's just that it's inappropriate, isn't it?
00:54:12I don't know.
00:54:13I mean, Amanda's my boss, and she's my friend, and if she and Jackson were an item, I mean,
00:54:19wouldn't that be weird?
00:54:20It'd only be weird for you.
00:54:22And only if you still...
00:54:23You still care about him?
00:54:25No, there's just, you know, there's history.
00:54:29Does Amanda know about it?
00:54:31No.
00:54:31Why would she?
00:54:32Well, I say you could warn her off from Jackson if she's your friend.
00:54:36He wasn't anything to brag about before, and he's probably more shallow now.
00:54:39No, he's not.
00:54:42He, look, he'd actually, he'd actually be pretty good for her.
00:54:47Then what's the problem?
00:54:48Oh, I need more sugar.
00:54:58Maggie, hey.
00:54:59I'm just reminding everyone to RSVP for the Christmas party.
00:55:02We're finalizing things with caterers.
00:55:03I need numbers.
00:55:04Oh, yeah.
00:55:05Yep, okay.
00:55:06I will do that.
00:55:06Thanks.
00:55:07You can just tell me now.
00:55:11Yeah, I'm going.
00:55:12Are you bringing a guest?
00:55:17Uh, no.
00:55:18Nope.
00:55:19Okay.
00:55:20Got it.
00:55:20Thanks.
00:55:25Hey.
00:55:26Hey.
00:55:27So, how did it go with Jackson?
00:55:30Good.
00:55:32He's easy to talk to.
00:55:34Oh, that's great.
00:55:36I'm surprised he's not married.
00:55:38Seems like he'd be taken, but I guess that's good for me.
00:55:43What'd you guys end up doing?
00:55:45Just dinner.
00:55:46The work connection helped.
00:55:47Gave me something to talk about.
00:55:48Yeah.
00:55:50Oh, I, um, I meant to remind you that I have that list of guys if you wanted to ever go back
00:55:55through it, or...
00:55:56I think I'd like to see if it works out with Jackson.
00:55:59So, why don't we put that on hold?
00:56:01Oh, yeah.
00:56:02Yeah, okay.
00:56:03You guys going to go to the Christmas party then?
00:56:07Yeah.
00:56:08You don't think that's a mistake, do you?
00:56:11No.
00:56:12No, it's great.
00:56:15Okay.
00:56:16Good.
00:56:16What?
00:56:17Hey, everything okay?
00:56:47Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. How about you? How are you doing, Marvin?
00:56:52Good. Good. Yeah.
00:56:54Look, I'm really sorry about Amanda.
00:56:56Yeah, me too. Yeah, she seemed nice.
00:57:01But maybe not really sure what she wants.
00:57:04Yeah. Yeah.
00:57:07How's the reading?
00:57:09Oh, you know, I haven't really decided yet.
00:57:12That bad?
00:57:13Yeah. Yeah, I can't really put my finger on it.
00:57:18What's it about?
00:57:19Well, supposedly it's a romance.
00:57:22But I'm already on, what, page 30?
00:57:25And they've broken up.
00:57:26Not much of a romance.
00:57:28No.
00:57:30Something about it seems really familiar, though, you know?
00:57:33I think the characters, the characters remind me of...
00:57:39Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
00:57:49Hey.
00:57:51Is everything okay?
00:57:51Is your book a joke?
00:57:56I haven't heard that about my writing in a while.
00:57:57You had to have known that I would have seen right through this.
00:58:00Maggie, calm down.
00:58:01The story about a boy who falls in love with a girl until her family convinces her to push him away?
00:58:06Yes, it is that, but...
00:58:08I don't appreciate your rewrite of history, nor do I want to be a subject of one of your books.
00:58:12I changed the names.
00:58:14Oh, right.
00:58:15Like Regina, who's obviously Nicole.
00:58:17That doesn't make her any less of a villain.
00:58:19Have you met her?
00:58:20Or Sarah, any less me.
00:58:21Or my parents from being my parents.
00:58:23You write what you know.
00:58:24It's the number one rule of writing.
00:58:26Yeah, it's also the number one way of alienating people.
00:58:30Needless to say, we won't be publishing your book.
00:58:34Well, I'm sorry you feel that way.
00:58:39So much for letting the past go.
00:58:43Yeah, it's bad enough how he writes me, but you...
00:58:50My character is mean.
00:58:52I wasn't like that.
00:58:53I just, you know, I never saw the side of him before.
00:58:56I thought that he...
00:58:57You know, no, this settles it.
00:59:00I had my doubts, but no, this is done.
00:59:03You had doubts?
00:59:04I never did.
00:59:06And I was totally right to warn Mom and Dad about Jackson.
00:59:09Wait, what?
00:59:10What?
00:59:10You warned Mom and Dad about Jackson?
00:59:14They were concerned anyway, with both of you barely being out of high school.
00:59:18I was older than that, Nicole.
00:59:20By a year, maybe.
00:59:21Either way, it just wasn't right for you.
00:59:24What, the marriage or Jackson?
00:59:26Both.
00:59:26Especially since he didn't have any real plan of how to take care of you besides writing.
00:59:31Like I couldn't fend for myself?
00:59:32It doesn't matter now.
00:59:34This proves that Mom, Dad, and I were right.
00:59:39Yeah, I just don't know how I'm going to deal with him at work.
00:59:43Well, like you said, maybe it's time to move on.
00:59:47Hey, hey, watch.
00:59:55You ever notice how often he comes and talks with Amanda?
00:59:58Well, yeah, yeah, why wouldn't he?
01:00:01He's the head of accounting and he goes over credit card charges with her?
01:00:04He has a whole department.
01:00:06Well, he...
01:00:07Oh, you think that he's making up reasons to see her?
01:00:14Interesting, huh?
01:00:15Huh.
01:00:23I hate to see you go.
01:00:25Would it help if I shuffled your workload?
01:00:28No, it's not that.
01:00:29It's just, um...
01:00:31I just think it's time for me to move on.
01:00:33I am a bit concerned about some of your deadlines.
01:00:36Oh, well, the Wilmington Heights manuscript is nearly finalized,
01:00:39but I'll make sure of it before I go.
01:00:41And the others aren't going to suffer by being passed off to other editors.
01:00:45Jackson, he's offering to pick me up for the Christmas party.
01:00:52It's kind of sweet.
01:00:54That's good.
01:00:54Is there any way I can convince you to stay?
01:01:02No, but I'm not leaving until the end of the month, so I won't leave you in a lurch.
01:01:06Okay.
01:01:08Logic told Dana that the robbery wasn't aimed at Russo.
01:01:14Logic was also the first thing Dana ignored.
01:01:19Perhaps it was a lapse in the calm and collected masks she'd normally maintained.
01:01:25But a hostage situation had that effect on her.
01:01:29Is Baker one of your authors?
01:01:34Yes.
01:01:35He's good.
01:01:37No.
01:01:39Maggie, um...
01:01:41Are you going to finish reading my manuscript?
01:01:45Probably not.
01:01:46I'm not your editor anymore.
01:01:49Listen, can you just let me explain?
01:01:50I'm leaving Red Lake Publishing.
01:01:54Why?
01:01:56It doesn't matter.
01:02:00What if I told you I did switch publishers when I found out you were at Red Lake?
01:02:04I would say I hope you didn't lose a lot of money on your prior contract.
01:02:08I wanted to be near you again.
01:02:11But all this time, I never stopped thinking about you.
01:02:15Yeah, that's pretty obvious.
01:02:18What?
01:02:18Look, did you come back to vilify me?
01:02:24To rub the past in my face?
01:02:27And now you're dating Amanda?
01:02:28I mean, is that supposed to make me jealous?
01:02:32That's what you think?
01:02:34I see what you're doing, Jackson.
01:02:36And your untitled book, frankly, it says it all.
01:02:39Yes, it does.
01:02:41But if that's what you're choosing to believe, I guess there's no convincing you otherwise.
01:02:46You know what?
01:02:46This is all so familiar.
01:02:48You've always been so quick to think the worst of me.
01:02:51I guess whatever's easier, right?
01:02:52What?
01:02:53At least this time it's your choice, not your family's.
01:02:55I'm sorry.
01:03:02Continue.
01:03:04The woods were oddly quiet, yet Russo's ears were roaring.
01:03:10Hey, Marvin.
01:03:11Hey.
01:03:12Here you go, world-famous Christmas chowder.
01:03:16It looks really good.
01:03:17You'll love it.
01:03:18Okay.
01:03:18Hey, Chester.
01:03:27Hey, Maggie.
01:03:28Mind if I sit with you?
01:03:29Yeah.
01:03:32Oh.
01:03:32You okay?
01:03:36You know what?
01:03:39You just look like you've had a rough day.
01:03:43Not just today.
01:03:44What do you mean?
01:03:46Christmas is just a hard time for me.
01:03:49Why?
01:03:49Uh, well, um, well, let me tell you a story.
01:03:54I mean, you're an editor, right?
01:03:56You can tell me if this would be a good book, right?
01:03:59Okay.
01:04:00Okay?
01:04:00So, Christmas time, six years ago.
01:04:03Uh, there's a man named, uh, Lester.
01:04:12And, uh, he's, he's dating the love of his life.
01:04:16And his career's on the rise, with promise of promotion and stability to come, like, any
01:04:21day.
01:04:22And then the woman that he loves, who we'll call Miranda, um, well, she gets this huge promotion
01:04:33while his doesn't materialize for quite some time.
01:04:37And, foolishly, Lester blames her for it.
01:04:41So much so that, that, uh, drives a wedge between him and her.
01:04:46It's like he blames her for his circumstance.
01:04:50And then he breaks up with her.
01:04:55Broke her heart.
01:04:58So what happened to them?
01:05:00Well, she thrived in her new job, and, you know, he eventually got everything he wanted
01:05:04with his career.
01:05:06But he always remembers, at this time of year, what he did to her.
01:05:12You know, wonders what could have been.
01:05:15He's doomed to wonder till the end of time.
01:05:19Doesn't sound like a very happy ending.
01:05:22No.
01:05:23No.
01:05:24Not a good book, huh?
01:05:26I'm sorry.
01:05:27Poor, poor Lester, huh?
01:05:33Yeah, poor Lester.
01:05:40Hey, HR dropped off tickets for the party.
01:05:42Oh, great, thanks.
01:05:44So, how's the, uh, editor shuffle going?
01:05:47It'll be fine.
01:05:48I haven't told everyone yet, but after Christmas I will.
01:05:51Okay, you all set with Jackson?
01:05:52Yeah, we're all set for Friday night.
01:05:56Uh, no, I meant with, uh, with the new editor.
01:05:59Oh, sorry.
01:06:01So, I'm debating between Brooks and David.
01:06:05David.
01:06:06David for sure.
01:06:07He'll be, he'll be a much better fit.
01:06:08You think so?
01:06:09Yeah.
01:06:10Oh, hey, I am really glad that you found a date for the Christmas party.
01:06:14I'm sorry it didn't work out with one of your guys.
01:06:16Oh, no, no, it's, it's fine.
01:06:19I do appreciate you trying, though.
01:06:21It was really nice of you.
01:06:22Yeah.
01:06:24Hey.
01:06:24Oh.
01:06:25I have the updated numbers for November.
01:06:28Oh, great, just set them there.
01:06:29Great.
01:06:32Hey.
01:06:32Hi.
01:06:37So, did it always bother you getting dates for Christmas parties?
01:06:40Or did that start a few years ago?
01:06:47Maybe.
01:06:48You think he regrets it?
01:06:50Whether he does or not, it's not my problem.
01:06:56Okay.
01:06:56Okay.
01:07:10So, let's go.
01:07:40His hands felt clammy after years of wanting to see her again.
01:08:10Here she was, and he feared more than anything that he would ruin this chance.
01:08:16They held a common hope between them, one neither would or could admit yet.
01:08:21The hope for a chance without the interference of outsiders, just two hearts yearning for
01:08:26the love of the other.
01:08:27She held her breath as he stood before her.
01:08:41I never stopped loving you.
01:08:43It didn't matter to me what I might give up or risk.
01:08:46I had to take the leap and ask you one question.
01:08:49She waited, not daring to hope he was feeling what she felt.
01:08:53Could you love me again?
01:08:57Relief, euphoria, joy, and certainly love filled her soul.
01:09:01She pulled him towards her, embracing him like she never meant to let him go again.
01:09:06And as they kissed, he felt her lips against his as she whispered one sweet word.
01:09:11Yes.
01:09:25Our Christmas gift to Dad.
01:09:28A hammock stand.
01:09:29You owe me 40 bucks.
01:09:30Wait, that's what you chose?
01:09:32You know that old hammock he's had forever?
01:09:35Yeah, the one he's never used.
01:09:38Because he didn't have a way to hang it.
01:09:39Mm-hmm.
01:09:40You couldn't think of anything, so zip it.
01:09:47On Friday, Andrew and I are taking the kids on a Christmas train ride.
01:09:51You want to go?
01:09:52That's really sweet, thanks.
01:09:53But I have that company Christmas party, you know?
01:09:56You going with anyone?
01:09:58No, I'm manning the toy donation table, the one for charity.
01:10:03I thought you might ask Jackson.
01:10:05It's a little late for that.
01:10:07He and Amanda are going together.
01:10:08So you wanted to ask him?
01:10:10Can we...
01:10:11Can we just not talk about this?
01:10:14Okay, I really...
01:10:14I don't need another conversation where you tell me about how horrible he is and how you
01:10:20were right.
01:10:22Are you okay?
01:10:23I just, I can't...
01:10:27I know that there were reasons that you disapproved of him and I can remember excuses and that
01:10:34that's why I gave in, but there had to be, there had to be something else.
01:10:38That couldn't have just been it.
01:10:40Maggie, it's done.
01:10:41Just don't drive yourself crazy rehashing it.
01:10:45Yeah, that's easy for you to say.
01:10:47You already have everything that really matters.
01:10:51Please, can you just tell me?
01:10:52I really need some closure on this.
01:10:54You know, looking back on it now, my objection to Jackson and him wanting to be an author was
01:11:07an excuse.
01:11:09The whole age thing, I mean, I mean, mom and dad were concerned, but maybe the age thing
01:11:17bothered me.
01:11:19I'm the big sister after all.
01:11:22Wait, what, what do you mean?
01:11:24There you were, all ready to be grown up and marry someone.
01:11:31I was embarrassed, like it should be me first.
01:11:34I had no one back then.
01:11:36Why didn't you just tell me that?
01:11:38It's hard to admit your own insecurities.
01:11:42With me being concerned too, I guess it was easy for mom, dad and me to gang up on you
01:11:47and convince you to turn him down.
01:11:49So you're saying there's no good reason why you disapproved of him?
01:11:53Well, I don't know if I'd say that.
01:11:55Nicole!
01:11:55Look, it's not that I didn't want you to be happy.
01:11:58I didn't think of it like that.
01:11:59I just, I was only thinking about how it would affect me.
01:12:04I was jealous.
01:12:07I'm so sorry, Maggie.
01:12:09What do you think of Jackson now that he's, now that he's back?
01:12:20I didn't want to be wrong about him.
01:12:23But maybe I am.
01:12:26He must think I'm horrible.
01:12:31I'm more worried about what he thinks of me.
01:12:33Hey, you know that story that Jackson wrote?
01:12:43The one that I let you read?
01:12:45Where I'm portrayed as the Wicked Witch of the West.
01:12:47Right, yeah, that one.
01:12:49I thought he was being cruel, but it turns out if you get to the ending,
01:12:55I think he was trying to help me see how he really feels.
01:12:59You still care for him, too.
01:13:02And tell him that.
01:13:06Look, he and Amanda are going to the Christmas party together.
01:13:08I can't do that to her.
01:13:11She deserves a nice guy, and he is one.
01:13:14If he's loved you all these years,
01:13:16don't you think he deserves to know how you feel?
01:13:20What would I even say?
01:13:23I don't even know where to start.
01:13:29Okay.
01:13:39Okay.
01:13:39Okay.
01:14:02Pleasure.
01:14:12Annette, good to see you.
01:14:14Have you met Jackson Jones?
01:14:15It's nice to meet you.
01:14:16Hi, you too.
01:14:17Hi.
01:14:18Hi.
01:14:27Here you go.
01:14:28Oh, great.
01:14:30This is perfect.
01:14:37Good to see you where it goes.
01:14:42Eventually, another month, we should have something fun.
01:14:45There we go.
01:14:46Thank you for your generosity.
01:14:48It's some matchbox cars.
01:14:49Not sure it's that generous.
01:14:50I didn't want to be the only one who didn't bring something.
01:14:52Right.
01:14:53Well, it's the thought that counts, right?
01:14:56I thought so.
01:14:56Have you tried the food?
01:14:59No, I'm not really that hungry.
01:15:01Well, I am.
01:15:03No, say stop.
01:15:04No, no, no.
01:15:05Put it...
01:15:05Ah.
01:15:09I see Amanda found a date.
01:15:11So much for your matchmaking streak.
01:15:13Yeah, I'm beginning to doubt I have any real mojo there.
01:15:16Well, you still try it.
01:15:18As you said, it's the thought that counts.
01:15:20Maybe you should set Chester up.
01:15:24Oh, no.
01:15:25No, I think that's one match I'm not going to be able to force.
01:15:32Ah, I see.
01:15:35What?
01:15:35Nothing.
01:15:36What?
01:15:36Nothing.
01:15:37Why don't you go dance?
01:15:39No, no one's dancing yet.
01:15:41Mingle then.
01:15:42Get a drink and all that stuff.
01:15:45No, I need to stay here and take the gifts.
01:15:47It's my job.
01:15:47Yeah, well, you're a real critical cog in the machine there, Maggie.
01:15:51Go on.
01:15:51I'll make sure the whole operation doesn't fall apart.
01:15:53Dean.
01:15:54Go.
01:15:54I don't know.
01:15:55Go.
01:15:55You can get me one of those little cream puff things.
01:15:59Are you really excited about a cream puff?
01:16:00I...
01:16:01Yeah.
01:16:02Okay.
01:16:03All right.
01:16:04One cream puff coming up.
01:16:10Oh, it's great to meet you.
01:16:13Likewise.
01:16:14Let me know if you have any problems with Red Lake.
01:16:16I know how to keep these guys alive.
01:16:18Very funny, Mr. Gordon.
01:16:24Nice party.
01:16:27We try.
01:16:30Are you having a good time?
01:16:32Yes.
01:16:36Marguerite, come meet Jackson Jones.
01:16:38Oh, hi.
01:16:56Hey.
01:16:58Oh, hi.
01:17:01How's the toy drive going?
01:17:02Oh, it's fine.
01:17:04You know, Dean's covering the table for me.
01:17:06Good.
01:17:06Good.
01:17:07Yeah.
01:17:08Make sure you get a chance to enjoy the party.
01:17:12Are you?
01:17:16I think it's just business with Jackson.
01:17:19Oh.
01:17:21Oh, I'm sorry.
01:17:23I can't pretend there's any chemistry between us.
01:17:26It's all right, though.
01:17:29You know, for all my supposed matchmaking skills,
01:17:31I've failed to see the chemistry that you already have with Chester.
01:17:40That's long gone.
01:17:42Is it?
01:17:45You know that he's sorry, right?
01:17:47I do.
01:17:48So why do you keep making him suffer?
01:17:53That's not what I'm doing.
01:17:55Do you know what you're doing?
01:18:00Look, if the situation was reversed,
01:18:03what would you want him to do?
01:18:04You met all these other guys and you went out with Marvin
01:18:08and I kept thinking to myself,
01:18:10what is it that I'm missing?
01:18:12Right?
01:18:12Is there some kind of quality or character trait
01:18:15that you're looking for in a guy?
01:18:19But you didn't think that you could find a perfect match
01:18:22because you already had one.
01:18:24I thought I had.
01:18:30And you think that doesn't happen twice.
01:18:34And maybe it doesn't.
01:18:37That's all the more reason not to turn your back on it.
01:18:46Come on.
01:18:46Come on.
01:18:54Hey, Chester.
01:18:57Merry Christmas.
01:18:59Hey.
01:19:00Merry Christmas.
01:19:05Do you still like to dance?
01:19:08No, not really.
01:19:10Oh.
01:19:12I never really felt comfortable with anyone.
01:19:16Except you.
01:19:19You want to dance with me then?
01:19:22I'd like that.
01:19:24So do I get credit for that one?
01:19:45Oh, yeah.
01:19:46You definitely called that.
01:19:49I'm really happy for her.
01:19:50I'm really happy for her.
01:19:52You know I got this under control here, right?
01:20:01So...
01:20:02I have to run later.
01:20:04It was a pleasure meeting you guys.
01:20:05Pleasure meeting you.
01:20:05Okay.
01:20:11Yeah, thanks.
01:20:12Jackson.
01:20:13Hey, go back inside.
01:20:27Party's still going strong.
01:20:29Yeah, I saw that you were leaving already.
01:20:33Not much reason to stay.
01:20:35Hey, look.
01:20:36I wanted to run something by you.
01:20:38Doesn't matter.
01:20:38When you're leaving your job, I'll just run whatever by the next set of it.
01:20:43No, this...
01:20:43This isn't about work.
01:20:48Can you just listen?
01:20:49I...
01:20:50I...
01:20:56I never stopped loving you.
01:21:07It didn't matter to me what I might give up or risk.
01:21:11I had to take the leap.
01:21:14Then I had to ask you one question.
01:21:20Could you love me again?
01:21:23It's a good writing.
01:21:27Yeah.
01:21:28I borrowed it from this half-decent author that I know.
01:21:32Hmm.
01:21:32I thought you didn't like his writing.
01:21:36Well, you...
01:21:36You gotta get to the end to really appreciate the whole story, right?
01:21:46Is that a...
01:21:48Yeah.
01:21:49The only thing that my sister and my parents got right about us
01:21:57is that I was too young.
01:22:01I was...
01:22:02I was too young
01:22:03to know how to stand up for what I knew.
01:22:10And that was
01:22:11that you were everything that I always wanted.
01:22:14And somehow, I let myself be persuaded
01:22:20thinking that I couldn't marry you.
01:22:23And that was...
01:22:24It was a horrible mistake.
01:22:29But the real mistake was letting you go.
01:22:36Maggie.
01:22:39You say that now.
01:22:41And I would be lying
01:22:43if I said that wasn't what I wanted to hear.
01:22:45But your family,
01:22:48they hate me
01:22:49for some reason.
01:22:50And...
01:22:51are you really going to choose me over them?
01:22:55Yeah.
01:22:56If-if that's what it came down to, yes.
01:23:01We've changed.
01:23:02Right?
01:23:05And...
01:23:06now they see what makes me happy.
01:23:09I haven't been happy since then, Jackson.
01:23:17Every couple of years, I would.
01:23:19I would move around
01:23:20looking for a different job,
01:23:22looking for that thing
01:23:23that would fill that void,
01:23:25and...
01:23:27just nothing worked.
01:23:30I still miss you.
01:23:34You must be freezing.
01:23:36It's not...
01:23:37it's not really the cold.
01:23:38I'm sure it's not.
01:23:40No, I'm just really nervous
01:23:41about what you're going to say.
01:23:45Are you really?
01:23:47How could I not be?
01:23:49After how I acted?
01:23:53Could you really love me again?
01:23:55Yes.
01:24:10Yeah.
01:24:11Come on.
01:24:13Come on.
01:24:17I love it.
01:24:38It's such a unique spin for you, too.
01:24:40I mean, I kept waiting for the mystery or the action to kick in,
01:24:43like some bad guy jumping out behind the Christmas tree.
01:24:46But you know what? Totally worked without it.
01:24:49I'm really glad you liked it.
01:24:54Thanks so much.
01:24:56Okay. Oh, just a sec.
01:24:57Okay, here. Replenishments and refreshments.
01:25:04Careful now. Some of your fans are going to be crushed.
01:25:07I am not apologizing for loving my editor.
01:25:10Yeah, you say that until your sales tank.
01:25:13Couldn't care less.
01:25:14Hey, do you ever wonder if we would be here right now
01:25:19if we'd gotten married years ago?
01:25:21You mean like a published author and editor?
01:25:22Yeah.
01:25:24I think it would be the same.
01:25:25Really?
01:25:26Why not? Nothing else has changed.
01:25:27What?
01:25:28I loved you then, and...
01:25:30I love you now.
01:25:35I love you, too.
01:25:37Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:38Always.
01:25:39I love you, too.
01:25:40Always.
01:25:40I love you, too.
01:25:41Always.
01:25:41I love you, too.
01:25:44I love you, too.
01:26:10I love you, too.
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