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[WOODBURY, "NEVER FAR FROM
HOME"]

(SINGING) City streets
that I don't recognize

Unfamiliar skyline

Strangers who don't
look me in the eye

I'm lost inside I'm blind

But I know wherever I go

I'm never far from home

No matter where I roam

When I think of you

I'm never far from home

No matter where I roam

When I think of you

I'm never far from home

I'm never far from home

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

I'm never far from home

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

I'm never far from home

[birds chirping]

[alarm ringing]

[grunting]

[light music]

Good morning.

Ah!

It's time to wake up.

Oh, no!

My daughter's turned
into a stuffed dog!

Got you!

You did get me.

- You're so predictable.
- Yeah.

Can you predict what
I'm gonna say next?

We're late.

Yep.

Did you brush your teeth?

Your hair looks a little ratty.

Go run and get
your hair brushed.

What is your brush doing
in the silverware drawer?

We're always in
the kitchen when

you tell me to go get my brush.

Smart.

Also gross.

It's not gross.

It's my word of the day.

Efficient.

Well, at least keep
it in the junk drawer.

[gasps] I forgot something!

Me, too.

Let's go, let's go, let's go.
- I'm coming.

Come on.
Come on.

Come on.

[gasps] Do you really
need to bring your guitar?

Oh.

I love you.

Remember to help somebody.

I know.

Bye, baby Taylor.

Bye, Mommy.

I love you, too.

TJ: You know the drill?

All right, here we go.

All right, TJ.

Ready to rock?

Yeah.

[music playing]

[off-key guitar playing]

Sorry.

Sorry, Doug.

Hey, you, uh, you
all right in there?

I shouldn't
audition before noon.

I'm not a morning person.

That's all right, man.

Let's just-- we'll take
it back from the top.

Do you want me to play
a riff in the opener,

or should I play it straight?

Let's do one as it's
written, and then, that's it.

Yeah.

[light music]

We're in the kitchen.

I know.

So how did it go?

Terrible.

No.

I'm sure you did great.

No.

I was wooden, and I blew it.

Lead guitar on
John Tyler's tour.

That would have been huge.

- You'll get the next one, Mijo.
- Yes.

Yes.
TJ: Ah, I don't think so.

So what have you been up to?

Ma's planning
Mateo's birthday.

We're going to have it
here in the greenhouse.

Of course.

And she's not letting
me do anything at all.

Of course.

I still wanna be involved.

So I can keep it contained.

Who wants a party contained?

Maybe your daughter?

Fine.

It'll be contained.

Just la familia.

And 200 of her
closest friends.

[chuckles] Do you need a nap?

He's a grown man.

He doesn't need a nap.

I think I do need a nap.

I was practicing till 2:00 AM.

You're always up
until 2:00 AM, TJ.

- That's my most creative time.
- Mm.

Well, it's a good thing
you don't have kids.

I'm on the farm
stand today, so, mwah.

Hey, Mijo, fresh
out of the oven.

New recipe.

Thank you, Dad.

I'll cut out the bouncy house.

Hey, thank you, Mommy.

Ooh.

More self-help.

It was self-help in the '80s.

It's self-care now.

- So sorry.
- No.

And this book is
actually really good.

It's all about challenging
our self-imposed limitations.

So it suggests, instead
of saying no to ourselves,

we say, not yet.

Mm.

Can I send you a
copy of the book?

Not yet.

Oh, what'd I get?

A juice box today, or
just a quarter for milk?

Just be glad that your
business partner cares

about you as much as I do.

I appreciate the TLC.
I do.

I do.

I just-- I would like it
if we could actually go

out to lunch one of these days.

And that's why I
handle the books.

[chuckles]

I'm excited to announce
our next big-term project.

We'll be exploring our heritage.

Who knows what heritage means?

Like, where our
families come from?

MISS WEAVER: Somewhat, yes.

But heritage also
means what's been

passed down from our ancestors.

Culture, tradition stories.

And to explore this, we'll
each be making a family tree.

My tree is gonna be so big.

I have like 14 aunts and uncles.

But I only have Auntie Maura.

She's not even really my aunt.

Well, there are all
different types of families.

So as you map out the
generations of your family,

I'd like you to talk to your
relatives about your heritage.

Learn where you come from, and
how that makes you who you are.

You'll have two months to
complete it, so take your time.

We'll also have
in-class activities,

like bringing your family
in to discuss heritage.

You can talk to your
grandparents, aunts and uncles,

anyone in your family.

[bell ringing]

Bye, kids.

Um, Miss Weaver?

I was just wondering if I could
do a different term project.

Why?

Because I don't really
have any heritage.

My family tree would kind
of just look like a weed.

What do you mean?

Do you know what IVF is?

Yes, I do.

So my only family is my mom.

Well, does your
mom have any family?

Not really.

She's an only child, and her dad
went away when she was little.

Mm.

My Nana passed
away when I was two.

That's who I'm named after.

So it's really
just my mom and me.

A family tree can
look like anything.

Remember, some weeds turn into
the most beautiful flowers.

Thanks.

[children chattering]

AMELIA: Ruby.

A minor?

Tough day?

What happened?

Miss Weaver assigned
our next big project.

And it's a family tree.

But I can't really be a family
tree because it's just and me.

And Nana.

Yeah, that's one branch.

That's not a tree.

It's like a log.

Sweetie, we're a family.

RUBY: I know.

But also, I was thinking,
what about my biological dad?

Your donor?

Sweetie, he wanted
to be anonymous.

You know that.

But you said when I
got older, you'd show

me some sheet you have on him.

Ah, love, we're a family.

We're enough.

I know, and I love our family.

It's just, I'm curious, is all.

What's even on the sheet?

Mm-- oh!

There you are.

Did he touch this paper?

I don't think so.

It's just a printout.

It's just some
basic information.

There's a baby picture.

And he looks just like me.

Hah!

He does, doesn't he?

Yeah.

Height, age, eye and hair color.

Is this all the information?

Is this how you picked him?

Well-- somewhat.

But I-- I also picked
him because of his laugh.

Mm?

Wait, you know what?

I think I have an old recording
of his voice from an email.

See if I can--

You've had a recording for
nine years and never told me?

I was a little
preoccupied raising

a well-adjusted young woman
in an ever-changing world.

Oh, wait.

Here it is.

So this is an interview
he did with the agency.

It's just audio only.

OK.

DONOR (ON AUDIO):
[laughs] I'm sorry.

[laughs] I'm a little nervous.

INTERVIEWER (ON
AUDIO): It's fine.

You can say whatever you want.

DONOR (ON AUDIO): OK.

Well, um, (STAMMERS) I laugh
when I'm nervous, obviously.

And, uh, I live for
music, to make music.

And I hate mushrooms.

Love olives.

I love anything pickled.
And--

Me, too

DONOR (ON AUDIO): I
love all desserts.

Me, too.
Me, too.

DONOR (ON AUDIO): I am
bad at describing myself.

You know-- yeah, that's it.

Mm.

His laugh, oh my gosh.

I know.

That's why I picked him.

He sounded kind.

Maybe there's a
way to find him.

When you're 18, you
can request contact.

But 18 is a
million years away.

I guess you're gonna be
super old when you're 18.

[doorbell ringing]

That's Auntie Maura.

She's coming for dinner.

You do your reading, OK?

And now she wants
to find her donor.

Yeah, of course she does.

Ruby's approaching
an age where she's

gonna wanna explore who she
is and where she comes from.

She comes from here.

She comes from me.

Yeah, well, she's also
genetically half him,

and that still means something.

AMELIA: Sure.

But who knows what he's like?

And do we even wanna
roll the dice on that?

And even if we wanted to find
him, it's not like we could.

Mm, that's not
necessarily true.

Now, see, I've read
articles about this.

Donor-conceived children who
use genetic registry to track

down their biological parents.

What's a "genelli rhetory?"

What Aunt Maura
said, what is it?

It is genotyping,
to test your DNA.

You send a saliva
sample to a company,

and they test it to
learn about everything

from your physical traits, to
your health predispositions,

to your biological relatives.

So we could do
that to find him?

Maybe, but it is
highly unlikely.

But we could still try.

Ruby, I wanna
put a pin in this.

OK?

Can you go finish your homework?

Please?

Dinner's almost ready.

Thank you.

(SOFTLY) I am so sorry.

Can you just put
this on the table?

Yeah.

Thank you very much.

[whimsical music]

[distant clattering]

[alarm ringing]

Ruby?

Ruby?

Oh.

Good morning.

I made you coffee.

Oh.

OK.

Go on.

Try it.

You just put the black
stuff in some water, right?

Ah, yeah, something like that.

Ah, OK.

What is-- what is going on here?

Ruby's 10-point presentation
on why I should be able to do

the genetic registry thingy.

Point one, I am not a baby.

This should be our
decision together.

Point two, school project.

You're always saying how
important learning is.

And this school project is
about learning who I am--

like, um, is my
donor clumsy like me?

Is he always
crashing into stuff?

Love, these are great points,
but he wanted to be anonymous.

He might not wanna be found.

But what if he does?

What if he's just waiting
for us to find him?

You're always telling
me to help someone.

What if this helps all of us?

I wanna know where I come from.

Come here.

Ooh.

Oh.

I always knew this
day would come.

I just-- I didn't expect it to
come so soon, so you're gonna

have to be patient with me.

Oh.

I am open to looking
into this, but it's gonna

have to be on my timetable.

I am still your mother, and
I can prove that very easily.

Can we agree to that?

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe we can pick up a
test after school today?

Or before school.

What did I just say
about my timetable?

Yeah, your timetable.

It's just I already
ate breakfast,

and I made our lunches.

It's a spaghetti burrito.

You put spaghetti
inside a burrito?

With ranch dressing.

Oh ho ho ho.

Hi.

How's it going?

AMELIA: Hey.

How'd it go with Ruby?

She bring the idea back up?

Actually, I know Ruby
well enough to know

that she is driving that train.

And I know you
well enough to know

that you're pumping the brakes.

Actually, we picked up a
genetic registry test on the way

to school today.

Oh-- what?

Mm-hmm.

Wow.

I'm proud of you.

We probably won't
find anything anyway.

And even if we do, it's not
like we have to contact him.

And even if we do
contact him, he

probably won't wanna have
anything to do with her,

you know.
And-- and even if he does--

[breathes deeply] you
know, it's not his choice.

So I'm not worried about it.

Yeah, no.

I-- I can tell.

You seem super chill about it.

[sighs]

It's just always been
just the two of us.

And I've worked really hard
to make her feel like--

like that's OK.

Like we're enough.

What if she suddenly
decides that we're not?

Just make sure that
it's nice and snug.

OK.

RUBY: So that's it?

Mail it in, and they
email us his information?

If there's any information,
which is a big if.

Plus, it takes time.

It could take several weeks.

Has it been several weeks yet?

OK, I got to do a
word of the day for you.

What?

Patience.

I'm gonna go put
it in the mailbox.

[children chattering]

Did the genetic
registry email come?

Oh.

Hi, Mommy.

How was your day?

That was all implied.

So, did it come?

Um, honey, it's
only been two weeks.

It's gonna take a
little bit longer, OK?

RUBY: I guess I'll just have
to write another future hit

while I wait.

[phone chiming]

(SINGING) All I
need, all I want

Is to keep the things that I got

Because it took
some time to find

I have dreams just like you

For the skies of
tomorrow to be blue

Do we need to close our eyes

Can't change the world

Oh oh it's not long

If we took it in turn

Oh oh, I think we
could, you know

'Cause we're in this together

Ooh ooh ooh

You're not alone

Are we in this together?

Love will show us where to start

Moving mountains with our hearts

All we need is to be here

[clears throat] Uh, excuse me?

Yeah, we're--
we're not open today.

AMELIA: Oh.

[light music]

May I help you?

Is this you?

Yes.

What is this about?

You know, never mind.
Sorry.

I'm sorry.
- Wait.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Is there something
I should know?

[exhales] Yes.

Yes.

Um-- you kind of
have a daughter.

[melancholic music]

Thank you for telling me.

What's she like?

She's on her
own little planet,

in the absolute best way.

She's hilarious and kind.

She's bright.

She's so precocious.

She, uh, she plays guitar.

What?

I'm a guitarist.

It means it's genetic.

That's wild.

So are you a
professional musician?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Is it good work?

Yeah, it is.

If you can get it,
which lately, I can't.

Um, that's why I work here.

It's a family business.

My parents bought the
land 40 years ago.

Started small, but then
it grew to all this.

And, uh, I read online that
you started the whole farmers

market co-op thing, too?

It's pretty cool.

It's a great community
between artisans and farmers.

So-- what now?

Maybe we just let
it marinate for a bit?

OK.

OK.

Amelia, I'd really
like to meet her.

He seems nice, like
I thought he'd be.

He also seems like a brooding,
bad-boy musician type.

Oh, Daddy was a Rolling Stone.

Exactly.

It's like, smoldering
and bacchanalian.

He's probably a total
commitment phobe.

And how long did
you talk to him for?

I don't know, like
10 or 15 minutes?

Mm.
Mm-hmm.

What?

I don't know.

It just sounds like you
really got this guy pegged.

And now he wants to meet her.

Yeah, of course!

And she's gonna
wanna meet him, too.

But he's a total stranger.

OK, so vet him.

I mean, look.

Of all the genetic
possibilities in the world,

you chose him, and now's your
opportunity to find out why.

I guess I could just
like get a cup of coffee.

Yeah.

It's just coffee-- with your
long-lost bad boy baby daddy.

That is not helpful.

It's fun to say.

[light music]

(SOFTLY) To go with you?

Mijo, what's wrong?

Did you take a
genetic registry test?

Yes.

So other relatives
could find us.

Turns out, uh, a relative
of sorts did find us.

I kind of have a daughter.

What?

TJ: As-- it's not--
it's not what you think.

Do you remember when I came
back to the States, and I was--

Mijo, it doesn't matter.

You have a daughter.

It's wonderful.

AMELIA: I came out here
for my master's, and then I

love it here.
Just stayed.

So your family's
in California?

No.

No-- no family.

Like none?

No.

Um, well, I was very
close with my mom,

but she passed a while back.

And she was estranged
from her family,

so it was always
just the two of us.

So, yes.

Mm.

And your dad?

Left when I was little.

Do you have a partner?

No.

No partner.

So you're raising
Ruby by yourself?

Mm-hmm.

That must be tough.

Well, I guess I'm tough.

Yeah, I can see that.

Yeah.

[chuckles]

So have you given any more
thought to me meeting Ruby?

Only every waking minute.

[chuckles]

No peace.

Aah-ah.

I guess I'm just concerned
that she's gonna meet

you, and then get attached?

I guess that
could be a problem.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean, especially since you got
your whole life thing going on.

What thing is that?

I mean, you know,
you's like-- your whole,

like, rock-and-roll thing.

The gigs and the--

Hang on.

Hang on.

How many working
musicians do you know?

I do not--

I do not know any
working musicians.

OK.

So I don't think
it's fair for you

to make assumptions
about my lifestyle.

You don't even know me.

Yeah.

OK, that's the problem, though.

Because I don't know you.

I don't know you at all.

And I'm supposed to decide
whether I want my daughter to?

Amelia, you reached out to me.

I assume you'd-- you imagine
that I would like to meet Ruby.

But I'd hate to
make assumptions.

Yeah, that would
be very unfair.

TJ (ON RECORDING):
[laughs] I'm sorry.

I'm a little nervous.

INTERVIEWER (ON
AUDIO): It's fine.

You can say whatever you want.

TJ (ON RECORDING): OK.

Well, um, (STAMMERS) I laugh
when I'm nervous, obviously.

And, uh, I live for
music, to make music.

And I hate mushrooms.

Love olives.

I love anything pickled,
and I love all desserts.

And I'm bad at
describing myself.

[laughs] I'm sorry.

I'm a little nervous.

INTERVIEWER (ON
AUDIO): It's fine.

You can say whatever you want.

TJ (ON RECORDING): OK.

Well, um, (STAMMERS) I laugh
when I'm nervous, obviously.

And, uh, I live for music

Ruby?

Oh, I'm-- I'm--

I'm-- I'm sorry.

I-- I wasn't, like
looking at your--

I'm not mad.
I just--

- --email or anything.
- It's OK.

It was just already
downloaded, and I--

I'm not mad.

I'm not mad.

I just have something
to tell you.

Did it come?

It did come.

Yes.

And I found him.

You found him?

Like, in person?

- Mm-hmm.
- I wanna meet him.

Can I?

OK.

So before I say yes, I just--

I need you to listen
to me, sweetie, OK?

I know you have a lot
of really big ideas

about what you want this to be,
about who you want him to be.

And I know--

I know it's easy to get
lost in those ideas.

If you can, honey, I'd really
like for you to remain measured.

Do you know what I mean by that?

Like, only a certain
amount of something?

Yeah, exactly.

So I get to meet him?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

[dramatic music]

Oh.

Ah-- that is so not measured.

I'm TJ.

Hi, TJ.

I'm Ruby.

Ruby.

Lovely to meet you.

[sighs]

RUBY: And you sneeze
when you look at the sun?

[sneezes]

I don't think so.

Do you?

Sometimes.

But are you allergic
to cantaloupe?

Oh, yeah, yeah.

It makes my mouth all itchy.

Me, too!

Are you a morning person?

No.

Nights are my creative time.

That's what I tell my mom, but
she still gives me a bedtime.

And when you eat asparagus--

OK.

Let's just-- let's
give TJ a break here.

It's OK.

I like questions.

AMELIA: [laughs] OK.

But I have a question for you.

Is it true that you play guitar?

RUBY: Yeah.

I mean, I'm not a savant or
anything, but I will be someday.

I like the word savant.

It's my word of the day.

I'm learning a
new word every day

so I'll be a better songwriter.

I'm gonna be just
like Taylor Swift.

I even have her same guitar.

Baby Taylor.

Yes!

You like Taylor Swift?

I've been known to
dabble, yeah, yeah.

I play the guitar, too.

What kind of
guitar do you play?

I play different ones for
different moods, different eras.

You have to try out the
instrument, you know.

You have to see if you're
interconnected with your guitar.

What's that mean?

It means you're connected,
but you're also independent.

Oh.

Like panda?

- Ah.
- What's that?

RUBY: We learned
about it in science.

It's this whole Aspen
forest here in Utah

made of over 47,000
trees, but they all

come from the same root system.

It's called "Panda, the Tree."

You never learned about it?
- Hm?

I think I just did.

I have a surprise for you.

Oh?

TJ: Cinnamon churros,
cinnamon buñuelos,

cinnamon cookie,
because your mom

told me that you like cinnamon.

Mm.

AMELIA: What do you think?

This is like
heaven in a stick.

[laughs]

Um, I got to make
a quick phone call.

Are you OK?
- Yeah.

You all right?

OK.

Yeah.

No, that sounds great.

OK.

Um, yeah, I'll just check in
with you when I'm leaving, OK?

Thank you.

Oh, wait.

Are you Amelia?

I'm Sofia.

TJ's mom.

OK.

Oh, forgive me.

I get emotional.

But this is just
such a blessing.

Oh.

And-- and this is
TJ's dad, Tomas.

TJ stands for Tomas, Jr.

It's nice to meet you.

It's nice to meet you, too.

I'm gonna get back
to my daughter.

Oh, yeah.

But-- but before you do,
I was wondering if you

and I could get
together one day?

You know, have a cafecito.

Well, that is so nice.

That's such a nice offer.

Thank you.

Um-- I-- this just-- it
feels like a lot, so, um,

can I get back to you?

Of course.

- OK.
- Yeah.

OK.

OK.

What did I miss?

I just asked TJ to
come speak at my school

for Heritage Day on Monday.

You did?

Uh, honey, you already
asked me to present.

Oh, but some kids have
two parents presenting.

Or-- or-- or even people that
aren't, like, actually parents,

but kind of technically, are.

It's OK.

It's-- it's a
complicated situation.

It is.
TJ: Yeah.

It's complicated.

It's a real conundrum.

Oh, is that a new
word of the day?

Mm-hmm.

So will you come to my school?

Please?

Please?

OK, honey, I--

You could talk
about your family,

and traditions and stuff.

Uh, you know, what it's like
to be a famous musician?

AMELIA: Honey, I just--

I don't wanna put too much
pressure on TJ right now, OK?

I can check my schedule.

Yes!

OK.

[phone ringing]

Oh, my turn now.

One second.

Hi.

How you doing, honey?

You OK?

Are you kidding?

I'm crushing it.

Well, yeah.

[chuckles]

TJ: She's hilarious.

And not just for a kid.

She's only 10 and
knows her guitars.

It's so impressive.

So when do we get to meet her?

Ah!

Can we come to the
school with you?

No.

No, no, no.

I don't even know if I'm going.

Why wouldn't you go?

Because she wants me to talk
about being a famous musician.

What am I supposed to say?

I don't want to disappoint her.

Mijo, we never feel like
the people we wanna be,

especially as parents.

[chuckles]

[somber music]

Yeah, but--

I'm not a parent.

[dramatic music]

[phone dings]

(SINGING) I used
to drive all night

Countless stars
till the sun came up

Just praying for our side

Why it doesn't make me wanna run

I was just a rolling stone

Wandering this whole world alone

Till you gave me somewhere to go

You saved my soul when
you made my heart a home.

Hey, Dad.

Need some help?

Sure.

Yeah.

Why are you here?

Shouldn't you be
at Ruby's school?

I'm not going.

OK.

What's going on?

[sighs] It's just,
I always wanted

to be a dad, but I didn't think
this is how it was gonna happen.

And I'm not even a dad.

I mean, I'm a donor.

And I don't know if I
should get attached.

Imagine how Ruby feels.

Yeah, I know.

Mijo, even in the
simplest of circumstances,

parenting is never what
we think it will be.

And every parent worries
if they can give enough.

If they aren't, the kids
don't see it like that.

They just want to be loved.

I don't even know
if Amelia is gonna let

me see her again after this?

Yeah.

You better make the most
of it while you have it.

Thank you, Dad.

Ah, voicemail.

Hi, Amelia.

It's TJ.

Plans changed.

Listen, I'm coming.

I'm coming.

[car engine starts]

Let's give a big round of
applause to the Solomon family.

[applause]

And let's welcome up,
Mr. And Mrs. Fisher.

[applause]

And last but not
least, Ruby's mom.

[applause]

OK.

Our--

Sorry.

Sorry for the grand entrance.

[chuckles] I'm here with Ruby.

Did I miss my turn?

MISS WEAVER: You're
actually right on time.

But I'm-- I'm just a little
confused because I only had Ms.

Weber down to present.

He'll be going first.

OK.

Hello.

Uh, I'm TJ Cruz.

I'm Ruby's friend.

And I'm here to talk about
heritage, which, I think,

it's not just a big word.

It's a big responsibility.

Because it's not just about
where you're from or who

you are, but it's about
connection, and integrity,

and values.

And it doesn't matter what
country you were born in,

but if you pass those three
things to the ones you love,

you can create a family history
that you can be proud of.

So make your families proud.

[applause]

You can't do that again, TJ.

Do what?

Flip-flop on her.

You can't.

But I called you.

I left a message, and it
went to-- to voicemail.

Because I had my
phone turned off

because I was here already
setting up for the presentation.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Ruby was devastated when
you decided not to come.

You can't just say you're
gonna do one thing,

and then change your
mind at the last second.

You cannot.
- I don't know what else to say.

I messed up.

And I do that a lot, and I
probably sounded like an idiot.

You didn't sound
like an idiot.

You sounded great.

It-- what you said, it was
moving and it was poignant.

But words aren't enough.

Kids need consistency
and reliability.

And they need to
know if they can

count on us or if they can't.

So if you wanna
be in Ruby's life,

you just-- you need to ask
yourself, can she count on you?

[dramatic music]

You're making me nervous.

[laughing]

What are we doing?

Davey Hill
Development just bought

this land for a subdivision.

OK?

50 or so houses, all green,
and I wanna pitch for it.

Ah, no.

I don't think we're
ready for that.

Imagine what it could
mean for our firm.

Yeah.

It could mean more staff
and resources, financing

that we don't have, and time.

We don't have to
figure any of it out.

So we hire a consultant.

It's fine.

We do whatever it takes.

What we have
right now is good.

Yeah, but expanding
could be better.

What is wrong
with what we have?

Are you unhappy?

Why is everyone always
wanna expand all the time?

What is wrong with staying
as we are when it works?

I kind of feel like we're not
talking about the deal anymore.

Amelia, is this about
Ruby and the rock star?

Her expanding family
tree, it's killing me.

Are you sure this
isn't good expansion?

Can you just be on my side?

I am on your side.

I want what's best
for you and us.

And I want us to pitch,
so grow or stagnate.

I can make either choice?

[chuckles] Can you
trust me on this?

[somber music]

[light music]

Perfect.
I love it.

TJ: Thank you.

Also, I wanted to
ask about the tour.

Are you auditioning
for lead guitar, maybe?

You know we love
you, TJ, but Romer

always plays lead for Sadie.

Of course.

Well, uh, would you bounce
me a copy once it's mixed?

I wanna show it to my, uh--

a young artist I know.

Of course.

Thanks.

[light music]

So Amelia.

Mm-hmm?

These are TJ's sisters.

Oh!

His older sister,
Bianca, and his two younger

sisters, Camila and Elena.

Nice to meet you.

Thank you for coming.

I hope mom didn't
pressure you into.

Oh, no, no, no,
no, it's my pleasure.

So tell us all about you.

We heard you don't
have any family.

- Mom!
- Boundaries.

Boundaries aren't for family.

Please forgive our mother.

No, it's fine.

Really.

But I do have family.

Ruby and I are a family.

Of course.

So Amelia, you are an architect?

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

It's the only thing
I ever wanted to do.

Other little girls had
Barbies, I had a spirograph.

[laughs] And what
do you like about it?

I like feeling like I'm
giving people a sense of home.

I think we all just wanna
find our place in the world,

you know?

You should tell that to TJ.

You know, he spent most
of his youth in Mexico.

But then with the band
and the traveling, I mean,

you just never know
where he's going.

Mommy, OK.

That's enough.

Let her breathe.

Amelia, my grandson,
Mateo, turns nine next week.

That's my son.

SOFIA: And we are going
to have a little fiesta.

We would so love if you
and Ruby would join us.

Oh, Mateo would love that.

There's gonna be so much food.
SOFIA: And so many other kids.

And music!

- So, it's a yes?
- Yes.

It's going to be so fun.

We'll all be there.

[light music]

(SINGING) Boo-ooh
Something about you

That caught your eye

And got a glimpse

Of what heaven must be like

You got me in a spin

I can't help wonder
where you've been

It's never been with me

I wanna be with you, girl.

So are you better at music
or artisanal southwest cuisine?

Ah, you can be
the judge of that.

AMELIA: Oh.

Just one second.

OK.

Ah, I brought this in today.

Roasted squash blossoms with
ricotta cheese and poblanos.

AMELIA: You made this?

Yeah.

Tell me what you think.

Oh.

You know, it's really good.

OK.

No, this is-- this is
too hard because you are

an incredible guitarist,
but I actually think this

might be your true calling.

- Do you like to cook?
- [laughs] I don't know.

Sort-- no.

I-- I'm usually too exhausted
by the end of the day

to do anything fancy.

Yeah, it must be hard
being a single parent.

Mm.

It's hard being
any kind of parent.

What about you?

Do you want kids?

Yeah, in theory.

Um, but with my career, I
could be on tour for six months

a year, so it's hard to
reconcile that with kids.

Yeah.

But, as an uncle, I
get the general idea.

I teach them a little guitar.

I make waffles for them.

Tell them jokes.
- Yeah.

That's all there
is to parenting.

Just waffle-making
and joke-telling.

- What else?
- Yeah.

Nothing else.

That's it.

Yeah, I know.

Ah, when I envisioned
my life, I--

I always thought, make it as a
musician, and kids and marriage,

second.

May I ask you--

why did you do IVF?

And you can tell me it's
none of my business.

It's none of your business.

Got it.

That's all right.

Why did you donate?

I was young.

And I had been living
in Mexico with my uncle.

So when I came back to
the States, I was broke.

I didn't want to
rely on my parents.

So that's it.

Simple as that.

I actually wanted to talk
to you about something.

Yeah, what is it?

I wanted to explain why I
was so intense and sensitive

the other day at Ruby's school.

My dad just wasn't there for me.

He made a lot of promises
he couldn't keep.

It was just-- it was hard.

So we'll just leave it at that.

Um, I just don't want
Ruby to ever have to go

through anything like that.

Yeah.

- Yeah.
- Understood.

OK, yeah.

Yeah.

And I think you should
take this to Ruby so you

don't have to cook tonight.

Really?

Um, do I have to share?

Because you know
what, I could just

like make her some
mac and cheese,

and then this could
be our little secret.

You can do whatever you want.

It is up to me
because I'm the mama.

Can I-- can I
show you something,

a song I've been working on?

Oh, yeah.
No.

OK.
- Yeah?

Sure.
I would love to.

It's, um, you know, it
came to me late last night.

And I want a fresh set of ears.

AMELIA: OK.
- First impression.

Hit me.

OK.

[humming]

(SINGING) Ooh,
ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Something about you
that caught your eye

And got a glimpse of
what heaven must be like

You got me in a spin

I can't help wonder
where you've been

It's never been with me

I wanna be with you, girl.

[lively music]

Whoa!

Wow!

[sighs] Oh.

Here she goes.

- How are you?
- Good.

Good?

That's TJ.

I mean, you said
he was smoldering,

but he is smoldering.

Did you mean to tell me
that there is not a shred

of romantic fantasy here?

My deep romantic fantasy is
someone to do the dishes with.

You know, ordinarily, I
would say that's really sad.

But I would gladly do
the dishes with that man.

OK, settle down.

OK.

[chattering]

Hi.

Hi.

Ah.

I am so happy you came.

[chuckles] Oh!

And you must be Ruby.

I am your--

Sofia.

Call me Tia Sofia.

Nice to meet you, Tia Sofia.

Nice to meet you.

My mom says that
whenever you return a dish,

you should put something in it.

So I cooked you my favorite.

Ants on a log!

I hope they're
made with real ants.

[laughs]

I'm Tomas.

I'm TJ's father.

Nice to meet you.

And this is my best friend
and business partner, Maura.

And my Auntie.

Aw!

Oh.

[laughs]

Hi, are you Ruby?

I'm Mateo, your cousin.

Whoa.

I've never had a cousin before.

Hey, you wanna hit the piñata?

Can I?

Yeah, sure.

Just stay where I can see you.

You better count me in.

Please, make yourself at home.

[festive music]

Can I help you with that?

Uh-- uh, sorry.

No, I have a strict "open my own
bottles and jars" philosophy.

My mama always said learn
to do everything yourself

in case you don't
have money or a man.

- That's a big thought.
- Yeah, well--

Yeah.

Uh, it's actually--

What--

It's a twist up.

Of course it is.

OK, I'm gonna go do a lap.

See if I can find my girls.

I don't know why I
said it like that.

See you later.
- I hope so.

OK, bye.

Bye.

Strange, huh?

You have a kid, and
your heart goes walking

around outside of your chest.

There's nowhere else
you'd rather be.

I've heard that said
before, but only now

I'm beginning to understand.

TJ was so moody
as a kid, especially

when he was playing music.

Well, he's a creative.

But, anyway,
let's give these two

a chance to eat before
the tias descend on them.

You know, I have
been warned about them.

Yeah.

No.

No warning could possibly
suffice, but suerte.

[laughs]

Come on.

I'm so glad you guys are here.

Thank you.

Aah.

They seem so sweet.

They're so sweet.

They're so-- so kind and so
friendly, and nice, and warm,

and chatty, like so so chatty.

I feel like I'm sweating.
Am I sweating?

I think it's the
salsa, actually.

Did you know this
is the mild one?

It's the mild one.

I think you could
use a breather, OK?

Don't worry, I'll keep an
eye on Ruby, all right?

Thank you very much.
OK.

You're welcome.

Don't mind if I do.

[whimsical music]

Sorry to interrupt.

I just wanted to check on you.

My family can be a lot.

No, no, no, they're so great.

I-- I'm just not used to it.

My family situation was, and
is, entirely the opposite.

It's me and my mom,
and then me and Ruby.

But they are a lot.

It's a lot.

It's-- sorry.

[both laughing]

Do you mind if I join you?

I need a party break.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

What were you doing?

Cloud gazing?

Guess we are now.

Yeah.

That one looks like
a dog with a banjo.

AMELIA: A banjo?

You see that level of
detail right there?

It's not like a
guitar or a ukulele.

Nah, it's definitely a banjo.

Banjo?
OK.

Yeah.

All right.

[chuckling]

You asked me why I did IVF.

Yeah, you told me to
mind my own business.

Yes, I did.

But I'm now ready
to tell you why.

Would you like to hear it?

Sure.

[sighs] Because more than
anything, I wanted to be a mom.

And I got to a certain age and
hadn't met anyone yet, so I

didn't wanna wait any longer.

I could feel Ruby.

I was like waiting
for my life to start.

You can honestly see an elephant
playing a banjo right there?

No, it's a dog
playing a banjo.

A dog-- that's a dog?

Right there, that's--

No, that's a dog.

That's a-- That's a dog.

Yeah.

Shall we get back to the--

do you wanna go?
- Yep.

OK.

Let's do that.

Yeah.

Oh.

Name of my-- what made it.

Hey.

There are so many people you
need to meet, and some of them

ask really personal questions.

Yeah, they do.

Would you like to accompany me
on guitar for happy birthday?

I'll go grab Baby Taylor.

Thanks.

Oh, and I made you this.

So if you ever get worried
about how you're gonna play,

it'll remind you to
just do your version.

[melancholic music]

I love it.

Thank you.

[singing in spanish]

Yay!

[applause]

So not a shred of fantasy?

MAN: We love the renderings.

Love your pitch.

Love your firm.

But a subdivision is a big
jump from single-family builds.

And we have concerns about
potential growing pains.

We recognize and
understand those concerns,

but we know that we are uniquely
equipped to handle this step up.

We have no doubts.

No doubts at all.

[cellphone vibrating]

That wasn't quite
the convincing

sell from you back there.

Sorry, but I do have doubts.

Well, I don't.

And I asked you to trust
me, which is maybe something

you're having trouble doing.

I do trust you with my
life, but I'm just still

happy with the way things are.

I--

Oh, come here.

What?

Look, I know that
you are worried

about what's going on
with Ruby, but that's

not what this is about here.

[cellphone vibrating]

OK, who is blowing you off?

Oh, Sofia added me to the
Cruz family text thread.

It literally never stops.

I get 400 texts a day.
- Oh boy.

Tomas wants to know
where the paper towels are.

Sofia says they're
under the kitchen sink.

Oh, actually, update.

No, it's under the garage sink.

No wonder you're
a ball of nerves.

That is no excuse.

You're right about the
company, about everything.

I'm gonna have your back now.

OK, as long as you don't
mind bearing the brunt

while I figure this out.

I've got you.

And I'm gonna start by
silencing these notifications

on this thread.

You can do that?

Wait-- what's this
text from TJ about

picking Ruby up from school?

Yeah, he's, um, taking
her to a music store

to check out guitars.

OK.

All right.

Yeah, it's moving a little fast.

I get it.

Are you ready?

Whoa.

Hold onto my hand.

Come on, come on.

[lively music]

[chiming]

Holy moly, is this a--

Gibson Les Paul 57.

This is what Taylor plays.

Give it a try.

[strums guitar]

[laughs] Well, you
have to really play it.

It's too big.

You try.

OK, picking a guitar,
yeah, it's a big step.

You got to jam out
on it, you know.

Gotta find out if
you're interconnected.

Like the panda tree.

You remembered.

How could I forget?

(SINGING) It felt
like I would wash away

Get pulled under the waves

Lose myself and never be found

A hundred bricks on my back

Waiting for the crash

What goes up always
comes back down

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

I might be crazy

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

We all need saving.

[clapping]

Wow, you're so good.

I wanna be as good
as you someday.

But when I play, do I have
to make weird faces like you?

That's called shred face,
and it's a requirement.

Shred face.

Your dad's got some talent.

Yeah.

My dad does got some talent.

That's where I get it from.

I see the Zager.

Can I try it?

Yeah.

But you got to do shred face.

Pinky swear.

Pinky swear.

[chuckles] Cute kid.

Thank you for talking
me up in front of her.

Oh, no.

You got style.

And obviously, you have good
taste 'bout a song choice.

Can't go wrong
with Trey Stasio.

I take it you're fan, too?

I have to be.

I'm his manager.

Oh.

- You play professionally?
- Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

I, uh-- I did all the
strings for Sadie Adams,

all the albums, and some tracks
for Antheneum and Mike Fishman.

A bunch of others.

But I also do gigs.

Well, we're always
looking for talented backup.

I'll be at the studio
off and on this week.

Could you swing by a session?

Yes, of course.

All right.

Give me a call.

We'll find a time.

Thank you.

[whimsical music]

Hi.

Mommy, it was so cool!

Yay!

I got to try a Fender
Johnny Marr and a Taylor G5.

I don't know what
any of those words are,

but it sounds awesome.

And I learned what
shred face means.

[laughs] Um, say
thank you to TJ.

Go do your reading, OK?

Thank you so much, TJ.

Oh.

You're welcome.

Also, in two weeks,
I'm presenting my family

tree project at school.

Can you come?

And invite Tia Sofia and Tio
Tomas, and everyone, actually?

Sure.

Yay!

Sounds like you
guys had fun today.

We did.

I mean, just so I know,
you don't have to do this.

You don't have to
do any of this.

But I like it.

Maybe I'm being selfish.

What do you mean by that?

Around her, I feel like the
man I always wanted to be.

Yeah.

No, I-- I get that.

Um, right, I gotta--

I'm gonna get my dinner going.

Mm-hmm.

And I got to get back to
my rock-and-roll lifestyle.

Mm.

There was a little bit of
a jealousy mixed in there

when I said that.

And actually, a lot of remorse.

Jealousy and remorse?

That was the name of
my band in high school.

Yeah, I think I
heard of you guys.

Yeah, we wore black.

We were very intense.

Maybe you can burn me a mix
tape of your greatest hits.

Yeah.

OK, bye.

[phone ringing]

What-- what is that smile for?

We got it.

What?
MAURA (ON PHONE): Yeah.

I just got off the phone
with the developer.

They are signing the
contract as we speak.

Wait.

That is incredible!

I know.

I'm coming over, and
I'm bringing champagne.

I'll be right there.

TJ: So what's on
the agenda today?

You wanna know the real deal?

Yeah, of course.

Trey's planning a
kickoff show in town

before heading out on his tour.

And he wants local musicians.

There's no one
more local than me.

Let's hear it.

Uh, I'm I'm digging what you're
doing, but it's a little dry.

Where's the guy I heard
at the guitar shop?

Yep.

You got it.

[playing guitar]

Are you here for the
samples or the company?

Can it be both?

Roasted root vegetables?

Yes, please.

Oh.

I'm telling you, if the
music doesn't work out,

you got a real future here.

Oh.

Music is totally
gonna work out, though.

That-- what?

That is the perfect thing
to say to a struggling

artist in a gig economy.

I'm-- I'm saying is that,
you know, whatever you do,

it's gonna be great stuff.

I am gonna be great.

OK.

Hey, how are you doing?

Are we gonna go there
several times over?

You don't have to.

Well, um, I think
you're wonderful.

Ruby obviously loves you.

And why do I get
the sense that you

can stop this at any minute?

I told you about my dad
leaving when I was little.

Yeah.

Well, then, he spent my
childhood popping in and out.

And I remember what
that felt like,

the waiting and the
hoping, and then

the crushing disappointment.

And I don't want Ruby
to ever feel that,

and I'm still just
trying to figure out

if she can really count on you.

Let me cook for you--

tonight.

What?

Yeah, I can--

I can teach Ruby my
mom's favorite recipe.

Unless you're too busy
with your new gig.

No.

No, I'm not-- I just--

this would be good.

That would be nice.

4:00 PM.

That is not a
normal dinner time.

I'm cooking birria.

It takes a long time.

OK.

What can I pick up?

Nothing.

Just go, go.

Shoo.

OK, I got you.

I'll go.

And stop eating.

Excuse me?

You need to be
hungry for tonight.

OK.

[light music]

OK.

See how they've softened?

Now, put them here.

But also, we're gonna
blend them with some broth.

AMELIA: That smells so good.

I could do it!

No, no, no.

She need the top first, Riffs.

And I'm not done yet.

Riffs?

Like on the guitar?

It's TJ's nickname for me.

He's workshopping it.

How about Riff Van Winkle?

Hmm.

No, let's keep brainstorming.

Do you make food
like this every night?

Yeah, I like cooking.

It's a way for me to take
care of the people I love.

And myself, of course.

Hey, Mom.

Hey, TJ, can teach
you how to cook.

Excuse me?

I make a mean mac and
cheese, thank you very much.

Don't tell me it's from a box.

All right, Riffie
Longstocking, go for it.

[machine whirring]

Riffie Longstocking,
I like that.

That's-- that's good.

All right, are you ready?

My goodness.

I hope you like it.

This looks so succulent.

Word of the day?

Did I use it right?

Oh, yeah.

Then yes.

OK, this is the perfect
way to celebrate my big news.

I got a gig playing lead guitar
for Trey Stasio next Thursday.

Trey Stasio?

I love Trey Stasio!

And you probably know
his music better than I do.

Anyway, it's a small
venue for Trey,

but it's a friends and family
kickoff night before the tour.

And it's all thanks to Ruby
because I was with Ruby

when I met Trey's manager
at the guitar store.

That is so exciting.

Congrats.

TJ: Thank you.

And if you're free that night,
I have a couple of VIP tickets

with your names on them.

Trey Stasio knows my name?

[laughs] That's not exactly
how that works, honey.

But there are
backstage passes, so I

might be able to introduce you.

Can we, Mom?

We're VIPs.

We have to.
- Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

I always like to give
Thanks before I eat.

Is that OK?

Thank you for our
food, our safety,

and thank you for bringing
Amelia and Ruby into my life.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

TJ: OK, this is how
you eat a birria taco.

You open it up, and you put
just a little bit of meat.

We don't wanna
overflow it, right?

No.

OK.

The leftover birria should
last you a week, easy.

As you can see, I go
all out when I cook.

As you can see, I
go all out when I eat.

So that works out.

[laughs] Hey, I got
a question for you.

Hit me.

So you know,
the whole Heritage

Day debacle, you know, you
weren't gonna come, and then--

and then you did.

What changed?

Some great advice
my dad gave me.

Which was?

I shouldn't worry if Ruby's
not in my life long-term.

But if I only get one day
with her, I should take it.

So I did.

I really hope we
can keep this going,

even if it's one day at a time.

I'm pretty good at a
few things like playing

the guitar, cooking,
my family, but I know

I could be great as a father.

And of course, you and I could
spend more time together.

Wouldn't that make this
a little complicated?

Some would call it conundrum.

One day at a time?

That's all I'm asking.

TJ: Trey, how are you, man?

TREY: Good to meet you, TJ.

Woo!

Home sweet home.

It still smells the same.

All right, so we'll do a
quick sound check at 4:00 PM.

Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Show starts at 8:00.

We'll have an hour set,
half-hour intermission,

another hour set, and
then a 15-minute encore.

I think that's it.

Any questions?

No, I got it.

Really glad you're here, TJ.

I don't wanna
fan boy too much,

but I think it's impressive
what you're doing as an artist.

It's special.

Thanks.

Well, remember, the reason why
you are in this room right now

is because you've got
something special yourself.

We're gonna have a great show.
Thanks.

You, too.

[sighs]

We're with him.

That was so easy.

I know, right?

[laughs]

Are you nervous?

Maybe a little .

I can tell.

How?

Because I wiggle my fingers,
too, when I'm nervous.

But you don't have to
be, because I think

you're a famous musician now.

Oh, well, not quite.

But I don't have to be
famous because you're

the only fan I need.

Who's ready for some
backstage passes?

Me!

Ta ta ta ta.

What?

This is for you.

During intermission, downstairs,
come meet me down there,

and I can introduce you to Trey.

Thank you.

[gasps] I see Mateo!

Oh, I got her.

Thank you.

You look beautiful.

Thank you.

Is there a special saying
you say to a guitarist,

like break a string?

No.

Don't say that?
No?

Not that one.

- Don't ever do that again?
- No.

Great.
OK.

Yeah.

[guitar riff]

Oh, that's my cue.

Break a string.

No!

[trey stasio, "better"]

[audience cheering]

All I got would wash away

Get pulled under the waves

Lose myself and never be found

A hundred breaks on my back

Waiting for the crash

What goes up

Always comes back down

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

Somehow you found me

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

To walk around me

Thank God, I'm note alone

We can walk this world together

I'm ready for the
heartbreak you broke through

I'm ready because you did
when you didn't have to

I'm ready for loving you

Thank God, I'm not alone

We can walk this road together

I could get by on my own

But with you, I'm better

I might survive on my own

But with you, I'm better

[audience cheering]

Thank you, thank
you, thank you.

This is the best
day of my life!

That baseline slashed.

It was so cool.

Dude, great job yourself, man.

Oh, I'm just
following your lead.

Listen, man.

I didn't mention it
before, just in case,

but this gig is
actually an audition.

My usual lead guitarist just
went solo, so I'm looking

for someone for my tour.

What?

Four months in the
States and two in Europe.

Six months?

Yeah.

So, what do you think?

You game?

I mean--

[sucks teeth] yeah.

You sure?
[chuckles]

Yeah.

Yeah, I wanted this forever.

So, yes.

When-- when do we start?

Two weeks.

I know it's a quick turnaround,
but can you make it work?

Yeah.
OK.

Yeah.
- Awesome, man.

- Thank you.
- Looking forward to it, man.

- Thank you so much.
- Of course.

Thanks, man.
- Yeah

Is that the rock star?

Hey!

Hello.

You guys were almost
as good as Taylor.

Ah!

Thank you, Ruby, for that.

Means a lot coming from you.

Do you want some snacks?

There's a whole table
full of snacks over there.

I'll introduce you
to Trey afterwards.

Yeah?

It's so good.

You are so good.

Thank you.

Uh, so I have some news.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Trey just offered me
lead guitar on the tour.

What?

Yeah.

Oh, my-- that is so amazing!

I know.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

But, um, I, uh--

I'm leaving in two weeks.

And it's for six months.

Ah-- you're-- you're
leaving for half a year.

Yeah, but I'll
FaceTime, and I'll text,

and I'll get some breaks.

Yeah.

Uh, TJ--

I know.

I know.

It's the worst time.

And I don't know what to do.

So maybe, I should just not go.

What?

No, you have to take the gig.

Are you kidding me?

This is everything you've
ever wanted, you know.

It's just-- it--

Yeah.

It is what it is.

And I'll FaceTime.

And, um, I'll get some--
some-- some breaks.

Yeah, you said that.

Yeah, you know just, um-- you
just do what you need to do,

and-- and it'll be fine.

I'm fine.

She's fine.

You know, we're--
we've always been fine.

Hey, hey.

So--

I'm not fine about it.

You know what?

I'm-- um, we
actually have to go.

Because it's late, and
it's a school night, and--

Don't do this.

You know what?

It's just-- it's absolutely
no hard feelings.

- Amelia.
- Just--

This is not fair.

I'm actually
really happy for you.

I mean it.

Hey, Ruby?

We got to go.

We can't stay
for the second set?

No, baby.
It's super late.

We got to go.
- But I haven't met Trey yet.

Yeah, maybe, another time.

Just say goodbye to TJ.

Bye, Rubes.

Bye, Shredder.

OK.

Come on.

Let's go.

Great job tonight.

Come on.

Bye, baby.

Bye.

We're back on in five.

Yeah.

I still don't understand
why you made us leave.

We're missing all
the best songs.

And you made TJ really sad.

Yeah, well, we're not gonna
be seeing TJ for a while.

He got a job on tour,
and he's going away.

But we'll see when
he gets back, right?

I, um--

I don't know.

He doesn't wanna
see me anymore?

No, honey.

No.

You listen to me.

That is not it.

So he's not coming to my
family tree presentation?

I just-- I don't
think it's a good idea.

I think it's gonna
make it more painful.

This is all my fault.

No.

Come here, baby, it is not
your fault. You listen to me.

It is not your fault. You
didn't do anything wrong.

You hear me?

I thought things
were going really well.

I'm very disappointed, too.

[light music]

[alarm ringing]

Hey, how are you doing?

Terrible.

And I can't even
write a song about it.

And I'm not gonna
present my family tree.

Well, maybe, let's give
that a little more thought.

I'm so sorry.

I know this hurts.

But I also know that
it's gonna be OK.

How do you know?

Well, because I have felt
the same way that you feel,

and I was OK.

MAURA: How's it
going over there?

I'm just rethinking
this whole subdivision.

Oh, yeah?

Well, there's not much to
rethink because it's happening.

And let's stop with the
waffling and self-doubt.

Honestly, it's getting boring.

And don't think that
I don't know that all

this moping is about TJ.

Amelia, I love you.

But you messed up, babe.

Badly.

Your knee-jerk
reaction shut down.

It's hurting Ruby.

TJ didn't break her heart.

Please, you would never
even let him get close

enough to have the chance.

I have to protect her!

Stop with the
protecting Ruby spiel.

I have heard that as an excuse
at every phase of your life,

and I have never bought it.

And I still don't.

If you wanna live a guarded
life, that's your choice.

But Ruby shouldn't have
to pay the price for that.

[somber music]

[phone ringing]

Trey.

Hey, man.

Yeah, good, good.

I wanted to discuss
the tour schedule.

Yeah, of course.

I really wanna make it work,
but I have a few caveats.

AMELIA: Ruby, honey, dinner.

Ruby?

Hey, what are you doing?

[feigns coughing]
I think I'm sick.

I probably shouldn't
go to school tomorrow.

And does this have anything
to do with tomorrow being

the family tree presentation?

Oh, that's tomorrow?

[laughs] I'm so glad
you're a terrible liar.

It's gonna make your teenage
years a lot easier for me.

Honey, [sighs] you wanted to
meet TJ because you wanted

to know who you are, right?

Well, who you are isn't defined
by your genes, or your parents.

Only you get to
decide who you are.

But are the Cruzes
our relatives?

Yes.

Yes.

And they're always
gonna be our relatives.

And I hope they'll always
be our family, too.

And maybe our family tree
doesn't look exactly the way

you hoped or wanted it to,
but honey, that doesn't

make us any less of a family.

Do we have any
more poster board?

Ah, yeah, I think we do.

Why?

Because I'm gonna
remake my family tree.

Yeah?

And you better make me
some coffee, because I might

have to pull an all-nighter.

OK.

That is a hard no.

Come on.

How are you feeling, honey?

A little bit scared,
but super-excited.

Oh you're gonna do great.

I can't wait to see what
all the other kids have.

I wonder what Oliver is doing.

I wonder if there's any
single daddies for Auntie Maura.

I'll be right in.

Because we're from
Iceland and Cuba,

my dad says we're ice cubes.

[laughter]

My mom hates it
when he says that,

not because she's
offended or anything,

just because it's not funny.

She hates dad jokes,
and he's full of them.

He brings an extra
pair of socks with him

when he goes golfing because he
says, I might get a hole-in-one.

Not good.

OLIVER: It's bad, I know.

Ah, well, that's my family tree.

A round of
applause for Oliver.

[applause]

That was, um, informative.

You finally used the
family text thread.

I was waiting for
something important.

Oh, this counts.

[chuckles]

MISS WEAVER: And up
next, we have Ruby Weber.

Before anything, I want
to say that this project

was really a doozy.

So I definitely deserve an A.

[laughter]

But also, I learned a lot.

I learned that like
every tree, every family

and heritage is different.

Amen.

When Miss Weaver taught us
about the panda tree in science,

I had no idea how much it would
help me with this assignment.

As I connected with those
who share my heritage,

I realized how much
our family roots

were interconnected,
like that special miracle

of nature, the panda.

And that's my word
for my family tree--

interconnected.

It means separate, but also
joined, part of something

bigger together.

These are the people that
are a part of my family tree.

And here are the roots.

All tangled and beautiful.

And honestly, I didn't
wanna to do this project.

But now, I am so, so
glad I did because I

went looking for my relatives,
but I found my family.

[applause]

[cheering]

Hey, that was great.

Your presentation was riveting.

I thought you were
gonna say terrific.

Ooh, terrific.

[laughs]

I deserve a treat.

Sure, yeah.

Go ahead.

Thanks for coming.

And thanks for texting.

Uh, I also wanted to tell you
that I spoke to John and Trey,

and they said that
they're gonna fly

me back home every two weeks.

So maybe, I can see Ruby
on a more regular schedule,

if that's OK with you.

Um, can we just go into
the hallway and talk?

Yeah.

Last time this happened,
I got an earful.

Well, this time, I'm
the one that's in trouble.

It wasn't fair of me to
shut down on you like that.

I got scared, and I went
into protection mode.

And I say that it's
for Ruby, but it's not.

It's for me.

But she doesn't
need my protection.

She trusts you.

And that is enough for me.

And thank you so much
for making the effort

to come back and visit
Ruby during your tour.

It just-- it means--

it means a lot to
me, and I know it's

going to mean the world to her.

I cannot wait to tell her.

That's beyond wonderful.

Thank you.

OK, well now that we've
got Ruby all sorted,

I would like to say that, I--

I would also like to spend
some more time with you.

- Oh.
- Yeah.

Really?

And if you're--

if you're interested, if--

if you wouldn't mind--

[upbeat music]

OMG, get a classroom, people!

[laughter]

I don't care.

[theme music]