All language subtitles for My.Birthday.Romance.2020.720p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX]

Oh, gotta get to you now, need you
somehow,

someway.

Make it okay.

You're going to be late, you know.

I know.

Let me do this. I got it.

Callie, we're partners. This is why I'm
here.

Your family's waiting. We've been doing
family dinner every Sunday since I can

remember. They can wait a few more
minutes.

Or are you just doling?

Why on earth would I be doing that?

Because your family is... Moderately to
severely overwhelming and sometimes

smothering to me? I believe that's a
direct quote you used before. Well,

got nothing to do with it. I love my
family.

Do they raise my blood pressure the
moment I walk in the door?

Possibly. Hey!

Sorry.

I couldn't help it.

I'm too good to you.

Yes, too much good.

Uh -huh.

Go before traffic hit.

Thank you, ma 'am.

Oh, Patrick wanted to add a cold
appetizer, something in the fewer

wasn't in the original order, but I saw
the changes, too. I got it covered.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Say hi to your parents for me.

They owe me a game night soon.

They're my parents, not yours.

Ta, she could love me, too.

on the breath.

Follow it in and out.

Whenever you find your mind racing, just
return to the breath.

And we're done.

This completes your 15 -second
meditation. Have a wonderful and

I brought snickerdoodles, my fine little
lady.

Well, perfect.

We will take those away to the kitchen.

Okay. Hi, Mom.

How are you guys?

Well, you know me. I've been fluttering
about like a butterfly.

I've been doing a lot of different
things for the house. Did you notice?

No, I just got in the front door, Mom.

Well, you'll see it.

Your dad's so happy that you're here. We
do this every week. I know.

But he loves everyone under the same
roof.

That's why you started this tradition in
the first place.

I think your father must have been a
sheepdog in another life. How can you

that? Hi, Dad.

Look, I'm a sheepdog in this life.

Oh, boy, here we go. Photo time.

After college years this week.

Oh, look at that.

First traditional Sunday family dinner.

Look at all those smiles, huh?

How did my hair ever get so blonde?

I don't know, but it's the same color in
the next picture, too, of your

birthday. Which is coming up again.

You guys know I don't care about
birthdays. They're no big deal. Yeah,

it's a big deal to me.

And they're not only special to you, you
know. I know, I just, I don't need a

lot of attention, is all. We like to
give you attention.

We were thinking that, what?

Well, we just want someone to give you
attention.

And, you know, you never seem to have
anyone special in your life that treats

you special.

Here's the next part of the tradition.

Well, honey, we're just concerned that
you don't have anyone.

On that note... I'm fine, Mom.

I'm happy the way things are.

I see that Mom is at it again.

Okay, sit. Hi, Amanda.

She just doesn't want you to miss out,
that's all. You know, a lot of my

patients have trouble meeting new
people.

Ryan, you're a pediatrician. Well, it's
hard to meet people at any age.

Well, speaking of meeting people, we've
invited someone over tonight.

Again? Oh, keep an open mind, honey.
Come on into the living room.

Glory. It's going to be fun.

Make dinner. I care.

Callie, do you remember our dentist, Dr.
Kassan?

Well, this is his son, Dr.

Kassan.

Please just call me Arthur. It's nice to
meet you, Callie.

Your mother told me all about you at her
last appointment.

Arthur took over his father's practice
about six months ago.

Oh.

It's true. The best part was we didn't
have to change the name on the sign.

Oh, that's just as funny as when you
told it in the office the other day.

I think it's an unfair assessment that
we dentists are all work and no play.

Some of us are quite the characters,
actually.

Yeah, I'm glad to be reassured of that.

Really.

Well, well, well. The prodigal daughter
returns.

Kyle, how's my baby brother doing?

You know, acting slightly less like a
baby each day. Hmm, debatable.

Kyle, have you met Arthur?

No, haven't had the pleasure. I was
previously disposed upstairs with some

It is nice to meet you, Kyle.

Well, that's quite the handshake you've
got there. All of us at Gerald's have a

heck of a grip. You have to take it on
once you're part of the family.

You and Callie are getting married,
right? Kyle.

So what do you do, Kyle?

I own and operate a fun park. So batting
cages, go -karts, that sort of thing.

Well, that does sound fun.

Well, I think that is enough fun for
everybody.

And I think that dinner is almost ready.
Yes, sir.

Follow me.

Okay, here we go.

Looks amazing, Dad.

Remember the first time you made jelly?

Oh, gosh, yeah.

Well, it was not representative of the
great chef you are today. That's all I

can say. I hope not. I mean, it looks
more like a football than a ham. Yeah,

you know what? It was time that you and
I spent together cooking.

That's always been my favorite.

Such a softie.

That was what inspired me to start my
own catering business.

And what year was that, Dan?

Well, I... Well, you know what? I'm
going to check the photo albums. No, no.

albums. Not at the table. Thank you very
much. Sit, or we will be here all

night. Okay, fine.

Fine.

Now, for our guest.

Oh, not too much for me, thanks. I'm not
a big eater.

Okay, there you go. How's that? Well, I
am.

So, pile it on, Dad.

I certainly will.

I admire that, Callie. And if you don't
mind me saying, you have incredible

incisors. You know, chewing does take
its toll on them over time, though.

Kyle, have you ever thought about adult
braces?

You know, Arthur, I haven't. Well, you
should come by the office sometime. We'd

love to check you out.

And... Kelly, if you came by, I would
love to do a cleaning.

Okay. Nice.

Yes. Tell me, Arthur, what are the
benefits, in your humble opinion, of an

electric toothbrush versus, say, a non
-electric toothbrush?

Oh, I am so glad you asked that. It's a
fascinating subject, actually. The

electric toothbrush was actually
designed by Philippe Woug in Switzerland

1927. He was an influencer, if you
would.

Which one of those is for me?

Very funny. I'm just trying to help, you
know.

I wish you'd give him a chance.

He's a nice young man with a solid
career.

Like your internist?

Remember? The one whose love of ferrets
turned out to be a full -blown

obsession? I'm just looking after your
happiness.

I just don't want you to dismiss someone
outright.

I don't do that.

I just, I don't think I need a man to be
happy.

I'm really focusing my energy on the
catering business right now.

Your business is fine, honey. That's
right.

Fine. But I want it to be amazing.

Fine businesses don't stay open for very
long, especially in this industry where

starting off strong is so essential.

We've barely been open a year. The time
right now, it's crucial that we're doing

well. Well, don't stay cooped up in the
kitchen.

You have to have balance.

Mom, my time is very much needed in the
kitchen right now. I don't know that I

have time for a boyfriend.

Oh, Ann, don't pressure her.

I think maybe you're right, Callie.

I don't think Arthur's right for you
either.

Thank you, Dad.

No, he's just too dull.

I don't want to push a guy like that on
you.

No, what I think you really need is a
guy like Frankie.

Our new hire at the hardware store.

I mean, he's good with numbers, strong
as a hawk.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh.

Oh.

Okay, so Arthur is currently explaining
to CJ all about veneers. Oh.

I can do it, Amanda. No, no sweat. I got
it.

You know, Ryan's been telling me all
about these new interns at his practice,

and apparently they're really nice guys.
You too now? Hey, I'm just putting it

out there.

Maybe we should tell you now.

Tell me what?

Well, we're not going to let our baby
girl's 35th birthday come and go without

party. So we're going to throw you one.

Oh, guys, no, I said I didn't need a big
to -do.

Nope, it's already done.

We've handled everything.

The decoration, the music, and the food.
And you don't have to do anything.

And we're going to have it right here
out back.

It's going to be a party for the ages.

Well, 35 to be exact.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but
we're hoping that you bring a date.

Oh, it is your party after all. You have
to bring a date.

Okay, that's my cue to go.

It has been a very successful family
dinner, but I am slammed with work.

And I need to wake up early tomorrow.

Mom,

Dad, love you both.

Love you too, sweetie.

I'll walk her out.

Safe drive home. Love you.

Oh,

did they go get dessert?

I don't really eat anything too sugary.

Or crunchy.

Except celery.

I really like celery.

Celery.

Oh, good.

No, it's not that I'm not trying. It's
just that it hasn't happened yet.

Plus, I like being single.

Yeah, I know. I do too, sis. I hear ya.

Well, it always seems like you have a
different girlfriend.

No, no, no, no.

Our philosophies on love are a little
different, you know?

You're like the hitter in baseball that
plants her feet in the batter's box and

waits and waits for that exact...

right pitch before she goes for it. Me?

I like taking all kinds of swings at
love.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it
doesn't, but you know why it doesn't

There's always going to be another
pitcher.

There's always going to be another
chance, so why not keep swinging?

You know what I'm saying.

Yeah, I'm just enjoying my time off the
field right now.

Want to just grab seats at the bar?

No, I'm meeting some friends, actually.

I thought it was just us. I should get
home.

You're already here. Just come in and
say hi.

Oh, I have to get up early tomorrow.

What are you, a farmer?

Come in, say hello, then you can go.

Well, Callie, take a swing.

Okay. Okay.

Hello,

my friends. I have arrived, and with me
I bring precious cargo.

My eternally youthful older sister,
Callie.

Make her feel welcome, be kind, and
don't give her any indication we'll be

talking about her after she's gone.

You may say hello now.

Hello. Hi. Hi.

Two more, please.

Hello.

Well, I'm guessing you deal with that a
lot. Oh, yes. He is the master of being

too much.

Yes, one of the few things he's truly
the master of, unfortunately.

Hey, I'm stuck with him. You choose to
hang out with him.

Thank you.

That's right, actually.

You want to know why I hang out with him
the most? It's just because he's really

good about my life choices, simply by
comparison.

Smart.

I'm Will, by the way. Callie.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

And which of these young women that my
brother has wedged himself between is

with you?

Oh, neither.

No, they're both teachers at the same
school that I work in.

So you're a teacher too?

Yes, I am.

Well, amateur novelist first, English
teacher second.

Amateur in the sense that I've never
actually finished the novel.

What's holding you back?

That's a good question.

Honestly, I think I'm afraid of what
people see it.

You know, get out on the field, take a
swing, that kind of thing.

Baseball with you, too. Love baseball.
Yeah, I played it in college. That's

where I met Kyle.

No way.

Yeah. You know, I was a pretty big deal
ball player myself back in high school.

Really? Yeah. No.

Yeah. Tell him, Kyle.

Tell him what now?

That I was a baseball star back in high
school.

In this area, I fully acknowledge that
Callie was and still is a true talent.

I'm just good with the metaphors now.

Thank you.

Very impressive.

Hey, I was just telling my friends here
about our family Sunday tradition.

Ah, the dinners.

No, I'm talking about us getting
together once a week for our parents to

set up Callie. But that's the thing.

I don't need to find the one right now.

I like being single.

Same here. I couldn't agree more. I
mean, what's with everyone's fixation

always trying to set people up, right?

I mean, not everyone wants to be in a
couple.

Yeah.

Why can't I be happy on my own? I mean,
I'll get to it when I get to it.

Exactly. And I don't even know if
marriage is in my future. Maybe it is,

it isn't. I'm not sure.

Sam, I mean, a wedding ceremony is
always more for the other people than it

the people actually getting married.

Yeah, precisely.

Well, I'm not sure Mom and Dad are going
to be quite as excited as Will is to

hear about your plans.

Well, it's my life. Not theirs.

Her life.

I look forward to you explaining that to
them.

I don't think they're going to give up
that easy.

Well, you have an ally in me, if you
need one.

Thank you, Will.

You're welcome.

So what's your plan for your birthday
party, then?

It's your birthday?

Well, a toast is in order. Oh, please,
don't toast to my birthday yet. It's

still two weeks away.

Okay, new toast.

To the single life.

To the single life.

The single life.

Cheers.

Macarons are looking perfect.

Are they Delaney perfect?

Yes, my dear.

Are you so worried about bloggers? Are
you serious?

Delaney Hendricks is only the biggest
lifestyle blogger in the country. And

lives right here in Virginia.

And she's agreed to have us cater her
events that she might recommend us to

followers. Do you not realize what that
could do for us? Of course I do. How's

it look like for me? I don't think that
you do.

It's fine, I think.

It's great.

Everything Delaney touches turns to
gold. Her pics are practically Oprah's

favorite thing and Reese Witherspoon's
book club combined. Getting a shout -out

from her is just the boost we've been
waiting for. It'll finally give us the

credibility we need to get to that next
level.

People already love our catering. In
this town, maybe, but what about across

state? Or getting into a national food
magazine? I mean, that's what I want.

Did you get home safe and sound last
night?

Of course, Mom.

Okay, good. Now listen, I need you to
send me your guest list for the party as

soon as you can. I'll handle everything,
but I just want to make sure all your

friends are there.

I will, Mom, as soon as I get the work
done I need to do for this engagement

party. Oh, an engagement party?

No.

I can hardly wait until I get to throw
one of those myself.

Okay, Mom, really, I... Oh, and you
should really think about inviting

the birthday party.

He was so sad that you had to leave so
quickly last night.

I'll think about it.

Thank you, Mom. Gotta run. Love you. I
love you, too. Bye, hon.

You can't argue with your mother, you
know. She's gonna do what she's gonna

So, might as well not fight it and enjoy
it. I want to make her happy, but you

just won't give me any space.

He's enthusiastic.

Oh, that's one word for it.

Hello? Oh, hey, Cali Valley.

Hi, Dad. You know, Mom just called.

Yeah, I can see her out in the garden.

You know, I was just thinking, maybe
it's time you met Frankie.

Who? Frankie, my new hire at the
hardware store.

He's doing a tough mudder this weekend,
but after that he's available.

It's already set.

I'll have to get back to you.

Okay. Well, love you, honey.

Love you too, Dad.

Let's do Playfell.

Hey, who are you bringing to the party?
You want me to ask Ryan if any of his

patient's parents are single dads?

You

want

to take a break?

That's the second dish I've dropped in
two days.

I'm not usually this clumsy.

You just need to de -stress.

Want to smack a few more on the house,
of course.

Hit me.

So, uh, parental units wouldn't give in,
huh? Oh, they are persistent.

I mean...

I love Mom and Dad, but it is so old
-fashioned of them to think a woman in

mid -30s isn't whole because she's
single.

I mean, I've dated plenty of guys
before. It's just, you know, they

supportive enough of my career.

David. Or they were too clingy. Steve.

Or they weren't the right match.

Adam, Brady, Fred?

Phil? Phil!

Who could forget Phil?

Why don't you just... Go to your
birthday party alone like you want it.

I'll never hear the end of it. I need to
keep Mom and Dad at bay.

But you don't want to take a date, so
what are you going to do?

I don't know.

It's almost like I need to bring a fake
date to the party.

Someone who will pretend to be my
boyfriend just to keep Mom and Dad off

back. Someone who also doesn't want to
date.

Someone...

Someone like Will.

And your school's right over there?

Yeah, and I was on detention duty today.

Thank you.

So I just walked right over afterwards.

Any troublemakers?

Nothing I haven't done myself.

I was surprised to get your text. What's
up?

Well, you know I have a birthday coming
up.

Yeah, I recall.

And my parents are throwing me this big
party. The only hitch is that they are

insistent that I bring a date.

Now I could go alone, like I want, but
I'll never hear the end of it.

So, I've devised a great plan.

I will bring my boyfriend to the party.
A great guy who's nice and perfect and

charming in every possible way.

Right, your boyfriend.

You.

Me? You.

I'm your boyfriend.

You will pose.

as my boyfriend.

It's perfect.

We both want to be single, so we won't
be hurting anyone's feelings.

We'll just be playing the part to help
other people with their feelings.

You're serious about this? I am.

Now, this is a job, so I will compensate
you accordingly. I will pay you in

dinners and food from my shop, and if
you agree to these terms, you will pose

a few small public ways as my devoted
boyfriend, all culminating in the

party.

My parents might even recognize you from
Kyle's baseball game.

Don't worry, Kyle will go along with it.

Okay, and what about after the party?

I'll make up something about how it
didn't work out.

And they'll know that I tried, and
they'll hopefully leave me alone for a

Until my 40th.

Okay.

Question?

Shoot. Can I have a fake name?

No. How about an accent?

What? No.

Just the way you want.

Will, no.

How about a fake job, like a shark tamer
or a bounty hunter?

Will, you're you.

Right, I'm me.

Okay.

All right, so I'm me and you're you.

Why do you feel like you need to go
through such great lengths in this?

Well, my family may pressure me and
stress me out, but...

I love them so much, even more than I
let on, even to them sometimes.

And I want to be happy, but I want them
to be happy too. So if I can do this one

small, admittedly out there gesture,
just to make them happy, then I'm going

do it.

One final question.

Do you make chicken parmesan?

The best chicken parmesan you've ever
had.

I'm in.

To being single.

Together. Together.

So, he's into it too, and we're all set.

Wow, this is really happening, huh?

And don't breathe a word of this to Mom
and Dad, Kyle. Promise me. Hey, my lips

are sealed. You know I love a good
scheme.

So what happens next?

Well, we're going to hang out a few
times, learn some facts about each

You know, just to make sure it's all
believable for the party.

We're hanging out today, actually.

Right, and it's not a date.

No, that's the best part.

We both want the same thing, so there's
no question about is it or isn't it.

It's all out there in the open.

Well, you really found a way to beat the
system, huh?

Do I hear a tinge of jealousy in your
voice?

All right.

I'm going this way. Call me later.

Okay. Bye, baby bro.

Hi. Hey.

Okay, new rule. No gifts.

We're not in a real relationship, so I
don't want you to feel obligated to

me gifts if we hang out.

Oh, these aren't for you.

You're a chef, right? So really, I just
wanted your professional opinion on...

You know, which one I should eat first?

Well, as an expert in the field, you
can't go wrong with chocolate. Okay. But

technically, anything cream -filled is
best.

Oh, I just ordered six. I have no idea
which ones are cream -filled. Okay. I

teach you a top -secret trick that all
chefs know, and it fasts down from

generation to generation.

Okay. Try them all.

I like that.

Mm -hmm.

I'm going to learn a lot from you. You
are. How much of an expert in food are

you, really?

On a scale of one to ten? Yeah. I would
say nine.

With a one -point margin of error.

That's impressive.

You want to try one?

If I must.

You must.

I must.

Mm -hmm.

Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. It's not cream
-filled. What about you? No, nothing. No

But it's delicious.

I'll try another one.

So what's your novel about?

I should probably have a quicker
response to that, huh?

Well, you know what? It's about a guy,
you know, roughly my age. Similar

backstory.

Based on a true story, perhaps?

Yes and no.

It's actually about my relationship with
my mom.

Oh. Is your dad a character, too?

Yeah. Yeah, a little bit. I lost him
when I was very young.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

No, it's all right. So it's a little bit
about that.

And then my mom's, you know, she's the
best friend you could ever ask for. So

it's a happy story.

Oh, that's great. Yeah.

I think so. I just wish I could find the
motivation to finish it.

Why can't you?

I don't know.

Maybe because it's based on my life, and
I don't know how that story ends yet.

Well, can't the writer make up the
ending?

I mean, isn't that, like, the whole
point?

Yeah, you'd think so, right?

Well, I've never read any of your
writing, but I think you should keep at

The ending will come to you.

Thank you.

I won't give up yet.

Oh, this way. I want to show you
something.

Listen, I know this is a pretend date,
but I was kind of hoping we'd end up

here. It's my favorite place.

Wow.

It's beautiful.

Oh, and I do have snacks just in case
you want any.

Wow.

This is a great pretend date.

Well. No, I'm doing my best, right, to
try and play the role of perfect

boyfriend.

You're doing all right.

Thank you.

All right, here we go.

All right, have a seat.

Thank you.

You know, it's hard to imagine that
you're not settled down already.

Not that you need to be, obviously.

Just that...

You know, you know your way around a
date, and, like, maybe you like it.

Can I?

Yeah.

The most important thing in the world to
me right now is that I can just be the

best boyfriend I can be for you.

All I care about is you and your chicken
parm.

Come on, that was a good fake, right?

I'd say.

Very convincing.

Okay, good.

Good.

Grapes?

Thank you again for doing this.

You're exactly the person I need in this
situation.

It's so nice to find someone who's on
the same page about the whole single

thing. I know, right?

Does, um, your mom pressure you the way
my parents do to find someone?

Oh, absolutely.

She kind of lives vicariously through
me, in that sense.

Pretty much a hobby for her.

Hey, did you know that seahorse is made
for life?

Seahorses? Yeah.

That was out of left field. I know.

The paper that I graded today, a student
of mine wrote about it, and apparently

seahorse is made for life, which is rare
for fish, I guess.

And they find this one mate, and then
they monogamously float through life,

happily ever after.

Wow.

That is so sweet. I love seahorses.

They're really smart, but they just
don't see eye to eye with us.

They're fools, right?

Right. What dopes. Yeah.

So I guess I'll tell my parents that
we're dating soon.

I'll see them ahead.

Yeah, tomorrow's our traditional Sunday
night dinner. It's silly, but we've been

doing it forever.

I love silly and tradition.

It's a great combo.

Well, I was wondering if you wanted to
join.

You know, meet the parents and
everything before the big party.

Yeah, that'd be great for keeping up
appearances.

I'd love to meet your parents, but I
have a date.

Oh. Yeah. Oh, right, okay. Well, yeah, I
mean, you know you, cowboy.

Oh, what about after? I could come by
for dessert.

Yes, we love dessert.

I'll see you then.

Great. Great.

I hope it's okay to ask this.

Could I get that chicken parm, like,
soonish?

Of course.

It's part of our deal.

One chicken parm, coming right up.

Yeah, I mean, no rush, right? I'm just,
I'm actually really excited.

Ah, you got it.

You will not be disappointed, I promise.

All right.

We'll see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Hello, Mom. Mother.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Perfect.

I don't know who Mom bought it.

Looking good.

Oh, my gosh. Can we move that classroom?

Yep. I think she's with Sally.

We all go through stressful times that
can be tough to manage.

Let's take a deep breath in.

And Kelly, are you done yet?

Sorry, Steve, she'll be out in a second.

But I really have to go.

Okay, coming, sweetie.

Well,

that was Frankie on the phone.

Looks like he won't be coming for dinner
tonight after all. Oh.

He pulled a muscle training for the
Tough Mudder thing, and so he's going to

have an ice bath instead.

Oh. Well, can he come to the party?

You know, that's a great idea. We'll
invite him to the birthday party.

So, speaking of which, Callie, I know
this great guy. He works at the

He's one of those, um, oh, one of those
performers for sick kids.

No. That's all right, Amanda.

Are you sure?

He is a real whiz with his little animal
balloons. It's so cute.

That won't be necessary.

I have a date.

When were you going to tell us this? I'm
telling you now.

We are dating.

Callie, you've been holding out on us. I
wanted to wait to make sure it was

real. Great. How did you meet?

Through me, actually.

Really? When were you going to say
something?

Well, I like being the soul keeper of a
secret sometimes.

Yeah.

Kyle. He's an old college friend of
Kyle's.

We met at a bar recently.

There's not much else to tell.

Well, then make something up.

Details, honey, details.

His name is Will.

He's a great guy.

And he is a high school English teacher.

Oh, a teacher. Well, that's an honorable
profession, isn't it? A teacher? Yeah.

And he used to play baseball.

Oh. Like you.

And like me. We played together,
actually.

Oh. Yeah.

I mean, you did participate, Angel. But,
I mean, Callie, she really played in

her day. No offense.

I will take great offense to that,
Mother. Thank you.

Anyways,

he's really added something special to
my life.

And I guess I'm all set for the party.

Oh.

How tall is he?

Well, that kind of thing doesn't matter.
Dad, how tall is he?

I don't know, 511?

Well, I guess this calls for a toast.

My little girl and her new boyfriend.

Cheers. I can't wait to meet him.

I was thinking he could come over for
dessert.

If you want. Of course. Fine by me.

Oh, yes. No, we won't. Oh, what fun.

This is good, Mom.

And she's asleep.

Oh, good.

Thank you, honey.

Hey, do you want me to scoop some ice
cream for Will?

I'm not sure what flavor he might want.

You don't know his favorite flavor.

Oh, well, I mean, he always says he has
so many favorites, so he can't choose.

Let's scoop him some Rocky Road.

Rocky Road, huh? That's my new favorite.

Here he is.

Everyone, this is him. This is Will.

Hi. Well, I've really been looking
forward to meeting everyone.

You must be Mr.

Fitzgerald. Not to you, I'm not. You can
call me John.

Pleasure to meet you. You know, I think
I've watched you play a few games.

Got a good arm, are you? Boy, good leg,
too. Well, two good legs, actually, and

two good arms, come to think of it.

Well done.

Dad.

Yes. All right. Nice to see you.

Will, it is just so good to finally meet
you. We have been waiting for this

moment for so long.

No, I mean, well, we have been waiting
for someone like you to come along.

No. I guess, oh, it's just so good to
meet you.

It's good to meet you. Okay, Mom.

Okay. Let me go.

Hi. Hi. I'm Amanda, the older,
overprotective sister.

Oh, nice to meet you, Amanda. Hi. So,
any criminal record of any sort?

A criminal record? Yeah.

I'm just joking, though.

Or am I?

I don't know. Sorry for my wife's line
of questioning. We really don't bite.

I'm Ryan.

Ryan. Yeah.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

How was that?

Not bad. Not bad at all.

And there's a gun in the car.

Oh, yeah. You're going to have to get
used to that.

Okay. Now, what should I do now?

Put your arm around my shoulder.

Okay. Is that romantic?

That's an order. Oh, yeah. Yes, ma 'am.

Hotel Dente.

Good morning.

There she is.

How's the pasta coming? I was thinking
about how Delaney posted that she likes

some pasta, but when the noodles stick
together, it bothers her. Do you think

should prep some the night before, you
know, just to be safe?

That's fine.

How was Kelly? How did last night go?

It went so great.

Will was in perfect form. He charmed the
pants off the Fitzgerald.

That's amazing.

Yeah, he was so warm with everyone. So
kind, funny, sweet. He even had me

a few times that we were a real couple.
Oh.

Not like that. He just, he was such a
good actor. So convincing.

Wow. Well, that's a good one. A fake
good one, but a good one.

Let's see how this is going.

Not al dente.

Do you think what I'm doing is wrong?

What do you mean?

Fooling my family as a tithonist.

It's all for their benefit, right?

It's making them happy.

Yeah. Plus, I need them off my back so
we can focus on impressing Delaney.

Are you having second thoughts?

No. I mean, I'm not worried about
getting hurt myself. I just don't want

else to.

You're worrying too much about how
everyone feels all the time.

You can't control that. I know. I know.

Things have got to be done if I know.

Who's ready to hit those batting cages?

All done, babe.

So is that a yes?

We're too busy.

But thank you for the entertainment,
Kyle.

Always happy to be made a fool of for
you.

A cute fool, too. Mia!

Oh, come on. He is cute.

And I know I've always thought that.

Oh, I know.

He's truly a fool if he doesn't know
that.

So?

So what?

How'd last night go? What happened?

Oh, I don't know. You were there.

What do you think?

I thought you were funny, charming,
sweet, and completely unrecognizable.

Hey, your family was great, by the way.

Oh, and Callie? Oh, man.

She just played it so well.

I mean, she got all the little things,
right? Just the way she'd hold my hand,

grab my arm, just kind of perfect
girlfriend stuff, right?

She even had me convinced a few times
that we were a real couple.

Very interesting, William. Tell me more.

It's not like that, okay?

She was convincing, kind of like you,
how you're trying to convince me you

how to play ball right now. Hey, took a
noodle to the face earlier today. I've

been through trauma, but it's not going
to stop me from doing this.

Okay, baby.

Ready with more seedlings?

Let me know if you need me to slow down.

Oh.

I think that you're going to be tiring
out before I do, my love.

This tradition is my favorite in the
world.

Promise me we'll still always do this.

Every year, even when we're both old
ladies.

Trying to stop me.

You should get Will to come and help us
garden.

I'm going to bring that up at your
party.

I don't know if it's really his thing.

Okay, well...

I know that you have not been thrilled
with us about being on you, about

somebody, but it's coming from a place
of love.

And now it's exciting because you have
someone.

Yeah, I know.

Thank you. It's just, it hasn't been as
easy for me to find someone that I like

and connected with. I mean, we're all
not like you and Dad.

You know, I didn't always have the idea
of marrying your father.

Really? I had no idea.

Oh, yeah, no. It's not like we jumped
into something immediately or everything

was easy.

No, it took time.

Yeah. I mean, I liked your father
immediately, but I didn't know if I

marry him right away or at all.

So there was a time where you thought
you might not ever get married?

I didn't know.

No, I was really focused on grad school
when I met your father, and I told him

that right away.

I said that was my priority. I wanted to
finish school.

And if he wanted to wait and we still
wanted to get married after that, we

give it a try.

Huh.

It's all about trusting yourself.

Listening to that little voice inside
speak to you.

You have that, right?

Yeah. It sounds a lot like you.

Well, yes, that can happen.

But as you get older, hopefully it
starts to sound less like me and more

you.

Okay, wait.

What happened when you told Dad you
wanted to wait?

He said, I'll wait.

Just like that? Just like that.

And the fact that I knew he meant it and
that he didn't hesitate for one moment,

I knew we'd have a chance to make it.

Wow. And we waited, and I was right.

Okay, so if I meet someone, it could
just take a little patience. If you meet

someone, you already have met someone.

Yeah, of course.

What I meant to say was since I've met
someone, it could just take a little

to click.

Yeah, of course it will.

You just have to listen to the voice.

I'm just so glad that you're happy.

And I always say, don't be afraid of
love.

Oh, my goodness.

Wait.

Will? Charlie, hi. Hey, do you always
scream bloody murder at all your

when they walk in? No one comes in this
late. The shop's been closed for hours.

I thought you were a burglar.

Yeah, yeah, I'm here to steal all your
flour and eggs.

Well, you never know.

What are you doing here?

Oh, it's 8. I thought I was supposed to
stop by, pick up the dinner.

Right. I think I meant that I would
deliver it to you at 8.

My bad. I totally misread the text. I
thought you meant I was supposed to come

pick it up.

Well, there it is.

There it is.

This is the third dish I've dropped in
like a week. I'm not usually such a

class.

Well, it looks delicious.

Yeah, it was.

Oh, man.

It's going to take me an hour to make
another.

I'm really sorry.

Oh, don't even sweat it.

Honestly, I just ate before I came, so I
was just going to heat this up for

tomorrow. Oh, good.

I can feel slightly less guilty about
starving you then tonight.

So, this is where all the magic happens,
huh?

Yeah. I know it doesn't all look like
much, but it's my little slice of

paradise.

No, it's great. I love it. I can see why
you'd be so happy here.

Yeah, I'm definitely my happiest when
I'm cooking.

For sure.

Would you teach me?

Teach you?

Yeah, like teach me how you cook. I
mean, I'm already here. I already

one of your creations. You might as
well.

Let me help you make something else.

Sure.

I can do that.

Okay. Let me see.

What's like your favorite thing to make?
My favorite thing to make? I mean, it

changes all the time. I can't pick just
one.

Oh. I can teach you the first thing my
dad ever taught me to make, a souffle.

I'm in.

Okay, I've got to warn you, I'm a
complete novice when it comes to the

I got you.

The perfect souffle is very difficult to
make.

I think my dad wanted to start me off
with something hard, so everything else

was easy by comparison.

It took me a lot of time to get it just
right.

You have to make a strong base that's...

Not too thick to encourage it to rise.

The base uses egg yolk.

We'll save the whites for the sauce.

And then you want to let it rise for
just the right amount of time so it

fall in the oven.

That's the biggest problem with
soufflés.

They always seem to fall in the oven.

The perfect souffle is only ready at one
exact time, and you want to jump on

that opportunity, or else it will pass

you by.

Here.

Why don't you try one?

You think I'm ready to take the training
wheels off already?

There's only one way to find out. Grab
an apron.

Okay.

You ready for this?

Start cracking.

Okay.

I might have cracked that a little too
much.

The other side, please.

Masterfully done.

I'm used to working with children.

Okay.

That's a good backhanded compliment.

I think you should take the compliment.
No matter what side of the hand it comes

from, the back is just nice and front,
don't you think?

Oh, when you present it like that.

Okay,

be honest.

Of all the kids you've worked with, how
much better than me are they?

Honestly? Honestly.

They were less messy.

I knew it.

But you cried a little less.

Oh, that's good.

That's good.

Oh, no, the oven!

Oh, I think it fell.

Well, I don't know that I was made to be
a chef.

Maybe it's not your calling.

It's not.

But, hey, thank you for the lesson,
regardless.

Of course.

I figured I owed you.

You know, after the chicken parmesan
ended up on the floor and not in your

stomach. Well, I appreciate your
commitment to fairness.

Oh, I'm all about fairness.

Really? On a scale of one to ten?
Eleven.

Okay. Well, I had fun.

Thanks again for the night. Good night,
Will.

Yeah. Good night.

Are you wielding pasta, or is it safe to
enter?

You're safe for now.

I bet if you need some more culture.

Good.

Is Will meeting Callie here by chance?

Not that I know of.

In fact, she's not even here yet.

She left me quite the mess, though.

Huh. Must have got my times mixed up.
Supposed to drop off my keys to

closing up the rec center for me
tonight.

And where will you be going?

Well, I happen to find myself in the
position of going on a little date.

Another date? What do you mean, another
date? Well, nothing.

Just seems you're always going on a new
date.

Well, what can I say? I like going on
dates.

It's just that the women I go out with
tend to only like going on one date with

me.

Difference of taste, I guess.

Maybe they have a more refined palate,
these ladies.

So what does that make me?

What do you think you are?

Apple pie, maybe? You know, something
classic. I mean, who doesn't like apple

pie? I like apple pie.

But sometimes I want something more
refined and focused, like creme brulee.

And I'm not creme brulee?

You could be.

Just a little more time in the oven.

You've lost me with your metaphors. I'm
just going to assume you're insulting me

and leave it at that.

Can I leave these with you?

Sure thing.

Thanks, Mia.

I date with Kyle Fitzgerald.

I'd love to know what that's like.

Believe me, it's not for the faint of
heart.

See ya.

Unbelievably oblivious.

call for his number and called him. He
said he'd be delighted.

He said those exact words. I'd be
delighted.

Oh, I don't know, sweetie.

He's very polite.

Okay, well, yeah, I guess I can make it.

Good. It's settled then. So excited to
see you and Will again.

Hey, Mom, Will and I were actually, um,
were just... Yes, love?

We're just going to have to meet you
there separately.

We'll be coming straight from school
and, yeah,

we'll meet you there.

That'll be just fine, sweetie. Love you.

Love you too, Mom.

Perfect. How many times have we walked
down this path?

A few.

39 than I can think of.

I'm counting. Let's keep counting.

I know. I know.

Hey.

Hey. Sorry, I'm all over the place. I
thought I was an English teacher, but

today was nothing but drama.

There's lots of issues at school.

Same. I'm in a bit of a hectic road
myself.

Let's just make this quick.

Thank you for doing this, by the way,
above and beyond your job description.

No big deal. I mean, when your mom
called, she was so sweet about it. I

resist. But I do need to get back to
work, so can't stay long?

Same. We'll just make an appearance.

Okay.

Oh, hi.

Hey. Hi.

Hi, Dad.

Hi, honey.

Thank you. Good to see you.

Look at you. Hi. Hi, Mom.

Nice to see you. Nice to see you.

I'm good. Oh, this never gets old. You
say that every year. Well, 39 years and

counting. Wow, that's a long time.

Yes, it is. But it seems like, you know,
yesterday.

You know what? I've never actually been
to this place before.

Never? No. You're not from here?

Well, I grew up on the West Coast,
Oregon. I spent a lot of time with my

there. She would be all over this
tradition stuff.

He's good with his mom, too.

See that bell right there?

So part of the tradition is after you
put a lock on the gate, you ring the

And when me and Amanda were kids, we
would just try and get up there and ring

ourselves. I used to lift them up on my
shoulders so they could actually reach

it. I know I'm not a kid anymore, but
I'd still like to get up there. What do

you say, Dad?

Well, I would say, no, not right now.
Your dad's back. Can't take that.

Plus, this is a boyfriend's job now.

Really?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, of course. Yeah, come on.

Let's go.

Be careful.

Here we go. Here we go, yeah. Here we
go.

All right, you ready? Three, two, one.

Okay,

here we go.

All right.

Well, I can reach it now.

All right.

And now you have to finish the
tradition.

Oh, Mom.

Oh, no, don't, oh, Mommy. You're the one
that rang the bell.

This is the same kind as your father and
I used.

Oh, let me get a picture for the photo
album.

Dad. Hang on, hang on.

All right.

I guess we're doing this. Here we go.

Just connect it to theirs. Let's see
some face. We need a smile. There we go.

Good shot. Thank you.

Well, let's get one of all of us.

Well, who's going to... Oh, excuse me.

Hi. Would you mind taking a picture of
us?

Thank you.

Okay. John, come in here by Callie. You
too.

Yeah, in the middle. Nice and close.

And you can take a bunch. 15 or 20 will
do.

You two get in nice and tight.

Okay, good. And now the two of you look
into each other's eyes.

And let the woman get back to her life.

Okay. Okay.

Thank you so much. I'm sure there's a
keeper in here.

Okay. Oh, wait.

Now, I want one where Will and Callie
kiss.

Oh, I don't think we need... She's not
going to take no for an answer.

Come on, you two.

Pucker up.

Let's get the show on the road.

This is pushy, Ben.

That was perfect.

Oh, do you want to see?

Sure.

Take a look.

Look at you, too.

That's a great shot. I like that. I
know. I do, too.

Hey, do my morning workout and get your
spice order?

I really think we should pick up early
for Delaney's event.

Oh, hello, Callie. And how are you
today?

I'm sorry, I'm just in work mode.

It's all right.

How'd it go yesterday?

How's Will? Are you guys fake holding
hands yet?

We kissed.

Kissed? Like, kiss -kissed? Real kiss?

I think so.

What do you mean, think so? I mean, it
wasn't supposed to be a real kiss. We

were set up for a picture.

I mean, I didn't want to do it for his
sake either, but we had no choice.

So we did, and it happened, and then I
felt something change during it.

Did he feel it too? I don't know.

This is becoming so much.

Do you think you're actually developing
feelings for him?

It's not that easy.

Of course I like him, but it's
complicated.

Well, of course it's complicated.

I could have told you that. Then why
didn't you?

Have you talked a little about your
feelings?

No, of course not.

Are you crazy? This is very delicate. I
am building a very fragile house of

guard here. And if one thing upsets the
balance, the whole thing will collapse.

But the party is so soon. I know.

Don't remind me.

I'm dreading it.

Oh, I was supposed to drop by the house.

Go ahead.

I got everything in control here.

I'm going to pick up the dishes. I'll be
right back.

Well, I think we should talk.

Maybe not.

Golly, that you?

Oh, Dad, I didn't know anyone was home.

Oh, no, it's just me. I'm holding down
the fort.

I'm just dropping off some plates for
Mom.

She needs them for the party.

Wasn't that great? Well, sweet.

Helping out with your own party.

Well, she asked, and I managed to fit it
in for this crazy day.

You gotta take it easy sometime, kid.

Yeah, I guess so.

Everything all right?

That obvious, huh?

Only to me, you're good at hiding
things.

Well, it's just, the event for Delaney
is tomorrow, and then there's the big

birthday party, and I love you guys, I
just wish it wasn't all such a big deal.

Hey, the big deal is you. The party is
just our way of showing it. I know, I

just... I want everything to go the way
it's supposed to go for me and Mia with

Delaney and you guys and the party.

There's no supposed to in life. You
can't plan these things.

I mean, if you only did what you were
supposed to, you wouldn't be the

amazing chef that you are.

I mean, what was the thing you were best
at making when you were young?

That's easy.

Souffle. I always tell that story.

That was the first thing I taught you to
make.

The best was an egg.

Really? Yep, simple egg in a frying pan.

And you know why?

Because you made it your own.

You were so adventurous, and every time
it turned out great.

That was so fun. I had completely
forgotten all about that.

You even tried all my weird
combinations.

Not weird.

They were, uh, adventurous.

Thanks, Dad.

I never think you have to do things one
way your whole life.

I'm going to make you an egg. Well,
great. Thank you.

Well, excuse me, miss.

Oh, my goodness.

Well, I'm sorry. Everyone I visit today
that I think will be gone is not gone,

after all. Why do you keep visiting
people if you know they're not there?

I, uh... I brought you your chicken
parm. Take two.

Oh, wow, that looks really good. You
didn't have to bring that. Yes, I did.

first one did not count, and it was part
of our deal.

Okay.

You read my novel?

No. I mean, I saw that it probably was
your novel, but no, I didn't see

anything, really. It's okay.

It's fine, really. There's not much
there to begin with. But hey, I will say

that you've inspired me to get back in
it.

I have?

Mm -hmm.

Hey, me and I are catering this event
tomorrow. It's for the lifestyle

Her name is Delaney. Delaney?

You know Delaney?

Yeah. No, look, I might not be a master
head chef or anything, but I know

Delaney, and her restaurant
recommendations, they'd never

All right, well, we have this event
booked, and it's sort of like an

for her to promote us, and it'll be
small, so if you'd want to come... Is

family going to be there?

No, it would just be me.

It's, of course, not a part of your
boyfriend duties, but I just thought it

would be fun if you wanted to.

Okay, yeah, no, let me check my
schedule. I'll get back to you.

Sure, yeah, no, right, of course.

Hey, also, about the last time, you
know, when we... Right, yeah.

With the... Mm -hmm.

Yeah, exactly.

Um, I am sorry. I had no idea that that
would happen. Yeah, no, right.

I mean, don't even mention it. I mean, I
mean, you did good.

So thanks.

No problem. No big deal.

But, you know, it was awkward.

Uncomfortable.

Well, I... Won't happen again.

Right. Of course not.

So what stage of the relationship should
I act like you and Callie are in at the

birthday party? Is it like fake first
weekend getaway together, or you just

a key made for your place for her? I
mean, where are we at? Hey, not funny,

right? I mean, I was just kidding. You
guys are just pretending, right?

You just can't all be fun and games all
the time like you, okay?

Okay, I'm sorry.

I didn't realize you felt so strongly
about it.

Hey, Callie's a great person.

All right, I'm just realizing that this
hasn't been that easy.

You like her for real, don't you?

You do!

I don't know.

Look, I don't know.

Okay, I know this. It'll be a bummer to
walk away from her when this is all

over.

It's been a lot of fun hanging out with
her.

Well, I mean, why don't you just ask her
out when it's all over?

For real, I mean.

I can't.

That's not what she wants. She made it
pretty clear.

I mean, anything that I'm feeling, I
gotta be really strong and just not let

out.

So that would defeat the purpose of
everything she wants to do, and I don't

to ruin this for her.

Yeah.

You're right, that's a tough situation.

Yeah, I gotta pump the brakes a bit.

Maybe just get back out on the dating
scene, and I'll take my mind off it.

Well, just know, I've got your back.

If you ever want to talk it through, I'm
here. Thanks, man. Appreciate that.

Yeah, everything's been delivered to the
venue. I'm just heading home to change.

Oh, wait, I'm getting a text. I'll see
you there.

Hey, Callie, I'm not going to make it,
so sorry.

Thank you guys for being here.

Delaney, it is you.

I'm Callie Fitzgerald. It is truly an
honor.

To meet you.

I'm sorry, I'm a bit nervous.

It is a delight, Callie. This is so
wonderful.

I'm so excited to have you catering for
me.

Oh, I'm the excited one. You already
have quite the reputation.

My friends have already told me about
you.

You've been on their radar.

Oh, wow. That is so nice to hear.

And where's your partner?

Mia. She's just running a last -minute
errand. She should be here any minute.

You know what? I'm going to give her a
call.

Hey,

Mia. It's Callie. Just wondering where
you are.

Uh, Delaney's here.

And she even asked where you are.

We are all set up at Pagliotti's, and I
just need you.

Okay, also, I can't stop thinking about
that kiss with Will and how super weird

it was. And he said something like he
was sorry about it. And then he texted

that he's not coming tonight. And I know
I'm about to turn 35, so I feel like an

actual teenage girl right now. And I
hope you get here soon.

And I love you. Okay, thank you. Bye.

Hey. Oh, God.

Sorry I'm late.

I'll come up with my other side project.

You all right?

I'm just glad you're here now. I left
you the world's longest voicemail. I

be losing it. I should have called.

No, it's okay. I promise.

Let's do this thing. I got a good
feeling.

Oh, um, you can go ahead and delete that
voicemail.

I'm a little surprised you asked me out
tonight, Will.

I'm surprised you said yes.

So, what are you going to get?

I thought maybe we could split
something.

You want to get some chicken parm?

No chicken parm.

So, uh, you read anything good lately? I
mean, I've actually started to reread

some great fiction classics.

Yes! I read a great collection of essays
recently on how we're living in the

sixth mass extinction.

Real eye -opening stuff.

Yeah, that, um, sounds really uplifting.

Good work today, partner.

Right back at ya, partner.

Even when it comes to it, it's nice to
know I'm doing it with you.

I wouldn't want it any other way.

See you tomorrow at the party?

Yeah, he'll be there.

Don't suppose there's any way out of it.

Nope, that train has left the station.

You know, you could too.

Something's really radical.

What? Try and enjoy yourself.

Well, this was quite an evening, ladies.

Very unique indeed.

We'll chat.

Is that good? I have no idea.

Well, so I'm not the only one who comes
here late.

What are you doing here?

Well, I guess now I'm the one who shows
up at a place not expecting anyone to be

there.

Hey, I'm really sorry I didn't come to
your event tonight.

All good.

I've never seen you here after hours
before.

Yeah. Kind of a new thing for me, I
guess.

Ever since Kyle gave me the key, he said
I could close up, come in whenever I

want. He's a good guy that way.

You mind if I hit a couple?

I mean, I guess not.

I just... I wasn't really expecting to
see you tonight. You know, I thought you

had other plans.

I mean, I can go if you want some space.

No, go ahead.

So...

Got the big party tomorrow.

Guess we pulled it off, huh?

Yeah.

You know, I've been thinking about the
party and this whole charade.

It's really becoming a lot more stress
than it's worth.

What do you mean?

You know, I thought playing pretend
would make my life easier, but it

Now I have to deal with all the emotions
that have come with that.

What kind of emotions?

You know.

Just the usual stress, anxiety,
disappointment.

Yeah, no, I get that.

Hasn't been easy in my life either, you
know?

Putting up this facade in front of your
family all the time.

Just all this lying and pretending.

I'm sorry.

I thought you agreed to all of this.

I mean, it's not your family and it's
not your party.

Yeah, but it's still me.

And it's still all these emotions that
I...

Quite frankly, I just didn't expect.

What emotions?

Like you said, right?

Fear, worry, anxiety.

Right? I'm not used to bending the
truth. I'll tell you that.

Oh, really?

Yeah. What were you doing tonight, then?

What? I saw you on your date, Will.

I was at that restaurant, too. That's
where my event was that you skipped out

on. It was just dinner.

And to be honest, I did it to protect
your feelings.

Protect my feelings? Okay, now that's...

That's bending the truth.

Okay, well, I guess you really don't
know me then, Kelly.

No, I don't.

I don't know you at all because we're
not actually dating.

And you know what?

We never actually would.

Okay, I get it.

All right.

I'm just going to go. She can have her
space and... No, I'm sorry.

I... What is it, Kelly?

I... I'll see you at the party tomorrow.

We'll see this thing through and then
that'll be that.

We'll go our separate ways, please.

Right.

Okay.

See you then.

Thank you.

Okay, let's do it. Let's do it. Okay.
Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

People rely on you for things.

Expectations are high.

Okay. Got it.

Hi.

Come on, let's go.

Yay!

Oh, happy birthday, Angel.

Oh, you were always my favorite.

Of course I do. But isn't it nice to
hear it today?

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Callie, Pally, look at you.

Oh, my goodness, you just polish up so
nice.

Hey, you remember what we got you for
your sweet 16th birthday?

I don't think so. Well, you know, you
were into mixed CDs, so we all got you

mixed CDs of your favorite music.

Wow, I had completely forgotten.

Well, I haven't.

Happy birthday, Callie.

And don't worry, that is not your only
present. I love it. Thank you, Dad.

Oh, you know what? We still have a lot
of stuff to set up, so we're going to

skedaddle. But come on inside. Your
guests are here, and people are already

back. Okay, great. I'm going to put this
in my car. I'll be right there.

Okay.

Thank you.

Great party, Mom.

Dad,

come dance.

No, I'm a flailer. I'll hit the people.

It's true.

You go dance.

Hey, have you seen Will? I don't think
he's here yet.

Oh, no, of course he is. I was with him
inside.

I thought you saw him.

No, we haven't had a chance to connect.

Oh, well, you will now.

What do you mean?

Well, I have scheduled a song for the
two of you to dance together. Just the

of you.

All right, everyone. This next song is
exclusively for the birthday girl and

boyfriend. So, nobody else dances.
Father's orders.

Hey there.

Hi.

Happy birthday.

I'm sorry.

You having a good time?

Not really.

Yeah, me neither.

Will, I'm really sorry about the other
night.

No, don't even mention it, really.

We both said things that we didn't mean.

I mean, I know I did.

Yeah, me too. I mean, we got ourselves
into a stressful situation here. I

have anticipated that.

I never should have put you in this
position.

Hey, I agree to it.

I take full responsibility.

You want to... Never mind.

What?

Okay, I... Okay, if we met under, you
know...

Like somewhere else, and I wasn't like
the birthday boyfriend, you know? Yeah.

I would ask you out.

Really?

Under different circumstances.

I would ask.

But you said you didn't want to, right?
And I said the same thing.

Initially, and... Yeah.

I mean, that is what we've all said.

All right, let's have a big hand for
Callie and Will, huh?

Yeah.

I'm going to take a walk.

Just hold on a second. Hey, excuse me,
everybody.

I'd just like to make an announcement.
For those of you who don't know me, I am

the embarrassing father of the birthday
girl.

I'm not going to take up too much of
your time. I'd just like to say how

am of my little baby girl, who's not
a...

little baby girl anymore.

I just can't be more pleased with the
beautiful woman that she's become.

You know, they say that the way to a
man's heart is through his stomach, and

that's true, then Will is the luckiest
man in the world.

But in all seriousness, I just like, I
am so thrilled that Callie and Will have

found each other in the real world and
made a real connection.

No setups, no charades, just...

Just two true, honest people who fell in
love.

Anyway, I'm going to quit while I'm
ahead. So let's all raise a glass to

Callie Pally.

Happy birthday, honey.

Happy birthday, Callie.

Now, why don't you come on up and say a
few words? No. No, no, no, no. Come on.

Speak.

This is your night.

Here you go.

Thanks, Dad.

Thank you, everybody, for being here.
This really means a lot.

I am not one for big parties, so
needless to say, this really stressed me

But seriously, I'm so grateful.

I have the best family in the world.

They are always there for me.

They are here for me, there for me,
literally everywhere for me.

That's it. Yeah.

I love them for that.

And Will, too.

He's always there for me.

Yeah, he's such a great guy that I...
That I,

uh... I'm sorry, I can't do this.

I just... Will is not actually my
boyfriend.

What? Will?

I made an arrangement for him to pretend
to be my boyfriend, so I would have a

date for this party, so my family would
get off my back, and so I could focus on

work. I was so tired of everyone
pressuring me to have a boyfriend,

even though I know they just wanted me
to be happy, so I tried to give them

they want to make them happy.

It was an act.

I'm sorry, I never should have lied to
you guys.

But Mom, Dad, you guys were right.

It is so nice to have someone special in
your life.

Yeah. To care for you, be there for you,

laugh with you, all of it.

Even if it was to protect.

Will's not out here right now, but I
just wanted to tell him I'm sorry.

He is the perfect guy for someone, if he
ever wants that.

And I hope that someday he may want
that.

Because getting to play Will's
girlfriend made me realize the one thing

want is to be Will's girlfriend.

Great speech.

Really went over well.

Not funny.

How do you feel?

Relieved.

Sad, but relieved.

Yeah, I bet.

I'm sorry, Sid.

Hey, you and Nia.

When were you going to tell me about
that?

Yeah. You know, that sort of just
happened recently.

Seriously, I'm thrilled.

I'm glad you're finally seeing what was
right in front of you.

No, I've always been into her. I just
wish she'd given me a sign or something.

You would have needed a clobber over the
head to see it.

Yeah, maybe.

You know, she's the first woman I've
dated that I could actually see myself

hanging up the bat for.

Wow.

Big step, baby bro.

Although you did almost make her miss
the event with Delaney.

Didn't appreciate that very much.

What? What are you talking about?

You. Her side project.

Oh, no. Yeah.

Mia had a side project, but she wasn't
referring to me.

What was it then?

You haven't seen it?

Come on.

Who's she in the play?

Not bad, huh?

Happy birthday, Callie.

Mia, this is so sweet.

I needed a pick -me -up after giving
that speech.

I can't believe you did all of this. Of
course I did.

You're my best friend.

So this was the side project.

Yeah, I don't want to tell you
obviously.

What did you think I meant? I don't
know. I thought maybe you meant you and

Kyle. You guys kept that a secret from
me.

Glad that finally happened.

I would never put a Kyle as a side
project.

I would fix her up.

I'm right here.

Until now.

You are the best friend anyone could
ever ask for.

Aw, you too.

Thank you. Of course.

Honey.

We're here to apologize.

We're sorry for pressuring you.

We had no idea. We're so overbearing. We
just want your happiness.

Thank you.

I am so sorry about the whole Will
thing.

I wish I came clean earlier.

We love you so much, Callie.

And we'll never be overbearing again.

Well, at least not tonight.

Hello?

Callie Dare, it's Delaney.

Listen, I don't want to disturb you, but
I had to call to tell you, and I hope

you won't be disappointed.

happened so last minute, I had to
rewrite my entire post, and it's going

tomorrow. I know that's not very much
warning, so I apologize.

I hope you're not terribly thrown.

Um... Oh, right, silly me.

Long Table Catering is my number one
pick for Delaney's Delights this month.

Congratulations. Oh, what is it? We're
going on the homepage of Delaney's site

for her number one pick.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much.
You're welcome.

Amazing. Thank you, Delaney.

We did it!

What's going on?

We're Delaney's number one pick.

Congratulations!

That is great.

How wonderful.

That is so great.

Hey. Wow.

Well, you sure made us look like fools,
didn't you?

Leaving the whole Will thing?

We needed the wake -up call.

I just haven't dated in such a long
time. I forgot what it felt like to have

people asking all the time.

That was unfair of us.

Thank you, Amanda.

Now I just need to talk to Will.

Have you seen him?

I have, actually.

He, um... He just left.

Really? He left?

I'm sorry, Cal.

It's fine.

It's probably for the best. Really?

Hey, you.

Doing okay?

Just dandy.

We're about to do the cake in a bit.

I'll be there in a minute.

Yeah. You're gonna be busy for a little
bit.

Hi.

Hey.

That was a nice speech.

You heard it?

Yeah. I was in the back.

I thought you left.

I did.

I had to go to the car and get your
present.

Hey, do you remember our first date?

Of course.

Yeah, well, I was kind of kicking myself
later because, you know, there was all

that talk about, like, seahorses, right?
And how they made for life, and I

thought they were fools because of that.

Yeah, why?

Because that was the first day that I
realized that I want to be with you

forever.

I was a fool.

I'm in love with you, Kelly.

I'm with yours.

Beth.

I'm with you.

I'm not really saying anything. It's
kind of a dumb gift, I know.

I'm looking for the right words to say,
and I

think they're just, I love you too,
Will.

Yeah? On a scale from one to ten.

Okay. Eleven.

Cake.

Flowers. Thank you.

They're beautiful.

You're beautiful.

I mean, birthday cake is coming soon.

Happy birthday

to you.

Happy birthday to you.

By the way, I know how the story ends.

Yeah? Your novel?

No. My story.

Happy birthday to you.

No. No winner. It already came true.

Oh, I've got to get to you now. I need
you somehow,

someway. Oh, that's real to me. I

need you right now. Make it okay.