Original subtitles

My name is Annie Butler.

Someday I'm going to be an international best -selling author.

But while I'm waiting for fame and fortune, I type up mind -boggling

manuals for a living.

I'm single. I'm dating a great guy, Pete.

He works all hours for a guy.

We have a date tonight.

No, perhaps not.

He's working late again.

Back to the realities of life, making a living wage and living the dream.

Every day I anxiously wait for a letter to come.

The moment of truth every aspiring scribbler confronts bravely.

With that sinking feeling, her heart trembling with anticipation and

she nervously sorts through her titanic pile of correspondence.

She opens the letter.

And?

Dear Miss Butler, we thank you for your submission. However, blah, blah, blah.

We wish you success in placing your work elsewhere.

Here

you

go, sweetie.

Thank you.

By the way, you can take a plate away. Pete's not going to make it tonight.

Oh, why?

Work. Something with work. Hey!

Hi,

guys.

So, we have some news.

Oh?

It's beautiful. He's a keeper.

That is great.

There he is.

Oh, I'm so happy for you.

Are you lost?

Confused?

Dissatisfied with your life?

Disappointed?

Downtrodden? Well, it's time to move from D to E with me, Rowena St.

Cloud. You can have a better life. You can make all your dreams come true with

my new 3 E's life -changing book.

Don't waste your time worrying about how you got here, and don't punish yourself

for your mistakes.

Envision your new life, and soon you will experience that new life.

And when you have those new positive experiences, you will be

enlivened.

Hello? May I ask who I'm speaking with? Annie.

Annie Butler.

And what inspired you to call us tonight, Annie?

I pretty much had the worst day of my life. About an hour before my boyfriend

was cheating on me, I found out that my little sister had gotten engaged.

Oh. Oh, I also write novels.

Good for you. And while I thought that that would save me from a soul -sucking

career writing user manuals, before I found out my boyfriend was cheating on

and before I found out my little sister was engaged...

I received my 27th resurrection letter from a publisher.

It sounds like you need to envision, experience, and enliven.

Yeah, it does.

Annie. I need you to help me describe him. Who?

My perfect guy.

Are you kidding, Annie? I'm serious, Kate, okay?

Now, this book, this book has given me the tools to realize my dream. There's

three steps here, and the first one is envision.

Annie, I'm working.

I need to write a book about the perfect relationship. I have to imagine the

perfect man.

Well, he better be able to cook if he's going to be with you.

Yes. Yes, cook.

My client's tax return. I'll write on the back.

Cooking by Jason.

Cultured. Okay.

Well, what about character?

That was one of the first things I loved about Jason. Yes, man of honor.

Musical.

Athletic. Oh, business owner. Great.

So what's his name? George. Like George Burns. And?

Madly in love with his wife.

So perfect.

My George by Annie Butler.

Envision, experience, and life.

We would like to

publish your book.

Mom?

Kate! It happened!

It happened!

What? What?

Read this. Read, read, read. Okay, okay, okay.

Dear Miss Butler, we are delighted to inform you that we would very much like

publish your book, my George.

Unbelievable. That's great.

Thank you. I have a meeting next week.

I mean, this is happening. I mean, the three E's, they worked. Rowena St. Cloud

is a genius.

What? What?

Nothing. Nothing. It's wonderful, honey.

Just that...

It's just that you kind of freak us out when you talk about Rowena City Life.

Come on. What is wrong with believing in something?

I mean, my life was going nowhere.

You know? And it worked. It worked. Well, kind of. What do you mean, well,

of? I got published.

Yeah, your book about George.

You're a perfect -in -everyway dream man, except for one tiny detail.

He doesn't exist.

I know he doesn't exist.

I made him up.

I'm not crazy. I know that he's not real.

Well, George is real. He just hasn't showed up yet. But clearly, he's going

now. Clearly? The book says to envision your biggest desires.

I did, and now I'm experiencing it. So clearly, it's only a matter of time

before my guy shows up.

Honestly, I am already feeling enlivened.

Okay,

you know what? If I stop talking about the threes, can you just be happy for

Oh, come on. Come on, come on, come on. I am totally, totally psyched for you. I

mean it.

You're amazing.

Annie, honey, we are ecstatic.

A fourth E? You know what? This deserves a celebration.

I am going to make you your favorite dinner.

I can't stay.

Why? Jason's waiting at home for me to make dinner.

What do you mean, waiting at home for you to make dinner? Can't he cook

something? Well, he could.

If I wanted to eat canned spaghetti or a TV dinner heated about 90 % through.

And if you tell me that George is a wonderful cook, I'm going to have you

committed. I love you, too.

Bye.

Honey, will you stop snacking? You're going to ruin your dinner. You know, you

act like a teenager sometimes instead of an adult.

Marianne Doyle, Eclipse Realty.

Mom,

are you selling the house?

Yeah, I am.

I think it's time.

This place is so big and I can't keep it up myself.

And I know that it's going to be hard for you and your sister not to come to

your childhood home to visit, but I think it's going to be really good for

I'm going to find myself a little condo, one bedroom.

It's going to be great.

It's going to be great.

Well, it sounds like this is a celebratory dinner for the two of us

Rachel, tell him we're passing on this.

Annie Butler, a pleasure to meet you. It's so great to meet you. I cannot tell

you how much buzz my George is getting around this office.

Everyone has read it, and they're all in love with George, too.

Isn't that right, Rachel?

Loved it.

Wow. Wow, indeed. The women who work here aren't easily impressed. If they're

swooning over George, then every starry -eyed teen and stay -at -home mom will

be falling over themselves to buy your book, which means, Annie Butler, you're

going to be a big success.

Oh, 100 shots.

Della, have a seat.

Della, thank you. I can't tell you how amazing that is to hear. How many

rejection letters I have received. How sick I am of writing these user manuals.

I mean, if I have to explain how to use a DVD player or a blender again, it will

be too soon.

Well, that does sound awful.

But that's good. I can tell you'll be well motivated to market my George,

Of course.

Now, on my end, I've made a few calls and got you invited to the National

Booksellers Expo next month. That's a huge event for writers.

It's also the perfect place to pitch the next big thing. But don't worry. You

won't be alone.

I won't. No.

We'll want George there, too.

Is that a problem?

Uh, well, yes.

Why's that?

Because George is fictional.

Excuse me?

I made him up.

The book is a novel.

No, it's written like a memoir.

I understand, but it's a fictional account of the future I hope to have, if

makes sense.

No, it doesn't make sense. Isn't he based on someone?

No, I made him up.

George is my dream guy. He's the relationship that I envisioned for

Okay.

I can deal with this.

This doesn't have to ruin our momentum.

Momentum? Yes.

I sent special preview copies of my George to reviewers and bloggers who,

they critique your book, can help us drive sales. And all without a penny

on marketing.

Those people think that George is real. I think that George is real. I just

haven't met him yet.

You haven't by chance spent time under the care of a psychiatrist, have you? I

am not crazy. Look, Stella, I'm sorry to yell, but the last year of my life has

been a failure.

All levels. And mercifully, I was given the advice to turn my unhappy life

around. To believe that I could create a better future for myself. And I did.

I wrote a book.

And you bought it.

So it's working.

I believe that I could be a real writer. And I am. And I also believe that I

will meet the man of my dreams.

I will. I will. It's destiny.

That's very touching.

But I don't care about that.

I care about the fact that I bought a story from you that reads like a memoir,

which means we will market it like a memoir.

But isn't that wrong? I'm not in the morality business. I'm in the book

business. You see, my George gives readers hope that if Annie can find a

honest, romantic, gorgeous guy to fall in love with, then they can too. And the

Expo is a chance to get you and your book.

In every store across this country.

So, you're going to the expo, and so is George.

Uh, okay, well, I don't really think Destiny works like... Rachel, call Jerry

Elite Talent. Tell him I need male eye candy that's good at improv.

I want resumes, headshots on my desk at the end of the day. What are you doing?

Finding George in time for the expo.

Now I have a meeting in ten.

I need to de -stress after this near catastrophe.

I can't lie.

It's a version of the truth, Annie.

You said you'd do whatever it takes to market this book.

Well, this is what you have to do.

I'll talk to you soon.

Rachel, get Jerry on the line. Yes, Ms. Hendershot.

Look at all the stuff she saved.

I'm not going to make someone pretend to love me. You kind of did it to

yourself, Annie.

Not if I actually find George.

Annie, there isn't a guy on the planet who can live up to your gourmet meal,

cooking, guitar, playing, poetry reading, handsome, thoughtful jock of a

George. I'm not delusional. I know that when I find the guy, he's not going to

look like George. He's not going to be named George.

But what am I doing wasting my time with some temporary fill -in because I'm

impatient?

I don't know. Maybe you shouldn't have written such a convincing book.

then you wouldn't be in this pickle.

I'm going to take that as a compliment.

Okay, I've got to get back to work.

And if I come here every day on my lunch break, I think we can have this place

cleaned up in about maybe six months.

Mom, I've got to go.

I'm going to walk out with you. They just stuck me with another chef.

I'm going to go. Bye. Bye.

Let's go.

Okay.

Bye, honey. Have fun.

All right.

Hello, Roaring 20.

Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm the realtor.

I told you I'd be stopping by.

You're Opal, right? You left me a key. Turn around. Turn around.

Of course. I'm so sorry. I should have knocked.

You know, my mother's realtor's name is Marianne Doyle.

Marianne had to go out of town at the last minute, so she left the listing

me. I'm very sorry. I should have knocked.

Oh, hi.

I don't normally dress like I'm in the Prohibition Era.

Opal had to leave. I'm her daughter, Annie.

Annie, it's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm George Monroe.

You're George?

Yes. I'm sorry, have we met?

Uh, no.

No, I just, um... I really like the name George.

Okay.

I'm so sorry.

Okay, so, um, let's see. You're here to see the house?

Yes. Well, I'm just going to go put the normal clothes on because there's not a

speakeasy in town here.

Okay.

I'll be right back. George.

Okay.

You just make yourself at home.

George.

This is it, Annie.

I'm sorry. I hope you don't mind. No.

Do you play? My mother insisted that I take lessons for ten years.

Wow.

Your wife must love that. Oh, I'm not married.

Girlfriend?

There's no time.

The house.

It looks great on the inside, but the lawn and the landscaping could do a

bit of work. Could you, any way you could get that done in the next couple

weeks?

Yeah, I used to work at a nursery, so I can help my mom with that.

First impressions, right?

Exactly. And I swear that I will keep ours until the grave. You have my word

a gentleman.

It was very nice meeting you, Annie.

Nice to meet you too, George.

My George.

Ready? Looking for Jack?

He's retired.

I'm his son.

Henry? Henry?

He and my mom are driving cross -country in an RV as we speak.

Yeah, I was working as a landscape architect up in San Francisco, and I got

divorce a couple years ago, so it was easy for me to pick up roots.

Did you keep the piano?

Of course I kept the piano. What's a nursery without a piano? It's right over

there.

How about you? What have you been up to?

Um, well, I wrote a book, got published, you know.

editor of the student newspaper, A -plus in honors English.

I always knew you'd be a writer someday.

Thanks. I'm writing.

So what's it about?

Well, it's about my relationship with this great guy, George.

That's good, Annie.

That's great.

So, what brings you to April Showers? My mom is putting her place on the market,

so I thought her lawn could use a little sprucing up.

Oh, yeah, we could do that.

Anything in mind? Well, now that I know that you're here, I'm happy to put you

on the job.

Yeah, I can drive by, look at the space, and I can put some things aside for you

if you'd like. Great. Yeah, thank you. Okay.

It's so good to see you.

Thank you.

Me too.

Okay, I'll see you later. Yeah, see ya. Okay.

Who was that?

Hey, Frank. That was Annie Butler.

Ex -girlfriend. Loved that in high school.

Had a huge crush on her back then, but we were just friends.

Well, maybe this is your second chance.

She's got a boyfriend.

Hello, Annie. It's Della.

Brennan's Bookstore is a family -owned business. It's been in town for three

generations. They like to support local talent, so they're hosting a release

party for new local author Annie Butler.

No way. Way?

You'll do a brief reading, then a meet, greet, and sign right after.

They're also giving you a full ad in the newspaper and a full My George window

display in the store.

I can't believe that this is happening. Thank you so much, Stella.

I don't need gratitude, Annie. I need book sales.

This is your baby.

Do everything you can to sell it. Okay, I will.

Good.

Need to read your closet.

Nice to see you, too. Hey, Jason. Hey.

What's up?

I have a book release party tomorrow.

Oh! And it happened. I met him.

Who? George.

You've had a big day.

Come on.

Oh. Oh. Sorry about the obstacle course. I'm used to it.

Jason!

Why can't you put your clothes in the hamper? I might wear them again.

Then put them in the closet.

But I might not wear them again.

I can look while I listen. Spill. Okay. His name is George Monroe. He's Mom's

realtor. We met after you guys left. Wait.

Mom's realtor is named George?

That's spooky.

It's not spooky. It's destiny.

Not that one. Anyway, he's handsome.

He's a gentleman. He's sophisticated.

Not to change the subject away from your potential future happiness, but does

Dream Guy seem like he'll do a good job selling the house?

Because Mom's got her eye on those condos downtown, and they are not cheap.

I like this.

I like it. Yeah.

George actually mentioned that the lawn needs some fixing up. That's true.

Guess he's back in town.

Who? Henry Martin.

Henry's back?

Yeah. Well, if he's in charge of fixing up the lawn, then I feel good about it.

And I definitely feel good about that.

The canvas is happening. I'll come help you work on the night garden. Sounds

good.

Oh, wow.

Brennan's Bookstore presents local author Annie Butler for an exclusive

of her new book, My George, today only at 2 p .m. No problem. I will reschedule

the Campbells so that you can go do that.

Well, I mean, it would be a nice thing to do to support Annie. I know.

She's my friend. She's releasing a book. It's a decent thing to do.

Just friends.

My George release party. Meet author Annie Butler and...

George.

George.

Sorry.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Annie. Hi.

What are you doing here?

No biggie.

Somebody I know went and wrote a book and is having a fancy signing.

So sweet of you. I'm sorry. I can't talk right now. Oh, yes, of course.

I'm monopolizing the guest of honor. Please, go, go.

What is Henry Martin doing here?

Mom. Kate, can you fill her in? I gotta... Okay.

Okay.

Della?

Oh, love the dress. Thank you. What is going on?

Well, uh, here's your book.

Oh.

What's with all the George stuff?

Well, I told your readers would be expecting him, so I'm delivering him.

met him. Annie? Yes?

Darling. Whoa, whoa, stop. Who are you?

I'm George.

You're not my George. I met my George. You did?

Then where is he? Well, we just met. I couldn't ask him to come here.

And what good is that doing me?

Della, I stayed at my mom's house, and George showed up even though he was

supposed to be Marianne.

What? It's all coming together. It's happening.

How? Once those women get a look at him, he will be George, for better or for

worse. It's George!

It's going on. No one saw it. We can save this. Do I still get my day rate?

Quiet. You said that she would do anything to market this book.

This is the thing.

This is George.

Well, when we're not acting, you can just call me Matt.

That's it. I don't want to act. This is my life.

And your career, which will pay for your life, which will likely fall apart if I

sue you for breach of contract.

Fine. Awesome.

Let's do this. Good.

Can I borrow some of that?

Yeah, sure. That's fine.

Oh, George, what's wrong? Is that your migraine? What did you do? Not now,

Della. We have to think about George.

Wait in the car.

I'm really sorry.

I'm so mad.

Okay.

Okay.

Everyone, George is going to be all right.

And luckily for you, author Annie Butler is still here to read from her just

released and soon to be bestseller book, My George.

It is my pleasure to introduce.

Author, Annie Butler.

Thank

you

so much.

Honey, you did it! The book signing or the fake George dodging?

We'll see you later.

Amazingly, you pulled it off.

And not that you should be rewarded for your appalling behavior earlier.

But you see that woman over there?

Hey, Tanya.

That's Tanya Summers.

The radio DJ?

She does the evening commute on K -Win.

Well, I work from home. I don't have a morning commute, so I don't... Anyway,

she's a fan.

You're now booked on her show Friday night from 5 .30 to 6 p .m. And she's

broadcasting from here.

Peak driving time.

Thousands of listeners stuck in traffic who will be your captive audience.

Bella, that's amazing.

It can be if you don't mess it up.

Tanya, like everyone else, wanted to meet George today. So you have until

to get him into the radio booth, assuming that he exists. Of course he

He's very, very real. His name's George Monroe. He's a real attorney. Stop.

I don't care.

Just get him here.

Or my actor will be back.

And you will not have a chance to accidentally maim him again.

Okay. Yes, ma 'am.

Okay. All right. See you again.

Bye. Hi. Hello. I'm here to see George Monroe.

Do you have an appointment?

I'm George.

Hi.

Hi.

Oh, Annie.

Right? Opal's daughter. The house with the curb appeal. Yeah, that's me.

Did we have an appointment? I'm sorry. I was just on my way out.

No, no, we didn't. I was just dropping in. I wanted to go over some of the

before I made any changes with the curb appeal.

Well, I was just going to use my lunch break to get a run in. Then I have a

lunch with a client and a showing after that. Maybe tomorrow?

Tomorrow I have an open house and then meetings all day after that.

Maybe next week?

You know, I'm up against the deadline.

I'm sorry.

I'm really swamped.

What? Oh,

but I see you're a fellow runner.

Yes.

Yeah, these are running shoes.

Well, we could chat while we run.

That's an idea.

That is an idea, except I didn't wear my running pants. No, that's okay. We have

just the thing here. Wendy, do we have any of those promotional shorts? Oh,

yeah, yeah, yeah, we do.

So a month ago, our company did a mud run for charity, and we had all these

promotional shorts and T -shirts printed up. So it's your lucky day. I designed

the logo.

I'll meet you outside in five minutes. Great.

There's the bathroom right back there to change. Great.

Those look great. Thanks.

You ready?

Yeah. Okay. Oh, now.

Just round the block. Okay, okay.

So what did you want to talk to me about?

Well, what sort of plants should we put at Mom's house? I wouldn't recommend

anything too bold or colorful.

We want people to be able to imagine themselves seeing Mom's house.

You're really, really good at this.

How did you become a realtor?

It's a boring story.

No, I didn't want to hear about it.

Plus, I think it would really be good if you talked for a minute.

Well...

You know, I really couldn't imagine myself in an office all day.

Inactive people like us, we have to just get out and move sometimes, right?

Totally. I get to move all around the city and meet new people.

It's very exciting.

So would you like a bottle of water? That'd be great.

Okay, Wendy inside can hook you up.

I'm just going to run home really quick and have a shower before my afternoon

meeting. But I'll see you around.

Whoa.

I know.

I'm terrifying.

George said something about water.

Thank you.

If you could just keep those coming.

George has an open house tomorrow.

Do you happen to know the address?

Yeah.

It's 482 Oakwood.

Hello. Welcome to 482 Oakwood Road.

Annie, is there something else I could help you with?

Oh, well, I came to look at the house.

For my mom, of course. Your mother was very clear about wanting a one -bedroom

condo.

Right.

My cookies.

You bake?

It's a tasty little sales tactic.

The house.

Smells like cookie.

That reminds people about their childhood, about their holiday, baking

their mom. Plus, who doesn't like chocolate chip cookie?

Impressive.

Oh, you got sparkling water, juice, wine.

Do you like wine? What's not to like? It's like grape juice with a kick.

Here you go.

Thank you.

There's a prospective buyer.

I go to this monthly wine tasting event at the Corkscrew Wine Bar on Mott

Street. It's tonight, if you'd like to go.

Oh, great.

Anybody here?

Perfect.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Sorry.

Oh, Annie.

You made it. George, hi.

So, this is, uh... One of the best networking events in the city.

Networking? I promise.

Whatever it is that you do, you'll meet someone here who can help you with your

business. What is it that you do?

I'm a writer.

I was actually wanting to talk to you about that.

Oh, that.

That is Phil Abbott. He's one of the best contractors in the city.

I tell you, every month that I come here, I meet some great contacts for

whether it's potential clients or an interior designer, painter.

I was once here and met the only tile guy that I promise anyone will ever need

over a great bottle of Chardonnay.

So, Mingle, make some contacts. Maybe you'll find a landscaper that can help

with your mom's place.

I have that covered already.

Phil Adams.

I'm George Monroe.

Hi.

Kate. Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. That sounds awful.

It is. Are you going to be around tonight? Okay, well, just come over

Okay, I'll see you in a bit. Yeah, no, it's fine.

Okay, I love you. See you soon. Bye.

Uh -oh.

What? It's Annie.

She had a date with George tonight.

Didn't go well.

What? It's 7 .45.

Did it even start yet?

Mom? Is it Annie? Yeah. Code red.

Sweetheart, can you get that, please?

Got it.

Thank you.

Hi, Annie.

What happened?

It was a networking event.

And because I'm not a local business professional, George only spent five

minutes talking to me. Well, honey, you have been forcing this.

Yeah, Annie, it doesn't work like that.

Well, it was supposed to.

I mean, I wrote a book about George, and then he appears when I need him.

I don't know how else it works. I don't get it.

I'm going to go meet Ed and the guys, like you ladies.

Drink tea.

Wait, what?

Hold on.

Jason!

Mom, I thought... I thought I met my guy.

I just want a wonderful man.

You can find him.

Okay, so, how are we going to fix this?

Well, we're not.

I give up.

You do?

I have this radio interview tomorrow, and I promised Della that if I couldn't

get George there, I'd let the actor guy play him. Once he becomes my George,

it's over.

Okay, so, no George. Oh, well.

When the right guy comes along, he'll be a Bob or a Todd or an Albert.

Albert.

Okay, so I was thinking we would do mostly perennials.

Because they're pretty resilient.

I was also thinking we could do a small little seating area with a rock garden.

You know, it looks good, but it's really low maintenance.

Sure.

Why don't you walk around a little, see if anything jumps out at you. I'll be

you.

Okay.

I'm sick.

You want to give it a shot? Oh, boy. Okay.

You can do it. All right. Ready?

Here we go.

Damn it.

We sang that for choir in junior year.

Yeah, she remembers.

I don't know. Wait.

Get what you want, you don't want it. Oh, you're doing good.

Bravo. Oh, there's that smile.

Is everything okay?

I'm sorry.

I've had a bad day.

George, get into a fight.

Something like that.

Relationships, they take work.

Yeah.

Thanks, Henry.

I'm really glad that you're back.

Good, so you've definitely read the book. Yes, I'm totally read up. Annie,

to see you.

No stunts today, right?

Della, you have my word. Have a seat.

Hi, Matt.

Hi. I guess I should call you George.

Sure, if that's easier for you.

Okay, so Matt has read the book and he knows your shared history now as well as

you do.

So just relax, be natural, and let him do his job, okay?

Okay. Oh, I also ordered you all some sandwiches to eat up. I don't want your

stomachs growling on air. Thank you. I've been memorizing the book all day

we forgot to eat. I am starving.

This doesn't taste like tuna.

You know what? You got mine.

Peanut butter and banana. I know it's childish. I just love it.

Nobody panic, but I have to have a life -threatening peanut allergy.

What?

It's no big deal. I just need to find my EpiPen. Okay.

Oh.

Okay.

It seems not to be here.

Della, I really, really appreciate the opportunity, and I hope you'll consider

me for something else.

But right now, if I don't get to the emergency room, my face will swell and

throat will close. Okay.

Get him out of the back door right now and straight to ER.

Now. Go.

And welcome back.

I'm here with local author Annie Butler, who wrote the recently released book,

My George, about her astonishingly wonderful relationship with her

George.

Welcome, Annie.

Thank you, Tanya. I'm so happy to be here.

Annie, I promised my listeners that you and George were going to be here. I

know, I know. It's just awful, actually. He accidentally had a bite of my peanut

butter sandwich, and he's allergic.

Is this guy for real? Well, he seems so sweet and genuine in the book.

Now, I bet he doesn't want to steal your thunder.

Maybe he's like those husbands that get sympathy pains when their wives are

pregnant.

In our my K -1 drive time, listeners are going to get to meet this perfect guy.

Well, Judy, if I can jump in.

Tanya. Listeners, this is Annie's publisher.

Oh, yes.

Hey, listeners, Annie will be at the American Bookseller Expo with my George

her side. So, listeners, y 'all, come on out. Okay, did you hear that,

listeners? An invite to the American Booksellers Expo!

I can't believe that worked out. And no one saw Matt.

So... I can hire someone else before the expo.

Della. Della, no.

Now what?

It broke my heart to give up on George, to realize that he wasn't the one, or

couldn't be the one in time.

Look, I promised you that I wouldn't do anything to intervene with Matt doing

his job, and I didn't. True.

But fate has intervened here. I have a second chance to make George my George.

would be crazy not to take this.

Crazy is a good choice of words.

Della, one more chance before the expo, please.

Black champ.

I'm late.

Why are you and my wife reading the same book?

She's all worked up about it. George this, George that. He's so romantic, so

thoughtful.

It's the book that Annie wrote.

I would tell you to tell her how you feel, but clearly she's taken.

Thanks for meeting me here. I'm working from home today.

But I have big news.

Tanya the DJ traded some buzz for us. There's chatter on the blogs that George

may not be real.

But don't worry.

There's enough people who think that he is. And either way, it's publicity.

Brennan Bookstore sold out of their stock. And the online sale shot up 14 %

overnight.

14%. And we need to build on this. So we really need to get moving on this

George thing.

I just saw him yesterday. I haven't had a chance to ask George yet.

Ask George what?

George.

Hey, Annie.

Sorry, honey, your track record wasn't impressive.

Annie, didn't you want to ask George something?

I'm sorry, I really need to take that.

George Monroe.

Handing your business.

Look, just tell him...

Everything. We can't let this fall apart at the expo. This isn't the way I

wanted it to happen. If he is your destiny, as you continue to say over and

over, then you're meant to be one way or the other.

This way, it's faster.

Here.

Take the book. Show it to him.

Stroke his kneecap.

George.

I wrote a book.

You said you were a writer. That's great.

The problem is that I...

I wrote this book about my great relationship with this guy.

My George.

That doesn't sound like a problem.

He doesn't exist.

My George.

I don't understand.

Well, it turns out that people are reading my book, which is amazing.

But they also expect to meet George, who's a fictional character that I

that now everyone assumes is real. And in a couple weeks, I have this national

bookseller expo, and it's...

It's a really big deal, and everyone expects George to be there.

Oh.

I know that this sounds crazy, but when I first met you, I had just sold the

book, and I never expected to meet a man named George, but I did.

And now I can't help but wonder if maybe, possibly, you could be

my George.

That's very flattering.

Annie, really? I know that we just met, okay? And I'm not asking you to be the

guy in this book. Not really. I'm just asking if maybe you could pretend to be

in front of thousands of people. And when I say it out loud, it... Sounds

great deal to ask someone.

Yeah.

Look, Annie, I think you're very pretty and you're very sweet.

You do?

Of course.

Really. But it's just... I don't think I can... pretend to be your guy.

I just don't think it would be the right thing to do.

That's ironic.

What is?

That's exactly what he would have said.

I guess I'll see you at your mother's place.

Yeah.

So?

You're going to have to look through your pile ahead, Sean Stella.

Mom, I want to be alone.

It's not your mother.

Hi. Hi.

Annie, I'm sorry that I ran off on you like that the other day.

Come in, please.

George, you do not have to apologize. What I...

asked you to do was totally doable what totally doable i mean you might have to

coach me on some of the finer points but i think we can pull this off when did

you change your mind annie i bake cookies

i go to wine tasting i'm willing to consider any out of the box thinking as

as it will advance my career and it appears that for whatever reason I am

of your out -of -the -box thinking.

Really? Sometimes in the business world, you only get one shot.

And you should get yours.

George, I think this whole thing is going to be way more involved than just

expo.

You don't want to lie. I don't want you to lie.

This thing, we, us, it's supposed to be real.

If we're just going to be lying, really, I can find an actor who can do that.

Well, we're not lying. We're not?

I like you, Annie.

Sure, maybe we're stretching the truth a little bit for right now.

But maybe I just need to get to know you better before the expo.

There might be something there. There might be.

And on that note, how about dinner tomorrow night?

Okay.

Hey, guys, I brought you two some water.

Henry, you have been missed. It's so good to see you around the house again.

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Butler.

You want to get a better look at him? He can help us plant some stuff.

Oh, honey, if I had any interest in gardening, do you think that the lawn

look like this in the first place?

She makes a point. Well, I will leave you two. Thank you, Henry.

In case I didn't say it before, thanks for helping me out today. I know you're

busy with the book and George.

I'm reading it, you know.

My book? Mm -hmm.

You're a really great writer, Annie.

And you and George seem very happy.

Well, I know we're supposed to keep the art simple.

I think that these colors are really going to look nice.

Yeah. Yeah, I think it's going to look good, too.

But there is something beautiful about a single color that looks great as well.

You should come by the nursery the night of the 30th, and trust me, you will be

wowed. Why at night?

It's a full moon.

I'm giving a talk on night gardens, and there is nothing more beautiful than a

white garden in the moonlight.

Wow, that sounds incredible and romantic.

It is.

You should come by.

The 30th, that's the night of my book expo.

Two hours away, I don't think I can make it back in time.

Oh, that's too bad.

Next time. Yeah, next time.

All right, I'm going to go grab those flowers from the truck.

Thank you.

I'm so sorry.

I'm such a klutz. Are you okay?

Hold on. Come here.

Now I'm actually making it worse.

You look pretty with dirt on your face.

Annie.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

Hey, uh, you're George. This is Henry Martin, my, uh...

My old friend from high school and mom's landscaper.

This is George. George.

Great. Well, I was just bringing the sign by.

And are we still on for dinner tonight?

Yeah, of course we are, silly.

Great. Do you have a favorite restaurant that you'd like to go to?

Oh, well, how about you just come by? I'll cook you a cozy dinner.

Great.

What time?

Usual. Okay, that's great.

It was good to meet you, Henry.

Yeah, you too.

George, take care. Bye.

So that's George.

I guess you learned how to cook.

You used to burn jarred pasta sauce.

You know, I'm just going to go in there and... First nap.

you and Henry Martin getting in trouble again.

I'll go wash it.

Hey, sweetie, want a snack?

Actually, I need something bigger than a snack. I have a date with George

tonight. The George?

My realtor, George?

Yep. Wow!

That Ramona Angel Fog whatever.

Rowena St.

Cloud. Honey, I'm just... saying that her three E's, they actually work.

Did this thing with George happen?

Last night.

Although I may have just told him that I would cook him dinner tonight.

Honey, despite my best efforts, you cannot cook.

And besides that, it's already three o 'clock. Your clothes are still in the

washer. Well, can you cook me something?

No. I have a date to go to the movies with your sister tonight.

Well, can you teach me to cook before you go?

You want me to do something in an hour that I couldn't do in decades?

What am I supposed to do?

Oh, I made a lasagna for the church social.

And Evelyn Norman also made a lasagna.

And, of course, everybody likes mine better. But because Evelyn's going

through a little bit of a rough time, Her son quit medical school to find

himself. And now he makes pottery and sleeps till noon.

But Evelyn is... Lasagna.

Oh! Well, I threw together a salad so as not to take away the lasagna glory from

Evelyn. But I still have it. So all you have to do is defrost it.

Stick it in the oven at 350 for 40 minutes. You got a homemade meal.

Amazing. Thank you. You're welcome. You saved the day.

Again. Again.

Whoa, take it easy.

What? What, are you running late?

I told you not to take any more jobs while we had this deadline.

I was just at Annie's mom's house. It's no big deal.

Of course, Annie.

Did you tell her how you feel?

Come on, Frank.

He was like this perfect boyfriend. I met him.

So you're jealous.

I'm not jealous of that guy. Besides, he doesn't seem that special.

A little jealous.

I mean, he seemed like, I don't know, not all that comfortable for two people

inspired a best -selling novel. I mean, they seemed like total strangers.

Okay.

I was supposed to defrost the lasagna.

Lasagna, lasagna.

Defrost.

You've got to be kidding me.

So instead of 350 for 45, we'll do 450 for 25.

Hi. Hi. Wow, those are beautiful.

I figured we'd start this off right.

So, can I come in? Yeah, come in. All right.

Charming plate.

Thank you.

Something smells great.

Oh, it's a family recipe.

Oh, I started reading the book.

That is some romance that we had. Right?

Yeah.

I thought you could just walk me through some of the particulars for the expo.

Sure. How about we just sit down and get to know each other first?

Do you want something to drink?

Water would be great.

I'll be right back.

Thank you.

So, how was your day? It was very good.

Yours?

It was good.

I'm sorry, Annie. Is something burning?

I have a lasagna warming in the oven.

It's homemade. It was just frozen, and I'm sure it's fine. It's fine.

Oh!

Oh!

Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!

I ruined it.

I'm so sorry.

No need to apologize.

These things happen.

Not often, but they must.

I'm sorry I don't have anything else to offer you for dinner.

We could go out.

Good last time, ma 'am.

It was a great meal, George. Thank you.

I told you, they have a mean key lime pie.

How'd you hear about this place?

I used to live in the neighborhood.

It's been my local local for years.

Well, I hope to come back soon.

I have to say, I thought that our date was ruined.

Well, life is about persevering in the face of adversity.

Adapt and overcome.

Besides, as long as we're together, it's bound to be successful.

That's very sweet.

Shall we?

You're spoiling me. You deserve it.

Besides, I made an investment in you, Annie Butler, and I need to protect it.

You girls really did it.

I can't believe you're moving, Mom. Lives are in these boxes.

Yeah, but luckily the second half is still to come.

Speaking of which, what's going on with you and George?

Hey, Kate.

It's so good to see you back. Thank you.

Hi, Mrs. Butler. Hi, Henry.

Annie, got you a little something for helping me. Oh, those are beautiful.

I may have caused some problems with some flying plants last week, so... You

certainly did.

Well, I am very glad you showed up, Henry, because our Annie is having a

bit of a rough time, and I think maybe...

the manual labor might be just the thing for her to get her out of her head.

Okay. I got to get back to work.

Bye. Bye, baby.

Bye, Annie. See you.

You too.

Hey, we definitely need to hang out soon.

Yeah. Okay?

Absolutely. Bye. Yeah.

Hey, I am going to put these in water and make you two some butterscotch chip

cookies. You up for this?

We got some more flowers to plant.

you want to talk about it? It's a long story.

Did you get into a fight with George?

No.

Oh.

Surprising? No.

No. I don't know. When I saw the two of you, you didn't seem like a couple in

the book. That's because we're not like a couple in the book. Is

the same affecting your relationship?

No.

Reality.

Huh?

Cookies.

Ah. Wow.

This is great.

You guys are a good team. Thanks, Mom. Thank you.

All right.

See if you still got it.

Mm.

Perfection. Ah.

So there's three Bs? Three Es.

I envision George. Now I'm experiencing him. I just don't know that I'm

enlivened yet.

Catching up here. So George in the book is... Fictional.

George the realtor... Has to be real.

It could ruin my career before it even starts.

And I want to make it work. I do.

When I met George, it felt like everything was falling into place. It

hasn't felt that way since, and I don't know how to fix it.

Okay, so plan on doing something fun together.

Well, that's just it. I'm not sure that we agree on what's fun. Well, you like

nature, right? You could go on a hike.

There's a new piano bar that opened up in town. You guys could go listen to

live music.

You like poetry readings. You could do that. Go to a play.

I love all those things.

Plus, don't you and George go dancing in the book?

Yeah, we do.

Those are all really great ideas. Thank you. Now I just have to learn to relax

around him. Hey, what about a game night?

I love a game night.

It's sort of a party, though. It's not really a date.

Well, I figured if you and George can hang out in a group setting surrounded

some people you're comfortable with, you know, it might take some of the

pressure off.

Henry, that's kind of brilliant.

Yeah. Well, I just want you to be happy, Annie.

All right. They should be here any minute. We could play boys against girls

couple.

That's them.

Hey, we're here.

Hey, where's Jason? Kate needed a plus one, so... Yeah, Jason couldn't make it.

Hi, I'm Kate, Amy's sister.

I'm George. It's nice to meet you. Thank you.

Hi, I'm the landscaper, right?

That's me.

I'm going to go grab some drinks.

Will you help me in the kitchen?

So cute.

Why did you bring Henry?

Um, Jason couldn't come.

And Henry probably knows you better anyway. You seem like a perfect choice.

I'm going to be a double date.

It's not like I don't know Henry.

He practically spent high school at our house. You haven't seen him in a decade.

So?

Annie, what's the big deal?

You like Henry. I know, I know. Henry's great.

I'm okay. Don't worry about that. You got it.

All right. Ready to play?

Okay.

Wait for it.

Okay, that's a person.

Definitely a human. Woman.

Woman. Okay.

Fern?

Is that a potted plant?

Mother and daughter! Mother and daughter!

Fountain of youth!

Annie! I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I had to.

Annie!

The odds were stacked against me.

You three have known each other an awfully long time.

Yeah. I've always said that Henry was like the big brother I never had.

Henry wasn't like a big brother.

No?

What was I like?

A friend, Corey.

I don't know. All the...

Older brothers I knew were mean to their siblings. They tortured them,

embarrassed them. You're always really sweet.

Exactly. He was like the perfect big brother.

My older brother's crowning achievement was hiding a dog treat in my lunch so

our dog would hunt it out. It took me a week before I figured out why my lunch

was eaten before I got to school.

That sounds just like Missy Calvert's pool party.

Missy Calvert's pool party.

Missy had this golden retriever. The dumbest.

dog ever.

You were the dummy.

What?

He left a candy bar in his clothes while we all went swimming and the dog nipped

it out.

What can I say? I like chocolate.

I hate to break up the party, but I have an early appointment tomorrow.

Henry, why don't you help me in the kitchen?

Good night.

Good night.

That was fun.

It was.

And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for us.

Oh, I love surprise.

I know.

I read about it in the book.

And I also read that you take George dancing.

Do you dance?

No. But I did sign us up for a lesson next week.

Definitely.

Great.

Good night, Annie.

Good night, George.

Looks like the night was a success.

Henry, you're so... Yeah, I'm such a genius.

Not Annie.

Are you leaving?

Yeah. Good night.

You think George is cute? Oh, so cute.

Yeah.

Mom, it was so much fun.

I finally feel like George is getting to know the real me. Yeah, except Annie

kept cheating.

I did not. Yes, you did. You kept guessing Henry's answers even though he

partner. Couldn't help it.

Henry? Why wasn't Jason there? We got into a fight because I tripped over his

shoes and almost sprained my ankle.

Always does that. And I've had it.

Everyone says that you need to give each other time to get used to each other's

habits. But I stupidly thought that when he stopped being a bachelor, he'd stop

being a slob.

Honey, things will work out.

You should remember what my mother used to say to me.

Before the moon has left the sky, he must know he's still your guy.

What does that mean? It means don't go to bed angry.

Why don't you just say that?

I like it.

I think it's romantic.

Before the moon has left the sky, he must know he's still your guy.

Okay, so now that things are going so well with you and George, you're done

being cranky and you're back to being a hopes romantic.

Precisely.

Henry, stop! You're... What are you... Dude, they're hard to sell when they're

dead. Yeah.

Hey, what is up with you?

You know how you said that I was jealous of that guy that Annie was dating?

Yeah?

Well, I hate to admit it, but...

You were right.

Not even a couple at all. You shouldn't be upset. You still have a shot.

Sales continue to climb, and there's a lot of chatter about the book on social

media. And because of that, I've got you on as one of the featured writers on

Hello America, and they're doing a feature for the Expo. On TV.

National TV.

The Expo organizers want you to talk about breaking into the literary world,

talk about your relationship, and how you crafted it into a book that women

across the country can relate to.

Talk about my relationship?

Yeah.

Miss Hendershot, that was George Monroe. He asked if you'll be ready for the

open house next week.

I'll have him call back.

Is George selling your house?

Um, yeah.

It looks like it. Wait, is that the only reason he's spending time with me?

Of course not.

I just wanted him to have some extra incentive in case he needed it. But it

sounds like things are going great between you guys.

The real estate commission is just an added bonus.

Okay?

Wow.

You look... But what are you doing here?

I just wanted to wish you luck for the night garden.

Oh, thanks.

But you didn't have dress all up for the occasion.

Actually, George read the book, too, so he's taking advantage of me.

Oh, well, lucky there.

Guy's figuring it out. Yeah.

Was that a good thing?

I think so.

I don't know. I just need to see him again and make sure we're on the right

track.

Because you're worried you may be on the wrong track?

I don't know.

Nervous.

Wow, it's so beautiful here.

It reminds me of a story about a man who planted a field full of wildflowers.

Just one man? That's one diligent man.

This man loved a woman so much, he broke his heart when she

had to leave.

Oh, a story.

Before she left, she gave him one flower, and she promised to be home

died. I hope he watered it.

He watered it.

But then she didn't come back, and it started to wilt.

So he planted another flower.

He felt like as long as there was one flower blooming, he had hope that she

would return.

I like it.

What happens next?

Every day that she didn't come back, he planted another and another, and he

waited and waited.

And before long, he had a whole field.

What happened to the girl?

What were you telling me?

I don't know. This is your story.

Wish me luck.

Good luck, Annie.

I, uh, I think, I think I'm supposed to lead. Oh, sorry, I thought you were.

Okay, maybe that's what we're doing wrong.

Annie?

Are you selling Della's house?

She told you.

Is that the only reason you're doing this? Of course not.

Annie. George.

Shh. I'm so sorry. Excuse us.

Excuse us.

Annie, listen. Listen to me.

I shouldn't expect much more. I mean, I asked you to defraud people, to pretend

that you cared about me, that you liked me.

I do like you, Annie.

I do.

And I was not withholding this Della thing from you. She just decided that

wanted to sell the other day.

I'm helping you with your career.

Is it so bad that you're helping me with mine?

If I sell Della's house, it will be my biggest commission ever.

It could lead me to new clients, bigger properties.

Besides, isn't that what people in relationships do?

Help each other out.

Are we in a relationship?

An unconventional one.

Most people meet and then decide if they like each other and then go on a date.

We were kind of a couple when we first met, and we're backtracking a little

Unless I messed it up.

No.

I don't know.

When I first met you, honestly, I thought that we were meant to be.

I just didn't think it would be this difficult.

I'm not an expert, but...

Maybe relationships aren't meant to be easy.

Yeah.

Should we go back inside?

No.

No. I don't really have much of a knack for that.

If I should go home, I have that speech to write for the expo. I don't have much

time to do it.

Annie, I know that we're backtracking a little bit, but I don't think we should

give up.

Besides, it's kind of neat being someone's destiny.

Good night, George.

Well, what happened? I have spent the last two days trying to write my speech

for this book expo. I don't know what I'm going to do.

Just picture the audience in their underwear.

Everyone says that works. It's not giving the speech that I'm worried

It's writing it. I'm supposed to write about how wonderful my relationship is

with George, and I don't know if it's wonderful.

What?

Sweetie, I thought everything was going so well.

I don't know.

I mean, George is everything that I wanted, but being with him is not what I

expected. Does that make sense?

Yeah.

Really? Yeah, it does.

Look, I know that you think Jason is some overgrown teenager.

No, I don't. Annie.

I just think that you put up with a lot from him.

I do, sometimes.

I mean, look, when I first met Jason, I felt what you see.

I thought he was some messy, schlubby guy.

But then I got to know the real Jason.

I mean, yeah, he drives me crazy sometimes.

But he also tries really hard to make things better when I'm upset.

Sweet. It is sweet.

He's my best friend.

I can trust him with anything.

And I can totally be myself around him.

So, yeah.

Being with Jason isn't what I expected.

It's way better.

You need to stop thinking about the George in your book and start thinking

the George in your life.

You've given us pretty good advice for a little sister. Well, after all the

advice you gave me growing up, I figure I owe you a few.

A hundred.

Hey. Hi.

What are you doing here?

Is everything all right? No.

I mean, yes.

Maybe.

I actually don't know.

I need to talk to you.

Okay. Let's go inside. Yeah.

Do you want to sit down?

No, no, no. I'm fine. Thanks.

What's going on?

You're always so easy to talk to, and now that I have the most important thing

that I will ever say to you, I don't know how to say it.

You can say anything to me, Henry. You know that.

Even if it's that I'm crazy about you?

And that I don't want you to give a speech that tells the world that you're

George?

Henry, that's not possible.

Why? Because I have to give this speech. My whole career depends on it.

Della is counting on me? George?

Annie, those three E's. It's supposed to change your life, but not so

specifically.

We don't choose who we fall

in love with.

Love is inconvenient and messy sometimes, but those are usually the

All I know is that you've been trying so hard to turn the real George into the

one in the book.

When all this time, you and I have had something real.

I know I may have the wrong name.

But, Annie, I know in my heart that I am the right guy.

Certainly an interesting discussion. Thank you, Thomas, Annie, William, and

Lillian, four up -and -coming authors making their debut at this, the 33rd

Annual National Booksellers Expo. Right now, we're going to take a quick break,

and we'll be back after this.

That was

perfect. Keep that up, and we will fly through the day.

That was the easy part. The focus wasn't on me or George.

What about me?

Nothing. You looked great up there.

You're a star.

Oh, I don't know. Now that I have a second with you, the open house is going

be from noon to four on Sunday.

It would be best if you could vacate the premises around then. And, Annie, I

drove by your mom's place on the way over here, and the curb appeal is

fantastic.

Really, totally worth it. You're a landscaper. You really put his heart

His name's Henry.

Your speech is in an hour. Why don't you go practice?

George, can you go with her and give her some tips? You're good with people.

Sure. You know what? I don't... I'll meet you in 45 minutes. Oh, excuse me.

This is Della.

Go.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

She's doing fantastic.

Yeah. So, uh... Shoot, let's hear the speech.

What, right here? Sure.

Uh, okay.

I can't believe I've been asked... to speak at the National Booksellers Expo.

I've only been a successful writer for about a minute, but I've been an avid

reader my entire life.

I've always loved to hear about how my favorite books came to be, so I'm

to be here with you.

When I wrote this book, I had an idea of what love was.

All grand gestures and perfect moments.

What happened?

I was saying love is grand gestures and perfect moments.

Right. Right, well, then that's the work that you put into it.

I mean, I guess it turns out that you can choose who you fall for.

What? I used to think that arranged marriages were so sad, but now I think I

it. As long as you're with someone that you're compatible with and you really

work at your relationship, you can really make that connection.

So is that the end of the speech?

No, but these note cards are so stiff.

I think it's better if I speak from the heart.

I absolutely agree.

I was saying that I

used to think that love was about grand gestures.

Perfect moments, but that's not what love is about.

A perfect moment isn't a hot air balloon ride or dance lessons.

A perfect moment is times of laughter when small disasters happen.

It's drinking milk and eating warm cookies and not being afraid to

share your deepest, darkest secrets.

Real love isn't about the best moments, it's about the worst.

And it's about being with that person you want to be with when nothing in your

life makes sense.

Real love is messy and it's inconvenient sometimes.

Those are usually the best parts.

Annie, thank you so much. And that concludes our program for today.

Della? Yes?

Can I have a minute with George, please?

Sure.

George, as my grandmother would say, before the moon leaves the sky, he

must know he's still your guy.

So I have to go.

What?

It turns out, funny enough, that you're not my George.

Someone else's. And if I don't go see him right now, I'm going to regret it.

I think that we both know that this shouldn't be this much work.

So thank you.

I guess you're right.

Set up the meetings. I'm telling you, the book signings, they are going

fantastic.

Gotta go.

Annie, where are you going?

I'm going to find the man of my dreams, Stella. He's not here. He never was. I

should have known you'd do this.

You told me yourself this book is selling.

You're making money. You're probably going to make more money. You want to

me? Go right ahead.

I don't care.

I want to live my life.

I want to be in love, Stella.

I want to be in love and not just in the pages of my book.

Henry?

Henry?

I'm so sorry, Henry.

I wanted to tell him before you left.

Tell him what?

The end of the story.

The flower story?

She got lost.

Who? The girl in the story.

She followed the wrong path for the wrong reasons.

And she finally found her way back.

And she's just hoping it's not too late.

It's okay that it took you this long to get here.

My Henry.

My Annie.