Original subtitles

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[♪♪]

[Emilia] Well, the first thing

you have to understand is--

romance isn't all about cleverly plotted meet-cutes

and low-stakes misunderstandings

easily resolved

over the course of a musical montage.

Don't get me wrong. Those work.

I-I love those stories.

I just-- I think there's room

for other types of love stories, too.

[ball rumbles]

[pins clatter]

Money!

-Okay. Okay. -Act like you know me.

[chuckling]

[Emilia] Some duos might look like the perfect pairing,

outwardly...

-[keys clicking] -[whoosh]

-...when, in fact...

-[crashing] -...they're headed for a split.

All right.

-Hey. -Hey.

[Emilia] Often, the most satisfying stories are the ones

that subvert your expectations.

[snap]

[thudding]

Because the truth is,

the most romantic stories...

...are often the least typical.

[♪♪]

You see, researchers studying online dating

discovered if a person's too focused

on checking off a list of rigid criteria in a partner,

if they're too fixated

on finding a--

quote, unquote-- "soulmate,"

they're likely to miss out on their true complement,

a partner whose differences fit their own

like interwoven fingers,

creating a firm lock.

[man] Hey, watch where you're going.

Sorry. The sidewalk is for sharing.

[Emilia] A romantic character shouldn't be flawless.

They need complexities. Depth.

It's their growth along the way

that makes them truly worth an epic love story.

Uh, excuse me?

-Hey. -Hi!

You took my coffee.

Thanks.

[Emilia] Well, that's my philosophy, anyway,

and it's served me well.

Can't argue with

the New York Times' best-seller list.

[drover] Ma'am, sorry to interrupt,

but we've arrived.

If you've changed your mind,

I can take you back to the airport.

No, no, no.

It's really now or never.

[♪♪]

Ms. Emilia Bloom.

You know, I've been trying

to keep a bit of a lower profile these days.

We are honored to have Pennfield's best-selling author

staying here with us this week.

I hope this means you'll be doing

a reading from your latest book?

The romance fans of Pennfield

finally convinced my publisher to send me home.

[chuckles]

I believe we reserved the penthouse?

Yes, Ms. Bloom.

And of course, you have access to all of our amenities.

-Mm. -That includes

our top-of-the-line gym--

Won't be needing that.

As well as our martini bar.

Mm. Much more my speed.

[both chuckling]

Could I... have my key, then?

[gasps] Oh!

So sorry.

You wouldn't mind signing this for me, would you?

Who should I make it out to?

[♪♪]

[Taylor] "The Bloomeria."

I sent an email last week,

but I'm still waiting

on a shipment of 12 artisanal planters,

two cases of assorted crystals,

and, uh...

let me think, um--

Terrariums?

Yes! 12 glass terrariums. Thank you.

Uh, if I could speak to a real human being

instead of an inbox,

maybe we could sort this out?

Thank you.

Hannah, how is that you can

follow my conversation,

update your socials,

and watch the front of the store all at the same time?

Gen Z. Digital native at your service.

Did you clean the potting area?

Yep.

Switch out the front-window displays?

Obviously.

Water the succulents?

Trick question. They're on a biweekly schedule.

Listen, I can't help it

if the rapid development of new tech

has shaped me into a flawless multitasker.

It's a blessing and a curse.

What are you posting, anyway?

Most recently?

Our sticky-fingered friend.

What am I looking at?

The Classifie app?

There's, like, a million apps. How am I supposed to keep track?

Exactly why you'd love this one.

Sort of an all-in-one--

local events and dating stuff rolled into one.

And, uh, shaming local shoplifters?

Exactly.

Like a bulletin board for the neighborhood.

Digital classifieds.

Okay, this guy's looking for pictures of feet.

No, thank you.

Come on, Taylor.

Every neighborhood has its endearing weirdos.

Not all the posts are like that.

You should seriously consider

advertising The Bloomeria on here.

A bunch of local shops do it.

Between Two Covers posts for all their in-store events.

-Really? -Check it out.

"Calling all book lovers.

Flash your Classifie app at checkout

for a free gift with purchase."

-What're they giving away? -I don't know.

Naughty bookmarks, maybe? That's not the point.

The point is, it draws in new customers.

I will think about it.

You know you won't. Just say you won't.

I will think about it!

[♪♪]

Okay, so I know that we've gone back and forth on this

a few times,

but I really think this design is gonna do the trick.

I think it captures the spirit

and the-the energy

that, uh, Between Two Covers has, um, uh...

brought back to the Pennfield business district, you know?

It's bold.

It's graphic, and i-it announces...

"We sell books here."

So, you know, that's, uh...

I'd be ready start priming the wall

just as soon as, you know,

you give me the go-ahead on the design.

And I want to sign off.

I told you, the owner is very particular--

I have to clear everything past them.

Right. Yeah. This mysterious owner that I've never met.

What can I say? They're a private person.

Yeah. So we're 100% sure that they exist, right?

This isn't some ploy

I've made up to frustrate you, Zach.

Trust me, I have better ways to spend my time, too.

[phone keys clicking]

Is everything okay?

Bowling league drama.

You know, they lured me in with their clever Classifie post,

but it's only been a month,

and there's already in-fighting

over the lane assignments at Langford Lanes.

[chuckles]

Langford Lanes.

Wow. Used to love that place.

Um...

so when do you think I can get an answer on these?

Uh, soon. Hopefully, definitely soon.

So, is it, like, a singles' thing, or...?

No. It's not a singles' thing.

Why is it that everyone assumes a single woman

with a fulfilling career and an active social life

is still on the hunt for a man?

-No. I didn't really mean-- -...I'm stuck at home

with my five long-haired cats, watching bridal shows,

and dreaming of the day

some man will save me from my lonely spinster life?

I love those shows!

I only have one cat.

She requires a lot less feeding than a boyfriend.

I like my life!

[Zach] Yeah.

Got it. Sure. Um...

Just bowling. Yep.

That's all I'm saying.

Yeah. I guess I just thought that Classifie

was like a dating app, so...

Some people use it that way. I don't.

Well, who needs that headache, right?

Sorry I went a bit off there.

No. No, no.

I'd say it was very, uh... uh...

Hostile?

No. No. I-I was gonna say "righteous."

[flustered] Uh...

we'll get... back to you on these.

-Yes. -Uh, uh...

-Free bookmark... [chuckles] -Great.

...for your troubles?

All right.

[groans]

You ever read through two of these and realize

the posters are actually perfect for each other,

if only they'd connect and figure it out?

Yeah, I think you overestimate the amount of time I spend

thinking about the love lives of strangers on an app.

Like-- Like this one.

They're asking for advice

on starting an urban vegetable garden,

this one wants to meet up with local vegans.

How perfect is that?

Let me see that, okay?

Neither of these people

is looking for a romantic connection.

Franki.

Everybody's looking for a romantic connection,

even the vegans.

Please tell me you don't message these people?

Um... ahem.

Yeah, very selectively. Yeah.

You are like a nosy grandmother!

My online persona is more...

"hard-to-nail-down man of mystery."

Maybe I'm available.

Maybe I'm not.

Maybe you're delusional, yeah?

[laughing]

Ah...

'kay, this person, for example,

needs me.

They're never gonna find their soulmate

with a post like this.

"Ready to bloom where I'm planted--

creative soul seeks deeper connections."

Translation--

"I'm a friendless loner whose therapist says

I need to put myself out there more."

-[laughing] -They need me!

You are reading way too much into that.

Oh, really? It continues.

"Let's share all Pennfield has to offer."

That's-- That's... What is wrong with that?

[shocked] What?

What is wrong with that?

That's too transactional!

Translation--

"I don't care how cheap this date is,

we're still splitting the bill."

Okay, now you're just twisting their words.

-[sighs] -No. These people aren't...

desperate.

Maybe just cliché.

This is why you're still single.

No, that is not why I'm single.

God, just promise me you won't message that guy.

Excuse me?

Francesca...

this sad, ineffective post was clearly written by a woman.

"I'm ready to blossom where I'm planted?"

Come on, that screams Georgia O'Keeffe.

[laughing] Okay. Well, man, woman-- whoever--

they're just looking for some company.

Okay? Nothing wrong with that.

Okay, if that's how you feel...

[whoosh]

...she's within a five-mile radius.

[whoosh]

Go get her, Franki.

N-- No! You know what?

I-I don't have the time.

Between work

and my extremely high-maintenance friendships,

my plate is full.

[clink]

Besides, there's no algorithm on Earth

that can accurately predict romantic compatibility.

You're right.

It's all... chemistry.

[wailful sax theme rises]

It's like... taking a seat at the local bar,

striking up a conversation with a handsome stranger...

What can I get you?

Mm...

let's talk gin.

Now, my know-it-all editor

says I need to incorporate more social media into my books.

Says it's so ubiquitous these days,

that a world without it is entirely too fictional.

So you're catfishing locals as you travel from town to town?

Excuse me?

I am doing research while I'm on my book tour.

Ah. Professional catfishing, then.

I am not trying to fool anybody,

or pretending to be somebody else.

The last thing I'm looking for is love.

I want access.

Yeah? Access to what? Banking information?

No, I'm good there.

I bet you are.

People's hopes...

and dreams...

and hangups.

You know?

To my editor's point-- we all live online these days.

You know, we're not individuals so much as usernames

that are connected to a catalog of things that we consume--

like, TV, movies... organic dishwashing detergent,

There's no accidental discovery.

You know?

And it's life through a filter,

-and it's just... -It's kind of superficial?

Exactly!

Given the opportunity

for some good old-fashioned, analog exchange,

you can get somebody to confess

their deepest longings and fears in no time.

Mm.

I'm sure you run across that in your line of work--

a stranger comes in, bellies up to the bar,

-and starts-- -Oversharing?

-It happens all the time. -Mm-hmm.

See?

We are all starving for real, tangible connection.

Like this poster-- "Ready to Bloom."

Sounds dreamy. Next!

Uh, no!

Lonely is great.

There is always a story there.

So...

"Dear Ready to Bloom--"

Oh, that's a good start.

"I have just landed in town

and I need a tour guide."

-Oh? -Is that good?

It's a little on-the-nose, but sure.

Okay. "Would you like to see your city

through a stranger's eyes?"

Wait. I thought you used to live here.

Uh, yeah, but that was a long time ago.

Anyway, I'm just casting a line,

and seeing if anything catches.

Cheers.

-[phone buzzes] -Oh.

Looks like Mr. Lonely was waitin' by his phone.

Wow. That was fast.

[Max] You can never know

where the first moment of connection could lead.

Maybe he's married, or--

Or a serial killer.

Or straight.

[laughing] Or straight!

You just never know until you put yourself out there.

[phone alert chimes]

What is that, an exciting new prospect?

It's hard to say.

-Let's see! -It's hard to say!

So, sometimes, you gotta, you know, take it offline.

Is that all you're gonna give me?

No more juicy details for you, Frankie. 'Kay?

You need to stop living vicariously

and go have an adventure of your own.

But I... I love juicy details. You know this about me.

I gotta take off.

-All right. -[smooch]

I'll see ya.

[phone chimes]

[♪♪]

Hey, go ahead and clock out.

I'll lock up.

A whole ten minutes early?

What, have you been body-swapped by aliens?

No. It's slow for customers,

and my brother just punked on family dinner,

so I'm just gonna order takeout

and make sure that I've watched everything made for TV.

Alternatively, you could, I don't know,

maybe try to have fun?

Ah, fun is for your twenties.

Go.

Make some questionable decisions for the both of us.

I will try my best.

See ya tomorrow, boss.

Goodnight, honey.

[switch clicks]

[chuckles]

Thank you.

You're hitting it off with the lonely local, aren't you?

No, he's funny. [laughs]

He's a little awkward, but... but funny.

It's strange, because he kind of reminds me of my husband.

You're married?

I was.

Oh, don't worry.

He's dead now.

-Oh. -I invited, uh,

"Ready to Bloom" to come and join us.

What, you invited them here?

Yeah, well, you have to meet a stranger in a public place--

that's just common sense.

Now we just wait

and see who walks through that door.

[♪♪]

[sighing wearily]

"The heart is a muscle that requires exercise."

[sighs] Yeah.

[♪♪]

[whoosh]

I am so going to regret this.

[barkeep] Well?

Any updates?

Radio silence.

-Boo. -Yeah, I'm calling it a night.

It seems that my lonely local has not been enticed.

[chuckles]

Or maybe he slipped in just under the wire.

Mom?

What're you doing here?

When did you get here?

What, are you visiting, or staying?

Why didn't you text or--

It was a last-minute addition to my book tour and...

I was gonna reach out first thing tomorrow!

Hello, hello!

-[chuckling] -Ah.

So your publisher finally sent you to Pennfield?

Yeah, well, you know, it's not always about the total reach,

but the level of enthusiasm.

They thought that a passionate hometown crowd

would generate excellent press for my latest release.

Well...

welcome home.

Are you staying here?

Mm. The penthouse suite.

Well, why don't you just stay at the house?

I mean, there's plenty of space.

I left your room the same-- your shoes, Dad's ties.

Oh. [stammers] You know, I wouldn't want to impose or--

Ahem. But look at you! You look so handsome.

I mean, what are you doing here? Are you meeting someone? A date?

Um...

I-I w-- I was, yeah, kind of.

Oh? Look at me. Wrecking your plans already.

Well, where is she, then?

I don't know, um...

it's kind of an unconventional setup.

Oh, a blind date?

On Classifie...

actually.

Oh?

Yeah, I don't know what she looks like,

I don't even know her name.

She just told me to meet her at the bar

and she likes gin martinis.

[♪♪]

She's not coming.

You're "Ready to Bloom," aren't you?

Oh... no.

No, no! No. No. Don't be embarrassed.

No, I think that these things probably happen all the time.

What? To who?

I finally post to that app and I pick up my mom

who doesn't even live here anymore?

You know what? I think that it proves that you and I,

we're compatible.

-Mom! -What?

Wait. Why are you even on the Classifie app?

I mean, are you dating again?

W-- [balks]

First of all, don't look so horrified.

No, I'm not.

I am just doing research for my-my-- my book.

That's all.

You're catfishing strangers for research?

[mutters] That's what I said.

[scoffs and sighs]

Wait. Does Taylor even know that you're here?

[chuckles awkwardly]

Well...

[sighs]

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

You're not

"The Heart is a Muscle," are you?

It's me. I'm-- I'm "Rooting4U."

Thanks?

No.

N-Not actually rooting... it's my screen-name.

From Classifie?

Wrong guy.

Right. Clearly.

Uh, sorry. E-Enjoy the coffee.

[deep breath]

[sighing]

You know...

I was worried that you might be too cool for me.

But thanks for putting my mind at ease.

[laughs] I'm Franki.

Francesca.

Nice to meet you.

[♪♪]

It's just the third shelf to your left.

[door bell jingles]

Hello.

Hello--

-Emilia Bloom. -Yes.

Uh, welcome to... Between Two Covers.

[awkward laugh]

We weren't expecting you. Yet.

But I confirmed the dates with your publisher and, um...

[stressed chuckle]

[mutters] Emilia Bloom.

And do you have a name?

Yes.

And it is...?

Uh, Margot! Heh.

-Manager. -Ah!

Well, Margot the Manager,

I came in a few days early

to make the most of this last stop on my tour.

You may know that I lived in Pennfield for many years.

I know everything about you.

[laughs] I mean, everything that is normal to know.

Okay, well, I am looking

for a little hole-in-the-wall jewelry shop

where my husband used to buy me things,

and I feel certain

that it is just right around here somewhere.

It was just right around the corner.

Oh!

But they went out of business. About three-ish years ago?

Three years? Really?

Yeah, uh, it's a coffee shop now.

Super-cute.

I can, uh, take you there, if you want.

Uh...

are-aren't you supposed to be working?

-Oh! -Yeah.

I think you should stay working,

and you should get everybody very excited

about my book reading, okay?

Okay. I am. I mean, we are!

All of us.

[laughing] Okay.

Oh, actually, Margot?

-Yes, Ms. Bloom? -Um...

do you happen to have some water?

'Cause I forgot to take... my vitamins.

[laughs]

[shaky breath, exhales tensely]

[♪♪]

I, uh...

I'm not sure why I...

Sorry. I'm-I'm-- I'm Taylor.

Yeah, you thought I was a guy, didn't you?

No.

I mean...

Yes. Yes, I did.

-Guilty. -No. It's all good.

It happens all the time in my line of work.

Which is... personal training?

[laughing] No!

I'm flattered, but no. I'm...

Sorry. Just the screen-name-- "HeartIsAMuscle"?

Yeah, I-I'm a doctor. Cardiologist.

-A doctor? -Yeah.

I've got the MD and the med school debt

to prove it.

That's great.

Not the debt part. Um...

Hey. Taylor, if, um,

if you're not interested-- in coffee--

you just say the word.

Personally, I love coffee,

so I'm fine with my latte either way.

Ah!

-Margot? -Mm-hmm?

Is everything okay?

[giggles]

I just met Emilia... Bloom.

Already?

I-I thought you confirmed the dates?

I did, uh, but she's in town early

and she just-- ha! ...casually swung by.

Is she still in the shop?

No, she just left.

But she is exactly like I always imagined--

smart and glamorous.

Ha! Total force of nature.

[chuckles]

Oh, did you... did you want to meet her?

I'm sorry, you're usually a behind-the-scenes guy.

No! No, no. I-It's fine.

Actually, it's for the best.

We've already met.

You know Emilia Bloom?

[bangs desk] Why didn't you say something?

Well, because I don't actually "know her" know her.

Not anymore.

[sighs] Anyway.

This design doesn't really...

show what makes us special.

But we're a bookstore.

Yeah.

I'd like him to take another pass.

Less books.

I'll let him down gently.

[♪♪]

[Franki] So you really had no idea?

No. How could I? It's anonymous.

Well, my best friend, Max, is convinced that he can tell--

like, age, gender, level of desperation...

Well, I am happy to prove him wrong--

if you guys have that kind of, you know,

casual, competitive friendship.

Oh, yeah, definitely. Ever since pre-med.

Mm.

How is the latte, by the way?

Delicious.

You know, I've been meaning to come in here for ages.

My shop is right around the corner,

but it's just--

it's hard to get away during work hours.

It's my first year in business,

so it's kind of make-or-break.

You don't have any help?

No, I do.

I have a college junior

who might just be better at my job than I am.

Mm.

It's just, I--

You like being in control.

Yeah.

Yeah, I guess I do.

Um, so, your post actually really resonated

with, uh, being a fellow workaholic.

Now, I really think that we should re-frame it

as "high-achieving and detail-oriented."

Mm?

Yeah, there's plenty of people who get total fulfillment

from their work.

I wish I got total fulfillment.

I think, at this point, it's mostly just total fear.

Oh?

Yeah. I'm not, obviously,

dealing with life-or-death stakes

the way you are,

but my business does consume my life.

I'm there morning till night,

and then, even when I'm not there,

I'm just worried that it's, you know, catching fire,

or getting robbed,

or failing.

Wow. I really need to see this flower shop now.

[laughs]

You know, it's actually more of a, um,

plant store and artisanal goods boutique.

[chuckles]

But... you're welcome any time.

All right.

I have a question for you.

Shoot.

I don't want to offend or anything--

[chuckles] It's gonna be a good one, then.

Why did you post in the first place?

Uh, you know, you seem to have a great career

and incredible friends.

Don't people try to set you up all the time?

Most of the time, it's really just my patients

trying to set me up with their grandkids.

[chuckles]

And always women?

Are you asking who they try to set me up with,

or who I would actually take out?

The latter, I guess.

I had girlfriends in college and, um...

dated women here and there throughout med school.

And, um, it-it just got easier

to be a fantastic physician than a fantastic partner.

I think now I finally have my feet under me,

and if I don't put myself back out there now...

maybe I never will.

Uh, who knows.

Maybe there's someone out there who feels the same

and, you know, wants to--

[overlapping] ...Share a life together?

Yeah, that, or I was gonna say

just a nice bottle of wine and a movie?

Oh! Yeah. Yeah.

That sounds more... sane.

Light and spontaneous. Right?

I can't remember the last time I did something spontaneous.

Doesn't this count?

Yeah. I guess it does.

Well, good.

Look at you.

Look at me. Look at us.

[chuckling]

[♪♪]

[Zach sighs]

[exhales wearily]

[whump]

[Hannah] Hope you don't mind-- I had to open without you.

I texted.

Did you?

Hmm! I didn't notice.

It looks great, though.

You never let me open solo.

No?

No.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm great. I...

I don't know. Maybe I'm over-caffeinated?

No.

You're, like, the opposite of over-caffeinated.

Where's my real boss?

The one who likes to shelve the aloe plants by height?

She's just trying to be more open to things.

You know?

But do not touch the aloe plants.

[door bell jingles]

Want me to get that?

Nah, I got it.

Mom.

Look at this place!

You really did it!

What are you doing here?

Well, I thought it was time

to come and see what my children have been up to.

And...

I mean, uh, just look at this!

The pots and the plants and...

it's just fantastic.

And you really look the part of a scrappy young business owner.

Because I am, Mom. This is not a costume.

No, no.

It sure is not. Of course. I know that.

It's so great to see you, Taylor.

I really missed you.

Miss Bloom.

-Oh, hi. -Hi. I'm Hannah.

Nice to meet you.

Taylor didn't mention you were coming to Pennfield.

Well, um, I'm-- I'm really just passing through.

In fact, you should come to my reading

at Between Two Covers--

-Ah. -...Later this week.

Now it makes sense.

I wanted to invite you and Zach personally.

Ah, wow. That's so nice.

Sort of how I invited you to my grand opening.

Oh! I know I so wish I could've gotten away for that.

Yeah. Yeah, me too, Mom.

It's been a long time.

Well, as a young business owner yourself,

you understand how crucial it is to prioritize--

Everything but family, yeah.

Is it Hannah?

Yeah.

-Would you mind--? -Oh, yeah!

I-I'll just go, uh...

I'm gonna measure the aloe plants.

Uh...

I am here now, Taylor.

And I really am looking forward to spending time

with you and your brother.

We have so much to catch up on.

Yeah, well, unfortunately, I'm really quite busy.

Um...

I don't know,

maybe if you'd called ahead... or-or ever.

I-I sent birthday cards and letters.

{chuckles bitterly] Yeah.

Yeah, Zach still hangs those on the fridge.

I'm sure he'd love to see you.

Look, I'll-- I'll try and come to your thing.

Okay? I know how really important it is to you.

Thank you.

But I didn't just come here for work.

Because we have a lot of things that we need to discuss.

[chuckles nervously]

Ahem. Important things.

What? Did you decide to sell the house? Evict Zach?

Yeah. Figured that was coming.

Taylor. No.

Your father trusted me to do the right thing,

and I will always take care of you and Zach.

[laughs bitterly]

Mom, you left.

As soon as he died.

We went from having two loving parents to none,

in the space of a year.

That's not something you can just fix

with a pitstop on your book tour.

[♪♪]

Now, look, I'm sorry,

but I really do have to get back to work,

which I'm sure you understand.

[♪♪]

[quietly] Yeah.

[♪♪]

[bell jingles]

[♪♪]

Oh!

Oh...

Miss Bloom!

Are you okay?

No, I'm fine. I'm fine. Ohh...

[♪♪]

I'm calling an ambulance.

No, no, no, don't do that.

I'm fine.

I'm feeling much better already.

Okay, great.

Then that gives me enough time to drive you to the hospital.

I just over-exerted myself, that's all.

I'm going to finish this glass of water,

go back to my penthouse suite,

order room service,

and kick back for the rest of the night.

That sounds extremely glamorous.

Unfortunately...

I can't let you leave.

If this is a "Misery" situation,

I want you to know,

I do carry pepper spray in my purse.

I'm not going to kidnap you

and force you to write me a book.

Well, that's a relief.

It's just...

[sighs]

I know what those pills are.

My grandpa took the same ones before he...

The pills...

well, Margot...

you got me there.

The truth is

that I am--

well, I'm on a deadline for my next book,

and I haven't written a word in months.

I just found out that my daughter hates me.

And I think it's just a little unfair

that I am having to work through all of that...

while dealing with a teeny-tiny hiccup

of just recently having had a heart attack,

and that's what the pills are for.

Okay, are you having

a teeny-tiny...

heart attack right now?

I don't think so.

[laughs nervously]

You don't think so?

-[door closes] -Mom?

So you did know.

I was gonna text you.

She wanted to surprise you.

Yeah, well, she did.

She showed up at The Bloomeria today

and acted like it hadn't been five years.

And I take it that it was a warm welcome?

I think she's really trying, Tay.

Do not "Tay" me.

Were you two co-conspirators on this?

-Did you plan this whole thing? -No!

I didn't even know she was coming.

I just...

I don't know.

Maybe it's time to leave the past in the past.

Cut her a break.

Yeah, of course, she tracked you down first.

All right, what's that mean?

You're just like Dad.

[scoffs]

Okay, first of all,

she didn't track me down.

-Okay, whatever you say. -And furthermore,

what is wrong with being like Dad?

Come on, Zach.

You let people take advantage of you.

All the time.

-That's not true. -Really?

So you wanna tell me

how many drafts you've done of these murals?

What, five? Six?

Sometimes,

you just have to cut your losses

and stop holding on to that tiny shred of hope

that people won't continually disappoint you.

I...

I didn't come--

I don't-- I don't want to fight with you.

I'd rather you fight with me than with Mom.

I'm sorry.

I-I didn't mean--

I think you said exactly what you meant to say.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe I am a pushover, like Dad.

But I would rather be that than...

You know she's only here for her book signing, right?

She didn't come to apologize.

It's not about us.

-I should get back to this. -Sure.

Zach.

She had five years to fix all of this.

It's too late.

So, I will tolerate Mom's presence in Pennfield

because I love you.

But no matter what you want to believe,

I know that Mom'll be out of here

as soon as she gets her fill of her hero worship.

[footsteps recede]

[♪♪]

[Max] I'm listening.

Okay, so, she's never dated a woman before.

So she's straight.

Aren't we evolved enough

to admit that human sexuality exists on a spectrum?

Okay, so she's bi?

[stammers] No. I don't want to assign labels

or make any assumptions, okay?

She said

she's never met a woman who interests her before.

And sometimes,

you just don't know until you know. You know?

So again, I ask, what's the problem?

I just--I don't want to fall for her if we're--

if we're destined to end up as platonic friends.

Okay.

There was this... thing between us.

[chuckles]

You really liked her, huh?

Yeah, of course, I did,

which inevitably means

I'm never gonna hear from her again.

-Pfft. Come on. -[phone chimes]

Look, that's probably her. Go on. Check it.

[message alert chimes]

Go on.

Check it.

"Need to blow off some steam.

Are you up for an adventure outside of the coffee shop?"

Ooh...

She's asking me out on a date, right?

Yeah. "An adventure."

That could mean anything. Is it a date or-or not a date?

Oh! Oh, so now you understand the value of labels?

I got it. Yeah.

-Not helping! -Ow, ow, ow. Okay, okay.

So...

just ask her for some clarification.

But, like... in a flirty way.

"Flirty" clarification?

-Mm-hmm. -Okay.

Okay. Yes.

Um...

[sucks air]

I-I don't know how to do that.

What?

[Hannah] What's good? Whatcha doing?

Super-cas.

Now I'm actually interested.

I may have gone on a date... through that app.

You used Classifie?

Boss!

I'm so proud!

What?

Did you totally blow it?

No.

At least... I don't think I did.

It was supposed to be a quick coffee

and we talked for three hours.

Hah.

I knew something was up.

You never let me open solo.

Then I asked if they wanted to go on another date,

and it's been three blinking dots.

Ouch.

Wait. So that is bad?

Well, not necessarily,

but it's probably more complicated

than you thought.

Like, I don't know,

maybe he's seeing multiple people,

and he really likes you,

but he just doesn't want to lead you on,

in case he really likes someone else more.

Or he's married. That's always a possibility.

I don't think so.

You don't know. People lie.

Well, he's not married,

and he's not dating a lot...

What am I even saying?

Uh...

he...

isn't a he.

[stunned gasp]

What is this for?

First of all,

I'm super proud of you

for embracing this new possibility.

And second,

getting ghosted by a woman has got to be so much harder.

Wow.

I'm not getting ghosted.

Am I?

[♪♪]

Hannah!

Okay, I'm just gonna say, "Would love to see you again.

Is this a date-date or not a date?"

Right?

Do-- Do-Do not send that.

-No? -No!

Just give me the phone. I'll handle this.

-Oh, okay. -Yeah, I got this.

-[phone rings] -Oh! No, I gotta get that.

This is Dr. Murray speaking.

I'll be right there.

Bye.

Go. Go. I got this.

I know things might seem dark right now,

but I-I promise, in time,

you'll find other women.

Or men. Or whatever.

You made real strides today.

You're not gonna pass out, are you?

I'm not trying to make this about me.

Okay.

-[knocks] -What is it?

Is she having a heart attack? Is she dying?

Just, um, you can ignore Margot.

Okay. Is this your daughter?

No, no. She's actually my bookseller.

[laughs]

Oh! Which reminds me,

uh, you should really come to my book reading.

[laughs]

Yes, um... yes, okay.

-Emilia. -Hmm?

When you transferred into my care,

you promised me that you were gonna--

you were gonna stop drinking,

you were gonna monitor your diet,

and you were gonna take your medication religiously.

And you assured me that you had

the necessary support systems in place

to help you do that here.

Well, I have, um...

I have Margot!

She is very...

supportive.

And I have you!

I'm your doctor.

Yes! Yes.

Emilia.

I thought the whole point of receiving treatment in Pennfield

was so that you could be closer to your family,

for their support.

Why aren't they here?

Yeah.

Well, I am, um, I am working on that.

Well, your chart indicates that you're not.

And I'm concerned that you could have another cardiac event.

Okay, I will do better.

I-I-I will do better, better, better, better, I promise.

Well, I'm telling you, at this point,

you have no other option.

A mimosa while you wait, Ms. Bloom?

Oh! Yes, please.

Actually...

sorry, could you just give me the juice part?

And...

an herbal tea?

[server] No problem.

-Hi. -Hi!

Uh... are you being followed?

Am I?

Zach, it's a joke. Sit down!

Sorry. It's just...

just feels strange, not inviting Taylor.

I doubt you're gonna get spotted here,

because, apparently, she never steps foot outside of her shop.

We still do family dinner.

-Every week. -You do?

I think you two have been good for each other.

We didn't really have a choice, so.

[server] Your juice...

and the tea.

Oh, no, sorry, she only drinks coffee.

Buckets and buckets of coffee.

No, no, no. Zach, it's totally fine.

[chuckles]

So herbal-y.

Thank you.

[sighing] Ahh...

Are you okay?

Yeah! No, I'm... so happy

that you were free to come and join me for breakfast.

Conveniently, I have no life, so.

You have your work.

-Is that not going well? -I'm designing

a mural for Between Two Covers.

You know, the bookstore?

It nearly folded, like, a couple years ago, I think.

Yeah, seems that they're having a comeback

if they're commissioning murals

and, you know, hosting my book reading.

Well, at least one of those will be a success.

Ohh.

I'm just a little bit stuck creatively.

Does that ever happen to you?

What am I thinking?

A book a year-- you're a machine.

That is not always a good thing, Zach.

Your sister--

I mean, she's more like me than-than she'll ever admit.

You know, she's stubborn and driven and single-minded,

and, you know, it's why she's gonna make that shop

a wild success,

but I just hope that she doesn't neglect

the rest of her life

to see it succeed.

Hmm.

I was thinking maybe you could, you know, talk to her.

It's not like I have all the answers.

My personal life's probably going worse than the mural.

Recent highlights include an accidental date with my mom.

[Emilia laughs]

Maybe you're just an analog guy,

like your dad.

He was always so old-fashioned that way.

I was thinking about our bowling nights recently.

I have to confess,

I always felt a tiny bit left out.

Your dad,

he always understood the need to live and play.

I kind of struggled with the balance of that.

Hmm.

I know that you still miss him

and I want you to know that I miss him

still.

Desperately.

And I know I haven't been a very present parent.

But I'm here now.

Let me try.

I gotta ask. [laughs]

What's with the tea?

Well--

that is just a... it's a healthier alternative,

so, yeah, and I've-I've also stopped drinking.

-What? -[laughs] Yeah.

Hannah, do you know where

the rest of the healing amethyst crystals are?

I thought we placed our order, but I can't seem to find any.

Uh, have you checked

wherever you keep your very tiny fairy lights?

You laugh,

but I do stock very tiny fairy lights.

Oh, I would be disappointed if you didn't.

That is...

quite the glass thing.

Uh, special-order terrarium.

-Ah. -Hi.

Hi.

-You-- -I...

Ah. Thank you.

Um...

you found my shop.

I did. Did you know that there are very few

artisanal pottery and plant shops

within walking distance to Joe's?

Right, right.

Um...

so you aren't ghosting me...

Did you expect me to?

N-No. No.

I, uh...

you know the three-dots-of-death thing?

Um, my employee--

...told me to abandon all hope.

Oh, no, I-- I'm so sorry I left you hanging.

I got called into work last night.

Oh. I mean, yeah, I totally get it.

I get called into work all the time for emergencies.

You know, over-watering emergencies

and-and under-watering.

[chuckles] I know you're joking, but...

don't downplay what you do.

You've managed to keep

a small business open in a terrible economy.

That's really impressive.

I tell her that all the time.

-Hi. -Hi.

Sorry, I'm-- I'm Hannah.

Oh, yes.

Uh, Franki.

Nice to meet you.

You know, we should, uh, find a place to talk,

but, um, maybe not here.

Yes. Um...

can I can steal you tonight?

I'm not on call.

I love this.

This is... really good.

-Uh, Hannah... -[Franki laughs]

...could you maybe go look for that box of crystals?

[♪♪]

[chuckles]

I, uh, I close up at seven.

7:00.

Um, okay, could you sneak away, like, an hour early?

I really want to show you this...

this thing,

but it's kind of time-sensitive.

Um, that's just a little tough--

[Hannah shouts] I can close tonight!

In case anybody was wondering.

I will make it work, apparently.

[laughs] Yeah.

Great.

Okay, I will... I'll see you then.

-Bye. -Bye.

Good call, Boss.

She's hot.

Hot doctor.

Stop.

9-1-1, I've got a fever,

and her name is Dr. Franki.

You know what a second date means, right?

We should probably have a talk.

[♪♪]

[groans] Oh, Madeleine, Madeleine, Madeleine.

I am gonna need your stiffest Shirley Temple.

You're sure I can't tempt you with a glass of wine?

It's nearly happy hour.

[inhales]

No, thank you.

This book isn't gonna write itself.

Excuse me, Miss, is this seat taken?

Depends who's asking.

Your biggest admirer.

Brian Thompson?

Yup.

-Is that you? -Yup.

What?

Oh, my gosh, hello!

-Oh. -[laughing happily]

Welcome home, Em.

Thank you.

[♪♪]

So, this is why you asked me to leave the clogs at the shop?

Well, it's not a super challenging hike.

Just enough to get the blood flowing.

Okay, just for your information,

I'm not super outdoorsy.

Most kids, they go camping.

I went bowling with my dad.

Are you in?

I can't believe you have my very first.

I mean, and this is in absolutely perfect,

perfect condition.

You've obviously not read it.

Of course, I read your book, Em.

Really?

Yeah, I read all your books.

I saved this one for an inscription,

if you would do me the honor.

Of course,

but first, you owe me an explanation.

Huh. What do you mean?

How did you know I was staying here?

[chuckles]

Between Two Covers.

Is Margot going around, telling people my business?

No.

She did, however,

tell her employer where to find you.

You own the bookstore?

-Mm-hmm, yeah. -What?

You're kinda responsible for that.

I used to read those short stories you wrote.

Oh. Oh... those were bad.

They were fantastic,

and they got me hooked.

I started spending way too much time reading

while gradually growing to resent my actual job.

Which was?

Accountant.

[laughs]

[ruefully] I know.

Sorry.

But I'm really good at balancing the books now.

So, what made you decide to buy the bookstore?

Some people go through a mid-life crisis.

After my divorce,

Between Two Covers was mine.

Ah...

No.

No infidelity, no kids, nothing like that.

Nothing for your next book.

[laughs]

I just came to realize

that I was more excited

about the prospect of saving a community treasure

than I was...

saving my own marriage,

and, ironically,

for once, my ex was on the same page.

I have to confess,

I wasn't sure that Pennfield would ever get you back

after your husband passed.

Ms. Bloom.

Ah, thank you.

What are you drinking?

Oh, this is a Shirley Temple.

A Shirley Temple?

Yeah.

[chuckles mirthlessly]

Well, I'm working, and I'm... you know...

[sighs]

I'm trying a whole new...

diet.

Why?

You're-you're stunning.

You're as stunning as you ever were.

Oh,

well, thank you.

Um... [chuckling] but no.

It's just, um... yeah.

It's not a vanity thing.

Just...

Is it a health thing?

Wow.

Not too bad, right?

I mean...

Please tell me I don't have to start hiking

on the regular.

Sometimes, it's worth the effort.

[chuckles]

[sighs] I gotta be honest,

I really don't know what I'm doing.

Yeah, well,

it's just one foot in front of the other, really.

I am not talking about the hiking.

Yeah, I know.

Franki,

you are amazing,

in every way...

But?

No-- [sighs]

[text message buzzes]

I wouldn't be so worried

if I wasn't convinced

I was gonna somehow screw this up.

Well,

if that's your main concern...

I can promise you

that we all screw it up at some point.

Well, that's comforting.

[chuckling] Just being honest.

That doesn't scare me.

That makes one of us.

[♪♪]

[Hannah] Hey, Zach. Long time no see.

Hey.

Is Taylor in the back?

No.

No...

Is she doing a delivery or something?

Don't think so.

Huh.

She's not answering my texts.

Nobody's answering my texts.

I guess Taylor's pretty busy.

But not with work.

See, that's very unlike Taylor.

What's going on, Hannah?

I know you know.

How's your, uh...

mural going, Zach?

You know about that?

I got my sources.

Ears in the street.

It's...

it's going good,

it's going really well, great, mm-hmm.

-Hmm. -Top-notch.

Okay, well, just tell Taylor I came by, all right?

I'm making dinner this week.

Whatever she wants.

But that would actually require her to answer my messages.

That app is a plague.

It only works if you work it.

Yeah, yeah.

Hmm.

I cannot believe how long it's been.

I really didn't mean to stay away as long as I did.

It's just once I was gone,

it was easier not to feel his crushing absence

every single second of every single day.

We built a life here together.

We built a home.

We shared our first kiss right across the street.

I can see how that would be difficult.

Impossible...

...and the kids don't understand.

I did not leave to hurt them.

I left so that they wouldn't have to live

with all of my pain.

They had enough of their own to deal with.

And did you explain it to them like that?

Well, I mean, Taylor wouldn't let me, and...

Besides,

I'm just really not good at these conversations.

Andy was always the one that comforted them.

You've just got to find a way to talk to Taylor.

If she's anything like you, she'll understand.

Once you get past the bristly, angry part.

Good luck to me. [chuckles ruefully]

Right.

I'm sorry.

You know what,

I really didn't mean to unload all of this on you.

I should've just signed your book

and let you--

let you go on your way.

I don't feel that way.

I think we both know

that I've always had a thing for you.

Really?

-[laughs] -Yeah.

It just,

if felt wrong bringing it up with your husband.

Oh, please, he knew, too.

Why do you think he proposed so quickly?

I knew it.

See? You snooze, you lose, buddy.

That's the way it goes.

It's nice to think

that we still have time to make new choices.

You know, me, with the bookstore.

You with your kids.

Well, I certainly know

that it's on me to make things right.

After my heart attack,

I realized,

"Oh, maybe I don't have all the time in the world

to find my way back there,

and then my kids will never know...

[chuckles ruefully] ...why I left."

[sighing] Oh, god...

Hey... you okay?

No, no, no, it's not that.

I--

let me take you back to the hotel.

You know what,

if you don't mind,

I think I have a better idea.

[Zach] Taylor, Is that you?

Hi, honey!

Mom!

All right,

call me if you need anything.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

[sighs]

I'm home!

So, you're moving in?

Uh... you offered, didn't you?

Yeah, and you turned me down.

I thought you were leaving town right after your reading.

I never said that.

No, I think that, um...

I think there are some reasons

that I should stick around for a while.

It's not because of that guy, right?

I mean, where'd you even meet him?

Technically?

The hotel bar.

Mom!

You've got to be careful.

He could be trying to scam you?

I mean, you're kind of a high-profile person

around here.

Oh, just around here?

I was looking for international notoriety.

You know what I mean.

He's not trying to scam me, Zach.

He's an old friend.

I know,

it's weird to think that I had a life before kids,

but I did.

-[chuckling] Mom... -Zach, Zach, Zach, Zach, Zach.

I did not come here to talk about Brian, okay?

[exhales nervously]

I should have told you this right from the start.

I didn't come to Pennfield for a stop on my book tour.

I asked my publisher

to find a reason to send me here

because I needed to see you and your sister.

What's going on?

I had a heart attack.

A heart attack?

A few months ago.

Mom.

But don't worry.

I am being treated, by an excellent specialist.

It's just that the whole recovery thing

apparently is...

could take longer than I expected, and...

[scoffs]

[scoffing]

I can't believe you had a heart attack

and didn't tell us.

Now you're mad?

No, I'm not mad,

I'm furious.

I wanted to tell you earlier,

but your sister--

No, no, don't blame her!

I know she gives you a hard time,

but that was your choice.

We've always been living

with the repercussions of your choices.

I mean, you think you're protecting us,

but by keeping a distance from us,

you're just driving the wedge deeper.

I'm sorry, Zach.

Clearly, this was a bad idea.

Clearly.

I mean, it was a bad idea,

and I knew it was a bad idea, and I should just--

Right, well, there you go again,

walking away, just like Taylor would say.

Put your bags down, Mom.

Right, this isn't a debate.

[♪♪]

Zach, you are such a gifted artist.

Then why am I eating this so hard?

I've made half a dozen versions.

They've all been rejected

by this mystery owner of Between Two Covers.

Well, I'm sure that he-- or she--

knows how capable you are.

It's just a matter of...

you know, reconceptualizing.

I think I'm gonna tell them to find another artist.

What?

Mom, you can tell me.

I don't want to wear out my welcome that quickly.

Mom...

Your dad was always so good at this.

He always knew what to say, when to say it,

how to say it.

[sighs]

I mean, it really was because of him

that I finished my first book.

[chuckles]

Yeah, I think he's the only reason

I ever finished art school.

See?

I mean, sometimes,

I feel like I'm trying to be helpful,

but it just comes off as criticism.

Well, that's not entirely inaccurate,

but this time,

I am asking for your feedback.

So,

lay it on me.

Well...

just maybe you're focusing too much

on the business.

You know, where are people that make Pennfield special

and unique?

You know, not the-- not the dead, famous authors,

but the real flesh-and-blood people.

Hmm.

Thanks, Mom.

All right.

So, now that I have solved your problem,

I need you to help me with mine.

So, now that we've established

I am completely capable

of opening and closing on my own,

I think it's time

for a serious discussion regarding my compensation.

Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?

Too many women sell themselves short

with salary negotiations.

Hannah, you're not wrong,

and I would love to give you a raise,

but I'm just--

I'm stretched as thin as I can right now.

So, what you're saying is

if profits go up, I get my raise?

You make it sound so easy.

[Hannah] No worries, boss.

I got you.

So, another date with the hot doc?

What's it this time?

Movie under the stars?

Conceptual pottery class?

Are you adopting a cat together?

Slow down.

We've only had a handful of dates.

I don't know,

I believe that's a very typical timeline

for co-parenting a cat with another woman.

[Taylor] Uh-huh.

I will see you first thing tomorrow.

Don't burn the place down.

Okay, I only saged it once.

And the fire was completely--

--contained.

All right, family dinner, let's do this.

For once, I have a lot to fill you in on.

[♪♪]

Hey, honey, I hope you don't mind,

I am cooking tonight.

What is going on?

Mom's kind of, uh, staying here now.

You set me up.

No, no, no, no, no one set anybody up.

It's family dinner tonight,

and I'm part of the family...

still.

You know, I had a lot that I needed to talk to you about,

alone.

Tay, come on.

It's one dinner.

See you next week.

Taylor.

You're gonna make me chase you?

Come on, Tay, wait.

Look, I should've told you she was here,

but I didn't think you'd come.

Of course, I wouldn't have!

I thought I made myself perfectly clear.

You can make nice with her all you want.

I am not interested.

There are things she wants to tell you,

needs to tell you, okay,

and I can't...

I can't choose between you two anymore.

[scoffs]

Look, this isn't what Dad would've wanted,

for any of us.

I'm not ready.

I...

I just, I really wanted to talk to my brother tonight.

And you still can.

Do you really want to play fake, happy family

all dinner?

No.

Okay, no dinner.

Change of plans.

[♪♪]

[Taylor] Hey, not bad!

You have impeccable form,

and, uh, really bad aim.

Why do I remember being so much better at this?

Because Dad always let us use bumpers.

No, he didn't.

Yeah, he did,

until you hit puberty,

and started growing a mustache.

My turn.

Watch and learn, bro.

[laughs] No...

-Mm-hmm. -No.

It's all in the walk.

I don't know her.

What?

Thank you very much.

That looked ridiculous.

That does not count.

Zachary, Zachary, Zachary.

You gotta just find what works for you

and quit worrying what it looks like

to everyone else.

Okay, Yoda.

[chuckles]

No Slushie for you.

Yeah?

Zach...

this was a really good idea.

Mostly because I'm winning.

Okay.

Oh!

That's right.

Margot.

[chuckles]

I guess the bowling league lured you back in, huh?

Or you're here with a, um...?

Bowling league?

Yeah, guilty as charged.

Actually,

I've been planting the seeds of revolution.

Trying to unseat the power-tripping despot

who runs it.

Oh, yeah.

I can see that.

You know, I could always, uh,

infiltrate the team

and help bring him down or something.

[scoffs]

Actually, I'd love that.

Great. I'll put it on my calendar.

[laughing]

Hey, Zach, you ready to go?

Yeah. Margot, this is Taylor,

my sister.

Yeah, uh, Taylor, this is Margot,

she manages the bookstore.

It is really nice to meet you.

I'm super impressed with what you've done with the place.

Oh, thanks.

It'll be even better once Zach's mural is up.

Yeah, about that.

Um, I think I may have something for you soon.

Really?

-Really? -Yeah,

Mom helped me with it, weirdly.

Well, I, uh,

I can't wait to see it,

and I'll keep you in the loop about the, uh,

the revolution.

Yes. Revolución.

[laughs]

[they chuckle awkwardly]

Well, uh, have a good, uh, bowl...

[muttering awkwardly]

Thanks.

It's so nice meeting you.

-Yeah. -We're gonna go now.

-Bye. -I'll... I'll send you the--

Yup. He'll do the thing.

Bye!

[Zach] I can't believe I said that--

What happened to you back there!

I don't know!

It just came out of my mouth.

Oh, my gosh.

You should ask her out,

but, like, on a real date, please?

Don't take her bowling.

It is not romantic.

Yeah, I don't think she's interested.

She's definitely interested.

Yeah, you don't know this girl.

She's got a very strong opinion

about women's independence, I'm telling you.

She also had a very strong opinion about your butt.

[laughing] No.

We're not going there. We're not discussing that.

Why not?

Well, first off,

since when did are you the authority on dating?

You haven't dated anybody since, what, college?

I'm actually seeing someone now.

No, you aren't.

I am.

I swear.

It's, uh... it's new,

but it's actually going really well.

Taylor! [laughing fondly]

That's why I freaked out about dinner.

I wanted to tell you.

What, you didn't want Mom to know

you were dating someone?

I didn't want Mom to know

that I am dating a woman.

Oh.

Not... Not because she's a she.

Just...

Like, Mom and I don't have that kind of relationship.

I can't talk to her about the big stuff.

Well, maybe she can't talk to you, either.

Either way,

I don't need her pretending to care.

I wouldn't hate some help from you, though.

Can you please say something?

I don't know what to say.

I mean...

does it really matter?

Does it make a difference?

I mean, I don't care if you date a woman,

or a man, or both,

just as long as whoever it is

is good to you.

Did I say the wrong thing?

You said exactly the right thing.

You're the first person I've told,

besides Hannah.

You told Hannah before me?

I may or may not have briefly spiraled.

[laughs]

Well, I think it's great.

So, what will I refer to this woman as?

I can't just keep calling her "this woman".

-Franki. -Okay.

Francesca.

Um, from Classifie.

You didn't.

I definitely did.

[cell phone rings]

Yeah, you should take that.

She probably thinks I murdered you

and absconded with the body.

Ha ha.

Hey, Mom.

Yeah, it's fine, we're just...

Yes.

We'll be right there.

We gotta go.

That was Pennfield General.

Mom's just been admitted.

Oh, my gosh.

Mom!

You had a heart attack and you weren't gonna tell us?

Oh. Dr. Murray, these are my children.

My son, Zach,

and my daughter, Taylor.

Hi. Dr. Francesca Murray. Nice to meet you.

Are you kidding me right now?

-Taylor? -Zach.

Perhaps we should discuss your mother's condition.

-Yes. -Yes, please.

Uh, excuse me, yes, very interested,

but, um, first,

could someone tell me who this is?

That's Brian.

I'm an old friend of your mother's.

Great. Now that that's perfectly clear.

Taylor, please, Dr. Murray was going to--

Would you prefer if we spoke in private?

No, no, no.

No, I am done keeping secrets from them.

That is what got me here in the first place.

[Franki] Well, Based on what I'm seeing,

Emilia is no longer suffering from a heart attack.

[sighs in relief]

She is, however, suffering from a panic disorder,

which could trigger many of the same symptoms,

shortness of breath, tightness in the chest.

The good news is,

that it doesn't cause the same sort of physical damage

to the heart muscle,

and now that we know what's going on,

we can more effectively treat it.

Well, you were pretty upset earlier,

could that cause a panic attack?

Emotional upset can absolutely be a factor.

Yes.

Okay, so, uh, so it's our fault then,

or my fault, rather.

Right? Right, Franki?

Uh, there can be any number of contributing factors.

Wait, this is good news, right?

Yeah.

Wait, wait, wait, Franki? Like, Franki Franki?

Did you know that she was Mom's doctor?

Till 20 minutes ago,

I didn't even know Mom had a doctor.

What am I missing here?

[Taylor] You know what, I am gonna go get some air.

Does anyone need anything?

No? Good.

Zach, will you go check on your sister, please?

-Yeah. -You know what, let me.

You should stay with your mom.

What is going on there?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Okay, but they know each other.

Yeah, no, it seems like it, doesn't it?

Yeah,

but she's a cardiologist,

and your sister pots plants.

I mean, they don't exactly, you know,

move around in the same circles.

Maybe we should just put the oxygen back on.

They'll be back in a minute. We can--

But they're friends!

Mm-hmm, yeah, no, it looks like that, yeah--

Like, friends with palpable tension.

Hmm.

Are they involved?

Should I get a nurse? Are you okay?

No, do not get a nurse.

My daughter is dating a doctor.

[♪♪]

[Franki] I didn't make the connection

until she listed you as her emergency contact.

You never talk about your mom.

My last name wasn't a giant red flag for you?

No, it wasn't,

"Rooting4U."

Right.

Even if I had found out sooner,

I don't regret getting to know you.

I wouldn't take that back for anything.

She listed me as her emergency contact?

You and your brother.

We've barely spoken in years.

I know I'm just getting to know Emilia,

and I know she puts on a tough front,

but I think she's got a lot of regrets.

Well, she should.

She came a long way to seek this treatment.

She could have gone to another specialist

in another city,

and she didn't.

She came here

to be near you.

Hmm.

You didn't tell me you were a therapist, too.

Taylor.

How would you feel

if it had been another heart attack?

Is this how you'd want to leave things with your mom?

You know, you said so yourself, you're just getting to know her.

I have had decades of experience.

Panic disorder?

No, it's Emilia got her feelings hurt,

and then she called a doting admirer

to come comfort her,

and now the whole rest of the world

has to stop to accommodate her.

You're wrong...

Wow.

...and you're being sort of cynical,

which is not your best look.

If that's what you think of me--

That's how you're behaving.

How about I just make it really easy for us then.

From now on, let's just stick to our jobs.

[♪♪]

Finished all my tasks...

Thanks.

...and got a head start on inventory...

Sounds good.

...and since you're suddenly all checked out,

I'll be heading up our new marketing push myself.

Great, thanks.

Wait...

What new marketing push?

Look, boss, it's clear to me

you've got a lot of life stuff you're dealing with right now,

so I'm more than happy

to take on the store stuff for a while.

Hannah,

what did you do, exactly?

[clicks app on]

We are expanding our digital footprint.

"Plant moms and plant daddies--"

"Plant daddies"?

Well, I was gonna go for "All my plant-loving gnomies,"

you know, to be more inclusive,

but it was over the word count.

"Go green and shop local.

Present this at checkout

for 10% off your next purchase at The Bloomeria"?

That's gonna cut into our bottom line.

All I'm asking is for you to give it a chance.

Increased foot traffic

will more than make up for the discount.

Um, what increased foot traffic?

I just posted it today.

You've gotta have more faith in people.

They showed up for other businesses

that posted on Classifie.

They'll show up for us.

Then you can give me my raise.

I will leave it up for a day.

Not ideal,

but I can work with that.

You do remember I own this place, yeah?

Yes,

and on that note,

I was hoping to petition you

for a slight alteration to the schedule.

I would like to leave earlier today.

Like, approximately now.

Now?

Yeah, there's an event I'd like to attend.

[sighs]

It's my Mom's book-signing, isn't it?

Sorry,

I've been obsessed with your mom's spy novels

ever since my aunt

inappropriately gifted them to me

thinking they were travel guides for young adults.

It's fine. Go.

Have a nice time.

You're the best.

Yeah.

I'm gonna say something,

and hope you don't fire me, okay?

Well, I haven't fired you yet, have I?

Some people don't have moms, you know?

Let alone wildly creative

and complicated type moms

that don't just tell you, but also show you

how you could be whatever you want to be when you grow up.

Look, Hannah, I know you mean well--

I'm just saying, that those types of people

that don't have those moms,

they end up seeking out

unconventional female mentorship,

like, at their part-time job, for example...

She left me.

I know,

but...

look.

I mean, look how much your world has grown,

and maybe hers has, too,

and that's why she's back.

Really, how are you gonna know, unless you just, you know...

talk to her?

Am I fired?

No.

No, you're not fired.

You're right.

You should go.

Have a great time.

And Hannah?

Mom or no mom,

you still managed to become

one of the best people that I know.

Okay.

[shop bell jingles]

[Max] All right, that's it.

If you're deleting the app, I'm deleting the app.

It's not the app's fault I fell for-

A narcissist with Mommy problems?

You haven't even met her.

No, no, but as your best friend,

it's my job to blindly protect you.

So I'm assuming this is entirely on her,

and you're a blameless angel, my friend.

Okay, well,

I may have overstepped a little with the unsolicited advice.

What? No, you give great advice.

Thank you.

That'll be a real comfort to me when I'm old and alone.

[laughs]

I don't know, old? Maybe.

Alone? Never.

I will be on this barstool whenever you need me.

I mean, unless I meet my dream guy,

in which case,

we'll still invite you over, like, all the time.

[tsks] Aw...

Whoa, whoa, whoa... [laughs]

Hey, hey, you wanna cut it out with the PDA?

Hmm?

People are gonna think we're a couple.

You're right.

Hey, um,

since you've got the evening off,

I say we double down,

order something really poisonous and hard to pronounce.

Yeah.

-[text message chimes] -Oh.

I take it that wasn't Mommy Problems?

No.

Look, it's her loss.

Okay?

Yeah.

[firmly] Yeah.

All right,

what are we ordering?

Actually, would you be my plus one to something?

Um... yes.

Okay.

[♪♪]

Admiring your hard work?

Our hard work.

Thanks for pitching in.

There's no way I could have pulled this off alone.

Thank goodness, the owner finally got out of his own way.

Well, it might have helped

that he's got a soft spot for my mom.

Not at all.

I mean, I absolutely adore Emilia.

I didn't do you any favors.

Your mural is spectacular, Zach.

It announces that it's always been the people

that make Pennfield so special.

The town deserves it.

It's why I bought the bookstore in the first place.

[Emilia] I think there's still room

for a little cameo

of Pennfield's most celebrated author.

[chuckling]

So... did you talk to your sister?

She isn't coming, Mom.

I texted, I called.

It's been radio silence.

Hey, it's gonna be a full house.

Dozens of adoring fans.

Em, why don't I get you set up in the back,

relax a little bit before we open the floodgates?

Great.

Well, I hope you are as happy with the final product

as we are.

Mm, actually...

What?

You can't be serious.

I don't think I accurately captured your essence.

Oh, really?

And what is my essence, exactly, hmm?

Neurotic bookworm?

Brainy, persistent, original.

All the qualities

that would convince a guy

who hasn't had much luck with love

to take a shot and ask the girl out.

Please don't say you have to run that by your boss.

I think that is a really...

solid proposal...

...and I'm in.

Uh...

did we just make that happen?

I think that might be Brian's very subtle way

of telling me to go do my job.

[chuckles] Right.

Find me after?

Definitely.

[chuckles]

[clears throat nervously]

Zach!

-Dr. Murray! -Hey.

I didn't know you were coming.

Honestly, I didn't either,

until Emilia sent me the invite.

I wasn't sure I'd be welcome.

Of course you are,

but, um, I don't think Taylor's going to show up, so...

but, hey, if you wouldn't mind,

would you maybe

-help me keep an eye on Mom? -Yeah.

Make sure she doesn't overdo it.

Franki,

have you seen this?

I'm gonna sue for infringement.

Infringement on what?

My impeccable jawline, for starters.

-[laughing] -Okay, technically,

that's covered under artistic license, so...

Does she know that you painted her?

She's been pretty distant since the hospital.

I take it she hasn't...

No.

You wanna know the worst thing about my sister?

Besides her bowling technique.

Her clogs?

[chuckles]

Hmm...

[chuckling]

The person she's best at punishing

is herself.

Yup.

[Margot] Good evening, dear book lovers.

Without further ado,

Between Two Covers is thrilled to introduce

a woman who needs no introduction,

Pennfield's very own Queen of Romance,

author Emilia Bloom.

[applause and cheers]

Hello, hello.

[excited cheering]

-[cheering continues] -Aw, thank you so much.

Thank you, Margot,

and a special thank you to Between Two Covers

for hosting me tonight.

I look forward to signing everyone's copies of my books...

[laughs]

...after I have read an excerpt

from my latest novel,

"The Problem with Prague."

Well, I have done this a few thousand times,

but tonight just feels different.

Um...

Since coming home to Pennfield,

I've just, uh, felt...

Well, it's been, um...

it's been an awakening.

I left Pennfield five years ago,

after my husband passed away.

Well, left.

Fled.

The semantics are debatable.

The reality is

that I, uh...

I abandoned my children.

They were grown children,

but, um...

I stranded them to handle their grief alone,

and for that I am very sorry.

The thing is,

I really am not trying to make excuses here,

but I could not imagine spending the rest of my life

in the place that I'd raised my family

without their father by my side.

I assume you've all read my books?

[murmurs and chuckles of agreement]

Sometimes--

well, often--

I write about love

more nimbly than I manage it for myself,

and I have missed out on so much

while I've been away.

This mural behind me,

this was painted

by my extraordinarily talented son.

He is an artist,

like me,

but he sculpts his worlds with shape and color

instead of dusty, old words...

...and he always sees the best in everyone,

even when they let him down...

...and there I go talking about myself again...

[laughter]

But that is a thing

that my daughter might say about me,

and, you know, she is not wrong,

but she, too, is a bit of chip off the old block,

and she is living proof

that, sometimes, being stubborn and driven

is not a bad thing,

because without any help from anyone,

least of all me,

she has opened "The Bloomeria,"

just down the street,

a beautiful plant store.

You should all go down there

and see what her hard work and vision has created...

[applause]

...and I wish she knew how proud I am

of every brave choice

she has made for herself.

I just wish she would reconsider

calling it off with my cardiologist,

and I am happy to accept a referral elsewhere

if that's what it takes.

All of that to say,

that going forward,

in my personal life and with my writing,

I want to pay tribute

to the more complicated love stories

that surround us,

because they're not all flawless.

They're not all romantic.

They're not all expected.

And I don't need to transport myself

or my readers

to some far-flung country

to find those love stories.

Sometimes, they're just right around the corner.

Sometimes,

it's even on Classifie.

[laughter]

"Local Author

Ready to Bloom Where She's Planted."

[muttering] That sounds oddly familiar.

"Just back in town

and hoping to connect with familiar faces

and new friends alike.

Let's write a beautiful story together.

My chat is open."

[cheering and applause]

All right, shall we get started?

[crowd shouts] Yes!

[chuckles] Okay.

"The Problem With Prague."

Chapter One.

"Her body ached.

A constellation of fading bruises

stretched from her right hip, up along..."

[♪♪]

Cheers.

Flower queen comin' through!

Beautiful.

Right here, my dear.

Hey, Mom,

you planning on joining us anytime soon?

Yes, absolutely,

just, sometimes,

you have to get it down when the inspiration strikes.

Making progress, then?

Ooh, I don't want to jinx it, so...

no, absolutely not.

Have you given my question any more thought?

The "Do I want to move home?" question?

I have, and definitely not.

Business is picking up.

Oh, my book-signing appeal perhaps?

Hannah's ad.

We're rolling in plant parents and "garden gnomies",

or whatever she called them.

She's more than earned her raise,

and your boyfriend

has brought a very nice bottle of wine with him.

He is not my boyfriend, he's just--

[together] --an old college friend.

Sure, Mom.

Funny, though,

Zach did mention

that you haven't been home most nights

when he goes to bed,

even when he's out late with Margot.

Hmm.

Well, your brother and I

are gonna need to have a little chat

about what percentage of my royalties

he can expect to inherit

if he can't learn to keep his mouth shut.

-[doorbell rings] -Can you get that?

I need to have a little chat with your brother.

Yeah.

So...

what have you been telling them?

[laughs]

Don't tell my girlfriend

that I went to the other plant shop in town.

Your girlfriend will forgive you this time.

Good.

[♪♪]

Mm.

How are things going with your mom?

She's trying, I'm trying.

We're all just...

"Blooming where you're planted?"

-Oh... -[laughing]

Zach is never gonna live that down, is he?

No, never!

I love it.

Um, excuse me!

Hi, ladies, sorry to interrupt.

Is this Emilia Bloom's house?

Is she on some Map of the Stars or something?

Does Pennfield have a Map of the Stars?

[squeals] Ah! I thought that was you!

There she is!

Oh, ladies, this is not some crazed fan.

This is my editor, Graham!

I'm so glad you could make it.

[kisses] Well,

my bestselling author promised me a new book.

-Yes. -How's it going?

It's coming, it's coming,

and I am doing something different.

I'm going to tell you all about it after dinner.

This is about to get really interesting.

Why is that?

He is totally Max's type.

-Oh, really? -Yeah.

Then we should go get good seats.

Yes.

It's so good to see you.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]