All language subtitles for Love Classified (2022)-eng

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.

- Money!
- Okay.

- Okay.
- Act like you know me.

Some duos might look
like the perfect pairing,

outwardly...

... when, in fact...

... they're headed for a split.

All right.

- Hey.
- Hey.

Often, the most satisfying
stories are the ones

that subvert your expectations.

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.

- Hey, watch where you're going.
- Sorry.

The sidewalk is for sharing.

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.

Well, that's my philosophy, anyway,

and it's served me well.

Can't argue with the New
York times' best-seller list.

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.

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.

Could I... have my key, then?

Oh!

So sorry.

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

Who should I make it out to?

"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.

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.

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.

And she requires a lot less
feeding than a boyfriend.

I like my life!

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."

Uh...

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

- Yes.
- Uh, uh...

- Free bookmark...
- Great.

... for your troubles?

All right.

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?

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."

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?
- 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.

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.

Okay. Well, man, woman... whoever...

They're just looking for some company.

Okay? Nothing wrong with that.

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

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

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.

Besides, there's no algorithm on earth

that can accurately predict
romantic compatibility.

You're right. It's all... chemistry.

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 dish-washing 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.

Oh.

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

Wow. That was fast.

You can never know

where the first moment
of connection could lead.

Maybe he's married, or...

- Or a serial killer.
- Or straight.

Or straight!

You just never know until
you put yourself out there.

What is that, an exciting new prospect?

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

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

- Is that all you're gonna give me?
- No more juicy details for you, Franki.

- 'Kay? You need to stop living vicariously
- What?

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.

- I'll see ya.
- All right.

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.

Thank you.

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

No, he's funny. 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,

"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.

"The Heart's a Muscle
That Requires Exercise."

Yeah.

I am so going to regret this.

Well? Any updates?

- Radio silence.
- Boo.

Yeah, I'm calling it a night.

It seems that my lonely
local has not been enticed.

Or maybe he slipped
in just under the wire.

Mom?

What are 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!

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. 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?

God, 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...

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?

That's what I said.

Wait.

Does Taylor even know that you're here?

Well...

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.

You know...

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

But thanks for putting my mind at ease.

I'm Franki. Francesca.

Nice to meet you.

It's just the third shelf to your left.

- Hello.
- Hello...

- Emilia Bloom.
- Yes.

Uh, welcome to...

Between Two Covers.

We weren't expecting you. Yet.

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

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.

I mean, I know 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.
- Okay.

Oh, actually, Margot?

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

Do you happen to have some water?

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

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?

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?
- 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.

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?

Why didn't you say something?

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

Not anymore.

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.

- 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.

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

plant store and
artisanal goods boutique.

But... you're welcome any time.

All right.

I have a question for you.

Shoot.

I don't want to offend or anything...

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.

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...
- ... 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.

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.

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. Now it makes sense.
- ... later this week.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yeah.

Oh!

Oh...

Miss Bloom!

- Are you okay?
- No, I'm fine. I'm fine.

Ohh...

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.

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.

- 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?

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.

- You really liked her, huh?
- Yeah, of course, I did,

which inevitably means

I'm never gonna hear from her again.

Pfft. Come on.

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

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? Okay.
- Mm-hmm.

Okay. Yes.

Um...

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oh! Which reminds me,

uh, you should really
come to my book reading.

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?

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.

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.

So herbal-y.

Thank you. 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.

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.

- 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?
- 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.

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...

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

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...

I can close tonight!

In case anybody was wondering.

I will make it work, apparently.

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.

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.

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.

- 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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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... 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.

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...

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.

Just being honest.

That doesn't scare me.

That makes one of us.

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.

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?

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...

... why I left."

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.

Taylor, is that you?

Hi, honey!

Mom!

All right, call me if you need anything.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

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.
- Mom...

Zach, Zach, Zach, Zach, Zach.

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

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...

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.

I mean, it really was because of him

that I finished my first book.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

No slushie for you.

Yeah?

Zach...

This was a really good idea.

Mostly because I'm winning.

Okay.

Oh!

That's right.

Margot.

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.

Actually, I'd love that.

Great. I'll put it on my calendar.

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.

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

Thanks.

- All right.
- 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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Well, based on what I'm seeing,

Emilia is no longer
suffering from a heart attack.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aw...

Whoa, whoa, whoa...

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.

Oh.

I take it that wasn't mommy problems?

No.

Look, it's her loss.

- Okay?
- Yeah.

- 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.

I think there's still
room for a little cameo

of Pennfield's most celebrated author.

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.

Right.

Find me after?

Definitely.

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.

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?

Hmm...

The person she's best
at punishing is herself.

Yup.

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.

Hello, hello.

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...

... 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?

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...

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...

... 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.

"Local author ready to
bloom where she's planted."

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."

All right, shall we get started?

Yes!

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...

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.

Can you get that?

I need to have a little
chat with your brother.

Yeah.

So...

What have you been telling them?

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...

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?

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.

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.

- Synced and corrected by chamallow -
- www.addic7ed.com -