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(upbeat music)

* All this *

* All this time I've taken *

* Looking for the one I never knew *

* Held my *

* Held my breath I made it *

* Waiting for someone like you *

* I've been just fine on my own *

* Something missing that I need *

* I searched high and I searched low *

* You were right in front of me *

* Hey hey hey hey *

* All this *

* All this time I've taken *

* Looking for the one I never knew *

* Held my *

* Held my breath I made it *

* Waiting for someone like you *

- Okay, Giovanni, we're home.

* Waiting for someone like you *

(door opening)

- What is this gloomy face doing near my breakfast?

- It's this interview.

I'm trying to decide what to show her.

Can you help me? She is your boss.

- Say nice things about her office décor and she'll love you.

- Hmm.

- Oh, honey.

You want to design books covers, not healthcare ads.

Why don't you show her some of your creative side,

like your drawings, or your cover designs?

- Those aren't real books.

I just do those for fun, Carl!

People don't pay me to be artistic.

- Yet.

You're wonderful.

Uh, Giovanni, no!

Don't encourage him.

He's had his breakfast and it was...

...better than that junk.

- I didn't move all the way to America

to just eat sensible, grown-up cereal.

Okay.

- Why are you even stressing yourself out

with job interviews and dates anyway?

I mean, you're flying back home to France in two weeks.

Deserting me.

You should be having fun

and hanging out with friends.

(gasps) Tell me you changed your mind.

- I think I might be looking for a reason to stay.

- Yes! - Or at least not go home

with my tail between my legs, like a failure.

- You're not, Lea!

- Come on! My American adventure

hasn't exactly gone as planned.

- It takes time to feel at home

in the land of the free refill.

- It's not that. I mean, I spent most of my childhood here,

but by now, I was hoping to be designing books

and living with the man of my dreams,

not designing soup packaging

and living with a handsome,

charismatic, charming dog.

And the sweetest intern in publishing.

- Sweetest. - Yeah.

- You must be thrilled with the reviews.

"Michael Oldbrook, with his third novel,

secures his place in the literary canon."

Well, we'll have you signing the books there

and can I get you a coffee or anything?

- This isn't gonna work.

I don't wanna be associated with this romantic junk.

- Oh, huh, I really don't think

anyone will think that about you.

Uh, I mean, we might have a few fans today

that would like a little romance with Michael Oldbrook...

...but I'll just find a shelf for these.

- And...

Okay.

- Is this why you keep on going on endless first dates?

Because you feel like a failure?

- I made a fool of myself over Patrick.

I traveled halfway across the world for nothing.

I just feel like I have something to prove.

Listen, I'm early, so I'm just gonna take a browse in here.

Calm my nerves. - You know what?

It's these romance novels you're addicted to.

They've made you obsessed with finding "the one".

- You're always meeting nice guys.

- Compliment accepted, thank you.

But I don't get bummed out if they fail

to turn into Mr. Forever over an appetizer.

Not that I can afford appetizers,

or dinner.

Welcome to publishing.

Oh!

This is one of ours! "Our Time"

by the mysterious Rose Blossom.

- Mysterious? - Okay, nobody at work has met her.

No one's even spoken to her.

Apparently, she's publicity shy,

but if you ask me, it's highly suspicious.

- Good luck.

Be great. Don't be late.

(soft music)

- It was all a bit untidy.

- You can have a go at my apartment next, if you'd like.

- What an offer. (laughing)

Good morning. - Good morning.

Oh, Sir, do you sell anything else by Rose Blossom?

- Oh, no, we don't have anything by Rose Blossom, Miss,

but... if you want something

with a little more substance,

might I suggest this?

- Yeah, I looked at that. It looks a bit heavy going.

- Then perhaps you'd like to try the children's department.

It's at the back of the store.

Adorable little chairs.

- Do they have nicer staff there, too?

Si c'est comme ça, monsieur!

- "Wade Coleman, the once indomitable boutique publishing house,

has failed to make a significant discovery

since Michael Oldbrook's debut novel almost five years ago.

The firm's biggest success this year

was an uncharacteristic piece of romantic whimsy.

Has the great Selina Wade lost her..."

You get the picture.

- "Has the great Selina Wade lost her magic touch?

Will publishing conglomerate Mitcham Brothers

still take Wade Coleman under their wing

with her at the helm?"

Seamus Larson.

Troll! Has he started reviewing publishers now,

as well as books?! Anything else?

Paper shortage? National decline in literacy?

Office fire? - Can I get you anything?

- Some good news and a cup of Cabernet.

Coffee, I said coffee.

- "Thanks for reading.

With lots of...

...words."

- Mr. Oldbrook, you've been nominated

for a United Booksellers Award for Outstanding Novel! Oh!

(applauding) - Thank you. Thank you.

- Oh, let's see who you're up against, hmm?

Faye Sharpe.

- The romance writer? - And Amber Carson.

Oh, and Rose Blossom!

Her debut novel, no less.

Oh, I'd love to get her in for a signing but she's so elusive.

Do you think you could speak to your publisher for me?

Uh, Michael? Sir, uh...

- Something's come up, sorry.

- I didn't mean now.

But...

- A couple of years ago,

I fell in love with an American in Paris.

We had an amazing time together.

So, when he had to leave France,

I thought to myself, "You know what?

I'm gonna pack my bags,

book a one-way ticket here, and surprise him."

- How bold.

- Yes, well, he was surprised, just not in the way I hoped.

- Ms. Dubell, when I asked what brings you here,

I actually meant here.

Why book covers?

- I am so sorry.

- No, we love a good story.

- You have a beautiful office.

- Thank you.

- It says you're successful.

You respect yourself enough to...

...surround yourself with beautiful things.

You're a bit of a maverick.

(chuckles nervously)

It doesn't tell me everything about you,

but it makes me wanna know more.

That's what a good cover does.

- Uh... I'm really loving this, by the way.

- It's certainly doing healthy numbers.

So, what have you brought me?

- I do have some other stuff. It's a bit more creative, I'm not sure--

- We need to talk. It's about the UBAs.

- You've been nominated!

- Yes, but you don't-- - Oh, you clever thing!

Michael is my star writer.

- Oh, I've had the pleasure.

- Just one minute, darling, please?

Writers! (gasps)

I'm not sure your work is quite the right fit,

but I wish you the best of luck.

- Uh... I could come back?

- I'm afraid I'm terribly booked.

Pun not intended.

(soft music)

- Sorry.

- You should be walking on air, Michael!

Nominated for the UBAs!

- Yes. Twice!

- Twice? (sighs)

- Once for "Mountain Pacific" and the other

for this ridiculous romance novel I wrote for a bet!

- You're joking. - No.

Why did you let me publish it?

- You insisted!

This is frustrating. - Oh, it's a disaster.

I've been scathing about popular fiction publicly,

multiple times. If Rose Blossom

gets a bigger profile, people are gonna find out.

And if her identity leaks, it'll look like I'm a hypocrite!

- And that snobbery of yours will bite you in the butt.

- And yeah, you look like you've been playing a smug,

little trick on the entire industry.

Huh, as you say, frustrating!

- What's frustrating is that I've got an award-nominated author

that is about to be deluged with interview requests

and book signing invitations, and I can't exploit

any of it because she doesn't exist.

- Yeah, well then, find an actress, an avatar.

I'm joking.

- So? Are you gonna bring magic to bookshelves across the nation?

(choking back tears) - She barely looked at my stuff.

This was my chance, Carl!

I've been trying so hard to get a break all this time.

I can't wait to get on that plane. - No.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a good roommate?

I mean, especially on my budget.

I've gotta get this coffee to that snake, Selina.

I love you. - I love you.

(sniffles)

(sighs) I left my stuff.

(sighs heavily)

- You know, I've often wondered what would happen

if you just came right out and said, "Hey, world,

guess what? I'm Rose Blossom!"

- Do you think I should?

- No. We'd both look terrible.

- Yes? - I left my things.

- "Our Time" is a wonderful book.

Congratulations.

- You cannot tell a soul.

- But why? It's great!

- Not great. Steinbeck was great.

Shakespeare was great.

- Well, I can't wait to finish it.

- Yes, how might a story like that possibly end?

Heh, you must be on tenterhooks.

- Michael! No one outside this room knows Michael wrote it.

- But that's not really my problem, is it?

I don't owe either of you anything.

You barely looked at my work and he's just mean.

(chuckles)

- Okay.

We'll pay you for your silence, handsomely.

Wait.

That's it.

We'll pay you to be Rose.

- What do you mean?

- Be Rose Blossom for a few weeks.

Go to interviews, book signings,

show your face at the awards.

- Does Rose have to be at the awards?

(scoffs) - Yes!

An author of mine was nominated a few years ago,

didn't turn up, and for a year and a half,

I couldn't even get her a window display.

Georgia Cale, remember her?

- No. - I rest my case.

Michael, she's perfect! She goes back to France

and Rose disappears with her.

And she looks the part!

Perfectly pretty but not so gorgeous she's unrelatable.

- Excuse me, did I just bang my head on my way in here?

- The situation is thus,

Michael opined that any fool could dash off

a successful romance novel if they put their mind to it.

When I suggested he might be underestimating the process,

he, for some reason, took it as a kind of challenge.

We did not anticipate this level of success.

- Yep, turns out I can't write a bad book.

(scoffs) - Wow.

I bet you were popular at school.

- Oh, you know, well one thing's for certain,

I'm not writing another book by Rose Blossom.

- Yeah, I hate to be blunt,

but you'll remember I have offered you

a very generous three-book deal?

With the tiny condition you include one more Rose romance.

Unless you'd like to reconsider?

- This...

...is a crazy idea. You're both nuts.

- It was his idea. - It was a joke.

- Anyways, I can't pretend to be an author.

I know nothing about writing. - Yeah, as is clear from your reading habits.

What if "Our Time" won?

(sighs) - It won't.

- What, it's good, but I've read much better.

- There we have it.

Are we in agreement?

Do we have our Rose?

(together): No!

(birds chirping)

- Right at this very spot is where all the fish are.

Lots of dinner, heh, heh, heh.

- Ah.

- Dad!

We're gonna catch a big fish for dinner!

- We're gonna catch a monster.

- Yeah!

(chuckles) - Watch my rod for me.

Ah, I hate to stoop to cliches,

but they sure do grow up fast, huh?

- Yeah.

- But you've doing a great job!

I'm so proud of ya!

- I'm trying, I'm trying.

- So, how's the new place shaping up?

Tell me, at least you unpacked?

- I've been busy.

- Are you seeing anyone?

- No. - Have you tried?

- Dad, no! Okay, I don't have time.

I'm about to sign a three-book deal and I can't even think of an idea for one.

- Can we get ice cream, please?

- We'll spoil our dinner. - What's for dinner?

- I don't know yet!

- Then how do you know it will spoil our dinner?

- Wait, is he-- - You were just like that.

- Yeah, okay. - Hey, what is this?

- It's not mine.

- I thought you weren't seeing anyone?

- I'm not.

I'm not! (scoffs)

- "In this heartbreaking, yet hopeful,

sad yet seriously funny novel,

sacked teacher Evelyn Primrose rebuilds her life

and finds love in the most unexpected place."

(Chuckles) This looks horrendous!

I'll take it for the ride home.

(laughing)

Oh my. - Hey, Rory, come on!

- Okay!

- Come on.

Yeah.

Oh, careful.

- Well, I still think you're brilliant.

Terrible cook for a French woman, but brilliant.

(laughs) - Thank you for setting it up for me anyway.

I uh...

I did get a different job offer today.

- That's great! - No, it's this insane thing.

Not even a job, really, just this crazy top-secret project.

- You did say you came here 'cause you were looking for an adventure.

- Could be kinda fun.

And you know, you did say I should have more fun until I go.

The manager practically begged me.

- So, how do you turn that to your advantage?

- I'm in town again tomorrow for a meeting.

We should get a drink.

There's an interesting and, dare I say,

attractive woman, I'd like to introduce you to.

- Oh, oh. - I think you'll get along!

- Dad! Oh, I have some news.

- Oh? - "Mountain Pacific" got shortlisted for a UBA.

- Ooh! - Mm-hmm. (chuckles)

Me and a trio of drippy romantics.

- The formidable Selina must be very proud.

- Oh yeah, she's come up with the most hair-brained scheme

to uh... well, I can't really say,

to promote my book, I suppose.

- Hmm? More hair-brained than offering a three-book deal to someone with writer's block?

- Oh, complete madness! (chuckles)

- Well, you've never been a hard-drinking, hard-partying artist.

Little madness could be good for ya. Shake ya up.

Might even give you some much-needed inspiration.

- Maybe you're right.

(phone notification)

(sighs)

(chuckles)

(phone ringing))

- Hello?

(Lea): I'll do it.

- Excuse me? - I'll do it.

I'll be Rose.

- That's wonderful, darling.

I just heard from Michael.

- Wait.

I'll do it if I can design Rose's next book.

(sighs)

- All right, done.

(chuckles under breath) - Wait.

You're alone, aren't you?

- Yeah, Carl went to the store.

Should we speak in code?

- You mustn't tell him.

He's the biggest gossip.

- He's back. - Remember,

loose lips sink ships.

(laughs)

Au revoir!

- Yes!

- My mom says hi.

- Oh, really? What time is it in France?

- Oh, yeah, her sleeping pattern's been chaotic.

- Okay, spill it.

What is this crazy job?

- I can't say.

(sighs)

- So, what did you make

of the great Michael Oldbrook?

- Ugh, rude!

And I humiliated myself in front of him.

- There are a lot of women,

and a few men, who'd gladly humiliate themselves

in front of Michael Oldbrook. - Well, I don't see it.

- Hmm. - I've got this guy.

Right, Gio? (lips smacking)

- This afternoon, there's a photoshoot for the shortlisted writers

in the outstanding novel category,

so that involves...

Thanks.

So that involves the both of you.

Try not to look like you're in cahoots.

- I have never looked like I was in cahoots with anyone.

(laughs) - So, is Faye Sharpe going to be there?

- Who? - How does a publisher not know who Faye Sharpe is?

She's literally amazing! They had her apartment

in a magazine last month and it was so--

- Pink?

(laughs)

- I could become friends with her

and then design her books.

- Rose isn't a designer.

- Oh yeah.

- And you won't be making friends with her.

- Best to keep interactions to a minimum

so you don't blow your cover.

Now, tomorrow Rose has a signing,

and the day after that, a major newspaper interview.

- What?

- With Seamus Larson, of all people.

- A book reviewer.

- Ha! Don't let him hear you say that.

"Literary critic".

Rat, more like it.

He hasn't forgiven me for turning down a novel he wrote.

Unreadable tedium.

I imagine that's why he wrote such a poisonous article about me.

Anyway!

I will leave it to the two of you

to figure out exactly

what this Blossom girl is like.

- You know, Rose does need a wardrobe.

- Does Lea want to go shopping?

- If we're gonna sell Rose convincingly,

in a way that's gonna get people to buy her books,

we've got to get her look right.

- Yeah, she's got a point.

Go and purchase some outfits.

Michael will reimburse you.

- Excuse me?

- Writers generally buy their own clothes,

and you did write the book.

I'll get these.

(chuckles slyly) - Okay.

(knocking on door)

- You are not serious.

- She needs something for the awards.

- It's a book prize!

It's not the Met Gala.

- It's not a funeral!

I don't exactly get invited to award ceremonies very often.

- You're not invited, Rose is.

- Nor does Rose! She's a first-time writer.

Imagine how excited she'd be!

- In case you've forgotten, Rose is reclusive!

- But she's also not a nun.

Wait... she is a nun.

She's a nun who is yearning for a more earthly kind of love,

and she's been exploring her feelings by secretly writing a romantic novel.

- Yeah, Rose is not a nun.

- Carl bought that for me.

- Hey, no shame. A new man every month.

- Oh, at least.

Hey, no shame.

(scoffs)

What, did you empty every store in town?

- Oh, don't worry! I've got receipts.

If there's anything we don't want, you can just return it.

Okay, fashion show!

(giggling)

(sighing)

Why do you hate romance so much anyway?

- I don't hate romance.

- You know what I mean, romantic fiction.

- It's too easy.

There's nothing at stake.

Two people who dig each other get together

in spite of a couple obstacles.

Oh! And if it doesn't work out,

then nothing's really lost because there was nothing there in the first place.

The difficult stuff, the interesting,

the morally complex stuff that happens

after two people get together, and their lives are entwined.

- Obstacles are interesting!

Obstacles are people, society.

- Yeah, I mean, sure, if you're Jane Austen.

- I like Austen.

- You like Austen?

- I've read "Emma". (chuckles)

- You're never too old to believe in fairy tales.

- Do you remember what the prince said to Cinderella in the movie?

- No?

- No.

Because he doesn't have any lines.

Imagine, she marries him, and he turns out to be stupid.

(scoffs) - Or an incorrigible snob.

- I mean, he is a prince.

Oh.

Too polka dot.

Uh... too-too-too much polka dot.

(upbeat music)

Okay...

(chuckles)

What, are we going to a hoedown?

I mean, that's too country casual. Come on.

* I'm going my own way *

* Better move I'm on my way *

* You'll never stop me if you try *

* 'Cause I've made up my mind *

* I'm going my own way *

Too chic.

You're gonna blind everyone with all those sequins.

Come on! Go get changed.

* 'Cause I'm on my way *

* Yes I'm on my way *

* I'm on *

* My way *

Well, leave a little to the imagination!

It's too literal.

- Who do you think this woman is?

- Some lonely dreamer, with six cats,

feeling the sands of time slip through her fingers.

- Rose has the time, intelligence,

and drive to write a novel.

And she's been lucky in love!

We have to believe that the dream she's selling

came true for her.

That people really do get their happy endings.

- You've thought about this. - Comes with the service.

- Okay, you are not an actress

preparing for a role, you are basically a prop.

- Stunt double, at least, come on.

- And... what is this?

- Try it on.

- No! Why?

- What do you mean, why?

Because it's fun! Because it's what a normal person would do.

- Okay, we've got a photoshoot to get to, okay, make some decisions.

- I'm trying.

- Try faster. - Hmm.

* Yes I'm on my way **

- Time to go home!

(dog barking)

Giovanni, stay.

- Carl? Oh!

- Hello?

Oh, Selina was on one today.

I'm just gonna work from home.

- Presents from home.

(intriguing music)

Hmm.

Going shopping!

- But I thought we were gonna make dinner together tonight?

- See ya later!

- Yeah.

- The great Michael Oldbrook.

- Usually "the great" is silent.

- So, we just have you right here.

There we go.

Just so that can be the background.

Perfect. I'm just gonna take some test shots.

- Mhm.

- Oh, look who decided to grace us with his presence.

- All right, fix one quick thing.

- Oh yeah, make sure his collar's straight.

(indistinct chatter)

You look great.

Here we go.

- Okay, Old Man Oldbrook.

(laughing)

- Well, the term like is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, so.

- Oh, okay.

Okay, okay, okay.

Yeah, hey.

Okay, that looks good.

My name...

My name... my name...

...Rose Blossom.

No.

Okay, that's good enough, that's good enough.

Shoes!

(humming)

I forgot shoes!

Ugh!

Okay.

(clears throat)

- Here we go.

- Perfect.

Hey, lift up the book a little higher there, Michael.

Big smiles.

- Rose has arrived.

- The boots are an interesting touch.

- So, actually (indistinct), that might be her.

I'll go talk to her. - Okay, sounds good.

- I always head straight for the refreshments

when I don't know anyone.

Faye.

- I know who you are.

I love your books! - Thank you.

We were just speculating as to whether

you might be the enigmatic Rose Blossom.

- Guilty.

(chuckles) Love the pen name, by the way.

So on the nose.

And I adore the book!

- Would you mind uh, passing the coffee?

- Uh, oh, yes, of course.

- Hello, I'm Michael.

- Hello! Lea! Rose!

Rose. My name is Rose.

(chuckles)

- Hey, Faye, would you come here a second?

- Don't talk too much, remember?

- I can't ignore them, it's rude!

- Come over and say hi!

- No.

- Imagine if two of your favorite writers

were in the same room together?

- Most of them are dead.

- Well, I'm very sorry to hear that.

- And then there were three,

the mysterious Rose Blossom.

- I'm not mysterious, I'm just unknown.

(chuckling) - Amber.

- Amber Carson! You two know each other?

- Oh, yes, we're old enemies.

(chuckles) - Amber, I've read your latest novel.

You look so--

- Innocent? I know!

And you think of what she puts in those books!

- You know, I wrote five books

before I got the attention you're getting.

- What she means is she wrote the same book five times.

Her next one is called "Déjà Vu."

- You are so vicious. (chuckling)

- And I love you. - You too.

And I hope you almost win.

(chuckles) - Hmm.

- Well, I'm glad you escaped Michael Oldbrook.

He certainly has eyes for you.

- Mhm.

- What?

- He can't stop looking over.

- I wouldn't kick him off the shelf.

- Oldbrook's gorgeous, and nobody holds a candle to him

when it comes to exploring the petty neuroses of the North American male,

but he's trash-talked popular fiction too many times

and I just can't bear people who are only happy

when they're putting others down.

Don't even think about giving him the satisfaction.

- No... not in a million years.

- Hmm.

- Big smiles, everybody.

(chuckling) Here we go.

- A real thorn among the roses, am I right?

- Oh. - Not funny.

- Oh, Rose, I was just saying you and Amber

must come to mine for cocktails before the awards!

- Yes, yes, you must! Just us girls.

- Oh, my God, that sounds so amazing.

(chuckles) - It'll be fun.

- Can I get back to you on that?

- Of course.

- Hey, what'd you say to the writers?

- "Congratulations on your debut appearance, Lea!"

- Indeed! Yes.

But... (clears throat)

- Nothing. They're no fans of yours, though.

(scoffs) - You know, that's a shame.

I read everything they turn out.

What exactly did they say?

- Nothing that would shock you.

Oh, they're gonna hate me if they find out.

Still, we did it.

Rose did it!

We should celebrate.

I'll buy you an ice cream!

- Why does everyone in my life want ice cream?

Actually, how about a drink?

If you have time.

- Really? - Yeah, I'm meeting my dad,

and he's trying to set me up with someone.

If I bring a friend, it'll stop him from matchmaking.

- Bring a friend?

- Well, you're already playing one role.

So, where's this interesting and attractive young woman

you were so keen for me to meet?

- She double booked herself. - Good.

- What's wrong with you?

- Lea, this is my father, Julian.

Dad, this is my friend, Lea.

- Hello, Michaels's friend, Lea.

- Lovely to meet you.

- Is that a hint of France on your tongue?

(giggles) Peut-être.

- Oh, enchanté.

But Michael was just expressing his misanthropic delight

that my new girlfriend is unable to join us.

- Wait, what? Your new girlfriend?

- Well, it's probably too strong a word.

Early days.

- No, no! That's wonderful!

Whew, I thought you were trying to set me up with someone.

- I'd be asking for trouble.

And you clearly don't need any help from me.

- Oh, uh, Lea is a--

- A friend. - A book designer.

- Speaking of books... (laughing)

- You're reading "Our Time"!

- I finished it overnight. It was quite fun.

The male protagonist reminded me of you.

Something of a grouch. - I keep telling Michael

he needs to write a book like this.

- Oh, no. Complete waste of the boy's talents.

Though... might open his heart to a spot of romance.

- Dad!

- My years with your mother were golden.

I want that for you. - Not everyone needs a partner.

- But I think you do.

Have you seen his place?

Oh, it's crying out for a woman's touch.

(laughing) - Dad, that's sexist!

- Anyone's touch, then.

But don't worry, it isn't unclean,

it's a wonderful apartment. You should see it.

Michael, invite her. Soon. Bring décor.

Bring color. Bring life.

Bring some grandkids.

(laughign) - Oh, Dad!

- Thank you very much for the drinks.

- You're not going?

- Afraid so. Better stay fresh.

I've got a book signing tomorrow.

- Oh, she's going to a book signing.

- To get a book signed!

- Hmm. - By her favorite author.

- Not exactly.

Just supporting a friend.

- Who's the writer? - Nobody important.

- Oh.

- See you.

- Au revoir! (laughing)

Now, there's a nice girl.

- Yeah, she's... trivial.

I should get going, too. I uh...

I've gotta do some reading. Find some inspiration.

- Remember, it's 90% perspiration.

- Another cliché.

- I'm getting too old to be original.

- Yeah, I see that.

(chuckles)

- Yeah.

- Catch ya later.

- Mhm.

(sighs)

Stuck with the check again.

(phone ringing)

(intriguing music)

- Oh, no, she didn't.

(indistinct chatter)

- Hi there. - Hi.

- Thank you for coming. - Yeah.

- Ooh! - Miss Blossom!

So nice to finally meet.

- Sir, you do need to join the queue.

- It's okay. I'm so sorry.

Would you excuse me for one moment?

- You lived with me for six months

and you didn't think to tell me you're a best-selling writer?

- I'm not Rose.

I'm pretending. Just for two weeks.

Selina offered me a book cover if I did it.

- The crazy secret job!

Selina's never gonna give me a permanent role

after my internship finishes if she doesn't trust me!

Wait, have you met the real Rose?

- I got you that interview!

- My lips are sealed!

(whispering): You can't tell anyone.

It's Michael.

(shouting): Michael Oldbrook?! - Shh!

(quieter): Michael "most modern romantic fiction

would have greater value as bathroom tissue" Oldbrook?

"I prefer books that don't lobotomize the reader" Oldbrook?

This is crazy.

You know this is crazy, right? - Yes!

(chuckles) You have to keep the wig, okay?

If you don't, I will.

It's everything.

(sighs) Okay, do you know that it was right here

that I once swapped phone numbers with the world's most attractive

landscape gardener?

Oh, and this is just my lucky section.

- I have to sign books.

Sorry, everyone.

Thank you for your patience!

Ooh! Where were we?

- Where do they go when they get on the train?

- Wherever you like! Once the book is finished,

I set them free.

- And the town by the lake, is that based on anywhere?

- Not really.

- It really, really reminded me of somewhere.

- It's a composite of places.

- The famous painting that Evelyn remembers,

is that a real painting?

- I'm sorry, but we do need to keep this moving.

(chuckles nervously)

- Thank you. - Oh, I'm so sorry.

I signed it wrong. Spelling mistake.

- You spelled your own name wrong?

- No, but I will get you a replacement, right away.

I'm so sorry, everyone.

(laughing nervously) Oh, just a bit distracted.

First-time author. Bit of a rollercoaster, you know, all the attention.

I am so out of breath.

(clears throat).

Thank you.

- Thanks.

- Next!

Come on, come on, come on, come on!

(phone ringing)

(Lea): Michael, I need your help!

- Whoa, whoa, calm down.

- I can't do a big interview without getting

a proper idea of who Rose is and how she writes.

I can barely answer simple questions.\!

- If anything's tricky, just say you don't wanna talk about it.

- Michael, please! I'm going to pieces here.

- I'm working. - It's urgent!

- Urgent? Define urgent.

(sighs, annoyed)

- It's not gonna bite you.

- I just hope I can remember how.

- You know, there's a famous saying about that.

- I don't like cliches.

(grunting)

(laughing)

- Don't watch me.

Stop it!

(grunting)

- You can do it!

(soft music)

- What... why are we here? I'm meant to be working!

- I wanna get a sense of Rose's world!

- Well, Rose is a city girl.

- No, no, hear me out.

Okay, so, she used to be in a big city and now,

she lives in this big cottage.

She writes, she gardens.

She's had her big, manic, city days

and she loved them, but now, this is home.

- So, she settled.

- Well, that's a depressing word.

- No, it's not. It means you're supported,

you're stable, you're balanced.

(grunts) Whoa!

- Oh no.

(grunting)

- I'm fine.

I'm fine, I'm fine.

- You're good?

- Uh, yeah, that-that would be overstating it.

All right.

Huh, yeah, come on.

(birds quacking)

The painting Evelyn remembers is fictional,

but the painter is real, Renoir.

Google him.

(scoffs) - I know who Renoir was.

I'm half-French and I love art.

- Oh, yeah, I can imagine he'd be to your tastes.

So French. - Oh, okay,

so do you think this is more "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe"

or "Dans le jardin" or...

Renoir paintings!

(sighs)

(chuckles)

What about the town by the island...

Uh, by that lake with the island across the water?

- Yeah, I changed the name. It's a real place.

- Ah. - Yeah, my parents used to take me on vacation there.

(sighs) - Beats working, huh?

- No, we are working.

You know, a few years ago, I did research on a book

that uh, never happened,

and one of the characters was kind of a secret agent.

When a sleeper agent constructs a back story,

they base it on their past.

That way, they can talk about themselves more plausibly.

- So, for the interview,

do you think I should base Rose's life off mine?

- Yeah, a bit of shared history might make her more convincing.

Maybe Rose chased a guy across the Atlantic, too.

(laughing) - Chased!

I was on an airplane, not a rowboat.

Ugh! Did Carl tell you?

- No. - Selina.

(laughing) I'm sure you two had a laugh on my account.

- She was trying to convince me of uh,

your commitment to a cause, not just of your insanity.

(scoffs)

- It's not as insane as spending a month

on a novel that you hate, just to prove a point!

- I didn't hate writing "Our Time" exactly,

I learned from it. - About love?

- About storytelling.

Romance isn't about love.

- Romance is about love!

- No, it's a prelude to it!

Think about it. The giving of flowers,

it's a gesture of love, but love isn't the giving of flowers,

love is the giving of loyalty.

Building something together.

- Hmm.

I don't think Rose chased someone across the Atlantic.

Rose knows what she's doing. She's... settled.

- And is that something you think you can talk convincingly about?

- Your dad is pretty desperate for you to find romance.

- Oh yeah, well, he's pretty uh... keen on you to find romance, as well.

- Uh, fortunately for me, I'm leaving,

so I don't have to worry about any of that.

What's Rose's next novel gonna be about?

- Don't... don't know yet.

- When do you start working on it?

- You have to ask Selina.

(phone ringing)

- It's Selina.

Hello? (Selina): Darling, quick question,

this little tête-à-tête with Seamus Larson,

it appears it's for one of his regular features,

in which he is meeting with writers

in their own home.

- He wants to meet Rose in her home?

- Would your apartment work or should we borrow someone's?

Where might Rose live, do you think?

- I don't know! Ask Michael!

- He's not picking up.

- Can I help? - Michael! How handy.

Listen, we need to find Rose a home.

Can we use your apartment if we loan you

a couple of throw pillows and a candle?

- No, no, I don't think a city apartment will do, right, Lea?

- You're really becoming invested in this girl.

- Just doing some preparation.

- I was referring to Rose, of course.

(Michael): Goodbye, Selina.

(chuckles)

- I know everything.

- Good heavens, darling, that must be a burden.

- Don't worry, I know that you know

I shall keep this outrageous scandal to myself.

In return for a permanent job when my internship finishes.

- Are you blackmailing me?

- No!

Yes.

- Carl, if you breathe a word of this,

you'll be in breach of your current contract,

which forbids you from harming the reputation of Wade Coleman,

and I will make sure you never get a job in publishing.

- Yes. - While I have you,

send flowers to Jilly Buchanan.

Nothing too pink.

And book me a table for lunch at Il Buko on the 24th.

- Anything else? First-class flight to the Seychelles?

- There is something.

Find a home for Rose.

Something rural,

secluded, romantic.

You prove yourself these next few days,

I'll see what I can do about that job.

Thank goodness we haven't formalized Michael's book deal.

- I think...

...snobbishness...

is about feeling threatened when people

don't like what you like.

- I am not a snob.

You know, it's just that there's so much

good stuff out there.

There's films, there's TV, there's art,

there's theater, other than books.

Life is short, Lea.

It's too short for rubbish.

- I don't read rubbish!

And Rose doesn't write rubbish.

She's up against the great Michael Oldbrook after all.

- Oh, you know what I mean.

Easy thrills? - I like thrills.

I like feelings!

When I read a book,

I wanna feel... powerful.

I wanna feel helpless.

I wanna feel special. I wanna feel...

...infatuated, infuriated, electric.

I wanna feel alive!

- You know, people have been known to feel

one or two of those things when they read my books?

I think on occasion, they may even feel alive.

- Both your books and Rose's books.

(laughing)

Ah, that was fun.

Look! There's your book!

Do you wanna go make it more prominent?

- I'll resist. Thank you.

- Well, I don't know, you couldn't seem to resist it

that much when I met you.

- Oh, is that so? - Mhm!

(laughing)

- Oh. - Oh, wait,

why have they put it with the thrillers?

- You can write thrillers, and horrors,

along with all your romance novels.

All under different names.

I'll play all the parts.

And I'll get all new wigs.

And we can add to the wardrobe.

You know what I'm thinkin'?

- What? - Big, fake beard.

Scruffy. - Yeah, that'd suit you.

- It's very believable. - Yeah.

Yeah. (chuckle)

- You know, I wanted my book to have a plain cover.

(clicks tongue) Picture feels like cheating.

- I thought that a picture was worth a thousand words?

- I told you, I hate cliches!

(chuckles) And my book has 200,000 words.

Thank you very much. - Let me guess,

you wanted a plain, black cover

with the title in white Helvetica.

- What's that? - It's the typeface on all the New York subway signs?

- Oh, yes! That'd be perfect!

- Thought you didn't like cliches?

- What do you mean? - Helvetica.

Helvetica Helvetica.

Do you know how many famous brands use that in their logos?

- Well, I like it. - A cover doesn't have to tell you everything.

Just like a portrait doesn't have to tell you everything

about its sitter, just that there's some value to them.

It's an invitation to wonder what's beyond the image.

- Yeah, I like that. - Yeah!

Don't judge a book by its cover.

Oh!

You hate cliches, eh?

(laughing)

Do you know what time that printing place

around the corner opens in the morning?

Carl!

- Yeah, how am I supposed to magic up a house

in the country? Selina's freaking out.

Said she might withdraw some book deal she offered Michael.

- What? - Serves him right for being rude.

- He's not always rude.

- Oh yeah, he is quite the gentleman.

(chuckles softly) - I didn't say that.

What about Roger?

- Who's Roger?

- We house sat for him.

Old, rich, great knitwear.

He takes you to the theater.

Would do anything for you.

- Rupert! Okay.

You're a genius.

- Rupert? I'm good.

Well, actually, I'm stressed and I need to ask you a favor.

Please, can we use your house for an interview?

Like tomorrow? Oh no, it's okay, I totally understand.

You too.

That's it! I'm screwed!

(phone ringing)

Rupert? Really?

No, that could work!

Thank you!

- Did you get the house?

- I got... something.

(babbles indistinctly)

(lips smacking)

All aboard!

(giggling) - Rose lives on a boat now?

- No, she has a boat.

She just loves to spend time on it.

- And as she's so private about her home life,

she suggested this for the interview.

Perfect story.

(chuckles) - You could say it's watertight!

(scoffs) - Isn't she pretty?

We had a party on here one time, up and down the river,

best of Broadway playlist blaring,

and no one could knock on the door to tell us to turn it down.

(laughing) Oh, right.

Let's decorate.

- Oui, capitaine!

- So, have you got her story straight?

- She grew up in France before relocating here

in the city as a teenager.

She trained as... a nurse.

- No, say I. First person.

- I trained as a nurse.

- Noble.

- I fell in love with one of my patients.

- Scandalous. - He fell in love with me first.

We married.

But I was in an accident,

hurt my back, I couldn't lift anything,

and so, I was off work for at least a year.

- Heartbreaking. - So, I did something

I always wanted to do, I wrote a novel.

And my husband suggested,

since I was no longer working in town, that we move here.

- Buy a boat!

- He already had the boat.

That's why I married him.

- It's good. (chuckles)

- Ooh, apple cake.

Apparently, he loves apple cake.

- Hmm.

- So, I got you something.

I made you something.

- It's nothing, it's just a bit of...

...décor?

- Ha.

What? I'm overwhelmed.

- And if you can bring yourself to embrace a bit of color...

(chuckles) - Pink.

- Rose.

- Thank you.

- Now go!

- Are you okay? - I'm terrified!

I didn't know how much was hanging in the balance

with your book deal! - What?!

- Oh, I probably misunderstood.

(gasps)

- What... does Seamus Larson know what you look like?

- Yeah, of course! - Get back inside.

- What? - He's early! Hide!

- On a boat? Where?

- Mr. Larson.

It's Carl from Wade Coleman.

Well, anyway, this is silly, isn't it?

A boat? Why don't we find a coffee shop for you and Rose?

- Unless she resides in a coffee shop

that just wouldn't do.

- Uh oh.

Seamus, may I introduce Rose Blossom.

- It's an honor to meet you.

- Enchanté.

- Ravie!

(giggles)

- May I embark?

- Yes, welcome!

- Heartening what a uh, debut novel

buys one these days. (laughing)

(soft music)

- Oh, well, I must be off.

Leave you two at it.

- I wouldn't normally interview your sort of writer,

you understand, but the editor was keen,

and I thought it might be amusing.

- Have you met your fellow nominees?

- I met them this week.

They are like characters in their books!

- Are you like one from yours?

- Oh, yes.

But I won't say who.

- It's surprisingly warm for this time of year.

Shall we go to the upper deck?

- Okay.

(speaking loudly): We are coming up the stairs...

...into the upper deck...

...of the boat!

- Who on earth are you talking to?

- Uh...

A ghost.

I'm talking to a ghost.

This boat has been haunted since my husband bought it.

- Really? - Ah!

- Was that an ouch?

His feelings are hurt that you don't believe he's real.

- How bizarre.

- Do have a seat.

- Well... (clears throat)

Hmm.

I'm intrigued by your desire for privacy.

Most writers are only too willing to share their life with me.

- Oh, it's silly.

I...

...had a stalker.

- Heavens!

- It was years ago, but...

it's made me quite cautious.

- Well, you seem keen on sharing your love of literature, at any rate.

I quite enjoyed how you smuggled motifs

from so many famous plays and novels into your plot.

Are these uh, books that have a particular meaning to you?

- I'm sorry, can you say that again?

- Your subtle nods to classic literature.

For example, um, the green light Evelyn sees across the lake

is a direct nod to the... the light on the end of Daisy's dock in "The Great Gatsby".

- Of course. - There are mischievous nods to Jane Austen, Shakespeare.

- That's right.

- Do you have a favorite Austen?

- Yes! "Emma".

(confused chuckle)

- At first, I thought you were just showing off,

but then I realized,

all the books you allude to throughout "Our Time"

are the books on Evelyn's own bookcase

in chapter one, which makes perfect sense.

She views the world through a prism of literature.

- Well done.

- Remind me of some of the other works you reference?

- I... don't remember.

(chuckling)

- Well, you wrote it, didn't you?

- I did.

I would prefer not to discuss this.

- I see.

You won't share your home with me,

you won't discuss your life,

you won't discuss your book.

There are writers out there who would chew their left leg off

for an interview with Seamus Larson.

I don't like people wasting my time.

Let's try a different angle, shall we?

How do you feel about Michael Oldbrook's

dismissive comments about romantic fiction?

- I think he's an ignorant pig.

- I think I might take this story in a slightly different direction.

No, quite the opposite.

Rose Blossom was very intriguing.

I just need to do a little digging.

(chuckles slyly)

- Do you think I was comfortable out there?

- You were uncomfortable? Why didn't you tell me

the book is full of pretentious references?

- I thought you read it! - I have read it!

I haven't read every single book in the universe just in case!

I looked like an idiot!

- Well, if you don't recognize "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

or "The Great Gatsby", perhaps you are an idiot!

(gasps, insulted)

Well, congratulations, Lea,

I can't wait to read the headline,

"Michael Oldbrook is an ignorant pig!"

- I was just playing my part.

- And that business with the stalker.

If people find out I'm Rose,

they will think I scripted all of this.

It will look like I'm trivializing a serious issue!

Then where will my book deal be, huh?

It was excruciating listening to you out there!

- I won't embarrass you anymore.

I quit.

(breathes shakily)

- Please, don't quit. Selina will blame me.

- If she does, blame Michael. I'm sorry.

I'm not doing this anymore.

- Please, Rose-- - I am not Rose!

- Ugh!

(soft music)

(phone ringing)

(sighs)

(**)

(birds chirping)

- Is it her birthday? - No.

Well, I don't think so.

Why don't we uh... switch the flowers, huh?

- I told you, roses are nicest.

- Okay, okay.

Okay.

Hi.

- Hi.

- Hello.

- Hello.

My name is Lea, what's your name?

- Rory. - Nice to meet you, Rory.

- No, I just uh... tried your apartment.

Carl said you were here. I wanted to say uh...

I'm sorry that I snapped at you and thank you for all your help.

Ah.

I hope you enjoy the last few days in town.

- Do I look like a gravestone?

- No. - Uh!

- Sorry.

- Merci.

- What are you drawing?

You're like Katy.

- Who's Katy?

- She's a really, really good drawer.

- Oh, well, thank you very much! Do you like to draw?

- Let's uh... leave her in peace, okay?

- Rory.

Would you like to draw something?

(chuckling)

Okay, comme ceci.

- "Now that it was daytime,

Evelyn could see the island more clearly.

Brightly painted holiday cabins hunkered among its trees.

So here it was, Gray Goose Island."

Gray Goose Island.

(intriguing music)

"My mom and dad would rent a cabin

on the place called Golden Goose Island.

They were all different colors.

A couple of years ago, I went back and rented one

to finish the new...

...the new book."

(laughs slyly)

Oh, this is good.

(inhales deeply).

Oh, Michael.

- Are you sure you wouldn't like your own sheet of paper?

- Oh no, my draftsmanship leaves a lot to be desired.

- Hmm. - Hmm?

- Can you not stare then?

(sighs)

So uh, how do you plan on spending

your last few days in town?

- There is one thing.

- Maman et Papa,

my mom and dad,

they met while they were living here,

and when they started dating,

they would meet for lunch on that rooftop.

I promised my mom I would grab a photo of me and...

...that guy, but obviously that didn't happen.

I decided that I would make a drawing for her of that spot,

but I just haven't gotten around to it.

I'm not even sure where it is.

- It looks like it's uh...

near the library, yeah.

Huh.

May I see?

(soft music)

Wow! This is incredible!

(gasps)

Why are you designing soup can labels?

- Soup cans need labels and I need to pay rent.

- That's fair. - Mhm.

- Hmm.

- Wow! - It's Grandpa fishing.

- "Old Man and the Sea".

Hmm.

- All right. Let's go.

Say thank you to Lea.

- Thank you, Lea. - Thank you for your company.

- You're welcome.

- Okay, plea... please be Rose for a bit longer.

At least for the awards?

(sighs heavily)

Come on, you almost made me like her.

- And for the awards, I'll give you this.

- Perfect. You see, he wants you to go to the awards, too.

Right, Rory? - Please?

- Please?

- Okay. - Got it? Yes!

- Yes, okay, okay.

- Thank you.

And may I show this to someone?

- Sure? I have another one in my bag.

- All right, buddy, let's go.

Come on.

- Thanks, Lea.

- Bye.

- A shoot in the morning, a signing in the afternoon,

two interviews the next day, and then...

...the awards.

- My last night out in town!

At least it'll be a glamorous one.

(giggling)

When do I start on Rose's new book cover?

- Ask Michael.

- We'll see.

Can you hold this?

(phone notification)

- The flowers were Selina's idea?

- No, no, they were my idea.

(gasps) - Warning!

(sighs)

(clears throat)

- The flowers were my idea.

I just asked Selina if she thought it was a good idea,

and she said you were a romantic, and you might change your mind.

Doesn't matter whose idea it was.

They were my idea.

This is something Rose would put in a story.

- The two protagonists

trapped alone in a cupboard with each other.

(gasps)

Is he gone? - Uh huh.

That girl never learns.

(intriguing music)

(inhales deeply)

- What an unexpected treat.

- I hoped to get a quote or two

for my Rose Blossom profile

from her discerning publisher.

- Oh, Rose doesn't need me to speak for her.

- I'd also like to clarify a few details.

- You can have one minute.

Shoot.

- Well...

- She's cancelled all of Rose's engagements

except for the award ceremony.

She said anything else is too risky.

She sounded spooked.

Do you think this has anything to do with Seamus?

- Oh yeah, probably.

(sighs)

You know what? We've got some time

and there's uh... there's something I wanna show you.

We're almost there. - Okay.

Ah! - All right, open 'em!

- Ah! What?!

(gasps) - Yeah.

- You found it! Oh, my gosh!

- Uh-huh. - It's so beautiful!

No wonder they had lunch here every day!

Oh!

Oh, wow!

Wow!

- You can give the drawing to her in person.

You'll be there this time next week, right?

- Yeah.

- Are you excited to go?

- Oh, I miss the food,

miss the language, my mom,

friends.

I miss feeling grounded somewhere.

- Takes time to feel grounded somewhere.

Time and... effort.

(sighs happily)

Well, have fun!

- See you on Thursday!

Her final appearance!

Hey, is there gonna be a red carpet?

(laughs) - Probably.

- Yes!

(sighs happily)

(giggles)

Ugh!

(laughs)

Oh, my...

- Oh, no, honey, please uh...

you... you can take a copy from the stack, just over there.

- Yes. - My display.

- Sorry. Thanks.

- Uh... do I know you?

- I just come in here a lot.

(chuckles)

- I knew it!

- What?

- You cannot meet a handsome man without falling for him!

- I'm not! You can talk.

- I don't fall.

I...

...elegantly stumble.

- Why did he buy me flowers?

- To get you back in the wig.

- Why not chocolates? Or a book?

The other day, he explicitly referred to flowers

as a romantic gesture.

- Men can be quite dense, Lea.

Okay, especially the clever ones.

- Down.

Bye, bye.

Please can we do something nice together before you go?

I'll buy you dinner tomorrow night?

- Yes! But I don't want you to buy me dinner.

I don't want you spending.

- Selina said I can put it on the company card.

- Oh. - And don't cancel on me this time, okay?

Not even if Zac Efron asks you on a date.

(laughs) - I won't! I would love to hang out

with the best man in my life.

- Pinky promise? - Pinky promise!

(giggling)

(giggling)

(laughing)

You did it! (laughing)

- Good. - Yeah!

- Cheers!

- You know, my ice cream is a magic ice cream.

It can be any flavor I want if I think about it hard enough.

- Ooh. - No, it isn't.

- Sure! Right now, it's pineapple.

And now...

...now it's strawberry!

- No, it isn't! - Rory, you don't believe me?

- Oh, oh, oh, oh. - Here.

- Oh.

Mm! Yep, mhm, definitely strawberry.

- Let me try.

(chuckles) - It's not strawberry.

- What? - Ah.

- Oh, you're right.

The battery must've run out.

(laughing) - What? Ah, bummer.

(laughing)

- Oh, let's get you a tissue.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

And Daddy needs one, too.

(chuckles)

- Dare I ask?

- Well, it's a bit heavy going.

Michael, it's so rich.

I stayed up for three hours reading it last night.

He really is lost, isn't he?

- Can you please come for dinner?

- Oh.

I... - I don't... - Yes, yes.

Will you? - Please?

- I brought a frame for your picture. You can show me where to hang it.

- I'd love that. Oh wait, I can't.

I promised Carl I would go out with him,

and I really don't wanna let him down, but--

- It's okay, buddy. Next time, yeah.

Thursday, then?

- Yeah.

See you at the red carpet.

(sighs)

(noise at the door)

(intriguing music)

(laughs)

(gasps)

(sighs)

(chuckles)

(sighs)

(insects chirping)

- Champagne?

- It certainly is.

- Hi.

- Michael!

(sighs)

Whatever happens,

"Mountain Pacific" is a masterpiece

and I'm proud to have published it.

And please try to be kind

if people want to talk to you.

Today's waiter could be tomorrow's Hollywood producer.

- Ugh. - How gratifying

to see Wade Coleman back in action again.

- Good to see you, Seamus.

- Well, I am presenting the award.

- Oh, what a nice change!

They usually find a celebrity.

- Ha, ha. - Oh.

(scoffs)

- Uh, sorry, Sir, I have to prioritize the nominees.

- But I am nominated.

- Oh, really? What for?

- Most eligible bachelor.

- I'd vote for you.

(soft music)

- Carl.

- Honey! You look like Cinderella.

(chuckles happily) - More like Daisy Buchanan.

- "The Great Gatsby".

I thought you'd appreciate it.

- You two can't be seen together.

(chuckling)

- I'm gonna tell everyone you're my girlfriend.

(laughs)

- I'm gonna go say hi to the girls.

- Woo-hoo! Look at you!

- I love what you've done with your hair.

Is it-- is it longer?

- I uh... straightened it.

- Oh. (chuckles)

- You don't think she'll be too disappointed?

- I don't want a writer of mine doing anything

that doesn't make him happy.

She can't expect you to write a book

you don't want to write, just so she can design the cover.

- Excuse me.

- What was that all about?

- Very curious.

- Literati and glitterati,

top up your drinks.

We'll begin in five minutes.

(breathing shakily)

- Ugh!

Oh, come on.

Really?

- Oh, Sir! Excuse me!

- What? I mean, yes?

- I just wanted to say, I love your writing.

- Thank you. - Now, I haven't read "Mountain Pacific" yet

but I'm going to as soon as it's on paperback.

- I'll send you a signed copy.

- All right.

Okay.

(sighing)

(sighing)

- Oh! (laughing)

Keep it.

- Lea!

- You lied to me.

You're not doing another Rose Blossom book.

- No, but you didn't hear the rest.

Selina and I will be very honored

if you design my next book,

my next Michael Oldbrook novel.

- That's not what I was promised.

- You've never done a book cover in your life.

You can't expect to pick and choose right from the start.

- Then you should have said something before I fulfilled my part of the bargain!

I know you don't respect me-- - I do!

- ...but I was good enough company for your six-year-old kid.

You think I have stupid girly tastes,

reading stupid girly books.

Just like the stupid girly book you wasted

your precious genius on to prove just how stupid it was.

I was enjoying "Our Time",

but after meeting you,

every line I read felt like

you were sneering at me through the page.

And that was when you were just some bad-mannered stranger

who meant nothing to me, but now...

- Now what? - Now nothing!

- You wanna know a secret?

I think "Our Time" is a good book.

At least, it was as good as I could make it.

- I wish you could be proud of it.

- You have so much talent and imagination, Lea.

I want you to do my next book

because you deserve to be noticed.

You think I wanna be associated with someone I don't respect?

I have too much dignity for that.

I'm too much of a snob for that.

(laughing)

I took you for granted.

And I'm very sorry.

Please think about doing my book?

- Okay.

- Thank you. (chuckles)

- And listen, you don't have to come back inside.

- Are you kidding me? Have you seen this dress?

(chuckles)

Inside.

I'm right behind.

(sighs)

- Where are those two?

- Let me get you a refill.

- Yes!

Ah!

- Ha, ha, there he is! (laughing)

- Dad!

- You didn't invite me, so I wrangled an invitation.

So proud of you.

- I had the strangest phone call from Mr. Critic

asking all these questions about Rose.

Where is she?

- Ah! There you are.

You do look like a million dreams.

- Thank you for letting Carl take me to dinner on the company card!

- Carl doesn't have a company card.

(Blows kiss)

Well, Rose, let's go mingle.

- Oh, is that your dog?

- Yeah, his name is Giovanni.

- Like the character from the James Baldwin novel?

- You know "Giovanni's Room"? - That's my favorite book.

Yeah. (giggles)

- Does she look fam--

- Let's get a drink.

- Oh. - Hi. - Hi!

(laughing) - Oh, Carl, make sure you get this gentleman's address for me.

(chuckles nervously)

- You should definitely do that.

(chuckles)

(clapping)

- And now, for the final presentation of the evening,

the award for Outstanding Novel.

(clapping) Surprisingly,

a short list this year.

(chuckles nervously)

And the award goes to...

...Rose Blossom.

(cheers and applauds)

- Congratulations!

- It's you! Here, give me this.

(applauding)

You did it! - You so deserve this.

(chuckles)

- Go!

- I didn't say anything dreadful about her book, did I?

- Nothing I didn't say so myself.

- No wonder you're not seeing anyone.

(mouths): Go.

(chuckles)

(clears throat) - Thank you.

Thank you.

The thing is...

...I'm actually not a writer.

(gasps and murmurs)

- Come on, Rose, don't be modest.

Let's celebrate! Come on!

(claps quickly then slows to a stop)

- Believe me, I'd be celebrating like crazy

if I had written something as enchanting as "Our Time", but I didn't.

(murmurs)

(gasps)

The real writer crafted an intricate,

beautifully nuanced story

about what love truly is after the romance,

when two people fully commit to each other

and their lives become entwined.

I really loved the book.

It left me feeling so many things,

but mostly, I felt alive.

I can't accept this award,

but the real Rose Blossom does deserve it.

(murmurs)

- Uh, who's the real Rose Blossom?

- Sorry, everyone.

- I wonder who it could be?

You'll enjoy my piece in the "Literary Review" tomorrow.

It's kind of like a detective story.

(chuckles smugly)

Oh, my goodness!

Well, that was unexpected.

Uh-- - Wait.

May I?

Let me tell you a story.

- Here we go.

- I was... writing the fourth

or fifth draft of "Mountain Pacific"

and um, I was stuck.

I thought maybe I didn't know how to do this anymore.

And then someone made a bet...

(chuckles) ...that I couldn't write one of those romance novels

I'd been so rude about.

Of course, I didn't know where to start,

so I picked up the books by the stars of the genre.

(applauds)

- Yes.

(sighs, shocked)

(chuckles)

And what I found was truth, and wit,

and some dazzling storytelling.

As you can imagine, I was horrified.

(laughing)

- But I...

I also learned a lot about life and...

...well, romance, from an...

...an amazing new friend.

Someone who is daring and silly enough to play Rose.

So, on behalf of her, and...

...as the real Rose Blossom...

...I am honored to accept this award.

(applauds)

- What is happening? - I have no idea.

- If uh, I understand how social media works,

this should be trending in about an hour,

and you're gonna lose your exclusive.

- Hey.

(sighs)

- I didn't plan for that to happen, Michael.

I promise. It just...

...sort of came out. - It's okay.

I think I might've just pulled it off.

(chuckles)

- Well, congratulations!

- Thank you.

Kinda wish I'd won for "Mountain Pacific".

- Me too.

It was ambitious and you poured your soul into it.

But "Our Time" is truly beautiful.

- I'm glad I wrote "Our Time",

but I'm really glad you were my Rose.

- Really?

- Yeah.

- But I'm mainly glad I got to meet you.

(chuckles happily)

I think you are just magical.

Only someone as wonderfully, deliciously you

could've pulled this crazy thing off!

I love your imagination,

I love your impulsiveness,

I love how you brought Rose to life.

And boy, do I love how you bring life itself to life.

(chuckling)

Also, you look sensational. (laughing)

- I was right about the dress, huh?

- And now we get to work together properly,

even if it's an ocean away.

- I haven't even packed yet.

- Seriously?

Do you need a hand? - No.

I think...

...I'd like to stay here a little longer.

Just got going.

- Romantic.

- It could be.

Do you still think two people getting together isn't interesting?

- I don't know yet.

But it's definitely thrilling.

(fireworks)

(soft music)

Subtitling: difuze