All language subtitles for A.Christmas.Proposal.2023.WEBRip-HBOGO

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bobtails ring

Making spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

A day or two ago

I thought I'd take a ride

And soon Miss Fanny Bright

Was seated by my side

The horse was lean and lank

You know, I've been his manager

for the better part of a decade

and his voice never
ceases to amaze me.

It's Maria, right?

Gabe Meyers.

Nice to meet you, Gabe.

I have to say,
I have never worked for a man

who actually sang for his supper.

Well, Shawn was saying
that you have greater aspirations

- than simply being a personal chef.
- I do.

I am saving up to create my own
line of food trucks

featuring a mix of
world cuisines.

Well, you certainly are
very good at it.

Thank you.

Sleigh

Thank you.

Did you talk to Shawn

about getting him to invest
in your food truck?

Not yet.

I'm trying to figure out
the best approach.

Direct always works in my book.

I know, but I just...

I don't want to come off
as opportunistic.

It's not being opportunistic.

It's opportunity knocking.

Now go, answer the door.

I hear you, okay?

Oh, Brook, I...
I gotta go, I gotta go.

Sorry to interrupt.

Yeah, I have some news.

First, the good.

Your dinner was the hit
of the century.

Oh, good.

And second,
I just got confirmation

that Shawn has booked a tour
on the East Coast

and he leaves right after
the holidays...

and we can't bring you along.

But...

I quit my sous chef job

because I thought this job
would become permanent.

Yeah, that's the nature
of show business.

But I'm sure somebody
as talented as you

will have no problem
landing on their feet.

And...

this covers you up
until the end of the month.

And Shawn added a little something
extra on there for Christmas.

That's very generous.

Actually, he found it very refreshing
you didn't try to hit him up

for money to invest
in your food truck company.

Merry Christmas, Maria.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Do you know the best part
of these work parties?

What?

Leaving.

Where do you like to go
when you leave?

Home... to my husband.

Lucky him.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Oh, to be you.

Hotshot lawyer by day
with a girl of the moment by night.

What will it take for a guy like you
to settle down?

Settle?

I don't even know
what the word means.

Well, your oldest pal
wouldn't mind finding out.

And maybe for a change,
you be my wingman.

Listen, I'm happy to help you
however I can assist, Manny.

But settling down
sounds like giving up.

All right, so, tell me.

With your father stepping down
as managing partner in the new year

any idea of who he's naming
as his replacement?

I wouldn't be canceling my trip
to Aspen

to spend the holidays with my family
if I didn't think it was gonna be me.

Your brother seems confident
he's on your father's shortlist.

Yeah, well,
that's just Bennett posturing.

I think my father's wise enough
to know that I'm the better lawyer.

You'd think, right?

But knowing for sure
is a whole other ballgame.

Yeah.

He's pretty tight
with Judge McKinley.

I'm seeing him tomorrow
regarding something else.

If you want, I could...
casually probe the witness.

Councilman, please proceed.

Cheer up, Maria.
You know what they say.

"When one door closes,
another one opens."

Yeah? Well, in my case...

it was a car door

if I have any chance
of chasing my food truck dreams.

See, that's your problem.
You don't chase a dream.

That means it's getting away.

Profound. Thank you, Brooklyn.

But one life coaching class
at the Learning Annex

doesn't exactly make you
an expert on life.

Maybe not.

But this tunnel vision of yours
is definitely killing your fun gene.

No, it's there. It just laid down
for a long winter's nap.

Yeah, right.

Whatever happened to the girl
voted "Life of the Party," huh?

I miss her.

Oh, wait, that was me.
But you're always my plus one.

I know. Come out with me tonight.

Rebecca's having a holiday party
with tons of singles.

- Come on...
- Okay, okay, fine.

I guess it wouldn't kill me
to, you know, take a break.

Great. Because I already
RSVP'd for us both.

You had this planned
from the start, didn't you?

- Yeah.
- See you later.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Julian, what are you
still doing here?

Rushing to get out.

The last train leaves in 30 minutes.

- Where you headed?
- To my meeting with Judge McKinley

to find out what your fate is.

Oh, fate.

Manny, fate is for people
without a plan.

My plan...

is to use every billable minute
on this train wisely.

Wise would be not showing up late.

Yeah, you're right about that.

That is not the mood
I wanna put my dad in.

Don't worry, I'll make it on time.
See you.

- Oh, I love it.
- Yeah.

But the party doesn't start
for hours.

Hours I can spend cashing in
on holiday travelers

eager to get home the weekend
before Christmas.

Yes. I wish I had your work ethic.

And your ability to pull off pleats.

They always make me look like
a human shower curtain.

That is not true.

What time do you wanna head
to Rebecca's party?

I don't know. She says ten.

But I don't wanna us
to give off a desperate vibe.

Got it. Well, why don't you text me

when you figure out what time
sends a confident vibe?

Okay.

Hope you enjoyed your drive
with "Driven."

Happy holidays, ladies.

What?

That tip might as well be
a lump of coal. Come on!

Maybe one more for the road.

Not that far to go.

- Julian?
- Maria?

- Yeah.
- Okay, great.

Where do I get in?
The back or the front?

Well, you're welcome
to sit in the back

but the front has more legroom
and heated seats.

- Sold. Great.
- Okay. Do you need a hand?

No, thank you.

All right.

Hi.

- Hi.
- Well, that was fast.

Yeah.

What, does... the rideshare app
enforce a dress code?

- That's funny.
- Yeah. You look nice.

Thank you.
I am on my way to a Christmas party.

And you are on your way to...

- Briar Ridge.
- Briar Ridge, yeah.

Wow, that's, like,
a hundred miles outside of Seattle.

Well, I missed my last train
because of traffic.

Is that gonna be a problem?

For me, I got dressed for nothing.

And for you, you're gonna get hit
with a major surge charge.

Yeah, I'm not worried about
a surge charge, but...

if we could get rolling.

Love to. Soon as I can, I will.

Great.

Either way, it's still quicker
than the local train, so...

Welcome to help yourself
to some waters in the back.

There's candy canes in the glove box.

That's cute.

No, actually, I would really like
some peace and quiet

so that I can get some work done
during the drive.

Sure.

What do you do?

I'm a corporate attorney.

You like it?

It has its plusses and minuses
like anything, I suppose.

How about you?

Do you enjoy
driving strangers around?

I do, yeah.

Everybody has a story.

You ask them the right question,
they open up.

So, you like to chitchat
while you work?

- Yeah.
- Yeah. My...

my work doesn't leave me
much time to chitchat.

Okay. Sure. No problem.

Do you mind
if I at least call my friend

and let her know
that I'm probably most likely

not going to show up tonight?

Yeah, I...
Text would be much quieter.

All right.

I am... officially off the clock.

Okay. So... what's in Briar Ridge?

I have to go home

to spend the holidays
with my family this year.

That sounds fun.

How about you?

My best friend Brooklyn and I

kind of started
our own holiday tradition

since neither of us
have family to visit.

So, every Christmas Eve,
we kind of splurge

and have dinner
on top of the Space Needle

and set our intentions for New Year.

Nice.

Friends are the family
we get to pick.

Some of us have no choice.

Oh, what's this?

I'm a personal chef,
and that is my future.

You wanna own a food truck?

I do.

My dream
is to combine traditional food

from all over the world
and create plates

that will bring people
a little sense of home.

And I wanna bring it
to wherever they are

at a price they can afford,
so... food truck.

You got me hungry now.

Got over an hour

before my father rings
the tardy bell.

I really don't feel like
arriving there early.

Okay. What do you want me to do?

Drive around in circles
for a couple of hours?

I've got a better idea.

I can't sit you.
I don't have a table until ten.

I'm sure if you check with Paliotti,
he'll squeeze us in.

Tell him Julian's here, please.

- Okay.
- Thank you.

You really don't know what the words
"can't" and "don't" mean, do you?

I can and I do. And I'm hungry.

Oh, Julian.

(Italian)
Merry Christmas.

Good to see you. Good to see you.

This is Maria. She's a chef as well.

You cook
and are a feast for the eyes.

What a combination.

My family's been coming here
since I was a kid.

He used to think
I was the chef on the pizza box.

That's right. I used to ask him,
"Make the face, make the face."

Well, do you even have a name
for this world food truck of yours?

I do, actually.

Pita Pan.

What? What does that even mean?

Pita Pan. It's like a...
It's just a play on words. It's...

It's terrible, that's what it is.
It's terrible.

You... you need something
that speaks about what you're doing.

Something that embodies your concept.

You know, something like "Pangea."

That's a word that describes

when all of the continents
were together, right?

That's what you're trying to do
with your food on one plate.

Bring it all together.

- "Pangea."
- "Pangea"?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

I will... I will consider that

when my dream
finally becomes reality.

You're welcome.

You know, I've kinda noticed
you don't exactly seem excited

to get home to your family
for the holidays.

You know, my family's tradition

has become about sitting around
with pasted smiles on our faces.

Well, if you don't mind me asking,
then why are you going?

My father is stepping down
as head of our family firm

and he's going to name his successor

at a client's
big Christmas Eve gala, so...

mostly, I'm going to remind my father

that I'm a better lawyer
than my brother Bennett.

Here I was thinking you were excited
to spend the holidays with the folks.

No.

- Sorry, I have to take this.
- Sure.

So...

one chef to another,
how was the fettuccine?

- My grandmother's recipe.
- Delicious.

I have a question.

Your dad thinks
you're an incredible lawyer.

But he's not sure you're ready
to become managing partner.

What does that mean, not ready?

He feels the position needs
to cast a more... mature light.

More mature light?
What, like married?

And if you wanted
to give the menu a holiday flair

you could do something like

puree-roasted beets
with the Alfredo sauce

and then sprinkle
with a little goat cheese on top.

And that would make a festive
winter alternative kind of vibe.

So, he's going
with my brother Bennett?

I cannot confirm or deny.

But it looks like
he's leaning that way.

Thanks, Manny.

My brother Bennett, he's been trying
to one-up me for years.

And now he's trying to play
the whole married with kids angle

to win over my father.

Are you sure
that's why he's picking him over you?

I'm twice the lawyer that he is.
Twice the lawyer.

But for my parents,
it's... it's all about image.

Always has been.

They wanted me to get married
right after I graduated law school.

Perfect timing.

"Hey, it's Mom.
We're headed to the airport.

Me, your father, and Bennett,
to pick up Daphne."

Yeah, all right.

"See you soon.

And by the way...

I've got a big surprise
for you all this Christmas."

What... what does that mean?

It means that I'm quitting the firm,
and I'm taking my clients with me.

New Year, new me.

Just because this turned
into a holiday downer for me

doesn't mean that I'm gonna
pass my loss on to you, so...

Ho, ho, ho, there you go.

A little something extra
for your Christmas stocking.

Thank you. I'll get your stuff.

Hey, I... I can...

I can get it.

I got it.

Hey, Julian, again...

I know this is none of my business,
but whenever I get upset

I wait at least a day
before making a decision.

You're right, Maria.
It's not your business.

I appreciate the concern,
but you don't know my family.

Fine. All I'm saying is maybe
take a little bit of time and...

and let fate be your guide.

You really are
one of those people that just...

always tries
to find the best in others.

That must be so disappointing.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Seriously, Julian?

Hello.

Julian?

Julian?

You left your phone in my car.

Julian?

Julian?

He left the door open. Julian?

Must be his rental car.
He's probably just getting settled.

Still, no reason
to leave the door open.

- Anyone care for an aperitif?
- Hello.

Hi.

- Who are you?
- I'm Maria.

Oh, she must be Julian's surprise.

Hi, I'm Helena Diaz.
This is my husband Charles.

An absolute pleasure.

- And this is our son...
- Bennett.

Yes, I see my brother's
told you about me.

I hope some of it good.

Bennett, be a dear
and get some eggnog for our guest.

Daphne, this is Maria,
Julian's girlfriend.

- Actually...
- What? I had no idea.

Totally makes sense, though.

The only way that Julian
would ever get involved with somebody

is seriously on the down low.

Oh, where are our manners?

Please, let's go into the living room
and sit down.

If I could just find Julian
and... and give him his phone.

Oh, he can wait for his phone
while we get acquainted.

Come on.

So, Maria...

please tell us about yourself.

Sure. Okay, I... I just...

First, there's... there's been
a tiny misunderstanding here.

Ah, where have you been?

And why have you been hiding
your charming girlfriend?

I beg your pardon?

We were just about
to get to know your little surprise.

What has Maria told you?

Not much, other than her first name.

Yes, but she seems delightful.
I'm dying to know more.

How long have you two
been seeing one another?

- Not long.
- What?

But it's not about the length,
rather about the quality of the time.

Right? Maria showed up
right when I needed her and...

and since then,
we've been practically inseparable.

- Really?
- I... I wouldn't say that.

Julian, when you said
you had a surprise

I had no idea that it would be this.

It's kind of like Maria
was telling me tonight

after dinner at Paliotti's.

Sometimes, in life, you just have
to let fate be your guide.

You took her to dinner at Paliotti's?

Wow, must be pretty serious.

Well, Maria's a budding entrepreneur.

She's a personal chef with a dream
of having a line of food trucks.

- You mean like a roach coach?
- Really, Bennett?

Why do you have to always try
to belittle everything?

Why so sensitive, Jules?
I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Well, then stop interrupting

and allow Maria
to continue telling us

about her Pangea food truck.

Pita Pan. It's Pita Pan.

And, actually

food trucks are a great way
for chefs to share their passion

without the sky-high rents
and huge overhead.

I think that's rather industrious.
Good for you.

Thank you. Food's always been
a passion of mine.

And now a second passion of my own.

How sweet.

- Julian, can I...
- Oh, I'm so sorry.

You know, Maria's a little peaked
from the long drive

and I told her
I would get her an aspirin.

Why don't you come with me?

Anything to steal a kiss.

All right.
What is going on down there?

Your family thinks
that I'm your big surprise

and you are going along with the lie.

I haven't lied.

They asked how long
we've been seeing each other.

Not long. That's true.

Have we been inseparable?
The last few hours, yes.

I'm letting fate be my guide.

Wow, you are such a lawyer.

Look, my family seems to be
in love with you for some reason.

And now you're blaming this on me?

The only thing that I am guilty of

is coming back here
to return your phone.

Don't you see that's fate?

You could be the key
to me clinching managing partner

and I won't have to quit.

- I'm not gonna lie.
- I'm not asking you to.

I'm just saying,
go along with their assumption

through the Christmas holiday.

You scratch my dream,
I'll scratch yours.

How about I make
a sizeable investment in Pangea?

Pita Pan.

And you can't be serious.

Oh, I am. Name your price.

- But this is crazy.
- Says who?

Trade in your dreary holiday plans

and come spend Christmas week
with the Diaz family.

Besides, I... I can't let you go now.

It's snowing.

That... that would be reckless
and irresponsible

and a slap in the face
to what is quite obviously fate.

Okay, just knock it off,
Julian, all right?

This isn't like trying to get a table
at your favorite restaurant

so stop trying to fast-talk me.

I will stay one night,
and I will think about it.

And we will see
how I feel about it... tomorrow.

Great.

Luckily, I had some
dirty gym sweats in my bag.

And unluckily, all I had
were dirty gym sweats in my bag.

Great. Another situation
we can quickly remedy in the morning.

Slow your roll, counselor, okay?
I only agreed to spend the night.

Right. Yeah.

So... good night.

Yeah. Good night.

What am I gonna tell my parents

about us sleeping
in separate bedrooms?

Tell them I'm old-fashioned, and...

That's great. That's...
They're gonna like you even more.

Make yourself at home.

Make myself at home?

No, I'm not angry, Maria.
I'm just disappointed.

Not so much with you, but...
but the turnout at Rebecca's party.

It was eight singles, all right?
Eight. All women.

Well, I'm still really sorry
I wasn't there with you.

Brooklyn, you would not believe
the night that I am having.

So, it turns out
that the last ride I picked up

is this bigshot attorney

who wants me to stay
at his family's place in Briar Ridge

and pretend to be his girlfriend
to help him land a job promotion.

And in exchange,
he will invest in my food truck.

What? What?

Wow, look at who hit
the holiday Powerball.

Brooklyn.

Where exactly
does your moral compass land?

I'm... I'm like having
a crisis of conscience here.

Come on,
he's asking you to play a part

not drive the getaway car.

Maybe.

But I just keep hearing
my mom's voice in my head

reminding me about
the importance of honesty.

Honesty is reserved
for nuns and suckers.

So, Sister Maria,
does this hotshot have a name?

Julian Diaz.

Oh, I could definitely play Juliet
to that Romeo for a few days.

Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving.
He's kind of a jerk.

He has that whole, like,
lawyer thing working for him.

Right, and you've got
that whole starving dreamer thing

not so working for you.

I don't know, Brooklyn.
I just... I don't know about this.

Oh, come on.

For once, quit living your life
in the slow lane

and finally take a chance.

It's Christmas
And the magic is in the air

- You certainly were up early.
- And a lot more chipper than usual.

Yeah, well,
I've got a big day planned

and not a moment to waste.

Picked out some goodies for everyone.

- Enjoy.
- Oh, how thoughtful.

Hey, what's in the bags?

Just an outfit
and some things I got for Maria.

Oh, yeah.
I noticed that she packs light.

Unlike your wife, yes.

By the way,
where are Cindy and the kids?

They're spending Christmas Eve
with her mom in Seattle

but they'll be here
for Christmas Day.

Wonderful. I can't wait to see kids.

Come in.

Good morning, sunshine.

Okay, just take it easy.
I'm not exactly a morning person.

- I didn't sleep at all last night.
- Finally.

- Crisis of conscience?
- Actually...

I was having some serious concerns
about our little charade.

I might have been naive
in thinking two perfect strangers

could pull off something
of this magnitude.

Well, it's nice
to see your common sense

is making a comeback.

Oh, no... I have a proposal.

In order to make this thing work

we need to create a history
that's rooted in truth.

Otherwise,
the whole thing will unravel.

The devil's in the details.

Why do I get the feeling
the devil before me

has figured out the details?

You already know me so well.

Chop-chop.

- Good morning, Maria.
- Good morning.

I trust a good night's sleep
has you feeling more like yourself.

Definitely a step
in the right direction.

Good. Would you like a coffee?

- Oh, I would love...
- We will get coffee on our way.

We're headed
for a cross-country skiing adventure

at Fiddler Park.

Fiddler Park?
That's like a five-mile trek.

Ten, roundtrip.
Does anyone want to tag along?

Okay, I guess
it's just you and me then.

See ya.

But... cross-country skiing?

Julian. Okay, just stop.

I... First of all,
I really need coffee, okay?

Secondly, are we really going
cross-country skiing?

If I said it, it's true-ish.

Here we go.

Look, Maria, you're just going
to have to trust me on this one.

I am confident

that I figured out a way
to pull this whole thing off.

But I already explained to you
that I'm not... I'm not gonna lie.

And you won't have to.

Anyone ask you
about our whirlwind romance

you'll mean every word of it.

How?

Get ready for the biggest
power date of your life.

Okay so, if I do go along with this,
what's next?

Trading in our skis for snowshoes,
and we are on to our first date.

Thanks.

I don't think that counted
as cross-country skiing.

All we did was stand
in the snow for a quick selfie.

Yeah, in our skis, okay?

Look, I didn't become
a very successful lawyer

without mastering how to maneuver

within the oh-so-narrow lines
of the truth.

- I noticed.
- Yeah.

Look, we've got a lot
to accomplish in one day.

We've got to complete
our entire dating narrative.

Oh, our dating narrative?

Yeah, like our history?
Like how we met.

I picked you up
at the train station, remember?

That could be troublesome.

Okay, why don't we just say
we met by chance?

I mean, that's true.

Have you ever been on one
of those horrible coffee first dates?

- Aren't they all?
- Perfect.

So now you have a frame of reference.

Anybody asks,
you just say we met by chance

and let me color in the rest.

Let's put the crayons down, counselor

and stick to reality, shall we?

- So, this is our first date?
- As a matter of fact, yes.

Me being an avid outdoorsman

I invited you out
for a little snowshoeing adventure.

- I don't snowshoe.
- You resisted.

But I coaxed you out
by promising not to let you fall.

And I believed you?

You're here.

Shall we?

Go ahead, just walk.

Yeah, just walk.

Yeah, there you go.

I guess this is where I told you
I first discovered your superpower.

- Your power of persuasion.
- That's true.

I do know how to get what I want
when I put my mind to it.

- I'm catching on.
- Quickly, I might add.

- Well...
- Look at you.

So, first dates
are all about discovery.

Tell me about your last boyfriend.

We need to go back
to the archives with that one.

Two years ago.

Heartbreaker or heartbroken?

Neither.

It was one of those relationships
you stay in past the expiration date.

I guess I knew it wasn't true love

when I saw
he didn't share my passion for life.

I can see that.

You're definitely an all-in
or nothing at all type of gal.

Very perceptive, counselor. I am.

Anyway, one day,
I woke up and realized

we were just better friends
than soulmates.

Soulmates?

You really believe
in that sort of thing?

I do.

And in a voice dripping with sarcasm,
I assume you don't.

You ever been in love?

Smitten but never bitten.

Oh, come on.

A good-looking,
successful lawyer like you?

You think I'm good-looking, huh?

I got you. See? I told you.

Kept my promise
I would not let you fall.

Now... on to our next date.

Yeah.

What's the name
of that divy little Greek place

near Pike's Market?

- Aphrodite's Grill?
- Yeah.

The one that you wanted me
to take you to

because you kept raving
about the cuisine?

- I did, and...
- Thank you.

What did you think of the food?

Well...

I thought it was full-of-awful.

Falafel.

And I don't wanna come back-lava.

That's when I knew I won you over.

You made me laugh. Genuinely.

A quality every woman
looks for in a man.

Okay.

My turn.

What?

But first...

do... do this.

- Great. Yeah.
- Okay.

Look, see,
there's the French restaurant

that you took me to
after we went dancing.

Yes, yes.

I remember the place.

This is where
the L word was first uttered.

Like, I...

Wow, thankfully, I know the Heimlich

because you seem to be choking
on those words even playing pretend.

So, seeing that you would never be
the first one to utter those words

I confronted you.

I said, "Julian...

I know that I don't know
where this is heading.

I don't.

But I can't seem
to get you off my mind.

Julian...

I love you."

Good job.

Thank you.

Well, now it's true that I said it

so let's just hope your parents
never ask if I mean it.

Okay, I see now
you're doing the lawyering thing.

- This is good. Pretty good.
- Yeah?

- Yeah.
- All right.

We've got another memory
locked for life.

Shall we create some more?

Why not?

So, don't take this the right way,
but today was almost fun.

More like exhausting.

Forgot how much work goes
into building a relationship.

Yeah.

So, you wanna recap
our greatest hits?

Okay.

You hate the nickname "Jules"

ever since your brother started
calling you that when you were kids.

Your idea of heaven is warm apple pie

vanilla ice cream,
and cheddar cheese.

Thank you.

And the quality you despise most
in people is... insecurity.

That's true.

You are an only child

but you consider Brooklyn
your ride or die, your sister.

And your love of cooking came
from all the time you spent

in the kitchen with your mom and dad.

And the word that you hate most
in the entire English language is...

"ointment."

Come on, it sounds gross.
Why not "medicated lotion"?

You know?

Do you really think
we can pull this off?

I think there's only one way
to find out.

I need to make an appointment

for dinner with my family
at a fancy restaurant.

Actually, I have a better idea.

Here we go.

Maria, this smells positively divine.

Okay.

And what heavenly feast
do you have in store for us tonight?

All right.

We have slow-braised
Persian lamb shanks

silky-smooth whipped potatoes
with a hint of Irish whiskey

and Moroccan-spiced baby carrots.

Actually, first

before we get started,
if you wouldn't mind

would everyone kindly
put your phones on silent

and place them into this breadbasket?

What?

Jules, what are we,
in the fifth grade?

Hey, I think what Maria
is trying to get at...

I've... I've got it, Julian.
Thank you.

The way we did it
in my home growing up

dinner was no distractions,
no interruptions.

Nothing to keep us from enjoying
what was right in front of us.

Food and each other.

So...

what do you say?

Boom. Mic drop.

It's a small sacrifice
I think we all can make

considering your hard work
in the kitchen.

Thank you.

There you go.

Thank you.

Okay, on that note, enjoy your meal.

- Buen provecho.
- Buen provecho.

Buen provecho.

So, how did you two meet?

It was a mission of mercy, actually.

Maria was on one
of those horrible coffee dates

and I was waiting for my latte
watching this poor guy flounder

and I felt it my moral duty
to put the date out of its misery

and save them both.

That's Julian's version of events.

So, tell the truth.

First time that you met my brother,
he seem a tad full of himself?

No, actually, I wouldn't say that.

The first thing I can recall

is thinking that his smile
was a bit disarming.

That was all I needed.

Oh, I'm sorry.
I thought I put it on silent.

Oh, it's Bill.

Bill Pendergast,
he's our dad's oldest client.

- He owns the Pendergast tool empire.
- Which also makes him the richest.

(Spanish)
Please.

If it's important, you should get it.

No... no. I'm gonna call him back

right after I finish
this beautiful meal.

Maria, Julian must have told you
all about Uncle Bill, right?

I mean, he's like part of the family.

Pendergast Hardware.

He's the host
of the Christmas Eve gala

for children in need.

Right.

I'm really looking forward
to meeting him.

Yes, after his wife Gretchen passed

Helena has been helping him
plan the event.

Oh, speaking of which.

Maria, given your culinary expertise

how would you feel about helping me
coordinate for the gala center?

Sure. I... I would be honored.

I'll cheer for that.

- (Spanish) To your health.
- Cheers. Salud.

Salud.

Thank you so much
for this wonderful dinner.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

And I hope
I didn't overstep any bounds.

My mom and dad always felt
dinnertime was... sacred.

No. It's wise.

Your parents live in Seattle?

Actually, my mom passed away
when I was in high school

and my dad
when I was a junior in college.

I'm sorry.

You poor dear.

Oh, no. It's okay. Thanks.

Everything all right, Dad?

Well, Bill just discovered

that shareholders are trying
to push through a hostile takeover

during the Christmas holiday.

We could lose
Pendergast Tools and Hardware.

Home Etcetera has been looking

to buy Uncle Bill's company
for years.

He's always been unwilling to sell.

Unless we can figure out
a legal maneuver

this could force his hand.

He wants us to meet tomorrow morning
to discuss a plan of attack.

And, Julian,
I'd like you to be there.

Of course.

But, Dad, I'm Bill's point person.

He's a client of the firm.
We all work for him.

Besides,
with the recent change of events

I could use a fresh perspective.

Well, that'll give us girls
the whole day to hang out.

Yeah.

Did you see Bennett's face
when my father invited me

to meet with Pendergast?

This is a huge step
in the right direction.

- This means that my plan is working.
- Okay, yeah.

Did your plan involve me
being left alone with your sister?

You need to come with me,
because what if I say the wrong thing

- and screw it up?
- Hey, hey, relax.

Okay? You got two and a half
more days to realize your dream.

Just keep being yourself.
You'll be fine.

No, I will be fine
when this whole charade is just over.

We've presented almost
a perfect case, counselor.

Look at this as our closing argument.

Yeah, well, if that's the case,
how about you take it to chambers?

- Chambers?
- Yeah.

- I'm a fan of legal dramas.
- Yeah.

And after the day we had today,
I am just ready to collapse.

By the way, stellar work today. Yeah.

And if you were any better,
I'd kiss you good night.

Fat chance, Julian.
I'm off the clock.

All I'm saying, Bill, is maybe
it's time you considered selling.

And let them destroy everything
the Pendergast name stands for?

Forget it.

In that case,
our only option is to litigate.

The State of Washington
has very strong anti-trust laws.

Further aggression will only serve
to antagonize both sides.

I'm suggesting a cooling-off period.

Okay? But...
So we can weigh out our options.

Look, Uncle Bill, if we file suit now

we can hang this up
in court for years

which will send a very clear message
to the stockholders

you're not backing down.

Let's shove it up
their Christmas stockings

- and see what happens.
- Yeah.

Well, then we'll go
with Bennett's plan of attack.

We're having such a nice time.
We should have invited your mom.

No, this is much more fun.

I mean, don't get me...
don't get me wrong, okay?

I love my mother to bits

but, as far as mothers go,
she can be a little tightly wound.

I like her hair, but if I came home
with hair looking like that

her pearls would pop.

My mom used to say,
"if you're comfortable with yourself

the people who love you,
really love you, will be too."

I'm not so sure about that.

In my senior year in high school,
I came home...

and I told my parents, "I'm gay."

And?

"Well, if you're happy,
we're happy, dear."

That was the last thing
that they said.

And it's like
if you don't talk about it

then it just disappears.

Or...

maybe they're waiting for you
to talk more about it.

You know, I mean,
communication's a two-way street.

In our house,
it's more like a dead end.

Can you keep a secret?

- Apparently.
- I put in an application

to work with Doctors Without Borders.

So, you wanna go into medicine?

Honestly, I don't know.

I just know that
it is not law school in the fall.

After seeing how miserable
my brother Bennett is

I just... want none of it.

And my parents don't know this,
but he and his wife separated.

- I'm so sorry.
- Yeah, I know.

But please, keep it between us.

He hasn't even told Julian yet.

I remember you from yesterday.

Has your boyfriend
finally mustered up

the courage to say "I love you" yet?

Not yet, but...
but he's getting there.

Do you want a cocoa?

Two cocoas, please.

- You got it.
- Thanks.

Okay.

Spill the tea.

- Okay.
- What happened with you two?

So, Julian and I had
a slightly embarrassing moment

here yesterday
after I said, "I love you."

Oh, that must have left him
like a deer in headlights.

Why? Why would you say that?

You're the first girl
he's fallen for since law school.

After Sarah broke his heart,
I thought he'd never recover.

Are you okay?

You haven't said two words
since you got home.

Is that so? There, that makes five.

I get the sense we're about
to have our first fake argument.

Oh, it's a real one.

You know, I thought we agreed
to be honest with each other

during our pretend relationship.

Yeah. So?

You lied to me.

During our power date, I asked you
if you'd ever been in love

and you said no.

Little sisters never fail.

This is not about Daphne.
This is about you.

Apparently,
you had your heart broken.

So, why lie about it?

Because I come from a family

where if you don't talk about it,
it never happened.

Yeah, that seems to be
a problem around here.

Give me your right hand.

- That's a dictionary.
- Right hand up. Do it.

Great. Right here.

I want the whole truth,
nothing but the truth

so help you, Webster.

- So help me, Webster.
- Great.

What happened?

Sarah Cook.

We met our first year of law school,
and I thought she had it all.

Brains, beauty,
X-ray vision through my bravado.

Like you,
she couldn't stand me at first

but I wore her down,
and we fell in love.

I fell in love.

After we passed the bar,
I took the next logical step.

I took her to Paliotti's to celebrate
and I proposed.

Did she turn you down?

She said yes.

It was getting her to say "I do"
that was the problem.

And when we're planning the wedding,
tensions started to rise

and so I thought a small
justice of the peace ceremony

with just the best man
and the maid of honor

would make her happy.

But only three
out of the four of us showed up.

Well, I'm sorry.

Probably did us both a favor.

It never would have lasted.

Yeah, but that's not the point.

You believed in happily ever after.

Yeah, maybe.

A long, long time ago.

You know, you're a lot more likable
when you show a little vulnerability.

Not that many people
can get me to do that.

Well, then I guess
we found my superpower.

For what it's worth, I'm...

I'm sorry for not being
more upfront with you.

And voilà.

The granddaddy
of all Christmas tree cookies.

So decadent and yet so simple.

- Is this your own design?
- My mom's.

That must be where you get
your passion for food from.

Yeah, my best memories were always
in the kitchen with my parents.

My dad chopping, my mom stirring.

Me just watching their rhythm,
watching their dance.

They always poured all their love
into whatever dish they were making.

- Sounds wonderful.
- Yeah.

Those were the best times.

Oh, Mom, you gotta
squeeze gently like this.

- Got hands full of thumbs.
- Now there you go.

Okay.

So, what are some
of your family Christmas traditions?

All I can think of is
putting up the Christmas tree

and Christmas Eve dinner.

And your father and I taking you kids
to see "The Nutcracker."

- I've never seen it.
- What?

Oh, Maria, it's so romantic.

Yeah, Mom's right.
It's pretty awesome.

"Romantic, awesome."
You talking about me again?

Julian, can you believe
Maria's never seen "The Nutcracker"?

Lucky her.

You really do put the "hopeless"
in "hopeless romantic."

Well, after that nutcracker
of a comment

I'm gonna ask if Maria is done
with her baking tutorial

because I'd like my better half
for the rest of the afternoon.

Yeah, I think we can handle it.

- Great.
- Okay. Have fun.

I'm sorry, Daphne.

For what?

I really wish we did more things like
this when you were growing up.

Maybe you and I would be closer.

Well, it's never too late.

You and Dad say you want me
to be happy, right?

Of course, that's what
any parent wants for their child.

Even if my idea of happy

is something that you and Dad
could never understand?

After starting off
as a tool supply company

my father took a gamble
and created Pendergast Hardware.

He built this building

and I spent every hour
I wasn't in school here

making this the best hardware store
in the state.

I... I worked here, too,
for a little while.

How could I forget?

I wasn't so good
at driving the pallet jack.

No, but you got real good
at drywall repairs.

- And I taught you that.
- You did.

You taught me a lot, Uncle Bill.

Mostly about generosity.

Every Christmas, the hardware store
would give away trees

to families
that couldn't afford to buy one.

- That's very sweet.
- Yeah.

Kind of how
the Christmas Eve gala got started.

Uncle Bill always looking for a way
to help those with less.

My wife Gretchen, she would
look forward all year long

to this occasion.

You know, my only regret is
we didn't have children of our own.

Guess I poured my life
into this place, so...

And looks like my work is never done.

Excuse me.

That's Uncle Bill.

You think you can use your superpower

to help me find a way
to get him to settle?

I mean...

look around, Julian.

Maybe all you see
is a hardware store...

but what he sees is his legacy.

Hey, fake girlfriend.

How are things shaking
with you and your handsome counselor?

The road has been bumpy

but, somehow, we both managed
to slip into a nice groove.

- Well, that is good to hear.
- Yeah.

And like any family,
they have their issues

but for some reason,
they instantly warmed to me.

Nice.

Although, you do remember
this is just a part, right?

Come Christmas, Cinderella
comes home with a food truck

and lives happily ever single.

I know, Brooklyn. I know.

It just... feels good to be part
of a family again for the holidays

even if it is just for make-believe.

Well, if you weren't always
so busy working

maybe you would find
a special someone of your own.

Okay, so, what do you think
of the new look?

Jealous.

I'm still paying off my old look.

Come in.

I gotta go. I love you.

Bye.

- Hey.
- Hey.

I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

Oh, no, not at all.

- I was just chatting with Brooklyn.
- Brooklyn.

Okay, about that, actually.

It doesn't seem right
that I'm stealing you away

from your bestie for the holiday.

So, what do you think about
inviting Brooklyn to join us

at the Christmas Eve gala?

Really? You would do that?

We could even dial her in
with a proper ball gown.

So, what's your angle?

What, I can't do something nice
without having an ulterior motive?

Our entire arrangement
is an ulterior motive.

So?

Fine.

There's some small part of me
that was hoping that my gesture

might really cement
the fact to my parents

that you and I are serious.

The fact, counselor?

The idea that you and I are serious.

Thank you, Julian.

Really?

I thought you were gonna be mad.

I get it. I told the truth.

- So, you're happy.
- Exactly.

And who knows, you know?

Maybe if we're lucky,
it could turn into a habit.

Okay. That easily? Maybe.

Stranger things have happened.

Maria, Daphne told me
how you encouraged her to talk to me.

I'm assuming it went well.

I can't remember the last time

we both were so honest
with each other.

I'm just so grateful
you were there to help guide her.

Anyway, I just wanted
to repay your kind gesture with...

one of my own.

Tickets to see
"The Nutcracker" tomorrow.

That's so thoughtful.

Maybe for you.

What did I do to deserve an evening
of torture by Tchaikovsky?

Well, who said I was gonna give you
the extra ticket?

For your sake,
you better hope it's for me

because you're not gonna be able
to give it away.

So, how do you like dating a lawyer?

It has its challenges.
Like try winning an argument.

No, but actually,
I guess one of the hardest parts

is trying to get Julian
to lower his guard.

I'm never really quite sure
what's going on behind his eyes.

As with me, this pretty much
tells the whole story.

I have zero poker face.
But with Julian, not so much.

I'm trying to get better at that.

And Maria is really helping me.

- Yeah. Work in progress.
- Aren't we all?

So, you challenge one another.

That's... that's important
in a relationship.

Signorina.

You took my suggestions.

Fettuccine a la Maria.

He named it after me.

- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas

It seems Paliotti is up
to his old tricks again.

Nothing in this world
is quite as delightful as new love.

To new love and to everlasting love.

- Chin-chin?
- Chin-chin.

Chin-chin. Salud.

- Salud.
- Salud.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

No, Cindy, the plan was

you're gonna bring the kids
to my parents' for Christmas!

Well, you know what's on the line
for me here.

Look, I have to call you back.

How are things
with the Christmas Eve gala?

Yeah, Maria helped us
nail down a menu

and she came up with
a signature cocktail for the event.

You really are a jack of all trades,
aren't you?

Well, you cook,
plan food truck empires

and you drive for a ride share app.

Oh, that.
Yeah, just in between chef gigs.

Right.

Maria, I was hoping
you would join me in town for a bit.

- Sure. What's up?
- I'll tell you on the way.

Okay. Let's take my car.

You drive.

That's Cindy, right?

She refuses to drive down
with the kids for Christmas.

It's time you talked to Mom and Dad,
tell them what's going on.

And give them a matching set
of heart attacks?

No, thank you. I...
I can figure this out on my own.

Just talk to them.

Maria pushed me to,
and it was the best thing I ever did.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

No, thank you.

I can't imagine you wanted
to meet me for chestnuts

and to listen to carolers,
so, what's up?

Well, I was hoping to get you
in the Christmas spirit

as I presented a compromise.

I figured you had an angle.

And Maria's here
to help soften me up, right?

No. I am just here for moral support.

Deep down, Julian knows what
this fight for you is really about.

It's about the Pendergast name.

It's about quality tools made
in America for almost a century.

Now, I spoke to the lead counsel
today at Home Etcetera

and I told him they would be fools
to squander that brand.

- And what did they say?
- They agreed.

And then they proceeded to remind me
of their endless resources

to battle us in court.

So, I proposed a compromise.

If you agree
to let the sale go through

then the Pendergast name will live on
in perpetuity with the tool line.

That's it?

No.

You can also maintain
the founding hardware store

right here in Briar Ridge
with your name on it.

And you get to keep doing
what you love to do right here.

It's a good deal, Uncle Bill.

Don't confuse your pride
with what you want the most.

If they don't have your answer
by midnight Christmas Eve

then the deal's off,
and they'll let the courts decide.

Then I've got a lot to think about.

Quite frankly, Daphne,
I am a little speechless.

I thought it was your dream
to become an attorney

and carry on the family legacy.

I think maybe it was your dream.
My heart's just not in it.

Well, maybe not now,
but give it two years, and...

And then what?

Be stuck in a job
I find unfulfilling?

At least you would have a degree.

Instead of flitting around the world
on some search-and-rescue mission

trying to figure out
what you're gonna do in life.

That's what you think this is, Dad?
Me running away?

This is me running
toward a life that I want

even if I don't know
what that is yet.

It's just me, Dad.

You know, I can take a case
to the Supreme Court.

You'd think I'd be able
to wrap a present properly.

Bennett, you're not here
to try to sniff out

who I'm going to name as successor
at tomorrow's gala, are you?

Actually, Dad,
I was hoping we could talk.

Well, I'm sorry you weren't a big fan
of the production.

It was magical.

The way Clara broke the curse
and saved the prince

and they... they fell in love.

Go ahead, make fun.

No, no. I think it's sweet.
I really do.

And a part of me was dreading
going to this thing tonight

but seeing the ballet
through your eyes...

pretty special.

Do you know the meaning
behind the Nutcracker doll?

No.

In the German tradition

it's supposed to be
a symbol of good luck.

Then, hopefully,
tonight will be a good omen

for the news you've been waiting for.

Hopefully.

Maria...

I don't think I would've gotten
through this holiday without you.

Well, I can't say it hasn't been fun.

Yeah, I can't say
it hasn't been fun either.

Sorry. It's...

- You okay?
- It's good. Yeah.

Let's go.

- Well, I guess we better go home.
- Yeah.

Maria.

Pita Pan.

Sweet dreams, Maria.

Merry Christmas, Briar Ridge.
Brooklyn's in the house.

Hello, Brooklyn.
Good to see you again.

Oh, right.

Well, thank you for the invite.

Maria, special delivery!

- It's so good to see you.
- It's so good to be seen.

This foyer is bigger
than our entire apartment.

Your folks wouldn't be interested

in renting out
the hall closet, would they?

You'll have to forgive Brooklyn.
She was born with no filters.

So, you know I'm being real
when I say thank you

for the gorgeous gown
you had delivered.

- Oh, I'm glad you like it.
- I love it!

Now I need a Prince Charming
to go with it.

Oh, Daphne.
This is Daphne, Julian's sister.

- This is Brooklyn.
- Welcome.

Thank you.

Julian, Mom and Dad are calling
a family meeting in the kitchen.

All right.
Let us see what that's about.

Yeah, go.
I will help get Brooklyn settled.

What?

- (I know.)
- Are you kidding me?

Apparently, this family
likes to keep secrets.

We wanted to talk to you all together
about an unsettling revelation

that we need to share.

Last night, Bennett told your father

that he and Cindy
have been separated for six months.

Bennett...

I'm sorry.

I assume this is the first
you've heard of it, as well.

And then there is Daphne's desire
not to want to go to law school.

- What? Really?
- Good for you.

Your father and I want you to be able
to come to us with anything.

When did that change?

We're here to support you
no matter what.

That's what family does
for one another.

As long as it falls
within the very narrow margins

that you and Mom have set out for us.

- No more secrets.
- Please.

I'm just glad Maria came along.
So we can all stop playing pretend.

Right? Pretty good, huh?

So pretty.

Okay, you seem off for some reason.

Is there trouble in fake paradise?

I don't know, Brooklyn. I think

maybe I've been playing pretend
for so long

that the lines have blurred.

Oh, please don't tell me
you're falling for the guy.

I thought you said he was a jerk.

He was... at first.

But I think
underneath all that bluster

there's a really good guy.

Okay, so last night,
after the ballet, we almost kissed

and it was not for show.

You almost kissed?

Maria, that is the exact same thing
as "didn't kiss."

Unless you wanted him to kiss you.

I...

Oh, my God.

You are for real in love
with your make-believe boyfriend.

Stop.

What if I was? You know?

What would I do?

You have no choice.
You have to tell him how you feel.

- No.
- Yes.

- No. No, Brooklyn.
- Yes. Yes.

No, that was not the plan.
This is my fault.

An "almost kiss" can go both ways.

For all you know,
he may feel the same.

What if he doesn't?

Well, I would rather live
with the pain of knowing

than spend the rest
of my life wondering

what might have happened if he did.

I just got off the phone
with Pendergast.

Julian, who gave you the authority
to call opposing counsel?

You did what?

I saw a way to do this that I knew
neither of you would approve.

It's a way to find the middle ground.

You had no right
to go behind my back.

You just couldn't resist
another chance to one-up me.

That's not what this was
about, Bennett.

Are you sure?

Seems like you two have made a career
out of trying to one-up each other.

Not this time, Pop.
This wasn't about me winning.

This was about me
trying to do the right thing.

Yeah, but this could explode
in our faces.

Yeah, well,
I felt it was worth the risk.

I gave Uncle Bill a chance
to save his legacy.

And lucky for you, Bill took it.

- What?
- He did?

How did you get him to soften?

I mean, it's rare for even
a good lawyer to settle a case

where everyone walks away happy.

But this... this was great lawyering.

Thanks, Pop.

Do me a favor though, okay?

Next time... let's work as a team.
No more going rogue.

Understood.

You can't wait too long
to talk to Julian, you know?

The statute of limitations
for an almost kiss is 24 hours.

Come in.

Maria.

Talk to him.

- Hey.
- How's it going?

Good. Just...

- getting ready.
- Okay.

Actually, Julian,
I was hoping that we could talk.

Yeah, sure,
but I have some great news first.

- Uncle Bill took the deal.
- Oh, my God.

Yes, yes.

I'm so happy for you
and for Uncle Bill.

Thanks. I...

I don't think I would have been able
to convince him without your help.

You see how nice it feels

to use that superpower
of yours for good?

Yeah.

Great. Your turn.

Okay.

Last night, when...

when we were outside
of the theater...

Hey, Maria.

Do you think I can pull off
a smokey eye?

Daphne.

I'll show you.

You were saying about last night?

Just thank you for last night.

Just thank you.

Sure. Yeah.

I'll see you in a little bit.

Okay. I'm just gonna finish
just getting ready.

Can I give you a hand with that?

I got it. Thanks.

I know you're angry with me, Bennett

but I never meant
to step on your toes

with the Pendergast case.

If that's your attempt
at an apology, save it.

I really am sorry, Bennett.

Growing up
with Dad's high expectations just...

made us feel like we were only ever
each other's competition.

Made it hard to see each other
as anything else.

I regret that.

And I'm really sorry about Cindy.

Yeah, well, it is what it is.

Why don't we push the past aside
and move forward?

And do what? Be friends?

Why don't we start
with being brothers?

Yeah, I guess.

Little brother still can't tie a tie.

This is so exciting.

There's even a limo outside.

I feel like we're all going
to Christmas prom.

Well, then shall we?

Maria's not done yet.

Sorry.

I'm here.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Your mom was nice enough
to lend me a necklace.

Thank you, Helena.

I am... not used to
getting dressed up like this.

Do I look okay?

Breathtaking.

Thank you.

Here comes my favorite family.

- Merry Christmas, Maria.
- Merry Christmas, Bill.

Thanks for coming.

And look at my beautiful goddaughter.

Tell me, Daphne,
how goes the law school search?

Actually, Daphne
has just shared with us

that she wants to explore some
other compelling options for now.

Helena and I
are very excited for her.

Really?

Yes, if this is what you truly want,
we don't wanna stand in the way.

Daphne decided to take a year off
to join Doctors Without Borders.

Oh, really?

Thanks.

You really are the best.

Wow, there are so many people here,
and I don't know a single soul.

Accent on single.

You know what?

I think I can help with that.

Manny, come here for a second.

Excuse me.

Manny, I'd like you
to meet someone special.

This is Brooklyn.

Brooklyn, like the... city.

Yes, although I think you'll find
I am a lot friendlier.

Can I get you a champagne?

I thought you'd never ask.

- I'm impressed.
- Yeah, well...

So, are you going to make
matchmaking your side hustle?

Let's see how this goes first.

True.

You're nervous.

Actually, I am.

Everything boils down to tonight.

And the only thing I know for sure...

is that none of this
would be possible

if it wasn't for you.

That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.

Yeah, I figured. I had this ready.

Go on, open it.

I left it blank so that you could
put in the price of the food truck

and cover your startup costs.

I just wanna help make
your dream come true, too.

I can't accept this, Julian.

Of course, you can.

Maria... I trust you.

I guess this is it.

Nearly 30 years ago,
my dear friend Bill

taught me about
putting personal needs aside

for the greater good by starting
the Pendergast Foundation.

Our firm has been a proud sponsor
for over two decades now

and, as some of you may know

in January, I'll be stepping down
from my duties at the firm

so that my wife and I
can dedicate our lives

to more meaningful pursuits
like this one.

Christmas is a time
for counting our blessings.

Something that we don't do
often enough.

And this Christmas

a very special person
came into our lives

who made us understand
what a blessing family is.

I am extremely proud of both
my sons and my daughter

in ways I cannot even begin
to express.

And while I'm going to miss
my daily duties at the firm

I couldn't be more thrilled
and confident to announce

that I will be handing the reins
of the firm over to my son...

Julian Diaz.

I hope you told Julian how you feel

before getting paid
for services rendered.

I couldn't.

So, what happens at midnight?

All this vanishes and you go back
to being a rideshare driver?

Something about this
didn't seem right

but I honestly
never would have suspected

that either of you
could stoop so low.

I have to admit, you were good.

Well, I don't feel very good.

What are you talking about?

Maria is Julian's
girlfriend for hire.

This whole thing has been an act.

What? No, that's not true.

Tell her the truth, Maria.

I'm so sorry.

I never meant to hurt any of you.

You...

Just please give this back to him.

Brooklyn, can we please go?

Anybody seen Maria?

I'm sorry, Julian.

What's going on?

It appears Julian
and Maria's relationship

was just for show.

What? That can't be.

Julian, is this true?

When I heard of your intent
to name Bennett managing partner

my big surprise was gonna be
me resigning from the firm.

After seeing how taken you were

with the thought
that Maria was my girlfriend...

A little lie, it just completely
spun out of control.

All this because of a promotion?

Julian.

So, none of it was real?

I don't know anymore, okay? I...

I'm gonna make it up
to each of you, I promise.

Right now, I have to find Maria.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Nice to see your broken heart
hasn't affected your appetite.

Yeah, well, you know
cooking settles my nerves.

I felt so guilty about what I did,
I couldn't sleep last night.

- How could I be such a fool?
- You are not a fool.

You are a big, kindhearted soul
who got hurt.

Yeah, well, this big,
kindhearted soul

is done with all this nonsense.

Come on, Maria.

You can't let one bad experience
sour you on romance.

I know.

And if I'm being really honest
with myself

you were right in pushing me
to take chances.

Say that again.

Safe choices lead
to an unfulfilled life.

No, I mean, the part
about me being right.

I really don't know
if happily ever after does exist.

But I... I do know one thing.

I will never find it...
if I stop looking.

I like the sound of that.

I...

What are you gonna do?

- Hi, Manny.
- Oh, hey.

Manny? What...

You left so quickly last night,
I didn't get your number.

Julian gave me a lift.

Yeah, sorry about that.

My ride-or-die needed a ride.

Hey.

They say nutcrackers are...
supposed to bring good luck.

I figured I'd take all the help
I could get.

What are you doing here?

Bringing you what's yours.

I tried calling.

You wouldn't pick up,
so I had no choice.

I don't want it.

It's yours.

Then, Julian, I don't know what...

You can sell it, I guess,
or do whatever you want

- but I can't accept it.
- Why not?

Because it's built on a lie,
and I don't want that.

I don't want that either.

After you left,
I apologized to my entire family.

I came clean.

Really?

Really.

How did that go?

It's a work in progress.

I bet.

So far, I got Bennett
to agree to share

managing partner duties with me.

That's generous of you.

No, it's just...
it's the right thing to do.

Yeah.

I also need to take back an apology
that I gave you.

When did you apologize?

I apologized for lying
about having never been in love.

It turns out
that I was telling the truth.

I thought it was love.

But the truth is that
I have never felt about anyone

the way that I do for you.

What are you... what are you saying?

I'm in love with you, Maria.

And I only hope you feel...

The same?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

Well, I guess that if...
we're a for-real thing now

then maybe we ought to have
our first real date, right?

Probably.

How about tonight? Christmas dinner?

I feel like I can probably
make that work.

Good.

'Cause we were all
hoping you'd say that.

"We"?

We.

- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I don't know what
you're doing to me, Maria, but...

thank you.

Oh, this is just the beginning.

Merry Christmas!