Ice Sculpture Christmas (2015)

[bunniefuu]

You can go.

Don't gettoo close, Callie.

Okay, Mom.

This is beautiful.

Well, it's easywhen you're inspired.

You're welcome.

Here you go.

Thanks.

What are you going to dowith that?

It's an angel.

Where?

My mom saysthe sculpture's already there.

You just have to look pastthe parts that you don't need.

I'm David. David Manning.

I know.

My dad saysyour dad is very important.

He's the King of Wall Street.

I guess that makes youthe prince.

Hmm.

Never thought of that.

I'm going to be a chef.

You mean, like a cook?

Not just a cook. A culinary artist.

And chefs get to makeice sculptures.

Cool.

Hey, kids.

Dad, Mom... this is David.

:Hi, David.

Having fun?

Yes... Definitely.

David?

I've got to go.

I'll see you insidefor the Christmas dinner.

Okay!

Dinner is forthe club members only, honey.

But you work here, Dad.

It's notthe same thing.

Hello, Frank.Mrs. Shaw.

Outstanding jobon the decorations, Frank.

You really outdidyourself this year.

Thank you, Mr. Manning.

I reallyappreciate that, sir.

We're goingto be late, son.

I hope you find your angel.

Thanks.

I will.

I told you, see?

It's a snowman.

It's made out of ice. It's an Ice Man.

Which is it, Callie? A snowman or an ice man?

He is whateveryou want him to be.

That's the best part.

:Hey, kids.

Callie? Come on, let's go.

See you guys later. Mwah!

Dad! More Christmasdecorations for the club?

Well, I picked upa few more things.

You can never havetoo many Christmas decorations.

And hey...

I packed you a lunchfor your first day.

Dad, I'm workingin the kitchen.

Well, you never knowif they're going to feed you.

Thank you.

You excited?

Excited and nervous.

Hey... you're goingto do great.

If you had told methat someday I'd be working as a dishwasherat the club, I would have saidyou were crazy.

They're lucky to have you.

Three years in Culinary School?

You could runthat place.

Right now, I'm just happy for the work.

And this could bea real opportunity for me.

I'm working withan honest-to-goodness top chef.

Kind of. Indirectly.

Thank you, Dad.

Let's get going.

You don't want to be latefor your first day, do you?

Come on.

Thank you, honey.

Oh...

Nobody does Christmaslike you, Dad.

Well, your momgot me started.

Her favorite time of year.

Well, I've gotto get to work.

So do you.

Wish me luck!

Good luck, honey.

Bye!

Mwah!

: Tonight's specialwill be served with Julienned vegetablesand new potatoes today.

Marco, remember, we're pushingthe six courses...

Which brings usto our staff meetings.

They are especially importantduring the holidays in order to head offany problems or conflicts...

Excuse me?

Can I help you?

Oh. Uh, no. I'm all good.

Okay, this meetingis for kitchen staff only.

Yes, uh... this is my first day.

I'm just a dishwasher, so should I wait outside?

Callie?

Yes. Hi.

Welcome. Please, join us.

Everyone, this is Callie Shaw, the newest memberof our team.

Hi.

"Just" a dishwasher?

Jen, what do I sayabout dishwashers?

Dishwashers havethe most important job in the whole kitchen.

And do you knowwhy that is?

Because if dishwashersdon't do their jobs, chefs don't have dishes.

If chefs don't have dishes, we have no placeto put our food.

If we have no placeto put our food, our wait staffcannot serve our guests.

If our guests go hungry, they tend not to come back.

And if our guestsdon't come back, we're all out of a job!

So...

Exactly.

I'm Chef Gloria.

This is my kitchen.

We have staff meetingsevery Thursday at 10:00 a.m., and I expect youto be on time.

Good.

Now, where was I?

The holidays.

December is easily the busiest time of yearfor our kitchen.

Between the Christmas Partynext week and our signatureice sculpting contest...

Which our own Chef Gloriahas won forever.

Jen, it's only beenthree years.

So far.

Everyone will need to beat the top of their game... especially sincewe're a man down.

As you may have heard, our own Chef Douglasleft us... unexpectedly.

We will all needto pick up the slack until we hire a new sous-chef.

Unfortunately, Chef Douglaswas also scheduled to lead the icesculpting demonstration at the Ladies Luncheon.

: Callie, I seemto recall from your resume that you havesome ice carving experience?

Uh, y-yes.

But if anybody elsewants...

Demonstration is at 1:00.

You'll returnto your dishwashing duties when you're through.

Thank you, everyone.

Back to work.

-Hi. Callie?-Hi.

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

-I'm also a dishwasher.-Oh, no way!

-Yeah, welcome.-Very nice to meet you.

You as well.

-Do you want to see your spot?-I would love to.

Great. It's right back here.

-Thank you so much.-No problem at all.

So how'syour first day been?

Really good. Everyone seems so nice.

So, um, how longhave you worked here?

-Five years.-Really?

Yeah. Oh, could you checkthat strap for me?

Of course.

Just make sureit's nice and tight.

I think we're goingto make a Christmas tree...

Oh!

Zack, can you get thatto the luncheon?

I will be right there.

I'm on it.

My phone!

Come on!

Hey, you guys seea girl run through here?

Over there? Thank you.

What are doing?

Saving your phone.

Dry rice absorbs the moisture.

Don't turn it on for 24 hours.

Who are you?

I'm the new dishwasher.

There you are. Callie! The demo?

The ladies are waiting.

Right.

24 hours.

Bye, David.

Callie...

Hey, everyone.

I'm so sorryto make you guys wait.

I... really likethe new cell phone case.

Had a bit of a run-inwith a giant block of ice, and my phone, and a fountain.

But apparently, this helps.

Dried rice.

My grandsontaught me that trick.

Very clever, David.

Thanks, Mr. Bradford.

All right.

What do you saywe order some lunch and get down to business?

Sounds good.

Ooh, I can't haveroasted garlic.

Really?

So you can seeat this point that the ice is gettingmuch softer.

Now, ice carvingcan be traced back hundreds of years.

Poor Chinese fishermenwho couldn't afford oil lamps, carved ice lanterns so they could protecttheir candles from winds at night.

So... that's a little history lessonfor you.

We'll have the full proposalto you by the end of next week, Mr. Bradford.

Looking forward to it.

Call meif there's a problem.

Will do.

End of next week?

I know we'recutting it close, but this would bethe biggest deal we have ever landed.

You've never let me downbefore, David.

Yeah, but Dad, this is...

So I'm counting on youto pull this off.

You too, Brooke.

Keep him on his toes.

Will do, Mr. Manning.

All right, let's have it.

You were in a fogall through lunch.

What? No.

What's her name?

It's not like that, all right?

I just...

I ran into somebody I think I metwhen we were kids.

Look, why don't you, uh... why don't you go on ahead?

I'll catch a ride backto the office, all right?

Fine.

But remember, we're on a deadline now.

I... End of next week.

So we're going to sand downall of the edges, just a little, and then this ismy favourite part.

Our last step is to bond the starto the... tree... using the dry ice techniquewe discussed earlier.

:Callie Shaw!

Excuse me.

They're running low on icein the kitchen.

Are you almost donewith that?

: I can't believeyou remember me.

:Oh, are you kidding?

Ever since we met, I haven't been ableto look at a piece of ice the same way.

Come on!

So, listen, I heardyou went to culinary school.

You became a chef, justlike you said you would.

I went to school, yes.

Jury's still outon the chef part.

But I hearyou went to Princeton... business degreeand everything.

Yeah, yeah... comes in handy when I'm trying toimpress people at parties.

You want to see it?

So how long beforeyou inherit the kingdom?

I don't know.

You'd haveto ask my Dad.

Right now, I'm justanother one of his drones.

I doubt that.

So, what about you? Is ice carving your thing?

No, it's a chef thing.

They teach us in school to have as many skillsas possible, but no one's been askingfor ice sculptures at Burger Jackand Chicken-Lickin', where I've been working.

Well, what aboutthe ice sculpture contest?

What are you doing?

Nothing.

What?

That's Chef Gloria's turf.

Yeah, but I sawyour Christmas tree.

I mean... you've gotsome serious chops.

No pun intended.

I think you should enter.

I think you couldshow everyone you're not justa dishwasher.

I've got a better idea.

I'm going to lay low, new girl style.

All right.

But thanksfor the pep talk.

I've got to get to work, but I'll see you around.

All right.

Bye.

So how's it going with the prepfor the Christmas party?

Uh, it's good. You know.

You don't sound too excited.

I'm fine.

I've been doing itlong enough.

Everyone at the clubwill have a good time.

I'll make sure of that.

It's just, ah...

Some days, it's hard.

Thanks, honey.

Your mom inspired someof my best Christmas ideas.

Like "Anna's Angels?"

Yep.

And one day, I'm goingto make it happen...

Just like I promised her.

So why not now?

Because I also promised herl'd take care of you.

Dad, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself.

If you want to do this, then you should.

I will, when the time is right.

But right now, I'd like to enjoythis butternut squash soup that you made and hearabout your first day.

Now, let's go... highlights and lowlights.

Okay, let's see.

Lowlight, washing a pile of dishes the size of Mt. Rainier.

And the highlight was carving a Christmas treeout of ice.

How'd that happen?

Somebody quit. Chef Gloria drafted me.

Hey, it's a great start.

And this is delicious.

Hi! Morning, Marco.

Hi.

Hey... what's the deal?

It's only my second day, and I'm already gettingthe stink eye.

Well, whatdid you expect?

You signed upagainst Chef Gloria in the ice carvingcontest.

That's a bad move, Callie.

What?

: What's she doing here?

David.

Hey.

Hi.

Uh-huh. Hi.You know what?

I was just on my wayto thank you, actually, 'cause that rice thingreally worked.

Look, my phone's working again.

What did you do?

I... wait, what?

The ice sculpture contest.

Apparently, now I'm signed up.

Do you knowanything about that?

Oh, yeah, that.

Yeah. That!

What were you thinking?

I was thinkingthat I would help you to achieveyour full potential.

Chef Gloria and Jenare in that contest.

And that's not a good thing?

-No...-No.

No...

Because I wantto work with my new boss, not against her!

And now, thanks to you, win or lose, I lose.

Honest, Callie, I didn't know.

I just thought...

I'm so sorry.

You got me into this.

You going toget me out of it?

Absolutely.

Absolutely not.

But it was a misunderstanding.

Not the point.

The nameshave already been submitted to the committee.

Then I will explainto the committee.

Let me explain to you.

This yearis the 25th anniversary of the ice sculpting contest.

It's attractingall kinds of attention.

If one of my staffpulls out now, it might give the impression that I had somehow influencedtheir decision.

Wait, so you're saying Callie has to stayin the contest because you're afraidof what people might think?

I'm not afraidof what anyone thinks.

But I won't have my kitchenembarrassed, or my victory tainted.

Well, I still don't thinkthat's very fair.

You signed her upwithout asking, and you're telling mewhat's fair?

Okay, that's fair.

Here'syour registration packet.

The rules are inside. Read them carefully.

: You should know I'll be giving this contesteverything I've got.

I expect the samefrom you.

You're in the big leagues now, Ms. Shaw.

There are big leaguesfor ice sculpting?

Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know.

That's becauseyou don't operate in the real world.

What's thatsupposed to mean?

It meansyou're David Manning.

You get to do what you wantand be what you want.

There are consequencesfor your actions.

I don't expect youto understand that.

Right, 'cause, what, 'cause I grew upin a great big house, and I had everythinghanded to me?

You said it, I didn't.

Listen, I graduatedfrom an Ivy League school with honors, all right? Nobody did that for me.

I had three job offersright out of college.

I choseto work with my dad.

You don't know a thingabout me.

Understanding you is not really my biggest concernright now.

This right here is a little more importantthan...

Well, far be itfor me to...

Whoa.

First prize is $10,000.

Isn't that a lotfor one of these things?

It's the 25th anniversary.

They doubled the prize money.

This would pay offalmost all of my student loans.

Right, but then you'dactually have to compete.

I know, what am I thinking?

If I beat Gloriaon her own turf, I'm looking for a new job.

You know, you might bemissing an opportunity here.

You could winand prove to Chef Gloria how talented you are in the process, that you're morethan a dishwasher.

Well, the rules allowfor teams of two.

I need a partner.

Who... me?

It's your idea, remember?

Yeah, but I don't knowthe first thing about ice sculpting.

So I'll teach you. I have two weeks.

What do you say, Manning? You up for a little competition?

Oh, it's on.

It's a deal.

: Wow...

That's a big block of ice.

Yep.

Your dad decoratesthe garage?

More like this is wherehe practices decorating.

I'm impressed.

At its most basic, ice carving is aboutremoving the extraneous stuff to discover what's inside.

Mm-hmm.

And we start by placinga template over the block, like a map.

Here, hold this.

Thanks.

What's that for?

A little heat helpsthe template stick to the block, and that way, I can trace the pattern directly onto the ice.

Ohh...

Remind me to bringmy laundry next time.

Ha, ha. Funny.

That's some serious hardware.

And they all havea different purpose.

We have to make sure to use the right toolfor the right job.

Wouldn't power toolsbe faster?

Nice research!

A lot of icecarvers use them, but not me.

The hand toolsmay take longer, but they give youmore control.

Mm.

Here, meetyour new friend... the Japanese griphand saw.

Wow.

This stuff should really comewith safety instructions.

It does.

Don't touch the pointy ends, stay away from the fire.

Fire?

What fire?

And thisis the easy design?

Oh...

Oh, oh, careful.

No, no, don't pull too hard, or it might, it might... ooh.

Break.

I'm so sorry.

Here, let me show you.

This will get the bladeunstuck.

Okay.

Ready?

Yeah.

Okay.

You got it.

Got it.

You can use this one.

It's my dad's.

Whoa...

What was that?

This is a fracture.

This happens if the iceisn't properly tempered.

Ice has to be left outlong enough so it can adjustto ambient temperature.

Otherwise, it can break.

So, what now?

Coffee?

I was thinking it might be a good ideato enter a small, local contest before the big competitionat the club.

Get you some game dayexperience.

Sure.

Have you competed before?

A few times.

Did you win?

Usually.

Mm...

Who's Anna?

Oh, um...

Anna was my mom.

She's the reason I gotinterested in cooking.

She could take anythingin this house, just random leftovers, and whip up a feast.

I mean, some nights, it was likea Top Chef challenge.

She was amazing.

She passed awaywhen I was 15.

I'm sorry.

It's hard around hereat Christmas without her.

And the angels?

My mom always wanted to starta charitable food foundation that would be ableto help families in need get produce so they couldcook for themselves, and she used to say that the volunteerswould be like an army of angels doing goodin the world.

That's such a great idea.

Her familyrelied on charities when she wasa little girl, so she thought it wasa good way to give back.

And my dad stillwants to do it, but...

But what?

He has this idea that he can't investin anything until I'm takencare of first.

Maybe we should go checkon the ice...

Sure.

All right, that's it, fellows.

Great.

Okay, spin it a little left...

And spin it a little rightnow.

Whoa... and that is perfect, boys.

Good job.

Hey, good morning.

Good morning.

What do you think?

It's beautiful, Frank.

It wouldn't be Christmasaround here without you.

Why, thank you.

Just remember to save me some of that sweet potato pieyou're making for the party.

That can be arranged.

Great.

So how's Callie doing?

I was going to ask youthe same thing.

Well, she's willingto start at the bottom.

I like that.

But she won't getany special treatment either.

She's not expecting any.

You know she, um... signed up forthe ice sculpting contest?

Yeah, I heard somethingabout that.

Really?

You think she's ready?

Gloria... you're not trying to getthe inside scoop on the competition, are you?

Me? Never!

Well, I will say this...

I think she's goingto give you a run for your money.

Really?

Care to make itmore interesting?

All right.

If Callie wins, you make me dinnerwith all the fixings.

Huh. And if I win?

You make me dinnerwith all the fixings.

No, I will make you dinner.

Oh, you are so on.

Better start planningyour menu, chef.

Hey! Hi.

David!

What are you doing here?

Oh, just brought youa little something.

What is it?

Just go ahead. Open it.

Wow!

Where did you find this?

I special ordered it.

Overnight.

From Japan.

Is it the wrong one?

No, it's perfect!

It's just... you shouldn't have.

This must have costa fortune.

No, don't worry about it.

Listen, I mean, I felt really bad.

And also, I figuredyou could use it during the competitionanyways, so...

Thank you, David.

And to think, most men bring flowers.

Oh, hi. We were just...

This is a... It's a Japanese grip hand saw.

It's for ice sculpting.

Yes. I know.

Well, listen, I hopeyou've been practicing, because we sure have.

: Good.

But at the moment, one of you should be working.

Yes. Absolutely.Sorry.

And we're goingto win too.

David!

Bold talk for a beginner.

A beginner withan excellent teacher.

Please stop talking.

Well, then I will expectexcellence.

Don't worry about it. Listen, you've got a serious contenderright here.

You're still talking...

I look forwardto seeing what you can do...

Both of you.

: Callie!

I don't get it. What did I do?

You don't poke the bear, David.

All I said was, I thinkyou're an excellent teacher.

You shouldn't have saidanything.

Callie, come on.

Look, I knowthis whole contest, it's just fun and gamesto you, but I'm actuallytrying to start a career here.

Look, I just want to help.

Well, I would appreciate itif you would stop helping.

How's David doing withthe ice sculpting lessons?

I don't knowif it was such a good idea, Dad.

Why? What do you mean?

He just has no idea what's at stake for me here.

But how could he?

We come fromsuch different worlds.

Callie, just because he comesfrom a wealthy family doesn't make him a bad guy.

It's not just about the money.

It's the wayeverything is so easy for him.

It's in his DNA.

And even if he does mess up, he thinks all he has to do is smile and be charming, and everything will be fine.

I thinkhe's also trying to help.

That's not the point.

I'm finally workingin a real kitchen with a respected chef.

I'm not goingto let him mess that up for me.

How's the patient?

Hi.

What are youdoing here?

I thoughtmaybe we could talk.

I totally understand if you wantto find a new partner.

I mean, I probably shouldn'thave dragged you into this in the first place.

But I truly believethat you're good enough to win.

You do?

And I promise, from here on out... eyes open, mouth shut... if you'll have me.

David, I... I don't know.

I mean, you and I are so totallydifferent.

But we both want to win.

And that's something.

Don't smile. This is serious.

No smiling, I promise.

And don't be charming either.

If we're goingto do this, we have a lot of work to do.

Are we doing this?

Oh, we are goingto be so great together!

But we're not great yet.

Well, then, make us great.

Okay.

All right.

Let's do it.

You wantto get to work?

Yes.

I broughtmy ice sculpting clothes.

You readyfor his nose?

All right, three...

Yep.

Two... one...

Yes!

Yes!

No!

sh**t.

Maybe we should trya button nose.

Getting ice to bondis critical.

We have to make this work.

All right, well, that's not a problem.

We just needto practice more, that's all.

Speaking of which, there's actually a contestin Pinewood Valley this Friday.

I think we should enter.

Friday?

This Friday. Is that a problem?

Uh, no. No problem. Let's do it.

Oh...

It's Jen.

She wants meto come in to work ASAP.

What is this, some sort of initiation?

I thoughttoday was your day off.

It is, but I'm still in the "make a good impression" phase, which Jen totally knows, so I have to stay available.

Hey, you know what?

Why don't I clean up... and you get going.

Thank you!

My Dad's still inside, so I'll let him know you're out here.

All right, sounds good.

Hey, Princeton!

Yo?

Nice job today.

Hi, Mr. Shaw.

David.

Listen, Callie got calledinto work.

I was just tidying upthe garage.

Yeah, she told me.

Just put those mugsin the sink, thanks.

Yeah.

Whatcha got there?

Uh...

Oh, yeah...

Anna's Angels.

Callie told meabout that.

I thinkit's such a great idea.

Yeah, well, we may never know.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

Yeah, I was right. This is a great idea.

And you've really thought thisthrough.

Well, unfortunately, good intentionsaren't always enough.

Well, you're going to needsome capital to get this on its feet.

But I don't havethe kind of money that can get anything like thisup and running.

Mr. Shaw, do you mindif I take this home, give it a closer look?

I might havea couple of ideas.

Thank you, David. That's very kind of you.

On one condition.

Hmm?

Call me Frank.

It's a deal, Mr. Shaw.

Get out of here.

Hey, Callie.

Just thoughtyou'd like to know, the ladies lovedyour ice carving demonstration.

Good work.

Wow.

She's the last personl ever thought would pay me a compliment.

You'll be fine... as long as you stayout of her way.

You know what? Having you in the contest is probably greatas far as she's concerned.

Why?

Well, 'causeit's such a colossal mistake, and you'll never pass her up.

Not like Doug did.

Wait, the sous-chef who left?

Jen has been onthe line for years, and thought she was a lockfor the job.

But Gloria pickedDoug instead.

Two months later...

Doug bails.

Just saying.

Just saying what?

Jen found a wayto squeeze Doug out?

Don't let thesmile fool you.

She is a barracuda.

Wow.

It's a good thingyou're just a dishwasher.

Silly me.

Why would I thinkyou'd be in your office?

Yeah, no, I'm just, um... doing a little research.

Consideringa second career?

I was just tryingto help a friend.

Uh-huh.

A pretty friend?

All right, what's up?

The Bradford proposal?

Remember that little thing? We have a deadline.

Of course I remember.

And I read your analysis. I thought it was great work.

Thank you. Where's yours?

I... am... still tweaking it.

In my head.

David.

Brooke, look, I made a promise.

This is important.

I can't let her down.

What about your dad?

This deal is prettyimportant to him.

I know.

All right.

But after tomorrow...

Thank you.

I hope you knowwhat you're doing.

I always knowwhat I'm doing.

Where's Zack?

Oh, he had an early audition, so I just told himl could handle it.

So, Callie, how are you settlinginto the new job?

Good. Everyone's been so nice.

But how do you really feel?

I mean, working as a dishwasherinstead of a chef?

Just happyfor the opportunity.

Yeah, but it must be hard on the ego, coming in to workevery day, knowing what you haveto look forward to?

Especially since you workedso hard in culinary school.

I thought a dishwasher was the most important jobin the kitchen.

Everybody knowsthat's not true.

Top Chef.

It's where it's at.

It's where I'll bevery soon.

You missed a spot.

We can do this!

I mean, not that we careabout winning.

Of course not.

-We're just here for practice.-Exactly!

-But we could totally win.-We totally could!

Were we supposedto wear magic hats?

No, I thinkthat's just for show.

Are thosejust for show?

Remember, it's not the tools, it's the carver.

Mm, okay.

Okay, well, there'sno way we're doing that.

We are definitelynot doing that.

Wow...

Wow...

It's a gingerbread house.

Is that furnitureinside?

You bet.

It's to scale, too.

Brooke?

Good morning, Mr. Manning.

Where's David?

I, uh...

I'm not sure.

He's not answeringhis phone.

You haven't heardfrom him?

-Not this morning, no, but...-He should be here.

We need to go overthis Bradford proposal.

Don't worry, we are in great shape.

We'll have everything readyby the end of the week.

Then why isn't my son hereto tell me that?

You hear from David, have him call me.

Immediately.

:Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Pinewood Valleylce Festival!

And we needthe saw...

We can do this. Here we go.

: We are ready to startthis year's competition.

Carvers, on your marks...

You ready for this?

Get set...

All right, come on.

: Go!

Okay, here we go.

Do you want me to...?

You're doing great.

-Yeah?-Uh-huh.

:That's the three-hour mark.

Three hours to go.

Okay, I'll just hold it.Yep.

What can I do?

You're doing great.

Is there anythingthat I can do?

Actually, yes. I have an idea.

: We are at the final hour.

Start those finishing touches.

: Hey!

Oh, thank you!

Very good. Here we go...

No, no, no, I got it.

I got this.

Callie, this is supposed to bea team effort.

It is! You're doing great.

But I'm not doing anything.

And if you haven't noticed, we're falling way behind.

:Wow, that gingerbread house is looking pretty tasty.

Okay, um...

Here.

We need a candy cane.

That I can do.

Hmm...

A candy cane, as requested.

Nice!

Well done.

: Here we go. Get it nice and smooth.

Good job, Callie Shaw. Here we go...

Right...

You ready?

Moment of truth.

One...

Two...

Three...

Ah! No!

You know, sugar'sbad for you anyway.

Carvers, time is winding down.

Take this.

This is your plan?

You're going to meltthe other sculptures?

Just follow me.

Like this.

Got it?

Yep.

Wow...

This'll shine it up nicefor the judges.

Yeah!

: Come on, folks! Let's count 'em down!

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...

All right, time is up. Tools down.

Judges, make your rounds.

-Whoa!-Whoa...

: Really? "Participant"?

You get a trophy for that?

If it wasa Venus de Milo contest, we might have had a shot.

You know what? You were right.

This was supposedto be a team effort, and I got so caught upin competing, I forgot.

I'm really sorry. I should have trusted you.

You should havetrusted yourself.

After all, you taught meeverything I know.

It won't happen again.

Listen, I'll tell you what.

I'll forgive youunder one condition.

Let me take you to dinner.

I've got a better idea, Princeton.

Now, that is how you takethe sting out of losing.

Cooking's my therapy.

Whenever I'm upsetabout something, I head straightto the kitchen.

This is a great meal.

You are... an amazing cook.

Or do I say chef?

At this point, I will take either.

I'm serious, Callie.

I've eaten at some of the best restaurantsin the world.

They don't hold a candle to what youjust whipped up.

Thank you. That is very sweet.

I forgot one thing.

You know, which raises a...

I don't know, a slightlyawkward question.

Why a dishwasher?

Here, try this.

What's this?

It's mint sauce.

Ooh. Oh, my.

Well, sometimes it takesmore than just talent.

You need contactsand opportunity, and those have beenin short supply lately.

But now I have exactlywhat I was looking for.

I'm workingin the same kitchen with a renowned chef.

And is Gloriareally all that?

Did you see herwhen she was the guest chef on Top Ch?

Mm...

No, I must havemissed that one.

The way she can puta meal together with so few ingredients... she's a genius.

What about you?

Did you always wantto get into finance?

You know, believe it or not, my dream growing up was not to workfor my father in a leverage buyout firm.

Really?

No.

What was it?

I wanted to bea superhero.

And then a pilot...

And then shortstopfor the Mariners.

And when none of thatpanned out, I got seriousabout my future and decidedto study economics.

And then you dreamedof working with your dad?

Not exactly.

Uh...

I dreamed... about doing something... worthwhile.

Investing isn't worthwhile?

Well, it certainly... it certainly can be... if it's the right investment.

Have you found a lot of those?

Not many.

But I'm always looking.

: Are you sureabout this?

: Positive.

And have you evercooked before?

Does microwaving count?

No.

Then no.

But I think I've provenl'm a quick study.

You have indeed, Princeton.

Okay, so we are goingto make classic cookies.

They're calledChristmas thumbprints.

Are these the oneswith the strawberry jam?

Yes.

I love those cookies.

So we roll the doughinto little ba*ls...

Yeah.

-And then we flatten...-Mm-hmm.

You add your manly thumbin the middle, strawberry jam, bake...

Simple.

Perfect.

Okay, that'sa little too manly.

Here... like this.

Just... just a little.

There you go.

Then we flatten.

Thumbprint.

Jam.

Oop, wait, no!

Uh, just a dollop.

Here. Like this.

Perfect.

Frank?

Hey.

I thought all the kitchen staffwent home already.

No. Big day tomorrow.

What are you doing?

Just a fewfinishing touches.

You know, I don't even put up a treeat home anymore.

Every year, I tellmyself I'm going to, but then I never seemto have the time.

Well, you should makethe time, Gloria.

Christmas decorationsare pretty, and besides, they're good for the heart... and the soul.

Maybe that's why I likethe way you decorate so much.

Well...

I'm happy to hear that.

Good night, Frank.

Good night, Gloria.

Really looking forwardto your cooking.

Hi. Christmas cookie?

Oh, yes, please.

I made these myself.

Thank you.

Hi! Christmas thumbprint?

Oh...

That's strawberry jam. Just a dollop.

Thank you.

You wanted to see me, Dad?

Christmas cookies?

'Tis the season.

You want one?

Does this surgeof holiday spirit have anything to dowith your recent hobby, that... ice sculpting?

Look, I know I've beena little preoccupied lately, but it's...

"Preoccupied."

Is that what you call it when you don't even bothercoming to work?

Come on, Dad. I missed one day.

You can't affordto miss one hour, David... one minute.

Not with this Bradford dealon the table.

Brooke and Iare taking care of it.

I'm not concernedabout Brooke.

You've alwaysmade me proud, son.

And I know you won't disappoint methis time.

Y...

: I just gotthe asset report back from... Oh.

I can come back.

I thinkwe're good here.

David?

Yeah, we're good.

I'll leave you to it, then.

Are you okay?

You love this job.

Are you kidding?

I eat this stufffor breakfast.

But, then, I'm a big ol' numbers geek.

I thought you loved it too.

I love my dad.

It's not the same thing.

I know.

Hey!

It's beautiful, Dad.

This wasalways my favorite time, just before the party started.

I used to sneak your momin here.

We'd dance, just the two of us.

It was so nice.

You never told me that.

I was breakingthe "Members Only" rule.

Not the kind of thingyou share with your little girl.

Guess not.

Nah.

Your mom would beso proud of you, Callie.

You're a fighter, just like she was.

She never gave up.

I have faith in you.

You're going to be great.

Thanks, Dad.

Now... we both should get going.

Yes.

We have jobs to do.

I will see you later.

Love you.

Love you, honey.

Here you go, Callie.

Hey! Thanks, Kate!

Hang on.

Party face, Emma. Go, go.

Zack?

The prep station'sfalling behind.

Keith called in sick againat the last minute.

Does that guy ever work here?

Didn't Jen call anybody else?

Got me.

What are you doing?

I'll be right back.

You guys look likeyou could use some help.

:Definitely.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

:Thanks.

Why don't youjust go say hi?

No, no, she's, uh, she's working.

Well, clearly you're not goingto be happy until you do.

I haven't seen youthis smitten since college.

"Smitten?"

It's a perfectly good word.

Sure, if you're 90.

Or British.

Besides, I am dying to meetthe mysterious Callie Shaw.

Jen?

Why is Callie workingat the prep station?

Don't worry, I'll handle this.

Wait.

It looks likewe're short-handed.

Yeah, uh... Keith called in sick.

I've been tryingto find somebody to fill in his place.

So you're saying Calliepicked up the slack on her own?

And completely disregardedthe rules of your kitchen.

She did, didn't she?

Mm-hmm.

I believe there's anextra set of chef's whites in the back.

What?

Well, if she's goingto do the job, she should dressthe part... at leastfor tonight.

Have her change.

Look, listen, I see a friend of mine.

I'm goingto go say hi.

Yeah, sure.

Hey, Frank!

David! Merry Christmas.

Beautiful. I love it.

Thank you so much.

That's enough of that.

I need somebodyon the floor to refreshthe appetizer table.

Wait, what? But these aren't even finished.

Figure it out.

Go!

Go, go, go, go, go!

Callie?

Hi.

You know, I'm happy that you're not stuckin the kitchen, washing dishes.

Yeah, no, um, we're a little short-handed, and the appetizer tableneeded attention, so...

Ta-dah!

Hey.

Oh, that's right, you guys don't know each other.

I'm sorry. This is Brooke.

And you must beCallie. Hi!

Nice to meet you.

You too.

Yeah, David is so excitedabout the ice sculpting, it's practically all he talks about.

Really?

Of course, working with you might have somethingto do with it.

Okay, I'm standingright here.

-You're just embarrassing me.-Sorry...

Well, I see you twohave made time for the party.

I hope this meansthe proposal's going well?

It's going great.

We're almost done.

-Yeah. Almost done.-Good.

Excuse me, could you run and see if there are any more of thoselittle quiches in the back?

I will check on that, sir.

Dad, this is... this is Callie Shaw.

She's my partner inthe ice sculpting contest.

Of course.

The sourceof my son's distraction.

That's very funny.

I had assumedyou were a member.

No, I work in the kitchen.

Well, Callie, how much longer beforethe Ice Capades are over and I can get my son'sfull attention back?

The contest is on Saturday.

Please tell methat's the last one.

Dad. You know...

What?

You have a real job, David.

: Don't worry, Mr. Manning.

You'll have your son backafter Saturday.

Now, excuse me.

I had a real job too.

Did I saysomething wrong?

Callie!

Callie...

Please...

Look, I am so sorry.

That... that was about me, all right, not you.

It's okay.

He's just not used to talking to the help.

He's not a bad guy, it's just... he sees the worlda certain way.

He expects meto see it the same way too, and I don't.

I don't.

I've gotto get back to work.

Yeah...

Hey, listen, but... you and me, we're still okay?

Yeah.

-For the contest?-We're okay.

We're okay.

Callie?

I'm assumingwe're still on the clock?

Yes! Jen! On the clock.

Ready forwhatever you got.

Well, the salad prepcould use some help.

Salad prep!

Fantastic! I'm on it!

I was lookingfor those little quiches.

Is that your department?

Good night!

Don't tell me...

Jen didn't call anyone into help you.

She said she tried.

Don't you have that callbackfirst thing in the morning?

Yeah.

Unfortunately, it's notfor a dish-washing commercial.

Go.

Get your beauty sleep.

What are you talking about?

They had you runningall day.

Consider itan early Christmas present.

Thank you, Callie.

I owe you.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Where's Zack?

Oh, he's got a thingin the morning.

Needs to be sharp.

You already workeda full shift on the line.

This won't take too long.

Well... thanks for pitching in.

You bet.

Good night.

Don't thinkyou're the only one who started out washing dishes.

You?

Move over.

Many hands makelight the work.

I love that!

There you go.

Oh!

I guess I'mout of practice.

: I used tohelp my mom in the kitchen when I was a little girl.

She taught me things you can't learnin cookbooks.

My grandmotherwas like that.

Her recipes were ina squiggly shorthand, and I was the only onewho knew the code.

I thought goingto culinary school would be a way to honor everythingmy mother taught me.

But little did I know, the hardest part wouldbe after graduation.

My dad offered to usesome of his connections, but I didn't wantto be accused of nepotism.

And then you cameto the club, and I couldn't say no.

And here you are.

"Most important jobin the kitchen."

I love the lookon the other chefs' faces when I say that.

Takes 'em downa peg or two.

Did you know that I flunked outof culinary school?

Twice?

Really?

Mm-hmm. I was so stubborn.

Determinedto do things my own way, no matterwhat my teachers said.

How could you go back again?

I realized it wasn't aboutcooking or school.

It was about me.

Then I remembered somethingmy grandmother used to say.

"Things come to usnot when we want them, but when we're ready".

I watched you tonight, Callie.

I liked what I saw.

Thank you.

Are you two still here?

I thoughtl was the only one working late.

No, I'm just leaving, so...

Hang on.

Jen, we're going to beshort-staffed on the line again tomorrow.

I want you to bring inanother dishwasher to help Zack so I can bump Callie upto work with Antonio.

But... she's only been heretwo weeks.

Plenty of time for meto see that she's ready.

Thank you.

Yay, Callie!

But don't thinkthis means that I'll go easy on youSaturday.

I do intend to win.

You can try.

Good!

-Good night, ladies.-Good night.

Good night, chef.

Well, well, well... aren't you special?

Don't forget... the specials change daily.

Oh, this is lookingso great!

All right.

Fingers crossed.

I will crossthe fingers.

You hold the ice.

All right... Here we go.

So, um...

Gloria let me fill inon the line for Keith today.

That's great! That's great.

Mm-hmm, yeah.

I'm still not runningwith the big dogs, but at leastl'm running.

Well, hey, listen, let's celebrate.

I'll take youto dinner tonight.

We'll go somewheresuper pretentious, where we can complainabout the cooking.

Okay.

All right, it's a date.

I just have to wait to get word backon the Bradford project so I knowwhat time I can pick you up.

Great.

-Okay, here we go.-Yep.

-Three...-Yep.

-Two...-One...

Here goes nothing. All right.

-Yes!-Yay!

That's wonderful!

Bradford wants his legacyto live on with a thriving business, increased productivity, and job creation.

Mm-hmm.

This proposal gives himthat security and his heirsa piece of the upside.

My plan shows the cash flownecessary to pay down... and your eyes just glazed over.

Yo!

Yo. Sorry.

Get your headin the game.

Yeah. Go on.

What's this?

"Anna's Angels?"

Yeah, it's just, it's a proposal for a charitablefood foundation.

Proposed by whom?

Callie's dad.

I'm just helping himsort through some co-financing options.

You know, I knowso many people who'd love to investin something like this, something localthat helps our community, not just writing a check that goes somewhere distantand intangible.

This...

This is the true spiritof Christmas.

Look at your eyes light up.

I haven't seen thatsince college... you know, when you didthat community service project.

Where did that guy go?

I don't thinkhe went very far.

But he may have gota little lost along the way, trying to be someone else, for someone else.

I'm goingto finish this report.

Brooke, I... you know what...

Ah! Listen.

I am Type-A, and you're Type...

Apatheticat the moment.

Now, I put together a detailed, convincingLBO report for Bradford, and I'm gonna putboth of our names on it.

-I can't let you do that.-Yes.

You've helped me outmore times than I can count.

I owe you one.

But promise me one thing.

What?

Figure outwhat you want to do.

Then go for it, and don't look back.

It looks great, David. I'm impressed.

My only concern isthe steering committee.

Well, it would be made upof a diverse group of people who are as investedin the charity as you are.

But committees have a wayof becoming political.

What you don't want to do is use all of your own fundsor rely on a single donor, 'cause that can leave youvulnerable.

Having a committee... having multiple investmentsources gives you long-term security.

I've thought about thisfor so long.

It's hard to believeyou could really make it happen.

It's not me, Frank.

This is happening because you had a dream.

Well, it was Anna's dream.

She'd be so happy, especially for itto happen at Christmas.

Sounds like perfect timing.

I'd want a managerto oversee the committee.

Someone thatl could trust.

Yeah, that makes sense.

Do you have someone in mind?

Why are you working today?

Jen called me in.

Jen?

I told younot to schedule Callie today.

The contest is tomorrow, and I want herto be at her best.

I'm sorry, I must have forgot.

She can finishwhat she's doing, then send her home.

Of course.

I see you're usingthe Brunoise dice.

I like the aesthetic.

It's too small.

Switch to Julienneinstead.

It shouldn't take youtoo long.

I hate surprises.

Is that hisgood smile, or his "clean outyour office" smile?

Look at you two... like you've been keptafter school.

Well, you didn't really give usmuch to go on here, Dad.

Well, that's because I wanted to talk to youin person.

I just spokewith Carson Bradford and read the proposal...

Congratulations.

Yes!

Whoo!

Well, congratulate Brooke. She deserves all the credit.

David, no...

No. I know.

You do?

Contrary to what youmight think, David, I have been paying attentionto what's going on around me.

Could you, uh, could yougive us a second, Brooke?

Sure.

I know how muchyou've been distracted.

And I don't thinkit's only about this contest, or Callie.

I knowhow much it means to you for us to work side by side... to build this companytogether.

I know you've always plannedon me taking over when you were readyto step down.

I love you, Dad.

But that's not what I want.

You're my son, David.

And what I want, more than anythingin this world, is for youto be happy.

Business is important... but family comes first.

Thank you.

Almost done!

Mm-hmm.

Just in timefor the big day!

Right.

Is your fathercoming tomorrow?

He is, yes.

What about David's girlfriend?

What?

Brooke.

You know, the pretty brunettehe's always with?

David and Brookeare just friends.

Well, the way I heard it, that's justwhat they tell people because they work together... corporate policy.

Office romancewouldn't really be appropriate, now, would it?

Yeah, I guess not.

They're in the loungeright now, celebrating something.

They just seemso perfect together, you know?

Probably becausethey both are...

So perfect.

Oh...

Oh, Callie...

Callie, he's David Manning.

You didn't think he'd fallfor a dishwasher... did you?

Oh...

To Brooke... who is nowour newest VP!

Thank you!

-Cheers.-Cheers.

Great job.

Great... Whoa! Whoa-h*-h*!

Oh! You deserve it.

Thank you.

:Good work, Brooke.

Thank you!

Callie?

I thought you had planstonight.

Making cookies?

Is this about David?

It's about mebeing so naive that I could actually believe that the handsome princewould fall for Cinderella.

That's a fairy tale, Dad.

I'm too oldfor fairy tales.

It's, uh, David.

Uh-uh.

David?

Frank.

Is, uh... is Callie home?

She's, um... she's cooking.

"Cooking" cooking, or therapy cooking?

I'd definitelyinterpret this as therapy cooking.

I don't understandwhat's happening.

Everythingwas going great.

And then she texted meto tell me dinner was off, and then shehasn't answered my phone callsor text messages.

Maybe if I couldjust talk to her a little?

: My advicewould be to steer clear for the time being.

She'll talkwhen she's ready.

Frank, you knowthe contest... is tomorrow.

I mean, even if she doesn't go, I'm still going.

Good. You should.

Good night, David.

Okay.

Good night.

Honey, whatever happened... maybe you shouldhear him out, get his side of the story.

He'll just charm me.

'Cause that's what he does.

He charms me and makes me forgethow things really are.

And how's that?

How many years have youworked at the club?

And you have always calledEllis Manning "Mr. Manning!"

That's just the way it is.

David's not his father, honey.

No offense, Dad, but you really don't know him.

You don't.

Come on.

I want to show you something.

Come on.

Dad, what are we doing here?

David found it.

He figured it would bethe perfect spot.

Perfect for what?

Anna's Angels.

Dad?

See, that wasthe problem all along.

I needed somebodywith a head for business, but also with a heart that would understandhow much this meant to us.

And Davidwas happy to help.

It's finally happening.

Yeah.

Thanks to him.

Why didn't you tell me?

He asked me not to.

I guess he didn't want youto think that he was just doing itto "charm" you.

Well, I'm definitely impressed.

And he also agreed to be the managerof the steering committee.

I just wishshe was here to see it.

Oh, believe me... she's here.

Come here.

Dad...

Take that tostation five, please.

Hold on.

One of these needsto stay on the truck.

You sure?

I thought they've got to beout of the freezer, you know, like, to temper.

Not this one.

Where's your ice?

Where's Callie?

Okay, you get the ice. I'll find Callie.

Okay, good.

Well, here it is.

Hey.

Don't worry, honey. You're going to do great.

Thanks, Dad. Thanks.

There you go.

Good luck, honey.

Hey! There you are.

We were afraidyou changed your mind.

Can I ask you something?

Just for the record.

Are...

Is there a "thing" between you and David?

A "thing?"

I've known David forever.

He is one of my closest friends.

But if you could seethe way he looks when he talks about you, Callie... you wouldn't have to ask.

Come on.

Thank you.

My pleasure. Good luck.

Thanks.

Callie?

Hey.

Hey...

I'm so sorryabout last night.

What happened?

I forgotwho I could trust.

And it won't happenagain.

That isone impressive piece of ice.

Dad?

What are you doing here?

Thought I'd seewhat the fuss was all about... and support my son.

Thank you.

So, Callie... what's the plan?

Santa Claus.

And that becomes that?

:Mm-hmm.

Wow.

You'd be amazed at whatmy little girl can do.

Hi, Dad.

Sweetheart.

Frank, can you believewhat our kids have been up to?

Yes, indeed, I can, Mr. Manning.

Please. It's Ellis.

Ellis.

:So I understand you and Davidwill be working together.

That's right.

You know, I may be in a position to contributeto such a worthy cause.

: Really?

Why don't we discussthis proposal over some hot cider, let these twoget focused.

I like your style.

:Ladies and gentlemen, the 25th Annual Ice SculptingCompetition is about to begin!

Mmmwah!

Are the sculptors ready?

On your marks! Get set!

Go!

Beautiful.

Oh, no...

It's fine.

It's fine... It's fine.

Ooh...

It's totally fine. It's totally...

Ooh...

What happened?

I don't know.

I was carving exactlythe way we practiced.

Can't you getanother block?

Only one per team.

So... you're out of it, then?

Callie, I'm so sorry...

No, no. No, no, no, no.

We are not out of it. Not yet.

Callie, look at our ice. Half our block is gone.

But there's nothingin the rules that sayswe can't just change the design.

What do you have in mind?

I don't know.

But whatever it is, we only have three hoursto make it.

All right, folks, we're going to needa little room to work here.

What happenedover there?

No idea.

All the blocks came offthe same truck.

But did they all come offat the same time?

I assume so.

You weren't supposedto assume, you were supposed to supervise.

Come on, you knowhow those truck drivers are.

Half the time, they don't listen, or they misunderstand you, or...

What did you do, Jen?

You wanted to win?

We're going to win.

Not like this.

You're kidding.

You're smart, Jen.Talented.

It's a shame you couldn't have trustedyourself more.

:Come on, David... think.

I'm thinking, I'm...

Jen did this.

-What?-What?

She kept your blockon the truck.

It wasn't properly tempered.

Ugh...

Jen sabotaged us?

I'm sorry.

But for what it's worth, she won't bother youanymore.

Callie...

I want youto carve with me in her place.

Really?

I thinkyou'd make a great partner.

Thank you.

But... I already have a partner.

Good luck.

You don't haveto do this.

Come on, you'd stand a much betterchance of winning if you go with her.

I like our chancesjust fine.

Oh, yeah?

Mm-hmm.

All right, well, in that case, get a move on, come on, clock's ticking.

Just rememberwhat my mom used to say...

Mm-hmm.

The sculptureis already there.

You just have to look pastthe parts you don't need.

All right, well, believe me, I'm looking.

David...

Mm?

Do you rememberwhat you said to me when we first met?

What do you think?

Let's do it.

What do you think it is?

No clue.

Callie's always gota plan.

Got it?

You ready?

One... two... three...

:Let's count it down, folks.

Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one!

That's it. Time's up!

You said, "I hopeyou find your angel."

And I said, "I will."

Anna's Angel.

Congratulations, Callie.

It takes a true artistto turn a broken block of ice into a masterpiece.

Thank you.

I knew you had it in you.

You just neededto have faith in yourself.

This is the kind of creativityand ingenuity I want working beside me... as my new sous-chef.

Sous-chef?

Really?

Oh!

Wow.

I'll expect youbright and early tomorrow.

You still havea lot to learn.

I will be there!

And I owe you something.

But they haven't announcedthe winner yet.

Oh, you're the winner.

Me?

Yes.

I'm making you dinner.

-Really?-Mm-hmm.

Whoa...

:Ladies and gentlemen, the judges' voteshave been tallied and we're readyto announce our winner.

Come on, let's go find out if we won.

Hey...

I don't need anyone to tell me.

I already know.

I've won.

We both did.

Come on.