When Love Blooms (2021)

[bunniefuu]

Hi! What's in the macchiato?

Espresso and milk.

Oh, that's way too much

caffeine for me

for the afternoon.

How about the latte?

Espresso and milk.

Hmm. How about the flat white?

They're basically

all the same thing.

OK. I will have

the peppermint cold brew.

No, uh,

a butterscotch cappuccino.

No, no, uh,

the iced unicorn matcha.

You know what?

I'll just have, uh,

the oat milk brle latte.

Actually, I'll...

I'll have a, uh...

cup of hot water, please.

At least it won't

keep me up tonight.

Could have used

a bit of milk, though.

Heads up!

Watch it, Steph!

Sorry, Ann. Um,

can you toss it back?

- I don't know.

- Oh, come on!

What's the worst

that can happen?

Are you kidding?

We're risk analysts.

I could tell you precisely

what might go wrong.

Let's say I toss it back.

But, without a direct

line of vision,

plus my notoriously bad aim,

there's a 60% chance that I hit

your "don't kiss me,

I'm a risk analyst" coffee mug,

spilling it

all over your desktop

and ruining an entire day's

worth of work.

Plus there's a 19% chance

of residual splashback

landing on your new outfit,

ruining it for your date

whom I met

at the Christmas party,

and I very much want to like me.

Well, you are good at this.

Uh, so toss it back?

Did you not hear

a word I just said?

Come on! It'll be fun.

LeBron!

Ann...

A moment?

Oh! My coffee mug.

I was going to,

uh, recycle that.

Ann, there's something

I need to talk to you about.

OK, I'm not sure

I like where this is going.

You've been with us

for a while now.

Six years, 8 months,

13 days. Who's counting?

A position is opening up in

our international department.

Oh!

- You don't say!

- Yep!

We're looking for someone,

a real star,

to get out there and interface

with our high-value

global clients.

OK. Cool. No biggie.

So, do you think Steph

will take the job?

Steph...

You've been working together

for a while.

Do you think she's a good fit?

Yeah, Steph, she's...

She's great.

I mean, I once saw her get into

a fight with the water cooler,

and the water cooler won, but...

Are you... are you sure

you... you want Steph

to be the face

of Managed Risk Services?

Well, is there anyone

you think would be better?

Not off the top of my head.

In that case, I'll generate

a list of candidates.

HR wants a decision

by the end of the week.

I'll sh**t you something

to look over ASAP.

Cool! Uh, I'm...

I'm glad I could help.

So dependable.

Best second in command

a guy could ask for.

Oh, uh, and Ann?

Thanks for being

such a team player!

What kind of foreign clients

are we talking about?

We have satellite offices

in Sydney,

Buenos Aires and Bali.

Hmm. So, notoriously

boring places.

Samantha...

I'm just trying to understand

why you're not

putting yourself up

for your literal dream job.

You're smart, you're driven,

you're more than qualified.

Isn't it worth the risk?

I don't know if

it's what I want right now.

Besides, what if I put myself

out there, and they say no?

Then at least you tried.

You can't succeed if you

don't at least try first.

Take that cake, for example.

What about it?

It took you 15 minutes

to decide to order it.

So?

It's vanilla cake

with vanilla frosting.

- It was the...

- Safe choice.

But there's

nothing fun about it.

And you don't even

really like vanilla.

Point taken.

You need to get

out of your comfort zone,

for your own sake.

Why?

It's called a "comfort zone"

because it's comfortable.

I'm just saying,

whether it's work

or, if we're really getting

into it, your dating life,

if you keep playing it safe

and getting in the way

of your own happiness,

everything is gonna be vanilla.

And there's nothing

wrong with that.

- Oh, sorry, one second.

- Mmm.

Hey, Dad!

Hey, kiddo!

How are you holding up?

Oh, just fine.

I'm out with Samantha.

What's up?

There was a little accident.

- Are you OK?

- Yes!

Yes, totally.

Um, 100%, totally fine.

Uh, but, well, um...

- My arm is in a cast.

- What?

I just took a bit of a spill.

- When?

- Yesterday.

You broke your arm

and waited a day to tell me?

No, no, no! I fractured my arm

and waited a day to tell you.

But, really, there's... there's

nothing to worry about.

Dad!

What? Look, I...

I know how busy you are.

I just didn't

want to bother you.

You have to tell me

when you break your arm.

It's just the two of us now.

We have to

look out for each other.

I know, I know. You're right.

Uh, and I hate to ask you this,

but could you come home

for a little while?

Just to help me out until

I get used to this stupid cast?

Of course. I'll be there

first thing in the morning.

Thanks, Annie.

Love you!

Love you, Dad.

Shoop, shoop, shoop

Shoop, shoop,

be-doo-be-doop

Shoop, shoop, shoop

Shoop, shoop,

be-doo-be-doop

Morning, good morning,

rise and shine

Today is the day

I make you mine

Hey! How are you doing?

The sun is rising

over the hay

I know it's gonna be

a wonderful day

So morning, good morning,

rise and shine

What is your soup of the day?

Morning, good morning

Actually, no,

not soup of the day.

- Good morning.

- Good morning, Dale!

Just the usual today.

I like the sound

of the jumbo cruller,

but is it too big?

How big is it?

Ma'am, how about

some of our mac and cheese?

World famous.

That does sound pretty good.

But isn't Gouda

a lunchtime cheese?

After all, eating

too much dairy before noon

can lead to

26% less productivity.

It's also got Manchego.

There's no wrong choice there.

I like to know what I'm getting.

Do you need me to help you?

- Yeah, no, I... I'm good.

- All right.

Well, in that case, if it's

not too much trouble, Dale,

can I get my usual while

it's still technically morning?

Much obliged!

If you do decide

to make up your mind,

the mac and cheese here

is really something special.

See you, D!

I'll have what he had.

Shoop, shoop, shoop

Shoop, shoop,

be-doo-be-doop

Morning, good morning,

rise and shine

Today is the day

- Good morning, lovelies!

All right, let's start this day!

OK...

It's gonna be

a wonderful day

Morning, good morning,

rise and shine

Morning, good morning,

rise and shine

Rachel, you wouldn't believe

this woman just now at Dale's.

She was just standing there,

taking her sweet time,

asking poor Dale

a million questions

when the man only has, like,

5 items on his menu anyways.

I swear, Rachel,

some people just don't know

what they have in life.

At least I'm lucky

because I got...

- You!

- You!

Uh...

Sorry. Uh, welcome

to Blum's Flowers.

How can I help you?

Uh, my dad lives in town,

and he had a little accident,

so I wanted to

get him something.

Oh, is your dad Jim?

I heard he got kicked by a mule.

No.

Is it Paddy?

He fell down a grain elevator.

Not him, no.

Has to be old Gary.

I heard a mule kicked him

into a grain elevator.

No, but wow! This town has

changed since I was a kid.

Yeah.

Um, so, do you have

your sights set

on any particular flower?

Honestly, I wouldn't even

know where to begin.

It's kind of overwhelming, huh?

Like a certain deli counter.

Do you have anything that says:

"I love you, and get well soon"?

Yes, I have an idea.

So, we always start off

our bouquets with some foliage.

How about we start with

a foundation of cream roses?

One in the middle as such,

surrounded with...

4 other equally

as stunning roses.

Uh, the eryngiums

are a nice touch to add.

Oh! Now we can

add some carnations.

They're warm and comforting,

not somber.

Some crispedia.

Some alliums.

Gives you a great

balance of color.

Some blue eucalyptus.

And they smell lovely.

And we surround them

with pincushions,

kind of like the guardians

of this bouquet.

And the master touch

is a pinecone.

And this basically will say:

"I love you,

but you're my father,

so I also respect you

and appreciate you."

Pinecones say all that?

Yes, they do.

A few last touches,

and we are just about ready

to wrap this up.

Voila!

It's stunning!

Thank you.

Thanks.

- You gonna be OK?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, OK.

- Thanks.

- Hey, pumpkin!

- Hey, Dad!

Ah! Thanks for coming

all this way.

It's no problem, really.

Wow! Those for me?

- Yes.

- Wow! Oh...

Still getting

used to this thing.

How are you feeling?

Uh, all things considered,

pretty good.

Although the doctor says

I'm gonna be in this thing

for another 4 weeks.

- What happened?

- It's just a scratch.

Come on, tell me!

Is it embarrassing?

- Did it happen in the bathroom?

- What? No!

Get the door for me, will you?

This isn't over!

- Flower guy!

- Deli lady!

Hey, Aaron!

I see you met my daughter, Ann.

You're Tom's daughter.

Why are you on a first-name

basis with my dad?

Got my delivery?

Yeah, Aphrodite roses,

Peruvian lilies

and the cholla cactus skeletons

you ordered.

Yes!

I'm sorry, "ordered"?

Ah, ha ha! The bouquet!

- Oh, the pinecone, masterstroke!

- Right?

They're just so rich

and texturally vibrant and...

Yeah, uh, no problem.

Will someone tell me

what's going on?

- Um, we...

- Compete together.

Compete? At what?

Um, let me show you.

- I'm gonna go grab the box.

- Sure.

Come on!

OK, so, I cannot wait

for you to see this.

See what?

I probably should have

told you earlier,

but I didn't want to

spoil the surprise.

We are competitive

flower arrangers.

Dad! This is amazing!

It was something

your mom got into.

She would drag me to all

these competitions

and introduce me

to all these people.

She dreamed about competing,

but she never got the chance.

I had no idea Mom was into this.

You know your mom.

Always on the lookout

for her next great adventure.

After we lost her, I don't know,

I guess I just thought

this could be

my next great adventure.

It's sweet.

Anyway, a couple of weeks

after she left us,

I was walking home,

and I saw the young guy

who did the flowers

for your mom's funeral.

And he was in his shop.

He was making an arrangement.

And I don't know.

It just made me happy

to see color and beauty again.

Yeah, and your dad

took to it immediately.

He's a real natural.

So, what do you guys do exactly?

You just...

smush flowers together?

The technical term

is we "arrange" flowers.

Yeah, there's not a whole lot

of smushing going on.

Yeah, basically,

teams of two work together

to build floral arrangements

based on a standardized set

of flowers and equipment.

And whoever is best, well...

Yeah, we were

supposed to be competing

at the end of the week.

The Botanic Cup.

It's kind of like the

Super Bowl, except with flowers

instead of cool commercials

and lousy football.

Exactly.

The Botanic Cup is the biggest

flower arranging

competition in the state.

Aaron and I would be competing

if I wasn't a clumsy ox

and tripped over that flowerbed

and broke my arm.

Without the old pruning arm,

I'm pretty useless to Aaron.

It's all right, buddy.

Just making it this far

is an achievement.

You know what?

Uh, about that, I looked

into the competition bylaws,

and apparently,

there is an exception

for a competitor dropping out.

Says right here:

"If a contestant must

prematurely exit due to illness,

"mule injury

or grievous bodily harm,

their position will be awarded

to their next of kin."

I'm sorry, you really gonna

trust a rule book from 1889?

There's, like,

a whole subsection

about allowable

skull shapes in there.

I asked, and they said yes.

Annie, if you compete for me,

we got a real sh*t at winning.

What do you say?

For me? For Mom.

Tom, we can't ask this of Ann.

I'll do it. I'd do anything

for you and Mom.

Yes! Yes! Thank you, Annie.

I'm sorry, but do you know

anything about floral design?

No, but, uh, neither did my dad,

and look how far he's come.

Exactly.

And Annie is my daughter.

I'm pretty sure talent

runs in the family.

I... I don't know about this.

Just give her the crash course.

She'll be up to speed

in no time.

Well, this seems like

a terrible idea, but fine.

But I'm gonna need your help

around the shop this week.

Help you get your head

in the game.

Plus, if I'm teaching you,

I'm gonna need an extra hand.

- Deal.

- Yes!

I'm telling you, this is gonna

be awesome. Mark my words.

What do you say we go unload

that cacti out of your trunk?

Actually, you know what?

You can unload it,

and I'll watch.

After you, partner.

See you at my shop in an hour?

I hope you know

what you got yourself into.

I'm really gonna do this.

I'm really gonna do this.

OK, newbie!

Qualifiers are on Saturday.

If we place in those,

we can move on to

the finals on Sunday.

If we want a chance at winning,

we gotta get you prepped.

This ain't your

garden variety competition.

I get it. "Garden."

Oh, you weren't making a pun.

This is the big show,

the grand finale,

the biggest moment in your life.

Are you ready?

We are talking

about flowers, right?

OK, how would you rank

your botanical skills?

Um, beginner.

Do you have a favorite flower?

Can you name a flower?

Uh, red.

Oh, you gotta be kidding me.

Uh, roses. They're red.

And violets are blue.

Violets are violet.

It's in the name.

It's as if you were

to call an orange yellow.

You know what? Here.

Here is a Pink Floyd rose.

It's a great beginner flower.

- It's pretty.

- It looks simple.

But there's a trick to

making the ordinary really pop.

See, you just reflex

the petals like this...

and you get...

something unexpected.

You try.

OK. Reflex the petals.

Got it.

You catch on fast.

I'm a risk analyst.

It's my job to catch on fast.

- A risk what?

- Analyst.

I haven't heard of it.

I get paid

to figure out any problem

that someone

could possibly face.

Sounds like a lot,

taking on

other people's problems

and making them your own.

And solving them.

That usually involves

figuring out supply chains

or upgrading cybersecurity,

you know, things that

tend to be a little more complex

than pop out a flower.

Well, if that's how you feel,

why don't we just, uh,

jump into the deep end?

OK, so, you want your flowers

to tell a story.

Greenery.

A story about who you are,

what your passions are,

generally,

what you like in life.

And you always start with a...

a star flower,

'cause this star flower

will anchor your arrangement.

And then, just like

with any other story,

really,

fill in the blanks.

See how easy it is?

Once you find your North Star,

you just let

your creativity flow.

Yeah, I don't think

I can do that.

Oh, sure you can,

with a little bit of practice.

So let's do this.

Here...

you have a pink hydrangea

and a white lily.

Pick one,

and we can go from there.

Right.

Just pick one.

I can do this.

Yeah. There's no need

to get into your head.

Just make up your mind

and launch yourself from there.

No...

- I'll pick the pink one.

- All right.

- What's it called? A hydrangea?

- Mm-hmm.

That's a weird name

for a flower.

Sorry. Focus, OK.

95% of products aimed

towards women are pink,

so that makes it

a logical choice

for a flower story

I'm telling about myself.

But does its popularity mean

it's too mass market and basic?

Is that what

I think about myself?

Either way, there's literally

no wrong answer.

- I'll pick the white one.

- OK.

But it's...

It's just...

It's white, you know.

Is that too bland?

Or too exclusive?

Am I doing myself a disservice

by not choosing a color?

What story am I trying to tell?

Who am I, even?

What am I doing with my life?

Oh no!

You know what? It's OK!

I'm sorry.

Just stop... smashing things.

Just think very carefully:

Are you in a position

to smash any more pots?

No.

All right, then.

Uh, is my shop

going to survive this week?

Am I gonna survive this week?

All right, so I think

we're gonna start simpler,

much simpler.

How simple are we talking?

Uh, I'm thinking entry level.

Ah, OK.

It's the last one, I promise.

Well, the tillandsias

give you a sense of motion.

But if you want to

fill in the cracks,

what you gotta go with

is the hydrangea.

That's your money flower.

You really know your stuff.

It helps when you

love what you do.

- Question.

- Answer.

How does a guy like you

get into the cutthroat world of

competitive flower arranging?

Well, I kind of fell into it.

Please. You fall into

knitting or jigsaw puzzles.

You don't fall into floral work

at competition level.

What's the real story?

Well, it was the Rose Bowl.

A football game

got you into flowers?

I was gonna play in it.

- Wait, what?

- Yeah!

Before I was your humble

neighborhood florist,

I was actually a wide receiver

for Penn State.

No way!

I was gonna declare for

the NFL draft and everything.

So, what happened?

I tore my ACL in practice

two days before the game,

and the doctor said I'd be lucky

if I managed to walk again.

Needless to say,

my football career was over.

Statistically speaking,

ACLs are the number-one

career enders.

Sorry. I did an analysis

for the Eagles once.

Keep going.

So, I'm in this hospital

in Pasadena,

my dreams and future

in complete flux,

and my teammates are gonna play

the biggest game of their lives.

I look outside,

and there were flowers.

It was the Rose Parade.

Turns out the hospital

was on the parade route.

All those flowers

decorating cars and trucks,

I'd never seen anything like it.

It was beautiful.

I imagine it's way cooler

in real life than on TV.

Yeah. People were

cheering and laughing.

It just sparked something in me.

I was an athlete my whole life,

and flowers were gonna be

my chance to compete again.

So, Mr. Football Star,

who are we competing against?

Former power lifters,

retired kick boxers,

uh, sumo wrestlers

on injured reserve?

No, nothing like that.

Mostly retirees and florists.

But don't think for a second

that they're not

in it to win it.

We've got the Hayden twins.

Fraternal, not identical.

We've got Linda Thompson

and her husband, Keith.

Where's my dad?

And who's that cute girl

you have your arm around?

- Uh, we don't need to...

- Aaron Blum, is that you?

Oh, our competition.

Toni, hi.

What are you doing here?

Same thing as you, I'm sure.

Getting inspired.

You're a competitor too?

Returning champion.

You want to introduce me

to your new girlfriend?

- I'm just the...

- She's my...

...flower arranging buddy.

- Cool.

- We're not even friends.

We just met, actually.

I don't think he likes me much.

It's a whole thing.

Throttle down.

Well, I'll see you both

on Saturday.

And, Aaron, try to make it

over the finish line.

It's always a pleasure.

OK, wow! What's her deal?

We used to compete together.

Oh, come on.

We don't anymore, obviously.

I don't know.

My dad seems like a real

downgrade compared to her.

Yeah, and we dated.

Toni is the reason

why I don't date.

You don't date, like, now?

Or you don't date, like, ever?

Well, she taught me that flowers

are way easier

than relationships.

Flowers don't

pick fights with you.

Flowers don't get mad at you

for forgetting their birthday.

Flowers don't change the

language in your phone to Korean

and lock you out of the house

in a bathrobe at 2:00 a.m.

That's far too specific

to just be an example.

I just know

more about myself now.

I know I don't

have time for romance.

I do, on the other hand,

have a special place

in my heart for...

matthiola.

- Matthiola.

- Matthiola.

Yesterday was a big day for you.

Yeah. I guess it was.

I've never been

to a botanical garden before.

You looked a little off.

I was, you know, overwhelmed,

but it's fine.

You know, I worry

about you sometimes, Rachel.

Rachel?

Ann. My name is Ann.

I'm sorry. Uh, what?

- Were you talking to someone?

- No, I was...

Talking to your

imaginary friend?

No! No, I, um...

It's OK. I had one too,

when I was 5.

It was a tie-dyed zebra

named Mademoiselle Glitterpasta.

Right. Um, thank you

so much for helping out.

No problem.

So, do you think we actually

have a sh*t this weekend?

Well, that's still

to be determined.

Uh, if we compete

and if we want to win,

I've gotta get you to

at least a basic understanding

of the mechanics.

I'm ready. Teach.

So what we gotta do

is move quickly and decisively,

be in each other's heads,

think independently,

but move in

complete synchronization.

OK, first, you have to

make a passable cut.

I'm ready.

All right.

So here it is.

Easy, delicate

and across the grain.

Put it at an angle and chop.

We did it!

We trimmed a flower!

You trimmed a flower!

Uh, now you just gotta make

several thousand more of those,

and maybe we'll

get a chance to win.

Pleasure doing business

with you, coach.

And if we win the qualifier,

then Aaron and I go on to

compete for the main prize.

I like seeing you this excited!

No more vanilla.

Is that the, uh...

The vanilla cake?

You better believe it is.

Celebration or stress?

Stress.

I got an email

that my aloe vera supplier

is going out of business.

So, what did you do?

Well, I called my ex,

who knows a guy who knows a guy

down in Mexico

that can get me

the supply I need.

But it's only a stopgap.

So, tell me about Aaron.

He's a nice guy.

Sounds like a stud.

Stop.

I just assume that a single

former football player,

small-town florist

is super duper handsome.

He's my dad's friend, Samantha.

Wait, he's not, like, 60, is he?

I mean, I'm not... I'm not

ruling that out, but...

No, he's our age.

And we're just working together

to help my dad

win the Botanic Cup.

Wow! He is hot!

Real man sandwich!

What does that even mean?

I heard my niece

say it one time,

and now I'm obsessed with it.

And how do you even know

what he looks like?

I googled him

while you were talking

about flowers or whatever.

Thanks. You're a real friend.

Just keeping an eye out

on my bestie.

So, I'll see you this weekend?

Are you sure you want to

come all the way down here?

There's no guarantee

we'll make it to finals.

I have a feeling you will,

because you're awesome

and I love you

and you can achieve anything.

You're too much.

Seriously, though,

there's really

nothing going on there?

Absolutely not.

He doesn't even date.

And besides, who says

that I want to anyway?

I believe you.

Goodbye.

I always wondered what

went into a wedding bouquet.

Each one is unique.

You have to match it

to the customer.

And I'd like to think

that it makes their special day

that much better.

So, do you have

any first-hand experience?

- With what?

- Weddings, marriage.

Oh, no, no, no. Never.

Well, that's not entirely true.

I did almost marry Toni.

- Oh.

- Yeah.

- OK.

- Mm-hmm.

That all makes sense now.

What happened?

Uh, the dream ended,

and then the partnership ended.

Yeah. How about you?

Do you ever think

about taking the plunge?

Yeah, I was engaged once.

Or, rather, he proposed,

and I was really

considering saying yes.

I was, like, 87% certain

that it would work.

But I had to run

all the numbers, and...

'Cause it felt like

the right thing,

but it also didn't.

And then, after a month,

he told me I was

taking too long,

and now he's with

a hot yoga model.

I mean, she's

not a hotyoga model.

She's a model for hot yoga.

Though she is very pretty.

Hmm, wow.

And now they're engaged.

And I'm sleeping

in my childhood twin bed

and arranging flowers because

my dad fractured his arm,

so I think we're both

doing pretty great.

Well, for what it's worth,

I like having you around.

You sure you wouldn't

rather have my dad here?

Hey, listen, Tom's a great guy,

but you tell

1000% less dad jokes.

OK.

What's wrong?

Uh, just my boss.

He wants me to go over a list of

candidates for a big promotion.

Oh. And are you yourself

one of those candidates?

No. But it's fine.

Are you sure?

'Cause it doesn't seem fine.

I mean, I... I should be

a candidate.

I just haven't exactly told him

that I want to be.

Why not email him right now?

Just tell him:

"Listen, I am

the perfect candidate

"for this business thingy

that we do,

and my friend Aaron

totally agrees with me."

Yeah, I don't think that would

go over super well, but...

Well, you don't know

unless you try.

No risk, no reward.

Why does everyone

keep saying that?

Because maybe you

need to hear it.

I just feel like

since my mom d*ed,

I've been looking

for this safety.

And my job definitely

provides that.

But what if I don't

just want safety?

Well, as someone who's had an

unexpected shift in careers,

I can tell you that, sometimes,

taking that risk

is what's gonna make your life

that much happier.

Thanks for the advice.

I'll tell you what:

I'm going to the flower market

this afternoon.

Uh, since you're learning

to be a champion and all,

why don't you tag along?

Help familiarize

with the flowers.

Yeah. That would be great.

Oh, and, uh, Tom can come too.

You know, it might be nice to

get him out of the house.

Yeah, he... he would love that.

It's a date!

Oh! Look at these succulents!

They're amazing!

I love this place.

Everything is just...

Oh my!

Look at the orchids!

Look! They're so lush

and purple!

Guys, I'm gonna go

check out the petunias.

I'll be right back.

All right.

Thank you.

For what?

I genuinely haven't

seen him this happy

since before my mom d*ed.

Well, he's been

cooped up inside.

I just thought he could

use some sunshine.

I mean not just today.

Well, it's my pleasure.

Your father is a natural.

You helped a lonely old guy

find his second act.

Hey, you want to

do something special for him?

Sure!

Why don't you get something

from here? Morris!

Aaron Blum! If it isn't

my second-favorite customer!

This is Ann Keller.

Tom's daughter! Now, there's

my favorite customer.

Oh!

Listen, uh, we were

hoping to get some

stargazer lilies

to surprise Tom with.

Oh, about that...

Oh no! What happened?

We're having

problems at the farm.

Flowers just aren't growing

like they're supposed to,

and whatever makes it

winds up getting eaten

by the darn deer.

I'm sorry to hear it.

Ah, it's part of the life,

I suppose.

You know, money's been

a bit tight lately,

and I'm just not sure

what the solution is.

- Maybe I can help.

- Oh!

You're in horticulture?

Uh, even better:

risk management.

So that's a no to horticulture?

I can have a look at your

problems, analyze the angles

and come up with

some possible solutions,

just like that.

I appreciate it, but, uh,

I'm not sure I could afford you.

Oh, it's on me.

Any friend of Aaron's and

my dad's is a friend of mine.

Well, that would be wonderful.

Thank you.

Annie! Come check out

these hydrangeas.

Your, uh, new girlfriend

is a sharp one.

- Not a girlfriend. Partner.

- Mmm.

- Competition partner.

- Right.

Miss you, Mom.

Annie, a little help!

Coming, Dad!

How am I supposed to

eat with this thing?

You'll have to learn to use

your left hand for a while.

But if you're gonna grumble,

I could make you

a smoothie instead.

Have I told you you're

the best daughter in the world?

So, it's going OK

with you and Aaron?

Yeah! I'm learning

a lot from him.

The two of you have been

hanging out a lot.

Well, we gotta get friendly fast

if we're gonna bring home

the Botanic Cup.

That's my girl!

Smooth move, getting me here

so I could win

a flower competition for you.

I actually like

having you around.

And I knew you'd be

a total natural at it.

I kind of am.

We're actually heading out

to Morris's farm today.

Oh! I love that guy!

I heard!

His stargazer lilies, right?

Mm-hmm. Oh, I don't suppose

you can pick me up some alliums?

They were your mom's favorite.

Yeah, of course.

They were actually

the first flower

I tried to plant in her honor.

Turns out the soil here

isn't exactly perfect

conditions for it.

Well, figures.

I'm sure she'd be

proud of you for trying.

I bet she'd be proud of you,

jumping in to help me win

some silly competition.

Um, maybe I can make you

that smoothie later.

In the meantime,

do you think you could handle

the Herculean task

of moving these strawberries

from the bowl to your mouth

with your non-dominant hand?

Very funny.

I'll be home by dinner.

Ooh! Look at my little girl!

Running out to meet with a boy.

Dad...

- It's just like high school!

- It is not!

Oh, it really is.

Don't be embarrassed

if you have a little crush!

Aaron is a good-looking guy.

- Bye.

- Bye!

Yeah, man,

this doesn't look good.

I know.

It's been like this all season.

I'm really not sure

what to do about it.

I'm sorry, Morris.

This is above my pay grade.

I'm not sure what

the play is here, buddy.

I think I might have something.

You said it was

just this season?

Yeah. Can't figure it out.

- Could be the soil, but...

- Red clover.

If you plant 90% of your

usual yield of heliotropes,

but add 10% of red clover

as a companion plant,

its high natural nitrogen levels

will boost

soil rejuvenation by 18%.

And you get the added bonus

of some beautiful flowers

to look at.

You'll have a slightly

smaller yield,

but you should be back up

to 100% by next season.

Wow!

Um, that's a lot more statistics

than I usually

use while planting.

You also have a problem

with deer, right?

Yeah. We don't have the budget

to replace the electric fence.

You don't have to.

You can plant aloe vera.

It'll grow twice as fast

in nitrogen-rich soil,

and keep the deer away.

And I have a buyer for you!

My friend needs it

for her skin care line.

That's extra money

in your pocket.

Hey!

I don't know how to thank you.

It's nothing, really.

Well, take anything you want

from my farm, free of charge.

It's on me.

That's very kind. Thank you.

Hey, how was your harvest?

Pretty good after

the rain we had.

I found some morchella down

by the creek the other day.

You guys should check it out.

What do you say?

You wanna go foraging?

I would say yes,

but I have no idea

what you guys are talking about.

- Just come with me.

- Thanks, Morris.

Thank you.

Morchella what?

Morchella esculenta.

Translation?

Morels.

They usually grow near trees

and especially love

the soil near creek beds.

How do you know so much

about mushroom hunting?

Well, I'm a member of

the local mycology society.

And, actually,

Morris is our president.

Is that, like,

a fan club for mushrooms?

Pretty much.

Flowers and fungi. Just keeps

getting better and better.

Oh, score!

So, the first thing

you're looking for

is this honeycomb cap.

Then you want to slice it open

and make sure

the inside is hollow

and that the cap

is attached to the stem.

So what happens if it doesn't

meet the requirements?

Well, then it's a false morel.

You'd be amazed at how closely

the impostors

resemble the real thing.

I would, would I?

Yes, you would.

Kind of looks like a pinecone.

Yeah, they kind of do.

It'd be crazy to put this

in a bouquet, though, right?

Well, it all depends

on the story you want to tell.

Look! There's more!

- Once you start seeing them...

- You can't stop?

Do you want to get

a bite to eat or something?

Uh, you know what?

Any other time, I would.

But I just...

I gotta get back to the shop

and check on something.

- I'll see you later.

- Yeah! Yeah, you will. Yeah.

Oh, hey, Ann!

Heard this was your

mom's favorite flower.

Thank you.

I'll see you tomorrow?

All right.

- Bye!

- Bye!

I'm telling you, Dale,

she's really taking to this.

I think we actually have a sh*t.

And this is Tom's daughter

you're competing with?

I'm just showing her

the ropes right now

while Tom gets back on his feet,

or should I say arms.

Yeah. You seem pretty excited

to be competing with her.

Oh, of course I'm excited.

We got a chance to win.

This is huge.

Mm-hmm.

Ex-football stars

don't get a lot of chances

to compete

at championship level.

You know this.

I know how much

this means to you, Aaron.

I'm just saying you seem

to enjoy the company.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Don't start with me, Dale.

You know how I feel about

relationships after Toni.

I'm not saying you have to

run off and marry this girl.

It's just nice to know

you have someone around

who's not made out of cellulose.

You been saving that one?

It's one of the 3 words

I remember from

high school biology.

The others are "riboflavin"

and "parakeet."

We did a lot of bird stuff.

Listen, I'm just happy alone,

all right?

I don't need another

Toni in my life.

Good thing she's an Ann.

I appreciate it, Dale, but

that's not what this is, OK?

We are quite literally

in it just to win it.

Mr. Mann! I've been

meaning to call you.

Look, I'm so glad

we could finally connect.

Listen, something came up,

and the big bosses

want to speed up the timeline.

I thought you had

until Monday to decide.

The higher ups

are getting antsy,

and I need to make a decision

by Monday morning.

And you know how much I

trust you, so who do you like?

I was actually thinking...

What about me?

Or not.

What am I saying? I don't...

I don't want to go abroad.

I don't know what I'm saying.

I'm... I don't even

like going abroad.

You know what? Forget it!

I don't know what

I'm talking about.

I actually am perfectly...

I'm happy... I'm happy

where I am. I am.

Yeah, sorry.

I must have

lost you for a second.

Uh, what were you gonna say?

Nothing.

I will, uh, have a look

first thing this afternoon

and let you know

as soon as possible.

OK, great! I look forward

to hearing from you.

Thanks, Ann.

I'm sure we can find a solution.

Yes, of course.

Yeah. It's...

it's not a problem.

Hey! I wanted to

show you something.

I know it's not the most

mind-bending arrangement,

but I wanted to prove to you

that I could do it on my own.

What now?

Hey! That... that looks great!

Everything OK?

Yeah. Sorry, I just got

some annoying news.

What's wrong?

I'm doing a wedding today,

and the bride

is being a royal pain.

Well, it's her big day.

If she wants to be a nightmare,

who are we to say

she's not entitled to it?

I understand that,

but she wants her

entire floral palate changed,

and she's getting married

in 8 hours.

Whoa, lady! It's your wedding.

There are more important

things to worry about.

Like whether your uncle

will slip the DJ a $50 bill

to play Monster Mashon loop.

It happened at

my cousin's wedding.

So, I know

this is kind of last minute,

um, and if you don't want to

do it, that's totally fine.

I completely understand.

Out with it.

Would you mind coming along

and giving me a helping hand?

A wedding is

pretty major league.

I mean, I've only been

doing this a couple of days.

Yeah, but you've been

doing it nonstop.

And you're kind of

the only option I have.

You're right. I am both

a great and singular option.

Sweet! We're gonna make magic.

Thank you so much.

Oh! Can you add some ranunculus

on Table 3, please?

On it!

Oh, and, uh, don't forget

the carnations on 3, please.

- Got it!

- Thank you!

And I need, uh...

Roses for the sweetheart table?

I noticed it was looking

a little light.

That's a good catch.

I learned from the best!

Thank you, partner.

You're welcome, teammate.

You know, a week ago,

I never thought I'd be doing

flowers at a wedding,

but now that I have,

it's not bad!

Mr. Flower Guy?

Oh! How can I help you, ma'am?

My sister decided to give

my flowers a haircut, and...

Yeah. That's...

that's a haircut.

You know what?

I can help you with that.

Perfect!

You know, I think

it needs a little something.

There!

See? Nothing

a little TLC can't fix.

Thank you, Mr. Flower Guy.

You're welcome.

So, I was, uh, thinking...

Do you want to

grab a coffee after this?

Yeah.

I'd love that.

Thank you for the pick-me-up.

I didn't know how much

I needed this.

What's wrong?

Nothing, nothing.

Hey, you did great today.

So, what's with the face?

Honestly? I don't

really like weddings.

They kind of bum me out.

It's true.

You, a professional florist,

doesn't like weddings?

That's like a baker

who doesn't like bread

or a clown

who doesn't like tiny cars.

No, no, I love bread.

Tiny cars, not so much.

You know, I almost

did marry Toni.

Yeah, you mentioned that.

We made it to our wedding day.

Our parents were there,

friends were there,

guests, everybody.

Yikes. I think I see

where this is going.

You do?

Did she ditch you for her ex,

the moment when they ask,

"Does anyone have

any objection?"

That's a super common

occurrence, isn't it?

Yeah, it is, but no.

Although, that would have

been perfect.

So what happened?

Well, we got into

this huge fight

before walking down the aisle.

I'm talking seismic.

She accused me

of not being able to change.

I accused her of always

putting herself first.

What caused the fight?

We couldn't agree which one of

us was gonna say "I do" first.

I can see how that

would be a deal breaker.

Mm-hmm. And right then

and there, the wedding was off.

I guess the big question is,

did you at least get

your venue deposit back?

I'm just looking

for a bright side.

Our whole relationship

was based on competition.

It turns out our biggest

competition was each other.

I get it. You want a partner,

not a competitor.

Mm-hmm.

Break-ups are hard, even if

it's for the right reasons.

I'm sorry.

It's fine.

I learned my lesson.

Never mix work with romance

or flowers with romance or

anything, really, with romance.

What about friendship

and football?

- Huh?

- Feel like showing off?

Oh! Oh no,

you don't want that.

I almost turned pro.

I think I can handle it.

OK, well, let's see

what you got. Hey, kid!

Can we play?

All right, superstar!

Let's do this!

I'm feeling fine

Got my head in the game

Not bad, not bad.

Oh! That's a catch!

I feel the crowd

calling out my name

Can't stop me

I'm a working machine

If you wanna go get it

If you wanna go get it

Go get it

Sorry!

Go get it

I'm re-thinking

my risk management career.

I almost went pro.

I'm open!

Turn up the heat

Nice!

Ooh, I'm gonna show you

what I'm fighting for

Right hand!

All right, whoo!

Got get it

Go get it

Annie?

- Hey, Dad!

- Hey! What's going on?

Just taking a break

before I meet Aaron

at the shop to practice.

The qualifier is tomorrow.

I know. You excited?

I am! And terrified.

But determined.

It's a whole stew of emotions

going on inside me.

I get what you're going through.

I felt the exact same way

the night before

my first competition.

But you know what?

It's gonna be great.

I have faith in you.

And I think you should

have faith in yourself.

Thanks, Dad.

I think I'm starting to.

It's been real lonely

since your mom passed away.

I know.

All this stuff, this

flower arranging, competing,

it just feels like I found

a way to connect with her,

you know, even though

she's not with us anymore.

You know, you are

so much like her.

Please!

Mom was a free spirit,

an artist.

She did what she wanted

when she wanted.

She was so happy.

What, you're not happy?

I don't know.

It feels like since she d*ed,

life just hasn't had the same...

Color.

Yeah, exactly.

I tried to fill the hole

with work, but it just...

I still feel this... emptiness.

It's hard to make a life

out of something

we don't feel 100% about.

But, for what it's worth,

I haven't seen you thriving

like this in a long time.

- Dad...

- Yeah?

Thanks for fracturing your arm.

Yeah, well,

glad I could help out.

Just, uh, there's only so many

bones I can spare, all right?

Look, no matter

what happens tomorrow,

just know that I love you

and I couldn't be happier

to have you as a daughter.

Thanks, Dad. I love you too.

Plus, your mom

would be super thrilled

to know that you

and Aaron are an item.

What?

He's not my boyfriend!

Oh my! You sound

like you're 14!

I'll do the mac and cheese

and a Reuben.

You're working

with Aaron, right?

On the flower thing?

It's the Botanic Cup.

Yeah, it's the flower thing.

Why?

A little word of advice:

Aaron's a great guy.

He's funny, he's passionate.

He's the star pitcher of our

neighborhood kickball team.

He never mentioned that!

But there's one thing

he just flat out hates

more than anything.

What is it?

Sauerkraut.

OK, so, hold off on the Reuben.

Smart move.

He is, however, partial

to a cheesesteak,

extra grilled onions.

I'll take one of those.

It's a pleasure doing business

with you, Ann Keller.

Why won't you come together

with an awe-inspiring

sense of wonder?

You doing OK?

Yeah, totally completely fine.

That's a lie.

I've never been so nervous

and excited at the same time.

Not even when

you got proposed to?

Oh yeah, which is probably

a good indication

that relationship

wasn't build to last.

- Probably.

- There's just so much pressure.

You know?

What if I let my dad down?

What if I let myself down?

No, you won't. Trust me.

I get very nauseous if I can't

predict a foreseeable outcome.

I used to feel

the same way before big games,

going over everything

that could go wrong,

psyching myself out.

Thing is, if you

think about failing too much,

then it leads to failure.

It's a vicious circle.

And you are not going to fail.

In fact, I can prove it.

May I?

- Mm-hmm.

- OK.

I will make you

a deal, right now.

Don't be scared.

All right.

Veronicas, of course.

Eucalyptus.

And a touch of ruscus.

OK, OK, OK.

It needs one final thing.

Garden roses and peonies.

So, the deal is, if you can

make an arrangement right now

with this set of flowers,

I will show you something that

I've never shown anyone before.

In a fun way or an,

"Ann's gonna end up the subject

of a true crime podcast",

kind of way?

Definitely the former.

Intriguing.

So, do we have a deal?

Deal.

All right! Let's get to work!

You run my soul

in a major key

A little roll

Yeah! Oh, that's a smart move.

I run my fingers

down the ivories

I wanna play you

like a melody

All right

'Cause you're

taking me higher

Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Yes, yes.

I don't care

what's on the radio

Your rhythm

takes me to the sky

I'm on an all-time high

Oh, oh, oh

Does he like it?

Does he hate it?

You did an excellent job!

- Really?

- Congratulations!

Thank you!

Um...

Feels really good

to hear you say that.

I've never seen anybody

take so quickly to this.

Well, it's in my blood, I guess.

You and I, we're gonna

kick butt tomorrow.

Yes, we are.

Um, excuse me?

Yeah?

I believe I was promised

a reveal so shocking,

it would make my head spin,

and then explode

from sheer awesomeness.

I'm not sure

I promised all that.

That's how I heard it, so...

OK.

Uh, well, I guess

it's now or never.

Um, follow me.

I want you to meet Rachel.

This is Rachel.

Um, what?

She's an epiphyllum oxypetalum,

more commonly known

as "queen of the night."

So, you've been talking

to your giant plant

this whole time?

She's a cactus.

The queen of the night

is one of the hardest plants

to grow on earth.

She only blooms at night

for a few minutes,

and then the flowers die off.

She sounds like

a real drama queen.

No, no, no!

Listen, if you see these buds,

it means that

she's about to bloom.

That's why I've

been checking on her.

So, why did you name

your cactus Rachel?

I don't know.

She looks like a Rachel.

Huh.

Hey, I mean, she's really

hard to flower, all right?

That's why I don't

want to miss the bloom.

It's like the floral equivalent

of a meteor shower.

That sounds incredible.

It does!

But why do you talk to it?

Because plants like

being taken care of.

You know, they respond

to touching

and talking and even singing.

Please, let me watch you

sing to it.

No, no, no, no.

Listen, flowers are like people.

They thrive on

positivity and love.

I think it's sweet how much

you care about Rachel.

- Yeah.

- I do.

And I'm honored that

I'm the first person

you've introduced her to.

Well, it's my pleasure.

Wow! This is really happening.

Told you this is a big deal.

Oh, before I forget,

I got you something.

For me? Oh!

Team Rose Bowl?

I made it.

I made one for myself too.

We're gonna do great.

Sure hope you brought

your A game, Aaron.

Oh, but of course!

You like my new partner?

Wow!

Claudio here is the best

and most handsome florist

Argentina has to offer.

Isn't that right, Claudio?

We met at a conference

in Buenos Aires last month.

One thing led to the other,

and, well...

I'm happy I upgraded.

Best of luck to you both!

- Apparently, he doesn't talk.

- Yikes.

- Real question.

- Yeah.

Is she a wizard?

Is that how she keeps popping up

whenever we least expect her?

You know what?

Forget about her.

She's just trying to

get in our heads.

- Let's do this.

- Let's do it.

Welcome to

the annual Botanic Cup.

You are some of

the best floral designers

from around this state,

and you've more than earned

your places here.

Our rules are simple.

Teams of two will work in tandem

to create the assigned

floral arrangement:

a vertical modern arrangement

with movement.

Everyone will have access

to the same materials

and floral elements

and are allowed to use as many

or as few of them

as they see fit.

You'll have one hour to

create your arrangement.

The top two arrangements

from this heat

will move onto

final competition.

We'll begin in a few minutes.

Good luck and good arranging!

All right.

You good?

I have giant knots

in my stomach, but I'm fine.

I also am very hungry,

'cause I didn't eat breakfast

'cause I was too nervous, but...

That feeling is normal.

It's passion.

I get it every time I compete.

My heart feels like a

hummingbird drank coffee.

Is that normal?

Yeah. That's part of it.

But we're gonna do great,

'cause we're a team.

Yes, we are.

Three, two, one, begin!

So I'm thinking

we do a trumpet vase

with a climbing vertical twist,

create a sculpture of the

foliage to anchor the movement.

It'll be like a

floral crescendo. And maybe...

Some red anthuriums

to add pops of color?

Yeah, that's a great idea.

- Oh, oh! I'm so sorry, Aaron!

- No, it's all right.

It's all in my head.

Just go grab the flowers.

OK, sorry.

- Is this the right size?

- It's perfect.

Two more...

OK, Toni.

It's good, but I still feel

like it's missing something.

- I think you're right.

- Uh, pincushions or gerbera?

- I don't know.

- What?

I gotta finish.

It's your call.

Seriously?

Oh no.

Gerbera could add nice texture,

but does it compete

with the spider orchid?

Then again, the gerbera is

a bit out of place, basic.

Pruners down, people.

I'm sorry, Aaron,

if I cost us the competition.

Hey, no, no, no.

You did great.

I'm proud of you.

Your attention, please!

Our winners are...

Toni Greer and Claudio, um...

It's a mononym.

Like Aristotle or Cher.

Ah! How wonderful.

Congratulations!

And our runners up are

Aaron Blum and Ann Keller!

- That's us!

- Yes!

Congratulations!

- I told you! We did it!

- But I screwed up.

It wasn't perfect, but it

was enough for us to move on.

And that's a win.

Annie, I am so proud of you.

- But I got second place.

- So? You're moving on!

- That's what I said!

- Bam!

This is amazing.

I'm gonna go talk to the judge

before she leaves.

Listen, we are

still in the game.

I feel like I owe you one.

How do you propose

you pay me back?

Well, I guess

I could buy us dinner.

I know just the place.

It was exhilarating!

Wasn't it?

I see how you got into it.

It's crazy,

'cause it feels even better

than catching

the winning touchdown.

Fewer 300-pound giants trying

to tackle you, for one.

Exactly.

I wanted to thank you.

For what? I almost

cost us the competition.

You did all the hard work.

I haven't allowed myself

to open up to anybody

since I broke up with Toni.

You know, I hid behind work

and the competition,

basically convincing myself

that I was happy on my own.

But spending

this time with you, well,

it's just really nice

working with someone I trust.

Well, I'm glad I've moved up

from nuisance newbie

to trusted teammate.

This week has been

pretty great for me too.

Cheers to that.

To new beginnings.

New beginnings.

Any room left for dessert?

I don't know.

What you got?

Our world-famous bread pudding

and our locally

famous cheesecake.

Well, why don't we

let the lady decide?

Uh, bread pudding is delicious.

But cheesecake is

the second most popular dessert

amongst women in my demographic.

We'll take both.

Oh.

I like where your head is at.

I figured we deserved it.

Oh, I... I didn't

notice the time.

I gotta go.

I should check on Rachel.

Do you want to maybe

swing by the shop tomorrow?

Get some practice rounds in

before the finals?

Yeah. Totally. I can't wait.

All right, cool.

Have a good night.

Sorry about that.

- Can you put that on my tab?

- Yeah.

Well, more for you, then.

Enjoy.

Thanks.

Ann.

It's 10:00 at night.

I know I'm a workaholic,

but why...

I know who you

should promote. Me.

Oh! I didn't realize

that was an option.

I didn't either until this week.

But I know I'm

the right candidate for the job.

I'd be more than an asset

in the field.

I would be a rock star.

I'm quick on my feet.

I'm able to analyze complex

situations in an instant.

I'm somewhat cool

under pressure.

I started this week not knowing

anything about flower arranging,

and now I'm competing

for the state title.

Wait, what, flowers?

I thought you went home

to help your dad.

What do you say, Mr. Mann?

Are you ready to make

the best decision of your life?

I'm sorry, Ann.

Sorry that I didn't

consider you sooner.

The job is yours!

Great! I'll be there

first thing Monday morning.

But first,

I have flowers to arrange.

Why do you keep

saying "flowers"?

Ann?

Doing a late-night

study session?

Toni...

Ann was right.

Real magic vibes.

Shouldn't you be

getting ready for tomorrow

instead of making

my life miserable?

Why not both?

Come on, Toni, enough.

Go home.

You'll have your chance to lose

to me with grace tomorrow.

I won't be the one losing,

Aaron. You will.

Just like you

lost the finals last year.

Just like you lost me.

- I didn't lose you.

- You most certainly did.

But it doesn't matter.

Tomorrow,

when I'm holding that cup,

watching you and what's-her-face

wallow in the shame

of a second-place finish,

I'm gonna feel

a little bit better

about you ruining

our wedding day.

You know what? I'm sorry.

You're apologizing?

I really am sorry

for the wedding.

We both said stupid stuff,

and it was unfair to

put ourselves in that position

on our wedding day.

But listen, I've moved on.

And I think you should too.

'Cause frankly, I don't know

what more you want from me.

I suppose we'll have to

settle this tomorrow.

Good night, Aaron.

Rachel...

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

Rachel! No!

Morning, good morning,

rise and shine

Good morning!

Today is the day

I make you mine

Hey!

Who is this fun vibrant,

vivacious woman,

and what did she do to

my best friend, Ann Keller?

I'm still the same old me.

The Ann I know isn't

the bon vivant of her hometown.

OK, maybe I've changed

a little bit.

And I couldn't be

happier for you.

It's been a good week.

A really good week.

And it'll be so much better

after you win this afternoon.

Baby steps.

I still have to meet Aaron

and go over the game plan.

Maybe grab him some breakfast?

The way to a man's heart

is through his stomach.

The way to Aaron's heart

is through painstakingly

arranged peonies.

Fine. Don't listen to me.

Oh! I'm headed out to meet

the aloe vera guy

before your competition.

Morris is a doll. I'm so glad

I could connect you guys.

Seriously, you've been in

Franklin Heights one week?

And you're getting

to know the locals,

fixing problems for farmers,

partnering up with the

most handsome guy in town.

Getting a job I deserve.

No way!

I called my boss last night!

I did what you said.

I stood up for myself

and got what I wanted.

- Ann, I'm so proud of you.

- Thank you.

Oh, that's amazing.

Now all I have to do

is win the Botanic Cup,

and it will literally be

a perfect week.

Yes.

OK, I should go

meet Aaron at the shop.

I'll see you at 2:00?

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Hey, partner!

I've got big news.

Guess who's got two thumbs,

mild iron deficiency

and her dream job?

This gal!

Aaron?

Aaron?

Are you OK?

What happened to Rachel?

I missed it.

Every night at the same time,

I come to check to

see if she's bloomed,

but last night,

I ran into Toni after dinner,

and I got here too late.

The one night Rachel

finally decided to bloom.

I'm so sorry, Aaron.

Is there anything I can do?

No.

Come on, let's go practice.

We got a competition to win.

Just give me a minute?

All right.

Practice assignment

is a bar arrangement

using at least

3 floral elements.

OK, how about we start with

a base of salix tortuosa

to give it some height?

Yeah.

And then we could stud it

with some lupine and veronicas

to make it pop.

Mm-hmm.

Are you OK?

Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.

Let's just get this started.

OK, can I get

an accordion leaf please?

Thank you.

Watch it.

I'm sorry.

Can I get the pin, please?

- Here you go.

- Thank you.

Green hydrangea

will give it nice texture.

Pair it with a dahlia?

Or is that too clich?

Ann, come on. We gotta go.

No. Eucalyptus.

It still feels like it's missing

something, some element.

Tulips or orchids, which one?

I don't know.

We got hung up here last time.

When we compete,

you gotta be decisive.

I can't.

Just choose one!

Don't set me up to fail!

I know you are upset

because you feel like

you missed out on something,

but you have to snap out of it.

If you don't get it together

for finals, we'll lose.

You just don't want to

disappoint Tom.

This isn't about my dad.

This is about me.

I have never had a chance

to win something

because I don't put myself

in a position to win.

But now I'm here,

and I'm open to trying,

and I need you to try with me.

I am trying!

That's why I'm pushing.

I know you got it in you to win.

I don't need to be pushed.

I need to be encouraged.

I am encouraging you, Ann.

If you don't meet me halfway,

we can't compete together.

Ann...

Ann!

Hey, kiddo. You OK?

What's the matter?

Aaron and I

got into a huge fight,

and I don't know

if we're gonna compete

and everything is ruined.

I'm sorry, Dad.

I don't think I can do it.

I know how much winning

the competition meant to you.

Aaron and I are like

peanut butter and gravy.

We're not compatible.

All right, all right.

Look, so you had

a bit of a setback.

So what?

I've seen how much you've

grown this week.

Your mom would be so proud.

You think so?

I know so.

You stepped in and are competing

in the biggest competition

in the state.

It's so out of

your comfort zone.

She'd be thrilled.

And it's exactly

what she would have done.

- It's scary.

- I know.

But that's good.

Change is scary.

But the only way to

really figure yourself out

is being able to change.

Your mom and I changed course

dozens of times in our life.

And I wouldn't have it

any other way.

That's how we had you.

You and Aaron make a great team.

I guess.

I know you guys

are going through

a bit of a rough patch,

but I've seen how much

you care about him.

And I know how much

he cares about you.

When the two of you are

working together and in synch,

anything is possible,

nothing can stop you.

Thanks, Dad.

You know what

this calls for, right?

Ice cream.

Ice cream would work.

- All right, I'll get it.

- No, I'll get it.

Your arm is in a cast.

It's what I'm here for,

isn't it?

I won't argue with you there.

You know, I just

don't get it, Dale.

Why does it have to be so hard?

People react differently

to adversity, Aaron.

There's no one right way.

Yeah, but she's

capable of so much.

I just wish that she could

see that in herself.

Sounds like you really care

about that girl.

Yeah, of course, I do.

- Wow.

- You're a good guy, Aaron.

But you're one of the most

guarded people I ever met.

Come on, man. I'm not.

All right,

you might be onto something.

You got these walls up that

you never let anyone peek over.

I know you had a hard time

trusting people

after you and Toni broke up.

But you shouldn't be afraid

of your feelings.

Yeah, but what if I messed up?

What if she doesn't

want to be with me

after how much of a jerk I was?

Show her you can admit

that you were wrong,

that you can be

the person she needs.

You're right.

I know what I gotta do.

Thanks so much, D.

Ann!

Ann!

You were right.

I shouldn't have pushed you.

I should have encouraged you.

I don't yell at my plants

and tell them to grow.

I sing to them. I talk to them.

I encourage them.

I still haven't heard you sing.

I missed out on

so many things in my life.

The Rose Bowl,

Rachel blooming...

this teen Jeopardy

tournament thing.

Wait, I don't know that story.

The point is

I'm not gonna miss out on you.

And I'm sorry that

I couldn't be the person

you needed me to be before,

but I'm gonna try real hard,

because I...

I want this, with you.

I believe you.

And I believe in myself.

So let's go win this thing.

- Team Rose Bowl?

- Team Rose Bowl.

Today's competition

will decide our champion.

Our finalists are

Aaron Blum and Ann Keller.

And Toni Greer and

Claudio no last name given.

You'll each have one hour

to complete your arrangement.

Your final arrangement

will be a centerpiece

that harmonizes

contrasting elements.

Three, two, one, begin!

So how about...

What about

a mitsumata structure?

We'll, uh,

stud it with ranunculus,

and then pink roses

in different shades

to give it that ombre effect.

OK.

And maybe some

dark purple calla lilies

to get a touch of drama.

And then...

suspended cymbidium orchids

to transition

from light to dark.

You got it.

- Let's get to work.

- All right.

So are these good?

Something's not working.

It's not working.

- Higher, higher.

- I'm trying. OK, wait. Just...

- Fine, OK.

- Focus. It's fine, it's fine.

I said red, you beautiful dolt.

No one speaks

to Claudio that way.

OK, so what are we gonna do

to take this over the top?

Uh...

Mom's favorite.

Hey, 8 seconds.

Oh no!

OK...

I can't get it. Oh!

Time! Pruners down, please.

You know what?

You were absolutely right.

This ties

the whole thing together.

Well, you know,

split-second decisions

under incredible pressure

are kind of my thing now.

Thank you all for competing.

You've created wonderful works

of floral art,

but in the end,

only one of you

can be crowned champion.

And the winners of

this year's Botanic Cup are...

Aaron Blum and Ann Keller!

Yes! Yes!

I knew they could do it.

We did it.

Congratulations!

Thank you. Thank you so much.

You deserve this.

Oh, congrats, girl! Oh!

You did it, Annie!

No, you did it, Dad. For you.

A week ago, I did not think

that this would be my life.

You took humongous risks.

Competing in the Botanic Cup,

going after this

promotion you wanted.

I still haven't taken

the biggest risk yet.

What's that?

Yeah, that was definitely

worth the risk.

Yeah?

Yeah, I... I don't know, Tom.

I think it's missing something.

Yeah, I see what you're saying.

Uh, what about

a couple of carnations?

- Oh, let's see that.

- Try that.

Let's see, let's see.

Ah, no, we're still not there.

We... we may need

a second opinion.

Texture.

Have you tried

seeded eucalyptus?

"I'm vibrant and wonderful,

but also down to earth."

Eucalyptus says all that?

It's the globe-trotting girl.

Still got it, Annie.

Here. I'll finish these inside.

- Thank you. Welcome home.

- Thank you.

How was your

business trip to Tulum?

Very succulent.

- Is this for me?

- It's a dragon fruit cactus.

I thought it'd be a good

companion plant to Rachel,

since they both bloom at night.

You like it?

I love it.

And when she does

decide to bloom,

we can watch it together.

There's nothing else

I'd rather do.

Why not take a look to see

who's knocking at your door?

Open up

and let your life begin

Time to dust your mind off

See what's happening today

I will show you

how much you can win

'Cause I'm

the new next thing

Your golden opportunity

Maybe you'll catch me

on the TV news this afternoon

Turn the channel,

suddenly, I'm there

Philosophizing with important

leaders of today

Taking notes

on my point of view

'Cause I'm

the new next thing

Your golden opportunity

Yes, I'm the new next thing

Don't miss your opportunity

Yes, I'm the new next thing

Your golden opportunity

Yes, I'm the new next thing

Don't miss your opportunity

And the world

keeps changing