[MUSIC]
I don't know what's going on
with us
Oh but I like it
It may be too soon to call it
love
But I'd love to try it
I'm in tune with the
melody between you and me
Baby, you're playing, baby,
you're
playing with my heartstrings
Keep on playing, keep on
playing with my heartstrings
There's something in
the way you say my name
[Alarm]
Not again.
[MUSIC]
I know, I know, I'm late.
You need a louder alarm.
I need to stop staying up so
late
plotting my brilliant new menu
ideas.
You really think Nathan's
gonna let you change anything?
Yeah, we've been talking about
it.
I think he's gonna like it.
Good luck with that.
[MUSIC]
Morning, Gayle.
Good morning, Emma. Late
again?
I can't seem to get to
sleep at a decent hour.
When you're my age,
you can't sleep at all.
Hey, I tried something
different with my
cranberry orange muffins.
Do you think you could
give me your opinion?
[GAYLE]
- Of course, dear, you
know I give an honest review.
That is exactly what I need,
thank you.
Okay, I'll see you later.
Is it meatloaf night?
Friday night special, you
want me to get you a slice?
If it wouldn't be too much
trouble.
Think of it as payment for the
muffins.
[Violin Music]
Schubert, my
favorite way to start a day.
Yesterday you said it was
Brahms.
My heartstrings are fickle,
Sam.
Your jokes are even worse.
I know my limitations.
That looks like orange
cranberry.
I added some cinnamon, so
let me know what you think.
Well, there ain't nothing
wrong with the old ones.
Sam, just like a great
musician, a chef
has to make new creations.
Enjoy.
[MUSIC]
I know, I know, I'm late.
Just don't blame me for the
switch.
Switch?
You know Nathan's been
wanting to make raspberry
crepes.
Blueberry.
We make blueberry,
we're famous for them Rita.
[RITA] - Nathan's running the
line this morning
since you weren't here.
Today, it's raspberry crepes.
Are they horrible?
I might like them
better than the blueberry.
Oh, traitor.
Emma, you got a sec?
Of course.
What's up?
I'm doing the ordering for
next month.
Okay.
I think you heard that the
raspberry
crepes were quite a hit.
I heard.
I'm gonna have mom add them to
the menu.
I think people like variety.
Her place, her call.
[NATHAN]
- Good.
I didn't want you to think that
I was
going over your head with this.
Rita is your mom and
it's her place, your place.
And I know that you
wanted to try some things.
The new menu is gonna
have a lot of fun tweaks.
Yeah, I had some
really great recipe id...
That's not necessary.
I've got that part covered.
But I thought you wanted me
to implement some of my ideas.
[NATHAN] - I know we've been
talking about things,
but I think I've got a handle on
how I
want to take the new menu.
Of course.
Yeah.
You're the boss.
I will need your help training
the staff
on the new menu though.
Of course.
Table for one today?
Oh, I'm not eating.
Coffee?
Or drinking.
We don't offer much else
unless you want
to put a dime in the jukebox
and do a little dancing.
[NED]
- Oh, oh no.
I don't really dance.
So what are you here for,
Sugar?
I'm looking for someone.
Aren't we all?
Oh, actually, I'm looking
for a particular someone.
Emma Rayburn.
Emma?
I hope you're not trying to
poach her.
Poach her?
Sure, for whatever
corporate-owned chain you
represent.
Oh, no, no. Nothing like that.
It's a personal matter.
Let me get her.
[RITA] -There's a gentleman here
to see you.
Funny.
[RITA]
- It wasn't a joke.
Who is it?
I didn't ask.
Well, tell him I'm not here.
I don't think he'll buy it.
That's my grandfather's
attorney.
Uh, do you mind if I take a
break?
Of course, of course.
Go find out what he wants.
I don't know what big gesture
my
grandfather has planned,
but it's not gonna work.
He died.
I'm sorry. That was uncalled
for.
And I really am sorry for your
loss.
I've tried calling.
Well, I don't check my
voice mails.
What happened?
He fell ill a few months ago.
He was fine last time I saw
him.
Last year?
I've called and I've texted.
Yes, I know. And he cherished
every one.
I did nothing but
drive my grandfather crazy.
[NED]
- Emma, you are the
greatest pride of his life.
The old me.
We both know that he was very
disappointed in the
current version of me.
He just wanted you to live
up to your full potential.
Um, this is not the time
and place for this discussion.
No, it isn't. However, I need
you to stop
by the office to sign some
papers.
Papers? For what?
[NED] - Your grandfather's will
had some specific
details that we need to go in
private.
I, uh, I get off in a couple
hours.
In case you've forgotten.
Bad news?
My grandfather died.
[RITA]
- Sweetie, I'm so sorry.
We had a strained relationship
and we
didn't always see eye to eye.
Family is like that. Still, you
must have
loved him very much.
Yeah. I did.
[MAN]
-Going up?
[EMMA]
-Yeah. Thanks.
[BANG]
[MAN] - I think the elevator
stopped working.
[EMMA] - Oh, keen observation,
Doc. How much do I
owe you for the diagnosis?
Just stating the obvious to
feel
manly about doing something.
Any idea how long we might be
in here?
It happens a lot in the winter
when
everyone's running their heater.
Circuits overload.
They should have a sign.
You might not get to your
destination in
this big old bucket of bolts.
[MAN]
-Oh.
Heavy cables are holding us up.
[EMMA] - Don't do that. Don't do
that.
Not fairy dust.
Well, yeah, my brain knows
that.
Doesn't want to tell
the rest of your body.
Breathing. There you go.
I'm sorry. I am not
good in enclosed spaces.
[MAN]
- We're trapped 50 feet
above nothing in a little box.
There isn't anything we
can't handle... together.
Andrew.
- Emma.
[EMMA]
-Emma.
I'm guessing you don't
work in the building.
No. I'm a chef.
Well, I burned toast.
Oh. Given today's technology,
that's
actually kind of sad.
[ANDREW]
- What about Patelli's?
[EMMA] - Oh, their risotto is
dry, their scallops
are rubbery, and their
prices are ridiculous.
[ANDREW] - Do they take
reservations?
[Elevator Ding]
We're saved.
Well, good luck with your
meeting.
[ANDREW] - Thanks. Actually, I need
to reschedule. I have to be somewhere.
[EMMA] - Thank you for keeping
me calm.
[ANDREW]
- Yeah, my pleasure.
[Elevator Ding]
There's no sugarcoating this,
Emma.
Your grandfather thought you
made the
wrong choice when you
stepped away from the violin.
This isn't news, Ned. He made
his
displeasure abundantly
clear, over and over again.
[NED] - He believed in your
talent.
I wanted a life.
[NED]
-Emma. I understand. I do.
But your grandfather was my
employer, and
carrying out his last
wishes was my final duty.
Okay. Let's hear it.
What did I get? Silver tea set?
All of it.
All of the silver.
All of his money.
That's impossible. He told us
that he was
going to give it all to
charity. Even my father knew
that.
It may still end up that way
Depends on you.
Me? How?
There's a young girl who needs
your help.
Now, her father was very
important to your grandfather.
He's an architect who works from
home.
Ava is a prodigy like you.
She has my sympathies.
When your grandfather knew his
time was
ending, he called in a few
favors to get
Ava an audition at a top music
school.
It's in one month.
Well, if she's that good,
then why does she need my help?
Emma, she's 12. Talented,
sure, but the
mental challenges will be a
strain. You
can help her relate. Guide her.
So I just talk to this girl?
No. It's a little more
complicated than
that. You'll work with her every
day
after school. Help her
prepare mentally and physically.
So I coach her and
get millions of dollars?
No, not quite. Ava actually
has to be
accepted for you to inherit.
Well, I can't control that.
Your grandfather thought
otherwise. You
can help her get in the right
frame of
mind, sharpen her skills. You
can help
her select the perfect
piece for her audition.
Why?
[NED] - Those are the terms of
his will.
No, no, I get that, but why?
Why me?
What, did he think I would just
fall in
love with Violin again? Because
that's
not my thing. That's what he
wanted and
what my dad wanted. What they
wanted for
my life, but not what
I wanted for myself.
There's more.
Of course there is.
You can't tell them. They were
very
important to your grandfather,
and he is adamant about that.
If you tell him why you're
coaching Ava,
you forfeit the money.
So I just turn up on his
doorstep?
No. No, he's actually a good
friend of
mine, and he's been looking for
someone
to help Ava prep. I'll tell
him I found the perfect person.
I have to think about it.
You've got a week. If I don't
hear from
you by next Friday, I'll
assume you're not interested.
I'll proceed with your
grandfather's
wishes to distribute his
estate to a list of charities.
[Music]
[ANDREW] - I'm so sorry I'm
late.
If I had a phone, you could
have called
me or texted or something, so I
wasn't
just standing here,
worried to death about you.
It's a bit of an oversell.
Yeah, felt it at the end
there.
And not to be a broken record,
but you'll
get a new phone when you're 14.
What happened to you?
The craziest thing, I
got stuck in an elevator.
And the dog ate my homework.
[ANDREW]
- No, I really did.
It must have been
traumatizing.
Actually, it was really nice.
Okay.
[Music]
Emma, did you have a good day?
It was eventful.
Ooh.
Sounds intriguing.
I haven't decided yet.
Meatloaf, extra mashed
potato, and a side salad.
Salad? I don't
remember asking for a salad.
Think of it as my sneaky
way of looking out for you.
Also, I lost the receipt for
these. You
don't happen to be a seven, do
you?
Yes, I am.
[EMMA] - Great, because I would
hate for these
just to sit in the back of my
closet.
It's either that or I
take them to a thrift store.
Of course. I'm happy to help.
Perfect.
Good evening, Gayle.
Goodnight, Emma.
Hey, how was work?
[JENNIFER]
- Exhausting.
We delivered two sets of twins.
Must be a full moon.
What about yours?
Um, my grandfather died.
[JENNIFER]
- Em, I'm so sorry.
I know you two weren't exactly
close.
Yeah.
I never lived up to his
expectations.
And now he's trying to
control me from the grave?
What happened?
I'm not supposed to
talk to anyone about it.
But, Jen, I don't know what to
do.
About?
He left me everything.
I thought you said he was
giving it all away to charity.
That's what he told everyone.
I guess he changed his mind?
That's incredible.
You can finally open Hope's
house. Run a
restaurant the way you want.
Yeah, there's just one little
hitch.
I have to coach this little girl
violin
for this really big
audition for a top music school.
You're gonna play violin
again?
No, I'm gonna watch her play
violin.
I don't get anything
if she doesn't get in.
What if she's awful?
Well, I'm assuming my
grandfather
wouldn't have bothered
if she wasn't really good.
So, that's it.
She gets in and you get a
fortune?
That's pretty much the gist of
it.
But they can't know.
The dad is gonna be
paying me like a regular tutor.
So, everyone wins. She wins.
You win.
Everyone except me.
I guess I'll have to find a new
roomie
once you can afford a
fancy mansion of your own.
She has to get in first.
And who says I wouldn't want
company in
my big fancy new home?
But I do feel kind of guilty for
lying to
this guy and his kid.
Not really a lie. Just an
omission of some of the facts.
Most of the facts.
Then how can I not?
This could literally make
all of my dreams come true.
And it was my grandfather's last
wish.
Something burning?
It was a grilled cheese.
You burned a grilled cheese?
I'm a little off my game
today, Rita.
Well, it's time for a little
break
anyway. Your cute attorney
friend's back.
I have a cute attorney friend?
Ned!
Ned.
What can I say? I have a thing
for
starch shirt corporate types.
[EMMA]
- You are funny.
I still have two days to
decide.
I know. I was just in the
neighborhood.
I thought I'd try a piece of
that apple
pie, because it looks so good.
Best pie you've ever had.
Well, then I need to try a
piece.
Coming right up.
If you're trying to pressure
me, it's not going to work.
I was going to call you later
today.
I'll coach that little
girl on her audition.
Your grandfather would be so
delighted.
Nothing made that man happy.
Emma, hearing you play
was his greatest joy.
Now that looks even
better than I remembered.
Oh my goodness.
Thank you.
Monday at four. I'll tell him to
be
expecting you, okay?
Okay.
[Phone Ringing]
Ned! Sorry about canceling
last week.
Ah, listen, no problem.
Heard you got stuck in
the elevator for hours.
Man, it must have been a
nightmare.
You know, actually it
wasn't as horrible as it sounds.
Good. Glad to hear.
Hey, listen.
Good news. I found someone for
Ava.
Really?
Yeah. Yeah, she's an old
friend of mine.
Natural talent.
She's a child prodigy
like Ava, so she can relate.
You know what? I think she'll be
perfect.
And she's okay with the
schedule being so demanding?
[NED] - Every day after school,
Monday through
Friday, I told her
you're paying top dollar.
Which, she can use the extra
cash.
She cooks at the local diner.
Great. When can she start?
I gave her your info.
She'll be there Monday at four.
Perfect.
[Phone Beep]
How was your day?
Great. We had a sub in
history, so she
let me go to the music room to
practice.
Mmm. It wouldn't hurt you to
learn
a historical thing or two.
Tomorrow, I can learn about
today. And that'll be history.
Good news. We got someone.
Are they good?
According to Ned. What?
It's Ned. You like Ned.
And Ned likes everything.
Meaning?
Not everything is good. Some
things shouldn't be liked.
Can we at least give her a
chance?
Sure. We'll just put the fate
of my
entire future. In the hands of
Ned.
[Alarm]
[NATHAN] - Oh, good, Emma. I'm
glad I caught you
before you left. Mom
says you're taking time off.
No, no. I'm not taking time
off. Just
rearranging my schedule so on
the
weekdays, I can arrive at
seven and leave by three.
I really wish you would have
talked to me
about this so I could
have reworked the schedule.
I talked to Rita about
it. She was fine with it.
Sure. I just hate for this
side hustle
yours to take away from your
actual job.
It's just one month, Nathan.
One month. And then I promise
it won't be a problem anymore.
Good to hear.
Brahms, feeling melancholy
today, Sam?
He soothes the soul.
Indeed he does. Sorry about
the early
dinner. I'm going to be doing
some
coaching this month so my
schedule's
going to be a little off.
Coaching? What kind of sport
do you play?
It's a scary thought, isn't
it? No, I am
going to be helping a
little girl with her violin.
No.
After all this time, you're
going to
start playing again.
[EMMA] - No. She's already a
pro. I'm just helping
her prep for an audition.
Is she playing Carnegie Hall?
Nothing quite that grand.
Then she ain't you, kid.
Not yet.
[Music]
Andrew.
Emma, this is...
Really weird.
Or not. Ned Baxter?
Ava's dad.
The violinist who cooks by day.
Ah, I guess "Chef" was a lofty
title.
But I am gonna own my
own restaurant one day,
and I will be the chef there.
[ANDREW]
-Please. Come on in.
Water? Coffee?
Um, no, thank you.
Ava will be getting a
ride home from school soon.
She'll be here any minute.
You know, maybe I will have
that water.
[AVA]
-Hi.
[EMMA]
-Hi.
Sorry I'm late. Wendy's
mom was running behind.
No, no problem.
Emma just got here.
Emma, this is Ava, my pride and
joy.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Can't you just say
"daughter," like a normal
person.
There's no fun in that.
Hey, if you guys want to make
your way to the living room,
I'll grab us some waters.
So, you're good?
I'm great. Just like I hear you
are.
Why don't you tell me
about your audition?
Do you have to fly to New York?
No. There's two talent
scouts coming in for the
weekend.
I'm up Sunday.
There'll be just a handful
from this area auditioning.
That's good. It means you
don't have to worry about
flight delays or lost baggage.
That's what dad said.
[ANDREW] -See? She was
disappointed
we weren't flying to New York.
[EMMA] -Thank you. Um, I think
this is better.
Home field advantage.
Hadn't thought about that.
So, what are you playing?
Vivaldi.
Her Four Seasons is
incomparable.
Let's hear it.
[Violin playing]
[AVA]
-You don't like it?
No. No. You are incredible.
Your finger placement and
technique are top notch.
But?
That piece is not going to get
you into
the top music school.
It's Vivaldi. Everyone loves
Vivaldi.
Yeah, they do. And that's why
every
other violinist is probably
going to
choose the same piece to play.
Hadn't thought of that.
It's just going to
show every single mistake.
It would be like writing an
essay about
Mother Teresa and her good
deeds.
It's just not a challenge.
And what is the proper
challenge?
Paganini's 24th Caprice.
Can you do it?
I mean, yeah, but...
But what?
I mean, it's the hardest violin
solo out
there. Left-handed pizzicato.
And that's...
You sharply pluck the strings.
[AVA]
-With your left hand.
You're a righty?
Yeah.
[EMMA]
-But you can do it.
Yeah, it's the Mount
Everest of violin solos.
Don't you think it's a little
too close
to her audition to be switching
things?
I mean, yeah, I have
only been practicing Vivaldi.
I think the risk versus
reward is in your favor.
Okay. It might be a little
rusty.
Is that it?
[AVA]
-I mean...
No.
But...
It feels right. Better.
I'm telling you, this is the
piece
that's going to get you
into the top music school.
What do you think, Dad? You
think I can
master this in time?
Yeah. Yeah, I sure do. Yeah,
I think you should switch.
Okay. I'll do it.
Great. Well, let's hear it
again.
[Alarm]
[JENNIFER] -Wow. You're up
early.
That's three days in a row.
You must really love
this new morning shift.
I love that Ava is brilliant.
Seriously,
that kid is going places.
And her dad?
Andrew, he's fine.
Fine?
It is not like that.
See you later.
Beautiful day, isn't it, Gayle?
Hey! Who's the new fella?
Have you been talking with
Jennifer?
There is no new fella.
Honey, I may be old, but I
recognize new love when I see
it.
It's nothing like that.
Yet.
You can't get rid of me
that easy. I'll see you later.
[NATHAN] -Emma, I hate to say
it, but your work
lately has been off.
And I know you like to
doodle in your little book.
They're not doodles,
Nathan. They're recipes.
They're not a part of your job.
So they shouldn't be taking
up this much of your time.
It won't happen again.
Hey! I'll be right
with you. Have a seat.
Here to see Emma, Mr.
Oh, please call me Ned. Rita,
right?
Mm-hmm. Here for another slice
of pie?
I wouldn't say no to coffee and
pie.
We're out of apple. Is cherry
okay?
Love it.
So, Emma tells me you're the
one who's
got her this part-time job
that's tearing her away from me.
Oh, I am sorry if
it's caused any trouble.
Quite the opposite. She's been
on time
every day this week,
and that never happens.
So she's liking tutoring?
[RITA]
-I guess so. I never
realized she was so cerebral.
Has she said what she's doing?
Um, there's a little girl that
needs
some help or something
preparing for some
test. She was pretty vague.
Yeah, that's basically it.
Here's your cherry pie.
Best you've ever tasted.
That looks incredible.
Uh, mm-hmm. That is the
best thing I've ever tasted.
You know, my son Nathan
wants to revamp the menu.
He says I need to lose the
cherry pie.
It's old-fashioned. No one likes
it.
What? No, I couldn't
disagree more. This is
incredible.
[RITA] -That's it. The cherry
pie stays.
[EMMA]
-Ned.
What are you doing here?
I just dropped in for
another piece of pie.
The cherry.
Okay, what's going on?
Just checking in, seeing
how things are going with Ava.
She's good. Her form and
technique are
superb. She's a natural.
And, uh, Andrew?
He's good. Nice.
Good and nice. That's it?
Well, I'm not there for
Andrew. I'm there for Ava.
Of course. Of course. I'm just
making
sure you're getting along for
Ava's sake.
Well, rest assured,
we get along just fine.
Good.
Hmm.
I don't think I've ever seen
Sibelius
upset someone so much.
Violin concerto D was the
last piece I ever performed.
And I'll bet you were amazing.
The acoustics of Carnegie
Hall were pretty incredible.
It's a shame you ever
put down your bow.
I just didn't love it, Sam.
When someone doesn't love what
they do,
it's obvious there's no heart.
But there had to be a part of
you that
loved it, or else you wouldn't
have gotten
as good as you were.
Maybe in the beginning, but
it just wasn't fun anymore.
[SAM] -I can't think about not
playing.
As long as I've got a bow
in my hand, I'm a happy man.
And you have a gift, Sam. And
the whole
world should see it.
Here. Enjoy.
[Violin playing]
[AVA]
-Well?
Your spiccato is flawless. It
can be hard
to clear the string after each
note.
But?
But your technique and
form are almost too perfect.
Too good?
Music is a language.
It should speak to you.
What do you hear?
Mostly chords. And notes.
The violin should be an
extension of
your body. You should feel at
one with it.
Here. Show me.
Um, sure. If it'll help.
That was incredible.
[EMMA] -Thank you. I'm very
rusty.
That was rusty?
[AVA]
-Um, Dad?
[EMMA]
- [gasps]
My pot roast!
I don't know what happened.
You tried cooking again.
I really wish you'd quit.
My cooking's fine.
Is it?
Okay. My pizza ordering skills
are fine.
Again.
Aww, what's wrong with pizza?
Five nights a week.
Oh.
Well, maybe I can help.
We could whip something up.
Do you have salad?
Salad? What is this salad you
speak of?
Ha ha, funny girl. Don't act
like I
don't make you eat vegetables.
Yeah. Mushrooms, black
olives, green peppers.
Anything else that comes
on a veggie lover's supreme.
[EMMA] -Okay. Do you have
fettuccine?
I sure do.
[EMMA]
-Great.
I'm gonna put this over here.
Thank you.
[ANDREW] -I feel like I should
help.
[EMMA] -Sometimes doing less is
more...
[ANDREW] -Is that your polite
way
of telling me to butt out?
[AVA] -You had your chance at
cooking.
It's Emma's turn.
[EMMA] - Okay. You open that,
and I
am gonna get to these carrots.
That is far and away the
greatest thing
that's ever come out of this
kitchen.
[EMMA] -Well, it's amazing what
you can
do with a few ingredients.
You should have your own
restaurant.
[EMMA]
-I plan to one day.
What, you don't want to
make diner food forever?
[EMMA]
-It's fun. It's
just... it's not my dream.
And what is your dream?
I would like to own my
own Michelin star restaurant.
That's ambitious.
And instead of tossing the
food away at the end of the day,
I want to donate it to the local
homeless
shelter that my friend runs.
That's extremely ambitious.
A lot of people throw
out their days end food,
but it's usually bread or fruit,
and why
can't they have mushroom
risotto?
You can make that?
Oh, it's my specialty.
Sounds like a perfect birthday
dinner.
It's your birthday?
Dad's. On Friday. He likes
to pretend it doesn't exist.
It's not a big deal. I just
thought we'd order some pizzas.
[AVA]
-Oh!
[ANDREW] -But now I see that's
not gonna fly.
[EMMA]
-[laughs]
I don't want to invite myself
over, but
I'd be happy to make it for you.
Yes. That would be amazing.
[EMMA]
-Okay.
[ANDREW] -If you're game, sounds
delightful.
[doorbell rings]
Oh, who's coming over at this
hour?
You like it?
It's amazing.
[WOMAN] -I figured you were too
busy to cook, so
I just thought I'd...
Oh. I see you've already had
dinner.
[ANDREW] -Oh, Madison, this is
Emma Rayburn,
friend of Ned Baxter's.
She's helping Ava
prepare for her audition.
She is quite the gifted
little thing, isn't she?
[ANDREW] -Madison's a good
friend.
We worked together with
Ned before I left Carl.
Carl?
[ANDREW]
-Harrington. He's a good
guy who recently passed away.
Oh. I'm sorry for
your loss. Were you close?
[ANDREW] -He was a pretty
private guy, not a whole
lot of close family.
He took an interest in every
single one of his employees.
Yeah. He genuinely cared about
people.
It was an honor working for him.
Anyway, thanks for the thought.
Sorry. I forget
people with kids eat early.
Um, yeah, I didn't realize the
time.
I'm... I'm gonna clean up.
Oh, no. You cooked. You
don't clean. House rules.
[EMMA]
-Okay. Thanks.
Yeah. I couldn't have eaten
pizza again.
[ANDREW]
- [Clears throat]
But I'm sure it'll sound good
later.
[EMMA] -I'll just let myself
out. It
was nice to meet you.
[MADISON]
-Likewise.
[AVA]
-See you tomorrow, Emma.
Huh. Isn't she... something?
Yeah. She sure is.
I need details on someone.
Her name is Emma Rayburn.
I don't know. That's all I have.
She's a friend of Ned Baxter's.
Start there.
[GIRL] -So, are you coming to
the sleepover later?
[AVA] -I can't, I have violin.
What about you?
[GIRL]
-Of course.
Thanks for offering to do this.
Of course. Happy to help.
[AVA]
-Did you get everything?
All good. What about your dad?
[AVA] -I told him we needed a
few hours alone
in the house. He pouted, but...
agreed to go to the driving
range.
Perfect. He doesn't seem like a
golfer.
[AVA]
-He's not. He likes to
go there to smash things.
I can see that.
I've gone with him. Very
therapeutic.
[EMMA] -Hmm. I'll have to try it
sometime.
Andrew!
Madison!
[MADISON]
-Happy birthday!
I tried calling you earlier.
Well, I'm sorry, but
I put my phone on silent
because the birthday wishes were
starting
to get a little overwhelming.
Well, this is fate intervening.
You're
not having birthday pizza,
though.
I'm taking you to
Bolton's. My treat. No argument.
It's very sweet of you, but...
Ava's actually going to be
making dinner for my birthday.
How precious. I didn't know she
cooked.
Well, Emma will be doing
most of the work. I hope.
Emma? That's the violin woman.
She's actually a chef.
Jill of all trades. Marvellous.
It's really good to see you.
I'm going to get back to
my swings. Catch you later.
Okay. While that cake is
baking, let's make the frosting.
I thought frosting came in a
can.
Not my frosting. I don't think
your dad
does much baking, right?
You saw what he did to the pot
roast.
Cookies don't stand a chance.
Did your mom teach you to cook?
No. Um, actually, my
mom died when I was a baby.
But I'm going to name my
restaurant in
her honour, Hope's House.
I think she'd really like it.
Me too. About the mom. Not the
restaurant. I never met her.
I heard. I'm sorry. It can be
really
hard growing up without a mom.
My dad tries.
But I'm sure not everything
turns out like the pot roast.
You give him way too much
credit.
Okay. Let's get whipping.
You want me to do it?
[EMMA] -Yeah. Think of the whip
like your bow.
You know that middle section
that you're
really struggling with?
Yeah. And I'm never going to
get it.
Wrong. This might help.
Frosting a cake.
[EMMA]
-The whipping. That's it.
Yeah. Just muscle movement.
[AVA] -I kind of see what you
mean.
Nice.
So, after school, I saw you
talking with a couple girls.
Wendy and Erin.
[EMMA]
-Friends?
I guess. Wendy's having a
slumber party tomorrow night.
Are you going to go?
Nah. I always practice late
Saturdays
since I don't have to
get up early for school.
You don't have to
practice every Saturday.
I do if I want to get into
music school.
But slumber parties are really
fun.
Well, I wouldn't know. I've
never been.
Don't slow down. You
can't stop mid-audition.
Yeah. That's it.
You shouldn't even think about
it.
It should just be muscle memory.
Good. Good job.
What do you do?
[EMMA]
-At a slumber party?
Um, you, uh, you...
Oh. I don't actually know. I
haven't been to one myself.
Then how do you know if they're
fun?
Um, every single teen movie.
You stay up late, you
eat lots of junk food,
you talk about boys, life,
dreams.
It doesn't sound terrible.
And you also do nail
painting and makeovers.
My dad doesn't let me wear
makeup yet.
You don't need it.
That's what he says.
Well, he's right.
I don't want to wear a
ton. Just a mascara, lipstick.
Maybe start small and
start with lip gloss.
You could talk to him.
Oh, no, no, no. I don't
think your dad wants advice
from someone who doesn't have
kids.
But you're a girl. He
doesn't get girl stuff.
I'm sure he tries.
He does. But certain
things, let's just be real.
He cannot relate.
Well, any time you want
to talk about girl stuff,
you can ask me.
Really?
Of course. Any time.
He's here!
[EMMA]
-Okay.
Ready?
[BOTH]
-Surprise!
[AVA]
-Happy birthday!
I can't believe you guys did
all this.
[AVA]
-Emma did most of it.
[EMMA]
-Hey, you made the cake.
[ANDREW] -Well, now I am really
glad
I grabbed these for you two.
[EMMA]
-It's your birthday.
And you cooked for it.
I haven't had a
home-cooked meal for my birthday
in a really long time.
[AVA]
-You should try the
risotto. It's amazing.
[EMMA] -And Ava helped cook
everything.
Thank you for all this.
[EMMA]
-Of course. Let's dig in.
You know, the older Ava
gets, the more I realize that,
no matter how hard I try, I'll
never be
both parents to her.
I don't know how to be a mom.
Well, you have being a dad
nailed.
[Music]
[AVA]
- Want one?
[ANDREW]
-No, no, no.
[AVA] -Oh, come on. You'd look
adorable.
Oh, okay.
[AVA]
-Yeah.
There.
[ANDREW] -All right. Number one.
Here we go,
ladies and gentlemen.
Drum roll.
Thank you. Thank you. And
cookbook for the greatest
dads in the world. Okay,
beginners.
Thank you very much.
All right. That's just...
[AVA] - Well, I think, you have
that book
I think this is gonna come in
handy
[ANDREW] -I see where this is
going.
This is about the pot roast.
All right. Number two.
Saving best for last?
[AVA] -Definitely. This will
come in handy.
Oh.
Okay. Very funny. What's this
all about?
I'm not a firefighter.
[AVA]
-You're gonna need it.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear dad
[ANDREW]
-That's me.
Happy birthday to you
[ANDREW] -Happy birthday to me
[ANDREW]
-Oh, my gosh. Oh, thank
you. Thank you. Thank you.
Let's eat, baby.
[Music]
[ANDREW] -Just get crazy about
it
Just just grab the piece.
[ Laughs ]
[ANDREW] -Oh, my God. It's so
good.
It just makes me want to-
It's so good.
Thank you.
This was the best
birthday I've had in years.
You're welcome.
I actually had a lot of fun with
Ava.
Not that we don't usually have
fun.
It's just we usually talk about
violin,
and I really enjoyed
teaching her about something
else.
I know this is complicated.
You have no idea.
Or... clearly, you do.
I'll see you Monday?
4 o'clock sharp.
[Gasps] Paprika.
Or thyme.
[Phone Ringing]
Hey.
Yeah. Yeah, I'm on my way.
[ Beep ]
[Music plays]
She's in her room.
[Knocking on door]
I'm practicing, Dad!
Emma.
[EMMA] -I heard there was an
emergency.
I don't know what I was
thinking.
I can't be doing something so
frivolous.
I need to keep practicing.
Okay, okay. Start from the
beginning.
Well, I told Wendy I could go
to her
sleepover after all.
That's great.
No! I'm freaking out.
I should just cancel and keep
practicing.
These are your friends, right?
I mean, they're all a
little closer to each other
because they don't...
Spend every minute of their
lives
working on their craft.
For starters.
You just need to be yourself.
And you were right.
We're all supposed to
bring some kind of makeup.
I don't have anything.
Oh, you know what?
I just got this.
I thought I could pull
off this shade of pink,
but I can't.
It's brand-new. You can have it.
And for makeup, you
don't even need brushes.
You can just use your fingers.
You know in
"Barrylage" how you lightly tap?
That's how you do it.
Okay. I can see that.
Okay, what about jammies?
Jammies?
A cute pair of pajamas can
make you feel like a queen.
Got loads of those.
Okay, make sure you pack an
extra set.
Actually, get extra everything.
Socks, undies, because you never
know
what you might need,
especially if she has a pool.
She does.
Pack a swimsuit.
It's freezing outside. I
can't see us going swimming.
One game of truth or dare,
and everyone could be
polar bear plunging.
Just bring it. You'll need it.
And you'll be glad that you have
it.
Okay. Thank you.
You're gonna have so much fun.
[ANDREW]
-So...
What? All right.
I told you I was funny.
[ Laughs ]
You are so cool.
Okay. Erin's mom is here.
[ANDREW] -Oh! Okay. I will take
you...
[AVA]
-Dad! Dad! It's okay.
I got this.
[ANDREW]
-Oh.
[EMMA] -You're gonna have so
much fun.
[ANDREW]
-Yes. And if you need
to call me in the morning
to tell me about the
awesomeness of the evening,
please do.
[AVA]
-Okay. See you guys later.
[EMMA] -Bye. [AVA]
-Bye.
This is so exciting.
Wow. Her first sleepover.
I don't know if I'm ready for
this.
[Laughs]
You're gonna be fine.
I know I'm not ready for
lipstick.
I am so sorry about that.
I know you don't want her
wearing makeup.
She didn't have anything,
and I didn't want her to feel
left out.
Thank you.
[Violin playing]
[EMMA] -It's okay. You can do
it. You can do it.
Just start from here,
and then take a breath,
and then lift that finger,
and then quickly put it
back down again, okay?
You ready?
Take your time. Breathe.
Here we go. Start from here.
[ Laughs ]
Afternoon, Ned. You just missed
Emma.
Oh, that's okay. That's okay.
You know, I've been
meaning to talk to you.
[RITA] -Have you now. Have a
seat.
Thanks.
Yeah, about, um...
about franchising.
Franchising?
Sure.
Um, turning this
place into a dozen diners
across the state, across the
country.
I like the idea.
How about taking me out
to dinner Saturday night?
Run some numbers?
Dinner? Um...
Yeah, of course. Sure.
I mean, I would love that.
Uh, so, has Emma said anything
about how she's... how
the tutoring's going?
That girl is hooked.
Pardon?
[RITA] -Hooked. Snared. Done
for.
In love, sugar.
Love? Really?
Every other word.
Andrew this. Ava that.
So, she's getting
along with the girl, okay?
Mm-hmm. For a child who had no
mother,
Emma had some fierce maternal
instincts.
Interesting.
You know, Emma never seemed like
she
wanted to have kids.
People change,
especially when you get a taste
of something you've never had
before.
[Phone Ringing]
Hey.
[ANDREW] - I'm not interrupting
any
Friday night plans, am I?
Nothing I'm not doing
every other night of the week.
[ANDREW]
- Good. Ava's at a
birthday party until nine.
I'd like to show you something.
I'm intrigued.
[ANDREW]
- Text me your address.
I'll be there in an hour.
Okay.
[AVA]
-Come on in.
[ANDREW]
-I love it.
[EMMA]
-It's my place.
[ANDREW]
-Cute. Cute. I like it.
It's totally you.
[ANDREW]
-Oh. These are for you.
Are you spoiling me with weekly
flowers?
Any objections?
None that I can think of.
Oh, I wish you'd met my
roommate.
She's a nurse and works crazy
hours.
Yeah, it's not a job
for the faint of heart.
She's a superhero.
Shall we get going?
I'm kind of intrigued
about this mystery destination.
Patience. I promise it'll be
worth it.
I'll put these in water first.
[Soft Music]
[EMMA] - I do love this
neighborhood.
It's got so many shops I love.
Good. I'm glad you like the
location.
What's this?
[ANDREW] -Well, it used to be
Florianne's. Top-notch Italian place.
But they moved to Florida last
month,
and now the building's for sale.
[EMMA]
-Seems like an odd
place to take me for dinner,
seeing as, you know,
they don't serve it anymore.
This was one of my buildings.
When I worked for Mr.
Harrington, it was early in my
career.
I drew what I envisioned
the perfect restaurant to be.
The Florianne's loved it. Carl
loved it.
And he appointed me to be
head of his design department.
Wow. It's amazing. You did a
great job.
What if it could be yours?
Excuse me?
You light up every time you
talk about
opening your own place.
What if this is it?
I don't...
[ANDREW] -I know. It's a lot of
money.
It's a lot of everything. I
know.
And not to overstep, but I know
a lot of people
in the finance world. I could
set you up with
those people to get you a loan,
to get going.
And I'd like to help
in any way that I can.
If you want to redesign the
kitchen,
I could do some new drawings,
or the apartment upstairs,
whatever.
I just want to make this
building yours.
This is a...
[ANDREW]
-It's a lot. I know.
And I'm not trying to pressure
you.
I just think...
I know you'd run an amazing
restaurant.
I'm sorry.
I can't...
I can't do this anymore.
Emma!
Emma! Emma, wait!
It was too much.
I scared her.
It sounds like she
was a little overwhelmed.
I mean, we'd only known
each other for a month.
What was I thinking?
I wasn't trying to pressure her.
I didn't want her to feel any
type of
financial obligation to me.
And Emma wouldn't want that.
Ava's auditions tomorrow.
I hope Emma's not too upset to
come.
She'll be there.
Believe me, I know Emma.
Ava's not practicing?
No, she's fine.
She doesn't want to
get too much in her head,
so she's at a sleepover.
Last night was a birthday party.
Her first boy-girl
birthday party, mind you.
Wow.
Sounds like she's got quite a
social life
all of a sudden, huh?
Emma, it's all her doing.
She's the one who
convinced Ava to branch out.
Now we're doing sleepovers.
Next week, they're coming here.
You don't have to
sound so panicked, man.
Here. They're coming here.
Ten energetic
12-year-old girls are coming
here.
They go home. Eventually.
I hoped Emma would
come over and help with it.
Now, not so sure.
Ava...
Ava's changed quite a bit
since she met Emma, hasn't she?
We both have.
I lost Carol so long ago.
I've been okay with
being a single parent,
but watching Emma with
Ava, it has really hit me hard
when Ava was denied when her mom
died.
I guess I was thinking
I might not be so okay
with being a single parent after
all.
[Phone buzzing]
Oh, Emma. Time to pay the
piper.
Well, violinist in your case.
[Chuckles]
[AVA] -Emma! I'm so glad you're
here.
You look amazing.
I would not have
missed this for anything.
[AVA] -Okay, I have to go check
in,
but I'll see you guys later?
Yeah. I'll be right over.
I'm sorry about the restaurant.
It's a lot, and we just
met each other a month ago.
The restaurant is perfect.
It's exactly what I want.
Um, I need to talk to you about
something
after Ava's audition.
Yeah, sure. Tell me anything
you want.
[AVA]
-Okay, I'm up next.
You two should probably get your
seats.
[ANDREW]
-No matter what
happens, I am so proud of you.
Thanks, Dad.
Knock 'em dead. You got this.
We got this.
Okay, let's go. Come on.
[WOMAN]
-Okay, next up, please.
Good afternoon. My name is Ava
Field,
and I will be performing
Paganini's "24th Caprice."
[ Applause ]
[ANDREW] -That was absolutely
incredible! Oh, yes!
Did you see the music Academy
people?
They gave me a standing ovation.
Looks like you're in.
I couldn't have done
it without you, Emma.
[Clapping]
Ava, that was just brilliant,
truly.
Madison, what are you doing
here?
I had to come support Ava.
Well, that was nice of you.
You know, I've had this nagging
feeling
that we've met before.
Uh, I don't think so.
Now I know. You're Carl's
granddaughter.
Carl?
[MADISON] -Harington Silly, our
beloved employer.
Granddaughter? Why
didn't you say anything?
Yes, Emma.
Seems odd you didn't mention it
when
Andrew first brought Mr.
Harrington up.
That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.
Emma, what's going on?
I'll be outside.
[EMMA]
-My grandfather and I
have a strained relationship.
When I was 17, I got offered
first chair
in a symphony orchestra in New
York.
But I didn't accept it.
I didn't want to
pursue music professionally.
I wanted to go to culinary
school.
And my grandfather, he never
forgave me for that decision,
and he spent the rest of his
life trying
to get me to go back to music.
It was his dying wish.
So that's why you helped
Ava, because Carl asked you to.
Not quite.
Emma, what aren't you telling
us?
[EMMA]
-I didn't coach you
because he asked me to.
It was a stipulation of the
will.
Stipulation?
In order for me to inherit his
fortune,
I had to coach Ava, and
she had to be accepted.
Congratulations.
She was brilliant.
You earned every penny.
[EMMA]
-Andrew.
Ava, please, I'm sorry. Wait.
You've done enough. Really.
She's in.
It's all we really needed you
for.
Was any of it real?
Or did you just say all that
stuff to get me to trust you?
Ava, every minute
with you was wonderful.
If you can believe
anything, believe that.
I'll send Ned what I
owe you for the week.
Not that you'll be needing it,
but I
don't want to be indebted.
Andrew. Andrew!
[sighs]
We meet again.
No funny business this time.
[EMMA]
- So that's it.
I blew it.
I don't think they'll ever
forgive me.
I know Andrew, and he
doesn't hold a grudge.
You should have seen
the look in his eyes.
In Ava's.
I don't think I have ever
disappointed somebody that much.
At least with my grandfather, I
knew that
I was doing what was best for
me.
But Ava, she trusted me.
Emma, I know this hurts,
but your grandfather would
have been very proud of you.
I did exactly what he asked me
not to
do, and I broke their hearts.
But a heart broken for
the right reason can mend.
Meaning?
[NED] -Meaning Ava and Andrew
will forgive you,
because you had good intentions.
What do good intentions
have to do with anything?
I need to tell you about the
other
stipulation in your
grandfather's will.
Well, I blew the first
one, so let's hear it.
[NED]
-This whole not telling
Andrew and Ava anything?
It depended on something.
What?
You'll still inherit
everything,
if the reason that you told them
was
because you fell in love.
Well, it's a good
thing that didn't happen.
[NED]
-Yeah, I can see that.
Emma, this is what your
grandfather wanted you to have.
A family.
How do I fix this?
You give them time.
They'll come around, I promise.
In the meantime, don't you
have a restaurant to open?
[laughs]
[Violin playing]
You guys are good?
Got everything you need?
- Yep.
- Yep.
[EMMA] -I really am so glad you
could make it.
I wouldn't miss it for the
world.
Enjoy.
[EMMA] -Thank you guys so much
for coming.
Like we would miss your opening
night,
especially when you send
a big fancy car for us.
It's really amazing, Emma.
Your mom would be honored.
[EMMA]
-Thank you, Jen.
Okay, the food, be honest.
It is absolutely delicious, my
dear.
[EMMA] -Oh, I'm really glad you
like it.
[GAYLE] -Except that nice young
man
refuses to give me my check,
and I don't know how much to tip
him.
[EMMA] -Gayle, you're my guest.
It's my treat.
Oh, I don't know what I'd
do without you, my child.
[EMMA]
-I love you, Gayle.
Hey, Emma. Who's that silver
fox?
[EMMA]
-Oh, Sam?
Uh, he's pretty great, isn't he?
I'll say.
I mean, he just moved
into the apartment upstairs.
I could snag you an after-dinner
coffee.
That's a good girl.
[EMMA]
-You guys!
[RITA] - I thought I was losing
you
But now I see I was just denying
the
world your genius! It's great.
Your grandfather
would be very proud of you,
Emma. Very.
[EMMA]
-Thank you, Ned.
When you've finished your
dinner, I'll
send up for a dessert.
Excellent. Thank you.
[EMMA] -Do you have any
questions?
[WOMAN]
-I don't think so, Emma.
[EMMA] -The truck from the
shelter
is going to be here any minute,
so let's get these
loaded as soon as they arrive.
[SAM]
-Quite a night, Emma.
Really was, wasn't it? Did you
eat?
[SAM]
-Three times.
And the suit's not going to fit
much
longer at that rate.
[GAYLE]
-Sam and I are going to
pop upstairs for some coffee.
Um, do you think that
nice young man will mind?
Josh is paid to sit
here and wait for you.
You can take as long as you
like.
[SAM]
-Let's not waste any time.
And, uh, I think you have
a rather special customer
who wants to give
compliments to the chef.
Looks like a successful opening
evening.
Yeah. It really was.
All that's going to
the homeless shelter?
Yeah, about 40 people are going
to get a
really good meal tonight.
That's cool.
I think so, too.
This was an impossible dream
without my
grandfather's money.
I'm so sorry. I...
I hope that you know I
never meant to hurt you.
I miss you.
[EMMA]
-[sighs]
I miss you so much.
Look, I know that I'm not your
mother.
I don't even know how to be one.
But you make me want to try.
I've realized that the
hole left in my heart
from not having a mother
could be filled by being one.
I hope you can forgive me.
Ava deferred her music school.
What? Why?
It's a great opportunity,
but...
I'm just not ready.
You live your life a little bit
first.
I've hosted eight slumber
parties in the last three
months.
Lip glosses ruined my sofa.
Tween screams can be heard, day
and night.
My home's overrun with pre-teen
girls.
We're suddenly the cool house.
I'm hopelessly outnumbered
and completely out of my league.
I need help.
Help?
I'm doing Ava an
injustice trying to be her mom.
When she could have you.
[upbeat music]
[music continues]
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Heartstrings Attached (2025)
Watch on Amazon Merchandise Collectables
Valentine's Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexy, Romantic Movie Collection.
Valentine's Day, Hot, Steamy, Sexy, Romantic Movie Collection.