- Morning.
- Hey.
Got anymore room in that basket?
Wow, you didn't have to do that.
Yeah, it's no big deal.
I'm still trying to get
the rise in the bread
right, though.
It's not quite there yet.
Tasha's going to love it.
Hey, this looks good.
For real.
It's just a meal.
And you made most of it,
mister chef extraordinaire.
Wannabe chef.
And it's more than
just a meal, it's...
It's comfort.
It's opening the fridge
and knowing you have one
less thing to do on your list.
Wow, that was quite the pitch.
I've been working
on it for a while.
- Did it land?
- Ten out of ten.
Nice.
You know, I think we
could make a real go at this.
Make a go of what?
Make it a legit business.
Ha!
Very funny.
I'm not kidding.
Think about it.
I could go back to
culinary school.
I'll develop all the recipes.
You can handle the
business side of things.
Whoa. Oh,
hey, hey, hold on.
We need to call a plumber.
I'm going to fix it tomorrow.
I promise.
Seriously, what do you think?
I think that you can't
just start a business.
Takes money, a lot of it.
And we're barely able to keep
our head above water as it is.
Okay, well, what if we
move back to New York?
We could rent that
place in Brooklyn again.
Maybe start a family like
we always talked about?
I can't afford that.
Or have you conveniently
forgotten about this mountain
of medical bills?
We could if we sold the house.
I can't do that.
My mom loved this house.
It's all I have left of her.
I know, I know.
But I don't think she would
want you working yourself
to the bone just to pay for it.
Don't you think she would have
wanted us to sell the house?
It's not the right time.
I just want to know one thing,
and then I will let it go.
- Okay.
- Are you happy? For real.
Because if you are, put on
the shirt and tie and I'll
sell insurance till
I'm blue in the face.
But if you're not.
Let's start over.
- Aaron...
- Renee, this is your life.
Our lives.
They're going by fast.
I just don't think there's ever
going to be the perfect time
to take that next step.
Sometimes you got
to take a chance.
Think about it, okay?
See you after work.
That garland looks
amazing above the door.
Would you mind hanging
this one in the back?
Thanks so much.
Hey, Santa.
Welcome, your
station's over here.
And an elf. I love
the outfit.
Good morning.
Hey hey.
- What is all this?
- For you.
- No way.
- Way.
I mean, Aaron made most of it.
I just put it together.
You didn't have to, but
is this fresh bread?
Is it warm?
Bless you.
Is everything okay?
Yeah, it's fine.
Nothing a brisk walk and
a piece of pie won't fix.
Well spill it, girl.
I can't take any more
questions about the baby
or how I'm feeling.
I need that good old
fashioned drama in my life.
I think Aaron's having
a mid-life crisis.
Why?
He wants us to quit our
jobs, move to New York City,
sell the house, and have a kid.
- Wow
-I know.
Isn't that insane?
Oh, no, not really.
Are you kidding?
I know you. Me?
I couldn't wait to quit
my job at the diner
and move to the burbs.
But you? You love New York.
I only lived there three months
before Mom got sick, so.
It's long enough to miss it.
I think it's a good plan.
That's all I'm saying.
Well, I don't think
it's a plan at all.
I think it's a pie
in the sky fantasy.
Do you really want to
work here until the end of time?
Jeff's going to retire soon and
he's going to make me manager.
Jeff has been about
to retire for five years.
And when he does, that means
better pay, better hours.
Do you really want
to run the store?
Good morning, ladies.
Good morning, Jeff.
- Morning.
- Well, we only have
one hour before showtime.
And we're ready.
Good, because it would be
a buzzkill for the kids
to find out that the presents
are all just empty boxes.
We sell the magic here, ladies.
That's what we do.
- So, make them...
- Magical, yes.
What's this?
Oh, that's um.
I thought we talked about this?
You cannot go
ordering merchandise
without my approval.
Oh, I, I wouldn't...
I've already made a deal with
the vendors about placement.
There's just no room for this.
It's...
- I, uh...
- Maybe next year though, huh?
He's going to eat that
all himself, isn't he?
Yep.
Hi!
Just a few more weeks,
and I'll know for sure that I
created my husband's clone.
Do you think it's a boy?
Yeah, my parents have
put money on it.
I have three nephews
and counting,
so it kind of feels
like my genetic destiny.
What do you think?
I think it'll be
the luckiest baby
in the world, no matter what.
Because they'll have
you as their mom.
Aw.
You can't say nice
things like that to me.
I mean, nothing's going
to deter customers
like a crying employee.
Hey, there's a
break in the line.
You want to make a wish?
Oh, it's okay. Thank you.
Are you sure?
You get a toy.
Oh, well, in that case.
- Seriously?
- Hey, I'm not above this.
I can take all the help
I can get right now.
Hey, Santa.
The thing I would like more
than anything else on the planet
is a very short and
very painless labour.
- Aw.
- But if you can't get me that,
I would take an
air fryer instead.
- Tasha.
- Thank you.
It's your turn, Missy.
Uh, it's okay.
Really, thank you.
Hi.
Are you sure?
You never know.
Your wish just might come true.
Oh, maybe next year.
Well, in the meantime,
take this at least.
If you change your mind, make
a wish and ring that bell.
Thank you.
Come in.
Renee, good. Uh, look.
Do you mind locking up?
I'm late for supper with Tess.
Oh, sure.
Yeah, of course.
- Want some?
- No, Thank you.
Your loss.
Before you go, I was wondering
if I could talk to you
- about...
- About what?
You had mentioned that you would
be retiring in the new year
and we had briefly discussed
me stepping into your role.
So, I was wondering...
Retirement?
Not this year.
Tess wants to go to Italy, and I
just bought a new electric car.
Wow a car.
Let's reconvene
next year, all right?
- Mhmm. Yeah.
- Great.
See you tomorrow.
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
Hey, babe.
I'm stuck in a meeting.
I'm going to be home late.
- I love you.
- Aaron.
No, no, no.
I wish for...
A different life.
Of course.
Wait.
Whoa! Okay.
Wake up!
Wake up, Renee!
Ow! Ow! Okay.
Okay.
So, we're here.
It's a really nice bag.
- Hello?
- Hey, Aaron, babe.
Okay, did I crash my
car? Because I woke
up in a very strange
office in New York,
and I think... you're not Aaron?
Sorry, what do you mean, you
don't know who Aaron is?
This is his number.
Please put him on.
This is not the
time to play jokes.
Did I get the number wrong?
Hey, morning.
Morning.
Ready for this meeting?
What meeting?
Who are you?
That's funny.
Come on, let's go.
So I know this was supposed
to be department heads only,
but we're going to have
all of marketing sitting in
just in case we want to pull
the trigger on your plan
- right away.
- My plan?
Yeah, or plans.
Do you have more than one?
You know what? Don't tell me.
Tell the whole team.
Good morning, everyone.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Sorry, good morning.
We have fun here, right?
Please open those binders
in front of you to
page three, if you will.
As you can see, after five
years as the world's fastest
growing meal kit
delivery service,
which we should be proud of,
profits have started to slow.
There's no need to worry.
We're not in the
red or anything,
but we will be by the
end of next quarter
if something doesn't change.
Oh, that's, unfortunate?
Yes, it is, because
for the first time
since our inception,
unfortunately, Harvest Plate
has overtaken us in market cap.
What?
This was more profitable
than harvest plate?
It was.
And you know what? It
will be again. Thanks
to our fearless
leader who has spent
the entirety of last week
outlining a plan to boost sales
before the end of the year.
I can't wait to hear
what this plan is.
Take it away, Renee.
Take it away, Renee.
Right, because I am the CEO?
I think someone maybe
forgot her morning coffee.
Um.
Right well, thank you.
As they say in business, I got
a lot of irons in the fire,
so I'm going to need
to study this thing
thoroughly and come up with
our next plan of action.
Can we reschedule?
Reschedule this meeting
that we literally just
- started right now?
- Yeah.
Um, of course we can.
Great, okay.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Renee, I don't know
what's going on with you today.
I hope you're taking
this seriously.
If we don't figure something
out by the end of the year,
we're going to be getting
into layoff territory.
And you can forget about
our European expansion.
That'll be off the table.
I'll figure something
out, I promise.
All right.
Thank you.
All right, let's give the
boss some space today, okay?
Hey, honey.
I hope it's okay.
I had to come downtown
for a hair appointment,
so I thought I'd just
pop in for a quick hello.
Mom?
And I made some treats for you
to share with the office, so.
Renee?
Renee? Wake up, honey.
Come on. Come on.
Hi, hi. Are you okay?
- Whoa, whoa, whoa!
- Are you okay?
- One, two, three, four, five.
- What do you need?
- One, two, three, four, five.
- Some water?
Can I get a doctor, honey?
What can I do?
There was something
in the coffee.
How many cups did you have?
You know you can't handle more
than two or you get the shakes.
Here, here, sweetheart.
Wait, wait, wait.
I have some, yes. Okay.
Drink this. Drink this. Come on.
Take it, take it.
Drink it back, honey.
Drink it back. That a girl.
Yeah, uh huh.
You're real?
You've been burning the
candle at both ends.
Here, honey.
Eat something.
- Give me that.
- Thank you.
Come on, take one.
- Mom?
- Well of course.
Oh, I missed you so much.
I missed you, too.
You're back. You're,
you're, you're okay?
- Well...
- I mean, you're, you're,
you're feeling good?
You look...
Yeah, I'm great.
But you, you, my beautiful girl,
you clearly need to rest.
So I want you to
lie down. Head down.
Head down. Okay, all right,
now listen to me.
You're not going to
like what I have to say,
but I really think you
should cancel the rest
of your meetings for today.
I think that's a great idea.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Great.
- And you're okay?
I'm okay.
Then I'll guess I'll
leave you to it.
Yeah.
Okay.
No, wait. What?
Where are you going?
Oh, I'm just going to go home.
No, no, no.
Please, please stay.
We can, um.
- We can go to lunch.
- Lunch?
Oh, wow.
We haven't done that in years.
Really?
Actually, can I
take a rain check?
Obviously, you're not
a hundred percent,
and traffic's about to get bad.
And I heard that we
might get some snow,
so I really should
just be getting home.
Home, in Maplewood?
Yeah.
So you live in your
home on Birch Crescent?
Yes, and honestly, I'm one
more question away from taking
you to the emergency room.
Oh, no, no, don't.
I would like to stay.
I would like to not go anywhere.
Yeah, no, it's just, um.
It must have been
low blood sugar.
We had a crazy meeting and...
Okay, well listen, you eat at
least half of those cookies.
Thank you for making me cookies.
Okay, I'm going to go, but
I'm going to call you later.
Call me later?
Okay.
Half of the cookies.
I love you.
I love you, too, honey.
Months of texts.
Look at all these text messages.
Can't sleep.
Canceling on her.
Oh, look at the sweet pictures.
Oh, Aaron.
Aaron.
Aaron, where are you?
She's at Maplewood.
We would be at...
Oh, okay Renee!
Okay. Okay.
Yes.
Yes!
Aaron? Honey, I'm home.
Oh, boy.
Wow, something very
weird is going on.
I don't know if this is an
intense, lucid dream or what,
but I fell asleep
in our car and woke
up in a very strange office.
My office, I guess,
because apparently here
I'm the CEO of a company.
My company.
And I know you would say
that that makes sense.
But babe, to me, this is all
feeling a little bit insane.
Kind of like this room.
What? We can do so much better.
Oh, and then there's
my mom, who is alive...
Babe!
- Renee?
- Aaron?
Renee, what are you doing here?
Oh, my mom said, "Renee,
you could take the day off."
- And so...
- No. no.
What are you doing here?
In my apartment?
Our apartment?
- Funny.
- I don't know.
I'm not trying to be funny.
I'm not trying to be funny.
I don't know what kind
of game you're playing here,
but I'm pretty sure I gave
you all your stuff back
when we broke up.
Apparently I should have
asked for the key back.
Are you eating my food?
Nope.
So, um, what is it?
Is it your Game
of Thrones books?
Your DVD collection?
You know those are
obsolete now, right?
They're not, because the
bloopers are on the DVD
and also the director's cut.
Fair. Okay.
Which one is it?
Can we make this quick?
Because I don't want
to be late for work.
No, of course not.
Where do you work?
Salt and Stone.
The restaurant in
Tribeca? I'm the chef?
Wow Aaron, that's amazing.
You did it?
A real chef?
Yeah, I've been
there five years now.
Part owner, too.
Started there
right after we, um.
Oh, I see.
- So, um.
- Yes, right.
Just grab whatever you...
Ah! This is it.
Wow, gosh.
Been missing The True
Meaning of Christmas.
Right. I'm so
sorry for barging in.
Oh, not cool.
I'm just going to,
yeah, I'm going to go.
It looks like you
could use a ride.
Oh, no thank you, Renee.
Renee. Trust me, you're going
to want to get in.
I'm sorry. Do I know you?
What do you think?
Oh, you're the elf.
Ding, ding, ding.
But just call me Cici.
Now get in.
What is going on?
Well, let's start
at the beginning.
What's the last
thing you remember?
Um, okay. I was in my car,
it wouldn't start,
and I was really upset and...
Yeah.
- But no.
- Oh, yep, yep.
- That's impossible.
- I assure you it's not.
- So, me here is...
- A different life.
Oh, great.
- Okay.
- Take some deep breaths.
In and out.
Trust me, this
happens all the time.
I don't know,
I don't understand.
Why would Aaron and I break up?
Sounds like something
you should ask him.
Oh, yeah.
No, that's a good idea.
I'll just go back
into his apartment
and play a quick
game of twenty questions.
May I suggest a
different tactic?
Oh, well, my mom is she,
is she better or does
she not get sick at all?
- I mean... I should ask her.
- Again...
There you go!
You're catching on.
- Okay.
- Let's keep doing that.
Yeah wait.
Wait, no, I don't understand.
What am I supposed to do?
Well, you wished for
this life, and now
you get a chance to live it.
So go on, live it.
Embrace it!
How do I, how do I
get in touch with you?
What if I need
help or something?
- Or...
- Ring the bell.
- I don't have the bell.
- Check your purse.
Whoa.
So if you ring that
bell, I'll be right there.
But try to use it sparingly.
Christmas is a
busy season for me.
- I bet.
- Actually, I've got a jet, so.
What?
I don't know where I'm going.
Renee, you lived here before.
You'll figure it out.
Okay. We are...
Oh, come on.
Really? Not cool.
Tasha!
Coffee?
Tasha! Hi!
Oh wow, I'm so happy to see you.
I'm so sorry. Have we met?
We get a lot of
regulars in here.
No no, we haven't.
And I'm starving.
Do you recommend anything?
The turkey sandwich and fries.
And I make a wicked
hot chocolate.
Yes, that, please.
Thank you.
So, are you from around here,
or are you just visiting?
Oh, I just moved here.
I guess.
I'm having a
little bit of a day.
Well, lay it on me.
Is it work stuff?
Family stuff?
Relationship stuff?
Kind of all three?
- There you are.
- Thank you.
So, what's going on?
For starters, there's my
mom, who I thought was...
Sick, and it turns out
that she's not.
Okay, that seems
like a good thing.
Definitely, so good.
And I have a job.
A new job that is
so much work and I
have no idea what I'm doing.
Do you know what I mean?
Yeah, Imposter
Syndrome is a beast.
No kidding.
And the funny thing is, this
is actually like my dream life.
Only it's not because
my husband and I...
Well we're not together anymore.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I never even considered a world
where we weren't together.
Are you sure it's over over?
Oh, well, apparently
it's been a while,
so he's probably moved on.
Okay, but do you
know that for sure?
No, I guess not.
Then you know
what you got to do.
Get him back.
To having it all.
To having it all.
There you go.
Renee?
Hey, Renee?
Hey, Renee.
What are you doing here?
Lost my key?
How did that happen, honey?
You have a doorman 24/7.
- I do?
- It's Manhattan.
It's kind of standard.
Oh, I'm so sorry about this,
but I wasn't expecting you.
And I have plans, so.
Oh. Coming!
- Manhattan?
- Hello.
Hi, ladies.
Good morning.
There's some coffee in
the kitchen help yourself.
- Thank you, Maria.
- Good morning.
Hi, nice to see you.
We're packing up
the Christmas dinner
donations for the food bank.
Hey, you know, you could
stay and help if you want?
You used to love
doing this stuff.
Of course.
Take that.
Over here, sweetheart.
Are you sure you're okay?
Fine, never better.
I ran into Aaron yesterday.
Oh, wow.
How'd that go?
Good, I can't stop thinking
about what went wrong with us.
Oh, honey, that was such a
hard season in your life.
You really have to
stop blaming yourself.
I left him?
Yeah, but you were trying
to build your company,
and then Jerry came on board
and things really took off.
I mean, you got busy.
Yeah, I was, I guess.
And look what you've done.
You built an entire
company, and it's thriving.
Was thriving.
What are you talking about?
Jerry says I have to
come up with an idea
or we have to lay people off.
- Oh no.
- I know.
Oh, dear.
People are depending on me, and
I don't know what I'm doing.
Well, that's not true.
Honey, you have been
doing some version of,
I don't know,
this, your whole life.
Well, before you turned
it into a business.
- Sugar?
- Yes please.
Try to remember why
you started the company
in the first place, hmm?
Do you remember, to help people,
to give back to the community?
Right, just like you.
What?
That's it.
What's it?
Christmas dinner boxes.
And for every one
purchase, we could
give one to a family in need.
Renee, that is
such a great idea.
And we'll make them
available to everyone,
not just our subscribers.
Now you're cooking.
Oh, I wish we could
make them fresh.
You know, not just
frozen meals in the mail.
You could hire a chef?
Aaron.
And that might be a
good way for the two of you
to spend some time
together again.
You know, if that was something
you were interested in.
Yeah, that would be something
that I'm interested in.
Oh, I love you.
I love you, too.
Thank you.
Oh, no, don't thank me.
This is all you, sweetheart.
I get all my best
ideas from you.
Aw, just promise me one thing.
You won't let Jerry talk
you out of this, right?
Okay, not this one.
Okay, so what are
you waiting for?
Go get him.
Okay, I'm going.
This is me going.
- Are you sure you're okay?
- Of course.
I have everything that I need.
Oh, but you don't. Cut yourself
a new key, sweetheart.
Right. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
I love you.
Yeah, I love you, too.
Hey, Siri, what's my address?
Hello?
Hi.
We're closed at the moment.
I'm not here to eat.
I was actually hoping
I could talk to Aaron?
How do you know Chef Aaron?
He's my old, old friend.
Is he here or should I...?
I can see if he has a minute.
- Renee?
- Hey!
- Hey.
- Hi.
What are you doing here?
Oh, I just wanted to talk to you
about a business proposition.
Um, maybe we could have a sec...
Maybe we could...
Maybe we could sit, just
the two of us, for a second.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.
Thanks.
Not used to carrying that.
- So...
- So, I have a company now.
- I know.
- Right.
Oh, gosh. Oh!
- I'm so sorry.
- It's okay.
No, no, don't touch
it with your hands.
It's okay. I got it.
Thank you.
Thanks, Ash.
It's fine.
So, Ash, huh?
Yeah, she's my manager.
Right, okay, so
she's your manager?
Professional, that
would mean that your,
like, outside of without...
Are you trying to
ask me if I'm single?
No, no, no, no.
Are you?
Restaurant hours are a
little extreme.
Right. Yeah no,
they would be, huh?
Anyway, you were saying?
Right. I was saying that my
company is developing
a Christmas dinner meal
kit, and I want to hire
you to design the recipe.
Oh. Wow.
Yeah I mean, you're
an incredible chef,
and our brands are compatible.
Home grown comfort
food with a twist.
And you're perfect.
You'd be perfect for this.
Um. Right.
That's interesting.
We're just, things
are a little crazy.
It's very busy right now, so I...
It wouldn't be that
much of a time commitment.
No, no, no, no, no.
These boxes are going
to have to be out ASAP.
And so, Christmas Eve?
Max, and we would
be working together?
Yeah, that shouldn't
be a problem, right?
No, shouldn't.
But now's just not
really a good time.
But, hey, there's tons of
amazing chefs in the city.
I'm sure you'll
find somebody great.
Wait, wait, Aaron, I don't
want some other chef.
I want you, for the job.
I want you for the job.
I'm sorry.
I can't.
What, I don't understand.
Is it me?
Is this about yesterday?
I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
It's not that.
Then what is it?
Closed?
Everything I use in my
kitchen is from a local farm
and it got bought up
by a developer and...
Till I find a new supplier,
- It's...
- Oh, wow.
I'm sorry.
Perils of
doing business, I guess.
I need to lay off
half the staff temporarily.
It's been hard.
That's terrible.
I wish there was
something I could do.
- I can help you.
- Renee.
I'm not looking for a favour.
No, it wouldn't be a favour.
It would be a business deal.
You help me with the
recipes, and I'll
connect you with our suppliers.
I mean, at least to
bridge the gap of time
until you find a new farm.
I can tell you want to say yes.
So you might just
want to say yes.
Do it. Do it.
- Do it. Do it.
- Yes.
- Yes!
- All right.
Oh. Deal. You won't
regret it, I promise.
We'll see about that.
So what do you think?
I'm going to have
to run the numbers.
Can we just sell the boxes?
Do we really have
to donate meals?
Jerry. Yes, that's
the whole point.
This affirms our values
and gives us a chance
to give back to community.
I think that that's what
our customers care about.
Yeah until Harvest
Plate gives away
the same thing for $5 cheaper.
Harvest Plate, shmarvis plate.
Think about the numbers.
See our subscriptions
skyrocketing.
Choo-choo.
Choo-choo, choo.
- That's not the sound of money...
- Cha-ching.
- Cha-ching. Cha-ching.
- Cha-ching?
It's just...
It feels like a gamble
at an inopportune time.
You know what I mean?
Maybe if we did a big
media blitz, maybe.
Yes, yes, Jerry.
A big media blitz.
See, now we're on the same page.
And they're going to
be so high quality.
In fact, I've already gone ahead
and hired a chef who's going
- to design the whole thing.
- Who?
Aaron Thompson of
Salt and Stone.
Your ex-boyfriend,
Aaron Thompson?
Um, yeah, I think he
was my ex-boyfriend.
But now we're just,
we're friends.
Are you sure that's a good idea?
Yeah, absolutely.
He's the best guy for the job.
I don't know.
You know what?
I think you're just going to
have to trust me on this one.
Think about how long
we've known each other.
How long have we
known each other?
A long time. A long time.
I was going to say
the same thing.
- I just, I have this feeling...
- Which I respect.
It's just the numbers
tell us that...
The numbers are telling us that
what we're doing
now isn't working.
We got to be bold!
I think this is the answer
we've been looking for.
- Okay.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Yes!
I'll get the pitch
over to marketing
and we can get started.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for the idea.
It's my first pitch.
It's definitely not
your first pitch.
We've pitched together
many times.
Yeah, of the day.
It's my first pitch today.
What?
- Hey! Hey.
- Hey.
It's beautiful.
Oh, thanks.
It's usually a little busier.
Do I sense some
nerves in your voice?
What? No.
Well, you know, you don't
have to worry around me.
I can barely make
a piece of toast.
So whatever you come up
with, I'm going to love.
Okay, I'm going to
hold you to that.
I'll just walk you through
these sample recipes here.
Sounds great.
And hey, thanks for
seeing me so last minute.
No problem.
I'm here every day anyway.
Every day?
Oh, yeah.
No Thursday night hockey?
No.
Oh man, I haven't played
hockey in years.
Well, that just won't do.
Wait where are you going?
Come on.
Are you sure about this?
Yes, you love hockey.
Yeah, it's not me
I'm worried about.
From what I remember,
maybe I should be getting
you one of those support bars?
Okay, I was not that bad.
- Well...
- Okay, well.
A girl can change.
All right, we'll see.
Can I ask you something?
Yeah, sh**t.
What happened between us?
You know, from your perspective.
Straight for the jugular, huh?
Yes, sir.
Well, you would have
started the company by then.
And you had just
hired that guy, Jerry.
He had big plans for
expansion, and suddenly we
were spending less and less time
together, which, don't get me
wrong, I completely understood.
But then..
What?
You asked me for a break.
- Remember?
- Right.
Yeah, right.
I did wait for a while, but.
Eventually, anyway.
Are we going to do this?
I'm ready if you're ready.
Okay, tell me about this menu.
Well, we got a few options.
Hit me.
Ha ha! Okay, option one.
Seared turkey breast, but
Valentine style to kind
- of elevate it a little bit.
- Ooh.
Bacon pan fried
Brussels sprouts.
- Ooh.
- Tureen, roasted potatoes.
And I thinking maybe a yam
pecan mini tart for dessert.
Sold.
You don't want
to hear option two?
Nope, when I see something
I like, I go for it.
This was...
Proof that I should be playing
left wing for the Rangers?
- Absolutely.
- Coach?
He's ready.
Can we put him in now?
Hey, so I know you said that
you're cool with, you know,
the recipe and everything, but
I was thinking I should probably
cook it for you
at least once, right?
Oh. Yeah, definitely.
Come by the restaurant,
tomorrow night?
I'll be there.
-Great
-Great.
So I guess this is a good night.
Night.
Hey, hey, the official taste
tester has arrived.
Oh, what's this?
She comes bearing gifts?
What? For me?
No, for Ashley.
Is she here?
Yes for you.
Thank you.
You look nice.
Thanks. So do you.
Thanks.
I love it.
Oh, wait, there's more.
There's more.
Yeah you haven't
loved all of it yet.
Okay, let's see
what else we got.
Oh, Wow.
- Yeah this is...
- Perfection.
Took the words right
out of my mouth, here.
Yeah, I was going to
go with excessive.
- But, sure.
- Oh, no way.
I need a picture of this.
Yes, that.
All right, okay.
Oh, yes.
Okay this isn't going on some
website or something, is it?
That's brilliant.
- What?
- For the website.
- No, no, no, no.
- Please?
No, no.
You have no idea how
endearing you look right now.
We'll sell out instantly.
How endearing?
- Excessively.
- On a scale of one to ten?
Eleven.
Well, in that case,
yeah, let's do it.
- Great!
- But I expect royalties.
I'll have my people
call your people.
So, um, shall we?
I'm ready.
Follow me.
Seriously you like it?
- I love it.
- Okay, good.
Because I'm not going
to tell you that what
I accidentally dropped
in the potatoes.
- No you didn't.
- I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
- It happened.
- No, it's true.
So he's always like...
So did that live up
to your expectations?
Should I be pitching option two?
Oh, no.
No option two.
That was better than I expected.
Good.
Honestly. Thank you.
This has been...
Yeah, for me too.
- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be sorry.
- No, I...
- It's not. It's just...
- It's just a lot.
- Yeah.
I mean, I haven't
talked to you in years,
and then suddenly
you're here and you're
acting like nothing's changed.
It's just.
I get it.
I get it.
Also I'm not sure how long
I'm going to be in the city.
What are you talking about?
I've been thinking about selling
my shares in the restaurant.
What?
But now that we have a new
supplier, thanks to you,
it feels like the right time.
And if I don't do it now, I
might regret it, you know?
Aaron, food.
It's your passion.
Let's just say cooking for
you tonight is the most
fun I've had doing it in years.
Wow, what are you
going to do instead?
Probably go back to Pittsburgh
and stay with my folks
for a bit.
Start up something
out there once I've
had a chance to reset.
And when do you
plan on doing that?
I'm heading home
tomorrow for the holidays
and I'm going to get the
ball rolling from there.
Wow, so soon?
Oh, hey.
Hey, wow, it's late.
- What are you doing here?
- I know.
I just wanted to add
a couple of things
to the order going out tomorrow.
Uh, do you want to go over it?
Uh, yeah.
I probably should.
I can let myself out.
It's easy.
Thank you for dinner.
You're welcome.
Woo hoo! Nice place!
Yeah it's great.
So you rang.
I need to ask you a favour.
- Okay.
- I need another wish.
No, don't get me wrong.
No, I appreciate everything
you've done for me already,
- But?
- I need Aaron back.
I'm sorry.
That's just not how this works.
Nothing in life is guaranteed.
All we can do is
appreciate the time
that we have with
one another, and then
the rest is out of our control.
Pretty crazy, huh?
It feels like yesterday it
was just and me in here.
We've come a long way.
Yeah, I guess we have.
So, did you see the
pre-sale reports?
I did.
Those new subscriber
numbers are growing,
and all the press
around the donations
has been really incredible.
So that was a nice touch.
Right but it wasn't
just for the good press.
Oh, no, of course not.
Of course not.
Actually, can we hire someone
to check with Food Bank
and make sure they're
receiving everything okay?
You know, that's not
really in the budget, huh?
But yeah, sure.
Thank you.
Oh, and before I go,
I'm just going to need
you to sign this right here.
What's this?
Did you not read the
email from the board?
If we manage to get six thousand
new subscribers before Christmas
they're going to approve
the European expansion.
Oh, right.
I got to say, launching
this expansion on the heels
of this holiday success?
It's the perfect springboard.
Everything we could
have hoped for.
It's the perfect springboard
we've been waiting for, Jerry.
Okay, I will look this over.
No, no. It's the same thing we
laid out a year ago.
Okay.
Yeah, woo.
Great, I will take this
to legal immediately
and I'll see you at the
Christmas party tomorrow.
Christmas party tomorrow?
No.
Oh, you should
see your face, Jerry.
I got you good.
- Renee, you're k*lling me.
- Of course,
I'll be at the Christmas
party tomorrow.
Not funny.
Hey, if this gets
approved, we'll probably
need more staff, right?
Oh, absolutely.
Tons of people.
Thanks for coming.
Are you looking for a rematch?
Because I'm not going
easy on you this time.
Oh, wow.
You did not go easy
on me last time.
That's true.
No, I wanted to talk
to you about something.
Okay.
What if you came
to work with me?
Permanently. You could be
our resident chef, you know,
design all the menus
and hire your own staff.
You would be free to do
all the things you do best,
and I would handle the
business side of things.
Wow. I know this might
sound crazy to you,
but it doesn't to me.
I always pictured us
doing this together and...
This could be our chance.
We could really
start over, Aaron.
Um.
That's very generous offer.
But I do think I owe
it to myself to really
think this through, you know?
Yeah of course.
Listen, my company is having
a holiday party tomorrow,
and I know you're trying
to get back to Pittsburgh,
but maybe you could just
swing by, meet everyone,
and selfishly, we could talk
one more time before you go.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Okay.
Are you sure you
want me to be there?
I mean, it's a company party.
Exactly, you have to be there.
You are the Maria of
Maria's meals, after all.
Oh, perfection.
- It is nice. I love it.
- You love it?
Oh, and I was thinking we
should do New Years together.
You know, we could go out
to a really nice dinner,
go dancing, the works.
I'd love to, honey, but
I'm leaving on my trip.
Remember?
What trip?
I fly to Japan the
day after Christmas,
and then I'm off to Bali,
Australia and New Zealand
and then across to Chile.
Wow, right.
No, I forgot.
I just felt like this
was the right time.
It's time to seize
the day, as they say.
Oh, of course it is.
You, you are going to go
and have so much fun.
There's something else.
Come.
I'm putting the house
up for sale in the new year.
Wait what?
I know it seems sudden, but
I really have been thinking
about this for a long time.
But you love that house.
I do. Yes, I do.
But at the end of the
day, it's just a place.
There's a whole world out
there, and I want to see it.
Hey, why don't I come
see you on the trip?
- Are you? Oh, I would love that.
- Yeah.
- Really?
- Yes!
Me too.
So there's really just
one question left.
What?
What are you going to wear? Hmm?
The green one or...?
Oh, no, the green one.
Oh, this is beautiful.
Did you do this?
Yeah all for myself.
You didn't, no.
He'll be here honey,
don't worry.
Thanks.
Ah, there you are.
- Hi.
- Hi, Maria!
Good to see you.
Glad you could come
celebrate with us tonight.
Well I'm happy to be here.
I hope you don't
mind, but I need
- to steal Renee for a minute.
- Of course.
Yeah I'll just...
I'll come find you after.
So the whole board is here.
There's a lot to
discuss, trust me.
But first, your annual toast.
What? My toast?
You have to be kidding.
I have been practicing all day.
Jerry, you walked
right into that one.
Okay. Yeah, I did.
Oh, Thank you.
I got this.
Ooh, it's a lot of people.
Good evening, everyone.
That one worked.
Oh, that's bright.
Ter than last year.
Okay, um, we all
know why we're here.
Oh, wow. There's a lot of you.
It has been quite an end
to another great year
here at Maria's
Meals, and the success
of our Christmas dinner meals.
I mean, that was
all, thanks to you.
Here, here.
Ah, Jerry, thank you for
being a yes to my crazy plan
in the first place.
- It was worth it.
- To all of you, really,
for working so hard to make this
more than just a pipe dream.
I have been in your
shoes having to jump
when the big boss says jump.
More recently than
anyone would believe.
And I just really need you
to know that none of this
would happen without you.
And to Aaron Thompson.
Who not only designed
this incredible recipe,
but who reminds me to
be grateful every day.
You are one of a kind.
And I couldn't imagine doing
any of this without you.
To Aaron, a phenomenal chef.
Yes, thank you, everyone.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
- Hi.
- Hey, that was a really,
- really great speech.
- Oh, thank you.
Just one second.
-Hey
-Hi.
- Incredible. Yeah.
- Really? Thank you.
You came?
Yeah.
Hey, I owe you a
big thank you as well.
It's good to see
you again, Aaron.
We really appreciate
everything you did for us.
Yeah, well, it's my pleasure.
And hopefully we get a
chance to do it again
If you're still up for that?
Absolutely in fact, I was
thinking we should bring
Aaron on as our full time chef.
Yeah, yeah, why not?
That's a good idea.
You know what?
I'll put you in touch with Sam
in R&D. She's in charge of new
hires while we're
away in London.
What?
Yeah, we did it.
We got the six thousand
new subscribers.
The European expansion
is officially a go.
Thanks to you.
Wow no, that's great, Jerry.
But did you just say
we'd be in London?
Yeah, yeah, that was
always the plan, right?
You signed off on it.
Anyways, this is huge for us.
I mean, under ten years?
That's amazing.
It's incredible, right?
Yeah, it is.
- Congratulations.
- Aaron.
I should get going, but...
Merry Christmas.
- Aaron, wait.
- Merry Christmas.
Will you hold this, please?
- Thank you.
- What?
Aaron, wait!
Aaron, please wait.
Let's just talk about this.
What is there to say?
These are good things, Renee.
I didn't know
about London, I swear.
And I know that sounds
crazy, but you just,
you have to believe me.
You still got to go, right?
I don't know.
But we will find a
way to make it work, okay?
I already know
how this plays out.
You move out there and at
first we talk every day.
But then once a day
turns into once a week
and you start feeling
guilty about it.
And next thing you know,
you're asking me for a break.
I promise you, I will
not let that happen.
You can't promise that.
Yes, I can this time.
I just, I just need to figure
out a few details.
I need a little more time.
That's just it, Renee.
You always need more time.
Meanwhile, life's just
passing by, and I'm...
Waiting. I can't do that again.
No, don't say that, please.
I know what we can be now.
We can have it all.
Maybe we could have.
But it's too late.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye, Renee.
We're actually just
about to close.
Oh, hey, it's you, my
long lost friend.
Hey, if you need to
lock up, I can leave.
No, no. Come sit.
Is this how you normally like
to spend your Christmas Eve?
No. I usually watch
old Christmas movies
with my husband on the
couch until I fall asleep.
But that's not going
to happen this year.
I'm guessing that means
project have it all was...
A fail?
Yeah, an epic one.
Do you want a slice of pie?
How about the whole thing?
How about we start with a slice?
We'll go from there.
Thank you.
This one's on me.
Tell me about you.
About your Christmas plans.
Well, um, normally my husband
and I will order Chinese food,
and then we go for a walk
to look at all the lights.
But this year's a bit
different, because we
actually have a daughter now.
You have a daughter?
Yeah eight months old
and teething like crazy.
We're also, uh,
we're moving to the burbs
in the new year, so.
Right. Wow.
Yeah, we're,
we're super excited
to have more space,
but I just hope I don't
miss the city too much.
You won't.
Mmm, I'm sure you won't, I mean.
It's funny, at a
certain point in your life
when you've met your person,
home becomes less of a place
and more of a feeling.
It's wherever they are.
Exactly. Hey, you're going
to find that again someday.
Thank you, Tasha.
Anytime.
I should let you get home.
Thank you for the pie.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Yeah, you too.
I had him.
I had him and I didn't
appreciate him enough.
I know I'm not allowed
to make another wish.
But I was just hoping.
I could send a message to Aaron?
My Aaron?
What message?
Just that I'm sorry for
not being a better partner
and making him wait
while I just sat there afraid.
Afraid of what?
Afraid of moving on.
Afraid of letting go.
I'm afraid of failing.
I guess it was easier
to focus on her problems
than move forward
towards our dreams.
I just want him to
know that I love him.
Tell him yourself.
What?
How?
This was never meant
to last forever.
What do you mean?
You're going home, Renee.
What?
Tonight at midnight.
So that means I
haven't lost him?
But my Mom?
- No. But why?
- I'm sorry.
You know why.
I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
Now you get your chance.
Oh, hi, honey.
Sorry I dipped out
of the party early.
How'd it go with Aaron?
It's complicated, but I
think there's still hope.
You have any more
room over there?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I just, uh...
I wish we had more time.
I'm only going to be
gone for a few months
and we'll talk all the time.
Yeah, what if we don't?
You know?
What if there's bad
service or something?
Easy. I'll just close
my eyes and picture you
doing million dollar
deals and taking
over the world like
the boss that you
are, in between fancy
dinner dates with Aaron.
Of course.
And you can picture me
next to George Clooney
look alike as we sail
off into the sunset.
Then you can send me a hug
and I'll send you one back.
And we'll both feel
it, of course, because...
That's love, right?
- Sorry.
- No, don't be sorry, Renee.
I guess I'm having a
little bit of trouble
with all this change, you know?
It's just a lot of change.
Yeah, but change is good, honey.
Even when it means you
have to say goodbye?
Even then, goodbyes
are a part of life, an
important part of life.
You can't start
again without them.
What if I'm not ready?
Oh, honey, no one's
ever really ready.
Listen, all I know is that
you need to make the most of
every moment.
And you, my beautiful girl.
You have so much good.
Left to do in this world.
You just have to go out.
And do it.
I'm going to miss you.
I'll miss you, too.
But I cannot wait to
see what you do next.
Want to watch a movie?
For old time's sake?
- Yeah?
- Yeah?
- Good.
- Good.
I love you, Mom.
I love you, baby.
I'll picture you sailing.
Aaron?
Tasha, good morning.
Hey, what are you doing here?
You're not scheduled
until after Christmas.
Let's try this again, shall we?
Oh, you didn't have to.
Is Jeff here?
- Yeah.
- Ah, Renee. Good.
I need your help to
move the filing cabinet.
Jeff? Jeff.
I just want to thank
you for the last five years.
You gave me a job on the
spot when I moved here,
and you are so
flexible with me when I
needed to take care of my mom.
- I appreciate you.
- Okay.
And I think it's
time for me to move on.
It's my resignation.
I'll help with
anything you need.
As far as the
transition is concerned,
I'll train my replacement.
You say Renee, I'll be there.
I appreciate that.
I'll be sad to lose you, Renee.
Oh, Jeff.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I'm not going to be sad at all.
Okay, easy now.
I'm so happy for you.
Thank you.
For everything.
- Aaron must be so pumped.
- Aaron.
- Have you not told him yet?
- He was out, so I came here.
Go, go, go! Tell him!
Get out of here.
Oh, wait!
I need to buy this
immediately, please.
Thank you.
Why do you need this?
That's for you, silly.
It's a girl.
- Renee?
- Yes?
You've lost your mind.
Nope. Just the
opposite, in fact.
I love you. Merry Christmas!
Hey, sorry I was gone so long.
Had to go to two different
hardware stores.
The part that
I was looking for...
Oh, hi.
Oh, good morning.
Good morning.
- You okay?
- Yes. I have something for you.
- Okay.
- Open it.
Okay, but I have not
wrapped your gifts yet.
I was going to do it tonight
after you fell asleep watching
a Christmas movie like always.
- Renee...
- You were right, Aaron.
No, I pushed you too far.
No. You did not.
When mom died, I got stuck.
I didn't want to let her go.
And I trapped us here.
I didn't even realize
the years were going by
and I had forced us to put
our whole life on hold.
And you?
Wow, you were just waiting.
And I'll keep waiting.
No, no.
It's time.
You deserve this.
I've seen it, you know.
Our future.
Oh yeah?
How'd it look?
It looked like you cooking
delicious meals for me.
Thank you so much, by the way.
It looked like me learning,
how to play hockey.
And you laughing at me a lot.
Yeah, that checks out.
And it looked like us
running a business together.
Just like you always said.
- Really?
- Mhmm.
And I have a feeling it's
all going to work out.
But what about the house?
We're going to sell it.
Are you sure?
At the end of the day.
It's just a place.
I'm ready.
For all of it.
For all of it?
But if we have a baby, I need
a new car because that clunker
is a hazard.
And that's what I
keep telling you.
Come here.
- I love you.
- I love you.
Do you smell something?
Oh, no.
Fire, fire!
Okay, I swear, I am
going to fix this for you.
Take Me Back for Christmas (2023)
Moderator: Maskath3