A Very Country Christmas (2017)

[bunniefuu]

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

Zane!

Zane!

Zane!

Zane!

Can somebody please tell me

why Zane is not on stage?

(CELL PHONE RINGS) I want more

fireworks for the finale.

I want to light

this place lit up.

(BILLY) What's that? Yeah,

yeah, I'll be right there.

Yeah, I got to take this.

Honestly, there is

nothing to worry about.

Our boy is just building

up anticipation.

Suits can't even come out

of their luxury suite

to yell at me.

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant so

tender and mild

(CELL PHONE BUZZING)

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Hey you!

I need you to take these

to Zane's dressing room.

I can't do this anymore.

(CROWD CHEERING)

I'm dreaming of a

white Christmas

With every Christmas

card I write

May your days

be merry and...

So they just have a second

house they don't live in?

Yup.

Like a spare tire?

Now you got it.

Then why are we messing

around with it?

We're not messing around

with it, we're staging it.

What's staging?

Well when people are getting

ready to sell their house

they hire someone like me

to make it beautiful so

more people want to buy it.

Could we live here?

It'd be better than

living with Nana Suze.

You don't like where we live?

I do but this place is awesome.

We could put Nana Suze's house

inside this house.

(CRASHING)

Quinn!

I'm sorry.

It was an accident.

(SIGHS)

It's my fault.

I put it up there.

I'm almost finished.

We can go and see if Nana Suze

has one like it at the gallery.

(CAR RADIO PLAYING)

And that of course is one of

Zane Gunther's earlier hits.

Let's take a call.

Hello caller.

All I know is

I can't stop crying.

Can you please play Zane's

Can't Stop Crying for me?

(CAR ZOOMS BY)

Coming up here on Z---

I come out here for

peace and quiet.

(SIREN)

Do I even need to ask if you

know why I pulled you over?

I was going a little

fast, I imagine.

Fast is putting it lightly, sir.

Snow like this and reckless

driving gets folks k*lled.

License and registration.

Sorry ma'am.

You are absolutely right.

Here you go.

Is there a problem officer?

You're Zane Gunther.

My whole life now.

Oh my god, Mr. Zane.

Or Mr. Gunther rather.

I am your hugest fan.

I saw you in Dallas in 08

and I am not ashamed to say

that you had me bawling

like a little baby

with that voice of yours.

Oh, that's very

kind of you to say.

Can I ask - what the heck

are you doing here?

Look, I just came out here

to think a little bit.

I was hoping to get out of

the public eye for a while.

So, ah, if we could just keep

this meeting between you and I

that would be great.

- A secret?

- Yeah.

Between me and Zane Gunther.

I don't know.

Of course!

Yes sir.

You have nothing to

worry about with me.

Umm...I just need you to sign

right here please.

Is...is this my ticket?

Forget about the ticket,

this is for me.

Maybe something personal?

If it's not too much to ask.

Maybe

Love, Zane?

I don't know, it's your call.

Just a suggestion.

(LAUGHS)

All right.

Well thank you sir

for making this the very

best day of my life.

It's the least I could do

for cutting me a break.

Well you have a good

day, and, uh, oh

This is just for me, I promise.

Okay.

(BIG SMOOCH)

Perfect.

- Nice meeting you.

- Nice to meet you too.

- Oh and one more thing.

- What's that ma'am?

Slow down.

(CHARLIE) Very interesting

use of color and line.

Yeah, I think you're right.

It's the most beautiful piece

in the gallery right now.

Funny, I thought I

was speaking with

the most beautiful

thing in the gallery.

(LAUGHS) That line just

doesn't get old, Charlie.

I wish you could say

the same for me.

Yeah, me too.

Nana Suze.

Hi.

Look what we did.

Oh, so.

It looks like you two

have been up to no good.

We had an accident

at a client's house.

Well fortunately it doesn't

look very expensive.

No, I was hoping I could replace

it with something in storage.

Yeah, I'm sure you can find

something in the basement.

I see sweet Charlie's here.

- Yeah.

- Again?

He is very sweet.

You're right.

But he just wants me for my art.

Can Quinn come home with you?

Sure.

Okay, ladybug.

Try not to break anything

else today, okay?

Okay.

Bye.

So what do you say we

go do some painting?

- Yes!

- Yes.

Let's do it.

That looks pretty good,

if I do say so myself.

What looks pretty good?

Who are you?

What are you doing here?

I was just trying to

relax and take a shower.

Until I heard a strange woman

in here talking to a vase.

This is your house?

I'm Jeannette.

I'm your interior designer.

Oh, okay.

That makes more sense.

I'm Zane.

You do a great job.

Thanks.

So.

Why were you talking to a vase?

I hope it wasn't

talking back to you.

No, ah, actually, I came

here to replace it.

Oh.

You see, I was staging and

Quinn was on the couch.

That's my daughter.

And, oh, normally I don't

bring my daughter to stagings.

It's just my mom

was busy, and, uh

I really hope that vase

wasn't special to you.

It was my mom's.

Oh.

Yeah.

My father gave it to

her as a wedding gift.

(GASPS)

I'm kidding.

I'm kidding, okay.

I haven't seen that vase before.

I think it just came

with the house.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't help myself.

But honestly,

thank you for replacing.

You didn't need to do that.

Okay, I'm going to go

and I replaced it, so,

yeah, I'm going to go.

Hey look, it was just a joke.

You don't have to go.

(UPBEAT TV NEWS MUSIC)

Zane Gunther, country

music's reigning superstar,

disappears from a

sold out concert

without even singing

a single word.

That's right, Bradley.

To say that this is not

the year of Zane Gunther

would be an absolute

understatement.

The year started off with

Zane losing his father

to a long fought

battle with cancer.

Then his supermodel

girlfriend Alexis

breaks off their engagement

revealing that she's

been having an affair

with director producer

Calvin Black.

And to top things off,

his latest album this summer had

some mixed reviews from critics.

Now although sales would

be considered good

for anyone else in the world,

the numbers were

some of the lowest

for this once

country-music-powerhouse.

And now for more on this story

we take you to our expert

in Hollywood on

Celebrity Runaways...

I know, I know.

I'm late. I'm sorry.

No worries, it's a slow morning.

Besides the boss likes you.

You are my boss, Cindy.

And don't you forget it.

What were you watching?

More news about Zane Gunther

walking out on his concert.

That country music guy?

Zane Gunther isn't some

country music guy.

He's only the biggest thing....

Oh! Oh, Tom, I'm so sorry.

It's okay.

It's okay.

You look pretty today.

Yup, less than thirty seconds

and he's hit on you.

Cindy!

Can Jeannette have tonight

off to go out with me?

- She's off at four.

- That's great!

At four I have to

go pick up Quinn.

Then I gotta go straight

over to my other job.

And then I have a full

night of studying.

It's nothing personal Tom.

I just don't date.

All right.

I'm hearing you loud and clear.

I am not going to chalk

this one up as a loss.

I will see you later.

If that boy could

bottle his persistence,

he'd been a billionaire.

(JEANETTE CHUCKLES)

(CELL PHONE RINGS)

Hello Mary.

Any idea how the media got a

hold of your phone message?

No ma'am.

However, I do have a theory

while I was sleeping.

Why were you sleeping?

What do you mean?

Billy, do you know how

I got to where I am?

I was going to say a

deal with the devil.

I'm going to let that slide

because it made me smile.

I got here because I worked.

All the time.

No breaks.

No sleeping.

No life.

And that's why trash TV

never got a hold of my phone

and intercepted my messages.

That's why none of my talent

ever walked away from

a sold out stadium.

Are you starting to

notice a difference

between you and me Billy?

Yeah, I think I am.

So if it were me, I would

forget about everything else

and find the most profitable

star on our rooster.

And how do you

propose I do that?

He's obviously on some

lost artist woe-is-me

touchy-feely search.

So get back to your good ol'

boy roots and get looking.

Mary...

I have a lot of other acts

that I need to pay

attention to so I can't...

I'm sorry.

Why are you still talking?

I could have sworn

I just told you

word for word what to do.

Oh, and since you

seem to have trouble

reading between the lines.

Bring back Zane

or don't come back.

Rebecca!

My latte!

I didn't hear you come in.

She made you supper.

I see that.

So how did operation replace

the broken vase go?

Oh, I, ah, I got

caught red-handed.

Oh crap. Did you get

into a bunch of trouble?

Um, no.

Turns out the homeowner has a

pretty nice six-pack though.

Exactly what kind of trouble

did you get into young lady?

Nothing happened. It was just

a bright spot in my day.

When I was in Italy,

I dated this guy named Franco.

- It was before I met your dad.

- Uh, huh.

(SIGH)

Fine.

My point is, it would

not hurt for you

to get yourself back out there.

It's been a long time.

- I know you mean well.

- I do.

But I've got a lot on

my plate right now.

I just want you to be happy.

I am happy.

But I've got a lot

of studying to do.

Got it.

Don't stay up too late.

And you don't stay up too

late dreaming about Franko.

- Franco.

- Oh, okay.

His name is Franco.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hey Marco, I'm heading

over to the house now.

I'm just running a bit late.

Hey Jeannette, that's

why I'm calling.

I have some bad news.

What's up?

I got a call from the

property manager

this morning.

The owner is cancelling

the staging service.

What?

I'm sorry, I know what a

great job you were doing

And it would have been great

for your resume.

Is this about the vase?

No.

What vase?

I replaced it.

He said it was fine.

I don't know what to

tell you, Jeannette.

I wish I had another

job for you right now,

especially since

it's Christmas.

That jerk.

Who?

(SIGH)

Never mind.

I need that key

back right away.

Okay.

(MONICA) And then there was

this one time when I was seven.

My mom signed me up for ballet

classes for the first time.

Ah huh.

I didn't spend half of that

class knocking people.

And myself too.

But then after the dance class

I overheard the dance teacher

talking to my mom saying

that I have two left feet.

Jolene, can you believe it?

I had three people tell me I

have two left feet in one week!

You don't say?

That's when my mom said

I should probably just

start singing instead.

(BANGING)

Oh ah, sweetie.

You think you should be the

one handling that staple g*n?

Why not, I mean I've

never used one before,

but I have fired a real g*n.

Now, why on God's green earth?

Well Michael, my ex-boyfriend,

he used to take me to

his uncle's junk yard

to fire g*ns all the time.

This one time he...

(STAPLE FIRING)

(GLASS BREAKING)

Jolene, I am so sorry.

I don't know what happened...

You know what, I

got a great idea.

Why don't we take a lunch break.

And we'll just hang

this after we eat.

Yeah, okay.

I'm hungry.

(TO HERSELF) Thank the Lord

that one's cute as a button.

(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)

You know, if you've trying

to stay incognito,

you have got to stop wearing

that God-awful cologne.

I stopped wearing that

cologne years ago.

Well I can still smell it.

Zane Thomas Gunther.

What are you doing here?

Oh, it's good to see you.

I missed you.

I missed you too.

Man, you got half

the music industry

camped out at your folk's

old place in Florida.

You got the other half

steppin' in cow pies

at your big ranch in California.

And here you are in our

little bitty town.

I like it here.

Well, you always did.

You know we had to shut down

the music camp?

Yeah, I heard about that.

That's too bad.

You know I learned a

lot from you there.

You got me out of my shell.

Do you remember how shy I was?

I was terrified of the stage.

(CHUCKLES)

Well you had it in you then and

you still got it in you now.

It's just good to see you

in the real world.

Ah well.

I could use a dose of the

real world right about now.

I was sorry to hear

about your dad.

Thanks.

So what is it?

Girl break your heart?

Naw. (LAUGHS)

Naw. She wasn't right for me.

Did you blow all your money

on that terrible cologne?

(LAUGHS)

How many times do you think

I sang last year?

Mmmm, I don't know.

Hundred?

Zero.

The insurance company tells me

I shouldn't sing my own shows.

I mean I gotta lip sync.

Man, things have

changed, haven't they?

They used to be happy

to make you sing

till you couldn't sing anymore.

I know.

It's not what I signed up for.

Do you think this is

what I signed up for?

You know, I miss those days.

Riding across the country

in a nice big bus.

People screaming your name

wanting your autograph.

We didn't do selfies.

Hell no.

JOLENE: (BIG SIGH)

But it wasn't all

it was cracked up to be either.

Nostalgia's just got a funny way

of putting a spin on it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm

grateful, okay, I am but...

To be honest, if I ain't

singing and writing,

I just can't do it anymore.

That's why I thought it

might be good for me

to come out here

and clear my head.

Does Billy know you're here?

Nope.

I'll be fine.

It's good to see you.

Yeah you too.

Come here.

(MIMICKING ZANE)

It belonged to my mother. No

it didn't, I was just kidding.

I'm so handsome.

Look at my abs.

Ha!

You have got to be kidding me!

(LAUGHING)

How many were there?

I don't know.

I didn't stop to find out.

I got out of there

as fast as I could.

(LAUGHING)

What was Chris doing?

Who do you think filmed it?

(LAUGHING) He would.

Oh man, you married him.

Lord help me, I did.

(DOOR OPENS)

- Where is he?

- Jeannette?

- Ah, there you are.

- Jeannette!

- Hi Jolene.

- Everything okay?

You know, if you were really

that upset about the vase

you could at least had the

decency to say it to my face.

I'm sorry it broke, I am.

But I did the best I could.

Wait, you two know each other?

(TOGETHER): We're friends.

And another thing.

You might be rich,

but some of us have to work

very hard for a living.

Some of us have people

who count on us.

So why don't you think

of that next time

you get someone fired for

breaking a stupid vase.

Zane, did you get

Jeannette fired?

How do you two know each other?

(TOGETHER): We're friends.

Look, I didn't call anyone.

Okay.

Ah, wait.

You didn't?

No, I actually really liked

that vase you got me.

So...you didn't call my boss

and get me fired?

Okay, this is what you'd

call real awkward.

Look I, I took the

house off the market.

And I guess the

real estate agent

thought that it didn't

need to be staged anymore.

I...I'm really sorry.

I thought that you

were mad and...

You know what,

I'm just going to say sorry and

give you back your house keys.

Look, I'm honestly not this

horrible person you think I am.

He's really not,

and I've known him longer

than I'd care to admit.

Well at least you have

your clothes on this time.

Excuse me?

What?

Look I... (LAUGHS)

She was at my house, I just

came out of the shower, okay?

I was wearing pants.

- And you were checking him out?

- No, no I wasn't!

- Oh, you weren't?

- Jolene!

- Do you want to check him out?

- No, stop that!

Jo, okay, Jolene, come on.

Look.

Honestly I feel terrible for

putting you out of work.

You know what?

I have an idea.

Why don't you come here

and help me put on this

Christmas concert?

Jolene, that's really sweet,

but I don't want charity.

(CRASHING AND BREAKING)

(MONICA):

Sorry!

Trust me, it is not charity.

I need all the help I can get.

And you're an interior designer,

You've got that artistic eye.

And anyone that will speak

to Zane Gunther like that

I want working for me.

Oh, wait.

Zane...Gunther?

(LAUGHS)

Zane, Zane Gunther the musician.

(EMBARRASSED LAUGH)

Oh okay, umm. You know what?

I'll see you tomorrow. Bye.

Bye.

Come back in the morning.

(SIGHS)

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

Hey mom.

Ah, no.

Nothing's wrong.

Actually, I just got fired.

Yeah. It's okay, though,

I got another job.

Uh huh.

Yeah, it's...

been a weird morning.

I'll tell you all about

it when I get home.

(DOOR OPENING) Ah, mom,

I gotta go. Okay, bye.

- Jeannette, hey.

- Hey.

I'm really sorry about that.

I jumped to conclusions,

and you didn't deserve it.

It's all good.

I, ah, cost you a job

and I was hoping to

make it up to you

by maybe taking you

out for dinner.

Like a...like a date?

Yeah, yeah, sure why not?

I mean unless you're married?

I'm not, umm,

but dating is not really

something I'm doing right now.

So...thanks anyway.

It's all good.

Like I said, I just feel

terrible about everything.

I, ah...just want

to make it right.

- You have a nice day.

- You too.

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

(CELL PHONE BEEP)

Good morning

Hello?

Can I get you something

there, Mr. Fancy Suit.

Same old Marty.

How's that then?

It's me, Bill.

Do I know you?

It's Billy goat.

Little Billy goat?

- From music camp?

- Yeah.

(LAUGHS)

You gotta be kidding me!

Oh, hey, hey, hey.

Come on.

Do the goat.

No, I don't do that anymore.

You know I never really

liked that at camp

when you made me do that.

Do the goat.

Marty.

It took me a lot of time in

therapy to get over that.

- I don't do that anymore.

- Just do it!

(SIGH) It's nice to see

you've come so far since

working here at

your father's bar.

Yeah. So.

Whatever happened to you?

Guess you got a big city job?

Yeah, I...got an executive job.

I manage Zane.

And I just thought I'd stop by

to see if you might of seen him.

Zane Gunther?

You think Zane Gunther

might be here?

Well, here's not at

his home in Florida.

And he's not at his ranch

in California, so...

I know he's always

had this, ah...

Thing for this small town.

Well how about that.

Somebody with big city options

decides they like this

small town of ours.

- I'm sorry.

- Uh huh.

Hey, can I get a sandwich to go?

No.

Good morning.

Well, aren't you a

sight for sore eyes.

Thanks, Jolene.

I was talking to the coffee.

(BANGING AND CRASHING)

Sorry.

Oh, Monica, sweetie. Why don't

you come out here for a minute?

Jolene, that staple g*n just

keeps going off on its own.

I think it's broken.

Well, don't worry

about it right now.

This is my friend Jeannette.

Jeannette, Monica.

Monica meet Jeannette.

I think I've seen

you around before.

At the coffee shop, right?

Yeah, that's right.

I work there twice a week.

Coffee!

I don't think this

one needs caffeine.

I love coffee. I've only had

three cups this morning.

(DOOR OPENING)

Ah, Monica.

Why don't you and I go see if

we can fix that staple g*n?

- Okay.

- Okay, go ahead. I'll be right there.

Jolene, what is he doing here?

What?

He wanted to help out.

- Good morning.

- Jolene!

- How are you?

- Good. How're you doing.

Good morning, Jeannette.

Jeannette was nice enough to

bring us coffee this morning.

Thank you!

Ah, Jolene...

Hi! Nice to meet you!

I'm Monica.

Nice to meet you.

You know, you kind of look like

that Zane Gunther

everybody's been looking for.

Yeah.

I get that sometimes.

Ha ha.

That's funny. (LAUGHS)

Jolene, I kind of made

a mess backstage.

It's okay.

Go ahead.

- I'll be there to help you clean it up.

- Okay.

Jeannette, there's the stage,

there's some set pieces

behind the curtain

and there's decorations

on the table, so...

Why don't you two see what

you can come up with and...

fill me in when I get back.

Well, I guess we're

working together.

Yeah, I guess so.

Look, I don't want

to step on your toes

so if there's anything I can

do to help, you let me know.

Okay.

- Let's get to work.

- All right.

"Last Saturday Night"?

No.

"Hometown Summer"?

Uh, uh.

"I Got Horsepower"?

Oh, yeah that one I know.

I was one of 12

writers on that one.

Not my finest work, but, uh...

it sure as heck

did sell records.

I'm really sorry.

You're super talented, I just...

I like my music more

on the quiet side.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Well it's been three

three days now

and you haven't asked me

any of the questions.

What are the questions?

Well, most people ask

me the same things.

Where do I buy my clothes?

What song earned me the most?

You haven't even asked

me for a picture.

(CHUCKLES)

I'd rather know about you than

what's going on around you.

What about you?

Huh?

I know you have a...

an amazing daughter,

an amazing mother.

But, uh, tell me something

about you I don't know.

Well, you know I'm a single mom.

That I work as many jobs

as I have time for.

Next year I will be graduating

with a degree in

Interior Design.

That's incredible.

That I did not know.

I guess that explains

why my house

looks like a million bucks.

Thank you.

I really love music.

Just...not the type that's

on the radio. No offense.

No.

None taken.

Now, I'm going to throw you

into the deep end here.

What's the song that

changed your life?

Changed my life?

No top five favorites

or anything?

Nah, it's boring.

Okay.

When Quinn was a baby,

we moved in with my mom.

I was new in town, and

Jolene was my first friend.

Her kids were older than Quinn

so I went to her

for advice a lot.

And when Quinn was six months

old she got her first tooth.

She was up for three

days straight

and I was at the end of my rope.

And Jolene didn't have a cure

for a teething baby,

but she did send me a song.

And it said what I

needed to hear.

It gave me strength.

I haven't heard

that song in years.

The power of music.

Yeah.

"I know that you are scared

"But troubles fade

when they are shared

"We'll hold each other up

(TOGETHER):

"Until we see the sunrise."

Wow.

I recorded that song in

Jolene's barn 10 years ago.

I didn't think that

anyone had ever heard it.

That was you?

(LAUGHS)

Yeah.

- I like that song.

- Well thank you.

(QUINN):

Mommy!

- Mommy!

- Hey there ladybug.

Shouldn't you be in school?

No, it's Christmas break!

Ah, that's right.

Is this the Quinn I've

heard so much about?

Aren't you a cutie pie.

It's an absolute pleasure

to meet you. I'm Zane.

Is this the fellow

you were telling me

about the other night?

Oh, you told your mom about me?

You were right, he...

- Mom!

- Yeah.

This is Zane.

Zane, this is my mother Suzanne.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

The pleasure's all mine.

I have to go to the gallery

and meet a local artist

so I have to go.

Okay.

I hope you two had fun.

- We always do, right?

- Yeah!

See you then.

- Ah, it's my buddy Quinn.

- Hi Jolene!

How are you?

You know what?

I saw you sing at your

Christmas concert

and you knocked my socks off.

(GIGGLES)

Now, I need your mom to help

me for a little while longer.

So what would you like to do?

- Can we go to the park?

- In the snow?

Quinn, I brought crafts

and a coloring book

for you to do here.

Awwww, please.

Zane, what are you up to?

Well, I was kind of hoping

to go play in the park.

Did you happen to see a

swing set out there?

I think so.

Zane, you really don't have to.

Oh, don't worry about it.

He'd love to.

I would.

Please mom, please?

Okay.

Yes.

Let's do it.

So how come you don't

live in that big house?

Because I bought

it for my brother.

Then why isn't he here?

Well he figured he was better

suited for the big city.

Do you like your brother?

Very much so.

Let's see how high you can go!

Come on.

- Okay.

- You got to really pump the legs.

There it is.

That's it.

Oh, h*, h*.

A little big for that. (LAUGHS)

Are you rich?

Now what kind of

question is that?

What type of car do you drive?

Well I drive a little blue car

that my dad gave me

when I was a teenager.

I like blue.

- Do you?

- Yeah.

- All right you like this slide then?

- Yeah.

Well, let's do it again.

- Okay.

- All right!

Oh, turn right, turn right.

(ZANE MAKING CAR NOISES)

How come you're not married?

(CHUCKLES)

Well, I guess I never

found the right girl.

My mom's a girl.

(LAUGHS)

Yeah, I'm aware of that.

She used to be married to my

daddy but, he passed away.

I'm really sorry to hear that.

He was a hero.

Well, aren't you're a lucky

girl to have a hero as a dad.

(QUINN GIGGLES)

Do you have kids?

Never had the pleasure.

How come you don't have

a Christmas tree up?

That is a very good question.

You should put up

a Christmas tree.

You're absolutely right.

Do you know that Christmas

trees are my favorite.

Mine too.

You need the Christmas tree

so Santa has somewhere

to put your presents.

Exactly, that's

why you gotta get

the biggest Christmas

tree you can.

I don't get a lot of presents.

Oh, you know what?

I didn't get a lot of

Christmas presents

when I was your age either.

How come?

Well, I was just like you.

Well, not exactly like

you, I was a little boy.

(GIGGLES)

So my dad worked really hard.

Unfortunately...

we just didn't have

a lot of money left for gifts.

What about Santa.

Well of course Santa

brought us stuff. Come on.

I don't ask Santa for

expensive presents anymore.

Last year, I asked him

for a game system but

I guess he couldn't make it.

Well, I imagine it

would be pretty tough

for those little elves

to make electronics.

He got me these gloves instead.

Pretty good, right?

Well, I think they are the

best gloves I've ever seen.

(GIGGLES)

I'm just gonna,

put them on here.

My hands are a little cold.

Umm, I don't think

they'll fit you.

Fit just fine.

(GIGGLES)

(PLAYFUL YELLING)

(ZANE): All right, you

got me, you got me!

Hey guys.

Ah, Jolene and I just finished.

Looks like you two

are having fun.

I'm Supergirl.

Zane's my sidekick.

Is that so?

And what's your name?

Ah, zebra girl two.

What else?

(LAUGHING)

Thanks for watching her.

No problem.

You've got a great kid here.

Okay, we should go

home and make dinner.

Can Zane join us?

Please!

He's funny.

Oh, ladybug I'm, I'm sure Zane

has plans of his own.

Actually, umm...

I do have plans but I was hoping

maybe you two could join me?

You have plans and you

want us to come with you?

Yeah...can you meet me at the

Circle Theatre in an hour?

Mommy, can we please, mommy?

Ah don't worry, it's not a date.

It's a not-date.

Well, if it's a non-date,

then how can I say no.

See you in an hour.

Great.

Yes...yes I, I understand it.

I am, I am fully aware

of what's at stake.

We have found Zane and I have

my best man with him now.

Yes, and as soon as he lands we

are going to make it up to you.

Okay.

All right then.

Can someone find Zane?

Ladies, after you.

So cool!

Where is everyone?

Well, I thought

it would be nicer

if we had the entire

place to ourselves.

- Just us?

- Uh huh.

I hate it when people

talk during the movies.

Can I pick the seats?

Wherever you want.

It's a bit much,

don't you think?

Nah, I know the owner.

He cut me a deal.

But I did tell him

you were dying

so if you see him maybe

cough a little bit.

I'm serious.

No joking, all right.

If you can limp we might

get some free popcorn.

Mom, look at this.

(INTAKE OF BREATH)

Pick one, please.

You got anymore tricks up

your sleeve, Mr. Smooth?

Whoah, hey.

I'm not doing anything.

This is a regular non-date.

Give me a reason to go

I don't wanna run away

with the lights turned low

Is there something we're

after I don't know

I learned in time

this life ain't mine

so give me a

reason to go

I don't wanna run away

with my heels in tow

Is there rain

on the stage...

Well, that was a nice night.

What do you say?

Thanks, Zane.

Well, is that it?

Are we all done for the night?

Did you want to go

get some coffee?

Well we could.

But, ah...

then we wouldn't get to play

this for the rest of the night.

What is that?

Hit it!

(VIDEO GAME SOUNDS)

- Are you kidding me?

- Nope.

For the next two hours

you can play as much as you want

on your system.

- My system?

- Uh, huh, all yours.

Um, Zane.

Can I have a word?

Yeah, of course.

You get started, all right, and

I'll be back in a second.

Okay.

(VIDEO GAME SOUNDS)

Hey, I'm sorry,

I didn't know what kind of

game she wanted to play

so I just grabbed a few.

There's also a gift card

in there if she wants--

What is it that you want?

What do you mean?

First you flash your money

around buying up movie theatres.

And then you go and show off by

giving her something I can't.

Look, hold on. That, that

is not what this is about.

I thought we were

just going to go out.

- I was really clear I don't do this.

- Okay, now wait a minute.

I bought out the theatre

because unfortunately I can't

be seen in public right now.

Now, I'm sorry it

has to be that way

but my job makes it hard for me

to have a regular night out.

As far as that game

in there goes...

Look, I know all too well

what it's like to

wake up on Christmas

after asking Santa for

something you really want,

only to find a pair of gloves.

But I also know what it's

like to work your butt off.

Go without.

Even skip meals.

So you can scrape

together whatever you can

to make sure your

kids have the best

damn gloves possible so their

hands don't freeze off.

I said one date, or non-date.

Whatever.

I won't bother you again, but

I would like Quinn to keep

the system if that's okay?

All right.

Now, with your permission,

of course, umm,

I would really like to

play some more video games

with my new friend.

(VIDEO GAME SOUNDS)

Come on, Zane. We've got

to get out of the maze.

I know, I don't know

how much help I'll be.

All right.

What do I do?

- Turn right.

- Turn right.

(ZANE AND QUINN PLAY AND TALK)

(ZANE AND QUINN PLAY AND TALK)

Why are you upset?

I told you I wasn't going

to pick up the split.

Hey, isn't that Jeannette?

Where?

Looks like your girl's

on a date, pal.

Oww.

Tom, are you okay?

Tom, come on, let's

go back to my place.

We can fire up some games.

No thanks...I'm...I

need to head home.

Tom, come on.

Don't leave.

Another cafe mocha, Tom?

No.

Thank you.

Morning Deputy.

Oh hey there Cindy.

How's today grabbin' ya?

More than the hubby,

that's for sure.

Unusually quiet there, Tom.

Morning.

What's the matter with him?

You didn't hear?

Hear what?

Seems that Jeannette's got

herself a mystery man.

Really?

Didn't think I'd ever see that.

Not sure any of us did.

Well, speaking of mystery men

I've got a little

bit of one myself.

Hey now, this sounds juicy.

Actually, I'm not

supposed to say anything.

Oh come on.

Give me a clue.

Zane Gunther!

Not really a clue is it?

I pulled him over a while back.

Didn't even recognize

him at first.

Shut the door! You did not

pull over Zane Gunther.

I did too!

He's driving an old

blue Fast Back.

Told me to keep our little

thing a secret, so...

If you don't mind.

Are you really sitting here

telling me that you're

dating Zane Gunther?

Well I wouldn't exactly

say dating, but...

Now what do you say?

No way.

You're dating Zane Gunther.

Guess he's not a

Zane Gunther fan.

Looks like hard work.

Naw, it's not that bad.

Used to do it as a kid.

That's how we heated the house.

It was my job to chop the wood.

Look.

I wanted to say thank you.

For last night.

What you did was really nice and

I was too busy trying to find

something wrong with it.

It's just been Quinn

and I for so long

You know?

And if I'm being a

hundred percent honest

I hated seeing you give

her something I can't.

Yeah, well I should have

run that by you first.

No, it's okay.

She told me that you

guys talked about it.

It was a really thoughtful gift.

And I should never

get in the way

of someone who made my

little girl smile so

Thank you.

Well, I appreciate you

coming by to say that.

And I was hoping I could

make it up to you.

My treat.

Oh.

I can't ask you to

spend any money on me.

No, don't worry about that.

I also know you need

to stay hidden so

Here.

Well.

What do you say?

I say yes.

All right.

Jeez.

- How do I look?

- Great.

All right.

Your chariot awaits.

All right.

Starting with a

little light B&E?

It's my mom's gallery.

Come on.

Okay.

There should be Christmas

decorations in here somewhere.

You know, I was never

very good at decorating.

That's why you have me.

Yeah, that's right.

You were my decorator, until

I got you fired that is.

And when I graduate and become

a famous interior designer

you can hire me back.

All right.

Sorry.

Sorry.

I honestly don't

know how you do it.

You're working two jobs

taking night courses

raising an amazing daughter.

I think that's the other box.

Whoa, it's heavy.

I'm serious, though.

It's ah...

It's inspiring.

Ah, I think this is everything.

Next, we cut down one of those.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. We can't

just steal a Christmas tree.

This is your property.

Really?

Uh huh.

All right.

Well, let's go check it out.

So my dad figures if the

cat won't leave it alone

he'll just put it up high enough

that Mr. Snuggles

can't reach it.

Oh, I think I know

where this is going.

So it's three a.m. and

we hear a huge crash.

We come downstairs, the

tree is on the ground

everything's a mess and

there is Mr. Snuggles

in the corner with the

decoration in his mouth.

(LAUGHTER)

Well, we don't have to

worry about that mess.

There's no cats,

no dogs, just me.

So how long are you

going to hide out here?

Well, I hadn't really

thought about it.

I didn't realize how much I

missed the peace and quiet.

You like this little town?

Yeah, yeah.

Most people can't wait

to get out of here.

Well, I ah

have a bit of a

history here, though.

My parents used to

bring my brother and I here

for music summer camp.

This is where I fell

in love with music.

But, ah, back to your point.

Most people they want to

get out of a small town

because they're searching

for something, right.

And they think they can

find that in a bigger city.

And you?

Well, I've been to just about

every big city there is

and I can tell you

that finding happiness

isn't about how many

intersections there are.

And where do you find happiness?

Well, it's just about the

people you're with and

the experiences you have.

It's about moments.

Being happy's not just about

big days, with big wins.

It's about those little moments.

Like...a cup of coffee with your

newspaper on Sunday morning.

Yeah.

That's a good one.

Or, ah, standing in the forest

just closing your eyes,

listening to the wind

blow through the trees.

Or listening to an old record.

That's a good one.

Yes.

Or, decorating a Christmas tree

with a new friend.

Friend?

Yeah, we're friends.

I thought we were more

than just friends.

(CELL PHONE RINGS)

Sorry.

Hey sweetie.

Everything okay?

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

Hey Mary, I was just

about to call you.

Oh that's good because

I was worried I

was calling you

to fire you for

not finding Zane.

Where should I send

your gift basket?

Funny thing is, I haven't

found him just yet.

But I'm getting close.

How is that funny?

Right.

Well, I'm actually heading over

to a mutual friend's

house, so, ah

ask him for a little

bit more time.

Zane's next show is in

three days.

If he's not there,

neither are you.

I got it.

And just to be clear.

I mean you'll be fired.

Thank you for clearing that up.

(SIGH)

More pressure, Olga, please.

(SIGH)

Well, that is one good

looking Christmas tree.

Thanks for doing this.

You're welcome

Oh, also, ah, about earlier...

When we got decorations

at my mom's gallery?

No, after that.

Oh, when you opened

a bottle of wine?

Before that.

Oh, when you tried to kiss me?

Oh, you leaned in too.

(LAUGHS)

Anyway, I'm sorry if I was

a little too forward.

No, that's fine.

I just...

don't date.

Quinn told me about her father.

Yeah.

When we said till

death do us part I

didn't think it

would be so soon.

The hardest part is having

to explain it to Quinn.

I can't imagine.

But, that's not

why I don't date.

I'm just...busy,

following my dreams.

What about you?

You got your dream

and walked away?

Well, being famous

was never my dream.

Just something that

sort of happened.

Seems like fame was

more of a dream

for everyone else around me.

What is your dream?

Tell you another time.

Ooooh, mysterious.

Well, I got to save something

for our next non-date.

You think there's going

to be another non-date?

Well, maybe.

What would we do?

Hmmm.

Teach you how to play guitar.

Ah, actually, there's

one right there.

Have you ever played?

No, I have zero musical ability.

Well maybe you just haven't

had the right teacher.

All right.

(STRUMS THE GUITAR)

(GUITAR PLAYING)

Scootch over.

Now.

Let's see

I think we can start

with a G chord. So...

The G, you want to put your

middle finger right here.

And your index there.

Ring finger way down there.

And squeeze hard and strum it.

(GUITAR STRUM)

Hey, you made a new chord.

(LAUGHS)

Ah, yeah, squeeze tight.

Right there, yeah.

(GUITAR STRUM)

Hey, and there's your first G.

I should be getting home.

I wanna tuck Quinn in.

I understand.

Come on, I'll walk

you to the door.

Free tomorrow?

Yeah.

Is it okay if I call you?

I'd like that.

All right.

Say good night to Quinn for me.

I'll do.

Hi Jolene.

Hey Billy.

I'm, ah, I'm looking for Zane.

I don't know what to tell you.

I haven't seen him.

Give me a break.

Listen, I just need

to talk to him.

I'd love to help you but

I haven't seen Zane

since last year.

I can give you his

number if you like.

I have his number, Jolene.

He just hasn't picked

up in a few days.

Did you ever think that if

you can't get a hold of him

that maybe he doesn't

want to talk to you?

I thought we used

to be friends too.

Billy!

I'm sorry.

Yeah?

You want to know where

to find Zane Gunther?

Yeah.

Do you know where he is?

It'll cost you.

Bug?

What are you doing here?

Why do you have all that money?

And I'm about to make a

whole lot more, too.

What are you talking about?

Hey, you wanna know

where Zane Gunther is?

Bug, stop.

What's it worth to you?

Bug!

Well, well, well.

Took you long enough.

I don't know why I didn't

think of this place first.

Yeah, me too.

Do you still have your key?

I thought you sold it.

I was about to, but, ah

I just couldn't

pull the trigger.

Too many good memories

in this town.

Yeah well, in case

you don't recall

my times here weren't

as good as yours.

Well, you didn't have an older

brother looking out for you.

Older brother now?

That's good to know.

You weren't returning my calls,

so I thought you'd

walked away from me too.

I'm sorry, I'm just,

ah, needed some time.

I don't know why you don't

think I want the best for you.

I know you do.

I just...

Look, I figured if I

kept you out of it,

they couldn't blame you.

Yeah, well there's

no chance there.

Mary said if I don't bring you

back then I'm out of a job.

Oh man.

I don't know if I've

ever said this but

I don't really care

for her very much.

Yeah, well the truth is

I didn't come looking

for you to save a job.

I know.

I'm all right.

Okay.

So your fans are

as rabid as ever.

She's not a fan.

Hey, whoa!

What's wrong?

I didn't say anything.

I think he saw something, or

said something to somebody.

Slow down.

Who saw something?

(TIRES SCREECHING)

Oh no.

We have to go.

Stay back!

Just stay back!

Miss, how does it

feel to ruin music?

Everybody back up right now.

Zane, is she your girlfriend?

Everybody, we'll have

time to talk later.

(YELLING)

Jeannette!

Wait, wait. Look.

I need to get out

of here for a while

I'm hoping you and Quinn

might come with me.

Zane I can't just uproot

my and Quinn's life.

Look it would just be for a bit.

My brother's got a

condo in the city.

We can stay there until this

whole thing blows over.

I mean who knows, maybe you and

Quinn might like it there.

And what happens after that?

We can't just run

away from this.

Look being with you

has been the realest thing

I've felt in a long time.

Zane, I don't have the

luxury of just taking off.

My life is here.

I have responsibilities.

What happens if you

change your mind,

meet someone better?

Now, what kind of person

do you think I am?

That's just it.

I honestly don't know.

Can you stand here

and promise me that

if I uproot my daughter

we're all going to live

happily ever after?

No.

No I can't.

I can't promise you anything.

But I'm standing

here in front of you

begging you to come with me.

And that's not nothing.

No.

It's not.

If it were just me, I'd

already be packed.

But when it comes to what I want

and Quinn needs...

It's just what's best for her

every day of the week.

Family.

You asked me before

what my dream was.

It was never the

music or the fame.

All I wanted was a family.

That would have been enough.

I'm not giving up on us.

I know.

I am.

And the riddle for Where in

the world is Zane Gunther?

has been solved,

ladies and gentlemen.

Just as another starts.

Everyone wants to know

who is this Jeannette Williams

and what do I have to do

to switch places with her?

Right, I mean this simple

small town single mom

has been swept off her feet.

Now the question is,

is she an undercover princess?

What's an undercover princess?

And to top things off

his latest album this

summer has mixed reviews--

I'm sure there's

something better

you can do with your time.

What?

You're not talking to me now?

Okay.

Well I was looking for

someone to share candy with.

They said you made him leave.

I liked him.

He was nice to us.

Well Quinn, sometimes liking

someone isn't enough.

He was my friend.

And you ruined it.

I think you can spend the

rest of the day in your room.

Fine.

(INDISTINCT YELLING)

(YELLING THROUGH DOOR)

Go away!

Oh, okay.

What's happening?

It's all right.

I've got this.

I have to go to work.

I sent Quinn to her room.

Ladybug, it's going

to be all right.

Do you want me to talk to her?

Honestly mom, do

whatever you want.

They're saying that

he's back on tour

and playing down in

the city tonight.

Yeah, he's probably got a few

new girlfriends already.

Well, I've gotta

get back to work.

Don't worry buddy,

I got this one.

You never pay.

Hey, there she is.

Zane's other woman.

Please, no more.

I got it bad enough

from the reporters.

Yeah, it looks like he

left you both behind.

Heck of a guy.

Well since I imagine you guys

are going to hear

about it soon enough.

Hear what?

Nothing.

It's just maybe...

I might of exaggerated a little

bit about being with Zane.

You don't say.

Well I for one am blown

away by this news.

So you weren't dating Zane?

Not in a typical sense, no.

Patty!

Okay.

You got me.

No dating. No nothing.

All right.

I got his autograph

and took a picture.

You happy?

Patty's a loser.

He was only dating Jeannette.

Have you guys seen the news?

They look like they

are so in love.

So in love.

(SOBS)

I wonder what his

brother's like?

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

Okay, bring up the lights.

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

We wish you a

Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year

That's going to

cue the twinkles.

You and your king

Good tidings for Christmas

and a Happy New Year

Come on guys.

The show's in a couple of hours.

What do I gotta do

to get my twinkles?

Okay guys.

Let's cut sound check.

Kelsey, save your voice honey.

It sounds beautiful.

Thank you Jolene.

And it is gorgeous in here.

Jeannette, can you

get up there please?

Jeannette?

Don't tell me I've lost you too.

I couldn't take that today.

Sorry.

I'll get right on it.

Look.

Don't worry about it.

The lights will still be

messed up in five minutes.

How are you holding up?

Good.

Uh hmm.

Not good.

Even us tough girls get our

hearts broken sometimes.

(SOBBING)

I think I blew it.

You didn't blow it.

It's not an easy choice.

Anyone can make an easy choice.

Do you think I should

have gone with him?

You're a mom.

And a damn good one.

And you're always going to put

that sweet little girl's

needs above your own.

Would you have gone with him?

Oh, in a heartbeat.

(LAUGHING)

But, you know, I'm

a terrible mom.

No you're not.

I cannot tell you

with any certainty

where my kids are right now.

(LAUGHING)

I think they're with my husband

but I truly have no idea.

(CHUCKLING)

You're going to be okay.

Listen, this is going to

be a quick meet and greet.

Maybe a couple of hand

shakes with execs.

Honestly, I cannot

tell them apart

so don't look at

me for any names.

Then I was thinking

maybe we should, ah

run down to Mexico,

maybe rob a bank?

Kind of a bucket list

thing, you know?

Yeah, sure.

Zane, why don't we just stop

the car and turn around?

Really.

I mean, why are we doing this?

She said she gave up.

What did ELR tell you when

they wanted to sign you?

Come on, man, that was years

ago. I don't remember.

Yeah, well I do.

They said they'd only sign

you if you got rid of me.

You walked away.

Of course I did.

Well sometimes sticking

with the ones you love doesn't

mean she didn't want you.

(WHISPERING) Great job.

Thank you.

It's going great out there.

Okay, remember.

You're singing to celebrate

the birth of Jesus so let's

try not to screw it up.

(LAUGHS)

Okay.

Last one.

Yeah.

See.

Told you I knew

what I was doing.

(CHUCKLES)

Yeah, you did.

You know what?

There is a little girl in

the front row out there

that looks like she'd love to

see the finale with her momma.

Really?

You're done for the night.

I can't go.

I'm working.

Oh, no, you're done.

That's an order.

- Go.

- Okay.

(GUITAR PLAYING)

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

Deck the halls with

boughs of holly

Fa La la la

la la la la la

Tis the season

to be jolly

Fa la la la la la la

Don we now our

g*y apparel

Fa la la la la la

la la la la la la

- Tom?

- Hi Jeannette.

So I saw you and Zane

Gunther on the news.

It's great.

I'm so happy for you.

He seems like a

pretty great guy.

You're a great guy too, Tom.

Trust me. You're going

to meet someone soon.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Reggie?

Hey Tom.

I, umm, saved you a seat.

See the blazing

yule before us

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Strike the harp and

join the chorus

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Follow me in

merry measure

Fa la la la

la la la la la

(WHISPERING)

Can I join you?

I'm sorry I yelled at you.

I'm sorry too, ladybug.

Fight forgotten?

Already gone.

Hey Charlie.

Hi Jeannette.

We were watching

you from the side.

You should of been

watching the show.

We were having a lot of fun

watching you organize

the singers.

Fast away the

old year passes

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Hail the new ye

lads and lasses

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Sing we joyous

all together

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Heedless of the

wind and weather

Fa la la la

la la la la la

Fa la la la

la la la la la

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

Oh, easy, easy.

That's enough of that.

Ah, it's Jolene!

Before we close

I just wanted to say

what an honor it's been

to put on this show

for you nice folks.

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

And we've had it pretty

crazy around here

the last few days, haven't we?

(CROWD AGREES)

So tonight I wanted to do

something a little different.

You see, I can't go a

day around this town

without somebody asking me

if I'm going to sing

at the concert.

And every time

I say no way.

But tonight

I couldn't pass up the chance

to sing with an old friend.

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

Mom! Mom look!

It's Zane! It's Zane!

I know.

Hey everybody.

Ah, I know a lot of

you have probably

have been wondering

where I've been.

And I'd like to say that I was

on a spiritual journey

or something. (CHUCKLES)

But, ah...

The truth is I was running away.

It wasn't until I met a very

special someone that I realized

what I needed was

to be running back.

Jeannette.

When I saw you standing in my

kitchen, talking to a vase

I didn't know who you were.

But I haven't been able to stop

thinking about you since.

Now I'm, I'm not

here to ask you to

come be a part of my world.

I'm just hoping you'll let me

be a part of yours.

I love you Jeannette.

(CROWD CLAPPING,

CHEERING, WHISTLING)

(CELL PHONE RINGING)

Hello Mary.

So I heard you found Zane,

brought him to his show,

only to let him turn around

and play a Christmas concert

in that tiny town of nowhere.

That does seem to be true.

Well it is not often

that I say this but...

Genius.

I've already sent

a media blitz

down there to cover it.

We're going with the

Cinderella story.

Big star makes little towny's

dream come true.

Wow.

Genius.

When you get back we can discuss

your office and your raise.

Well that sounds great.

But I don't think I'm

going to be available.

I've given it

some thought.

I think I'm going to start

my own music label.

What do you mean start

your own label?

You can't just do that Billy.

Bye Mary.

It was horrible knowing you.

Billy.

Check please!

Okay guys.

This looks like the perfect time

for a Christmas song.

(CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING)

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant so

tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Zane, will you come

and sing with me?

Yeah.

Let's here it for Zane everybody.

(CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING)

Silent night

Holy night

Son of God

Love's pure light

Radiant beams

from thy holy face

With the dawn of

redeeming grace

Jesus Lord at thy birth

Jesus Lord at thy birth

Jesus Lord at thy birth

(CROWD CLAPPING AND CHEERING)

(JOLENE) Merry

Christmas everybody!

(CROWD CLAPPING

AND CHEERING)

(clapping and cheering)