[bright Christmas music]
Hi.
All right, I think that covers
your Christmas offerings
that begin today. Our special
is the pistachio cream
bche de nol.
Just make sure you check
for allergies.
Oh, very important reminder,
uh, the toffee pudding
with the praline caramel sauce,
for dine-in only. Not to go.
Definitely does not travel well.
Yeah?
- Yesterday, some guy ordered it
and then dumped it into
a to-go box and took it away.
Uh, well, okay.
So, maybe we just
strongly advise against that.
We put a lot of love into our
creations at Empire Ptisserie,
and there's a reason
that we do things the way we do.
And then tackle them
on the way out.
[snickers]
I'm, I'm kidding.
Don't... do that.
Okay, well the good news
is we're doing more dine-in
service than we were expecting,
so we added another
two top over here.
So, now the numbering
of the tables
is two, three, four.
And you guys
are doing amazing.
No one expects opening week
to be perfect.
And working out the kinks
as we go
is all just a part
of the process.
Oh, Skip, I'm gonna have you
step up
and assist me today, okay?
- Okay.
Perfect. All right.
[exhales]
So, Nicole,
do you think it might have been
a little overly ambitious
to open right during
the holiday season?
Well, we've done it.
[laughs]
Oh, I had an idea.
Your signature orange fruitcake.
I was thinking we could set out
some samples, you know?
- Ah...
- Change Denver's mind
about fruitcake.
- Like that.
Good for photos
and social media.
- Mm-hmm.
- Despite how you feel
about social media,
pictures of this floating around
can't hurt us.
- You know what?
No, it's actually
a really good idea.
But I am going to need
orange liqueur.
You know what? I'll go ask
Danny after our first push.
Perfect.
Look, personally, I think you
should ride the momentum.
Prioritize those
high-profile roles
before you take a step down
and work with Sheldon again.
It's not a step down.
He's one of the best directors
that I've ever worked with, man.
- Yeah, well, so have you
and Marla figured out a strategy
for our little project?
Do you mean our
ridiculous charade?
Peter, you're about to have
a publicity goldmine.
Your movie is about to have
its New York premiere
right before Christmas.
During the filming of which
you fell for your co-star.
It's the perfect
Hollywood romance.
And moviegoers want in on it.
[scoffs]
Online rumors are
you might even propose.
Uh, which might be difficult,
because we are not together.
Mind your public persona.
If you're gonna say
what's actually on your mind,
just make sure that
it's edited and pleasant.
Also, participate more.
You know,
smile for the selfies
and whatnot.
Oh uh, what do you wanna
get Mom for Christmas anyway?
Are you asking me
as my manager or my brother?
- Maybe both.
- Hey, Danny,
uh, you don't happen to have
any orange liqueur
that I could borrow?
Just a little bit?
- Yeah, I'm sure we do. Hang on.
- Thank you so much.
[soft music]
Be approachable. Go see
if she wants to take a selfie.
- No, I'm not gonna do that.
- Shh, she's right there.
[sighs]
- Hey.
- Hi.
It's, it's okay to ask
if you wanna take a selfie.
- Uh... oh, uh, no, I'm fine.
- Oh.
- Thank you.
- Yeah, I, I'm sorry.
I misread that.
- She works a lot.
Um, and doesn't see many movies.
You can keep that.
We have plenty.
You're a lifesaver.
Thank you so much.
And uh, well,
you boys enjoy your beers.
And your selfies.
Oh, yeah.
[embarrassed chuckle]
"Do you wanna take a selfie?"
Oh man, you're the one
that made me say that!
- Well, come on.
- Thanks for the help, Danny.
[patrons murmur indistinctly]
Hey, is it just seat
yourself or...?
Yeah. Yes.
Sit wherever you like.
A server will be with you
in a moment.
Oh, thank you.
I think we've got a VIP
at table three.
Um, no wait, four.
No wait, three.
- Whoa. Not that one.
- So uh...
- Blackcurrant.
- Oh, okay.
- Yeah, all good. Easy mistake.
- What's your little saying
about mistakes?
That they can lead to somewhere
you never would have
found yourself?
- Yep. Not in this case.
- Wait, VIP like...
Oh yeah, I think he's a...
he's that actor
that was in that
Gloria Miera film.
I have no idea what
you're talking about, but here,
all of our guests are VIPs.
- I don't know,
maybe you show them
a little extra love?
What could it hurt?
- Fine.
Have Cindy give me a heads up
when the order comes in.
Okay.
But I want to substitute
the strawberries.
Also, can you add
that chocolate glaze on it?
Like I see on that clair
over there.
- Uh...
- Uh, humor me.
[chuckles]
Oh, lastly, I'll have
the uh, toffee pudding to go.
Um, so, the pudding
is dine-in only.
It doesn't travel well.
We strongly advise against it.
I'm a big boy. I'll manage.
[chuckling]
- Welcome.
- Hey.
Do you live in my building?
Uh, not likely,
unless you live in New York.
You just look so familiar.
Huh.
- Huh.
- Anyway,
may I walk you through our menu?
No need. I will get
the plum clafoutis
and a coffee, black,
please and thank you.
- Coming right up.
- Awesome.
- Libby?
- Mm-hmm.
I am so sorry.
I have a difficult order
for table four.
- Is that the celebrity guy?
- Yeah, I think so.
I guess so. Yeah, that,
that totally makes sense.
What is this? These things
don't even go together.
This is gonna be absolutely
not good.
And yeah,
and the toffee pudding to go.
- I tried.
- It's all good. You know what?
Best to let the customer
be right. We're too busy.
Thanks, Libby. Oh, also,
here's the ticket
for table three.
He's nice. And normal.
This is the clafoutis.
This is the difficult order.
- Yes.
- Let's run it now,
all at once,
to avoid any confusion.
Good idea.
Skip, would you mind
running it quickly?
Yeah, um...
[clears throat]
Um, this one here?
- Uh yes.
And, and if he says
that's not what he ordered,
that is what he ordered.
- Yeah, you got it, Libby.
Uh, is this the clafoutis?
This is what you ordered.
Oh, I don't wanna argue,
but this is definitely
not what I ordered and I...
and there's strawberries on it.
Yes, uh,
delicious strawberries.
I don't think
this is clafoutis.
Okay, I'm, I'm gonna go.
Um, enjoy your meal.
This is...
[phone ringing]
[film crew speaking
indistinctly]
Hey, honey.
Hey. Uh, just checking in
on what Gary was calling
our project.
Uh, are you actually feeling
okay about this? Um...
I mean, I guess?
If it's important for the movie,
then what's a little
make-believe?
[inhales deeply]
Anyway,
I'm here in Argentina,
and it's awful that I won't
see you until Gary's party.
I really, really miss you.
Uh...
How's Denver been?
Uh, it's been great. Well,
up until a few moments ago.
I stopped at this caf place
and I just had this really
awful experience.
Well, I could tell
you were worked up.
Did you say something?
Well, no,
I just got mad and left.
I've been saying
you should complain more.
I mean, productively.
You say you're tired
of people telling you
to act a certain way.
If you're unhappy, say so.
See, yes, that's the thing,
I agree.
But Gary was just saying
that I need to edit myself
to be a certain
kind of likeable.
For my brand. I, I don't know.
It's just...
I mean, the establishment
should know
that their customers
aren't happy.
Wait you kinda
zig-zagged there,
but I think I know
what you mean? I...
Well, I am mad.
And I want to say
something about it.
- Good.
- Yeah.
[film crew speaks indistinctly]
'Kay, love you. Bye!
Bye.
[instrumental "Dance of
the Sugar Plum Fairy"]
"If you're gonna
speak your mind,
make sure it's pleasant
and edited."
Sure, Gary.
[music swells]
[keys clacking]
"Let me first just say
that I have never written
a negative review in my life,
but tonight,
I'm feeling inspired.
I am not
a high maintenance customer.
I went to Empire Ptisserie
hoping for
a pleasant experience.
Instead, I found
a disheartening letdown
"with a side
of terrible service."
"What happened to the simple
beauty of enjoying a delicious
confection in the shop
around the corner?"
Um... Uh...
Keep going.
"It seemed clear that neither
the quality or the artistry
of the food,
nor the customer experience
mattered to the proprietors
of the pretentiously named
Empire Ptisserie."
You know that whenever
someone says they're not
high maintenance,
it's a dead giveaway
that they're very
high-maintenance.
Where's that, uh,
where's that from?
- Um...
- Knives and Spoon.
It's uh, like the new Yelp,
but more interactive
with discussion threads
and stuff.
It incentivizes
drama and trolling.
- Mm-hmm.
- This one was...
featured in their
Holiday Hassle series,
so it got a little bump.
[scoffs]
- Well, this person
clearly just has
their own issues
and way too much
time on their hands.
So um, do we reply?
You know, defend ourselves?
Nope. No.
We are not going to get involved
with this person's toxicity
or the overall ugliness
of online review culture.
Our time is actually valuable.
[chuckles]
What?
[instrumental Christmas music]
Knives and Spoon.
Hmm.
"Became clear that the actual
quality and artistry..."
[huffs]
[keys tapping]
[alert dings]
"Hello, Theo1800,
what are you, a Victorian robot?
I, as a loyal customer
of Empire Ptisserie,
"just wanted to reply
and defend this quality..."
No. "Exceptional establishment."
They've been open only
a little over a week,
so it seems unnecessarily cruel
to attack the skill
and the artistry
of the baker her...
the baker themselves.
And my first question would be,
"what do you even know about it?"
Look, I uh, I realize
I may have been insensitive
about your feelings recently.
I want to open up the floor
to discuss your break-up,
if you'd like.
Is this now my one chance?
Yeah, 'cause afterwards,
there are logistics to discuss.
- Oh.
- Like, if Marla meets you
at the airport,
or she joins you at the party.
I can't believe
you're bringing
your engagement party into this.
- Really?
- Does this not bother Diane?
- Are you kidding?
She loves it. I mean, it makes
the party more of an event.
And come on, Diane loves
my dedication to my work.
You two are ridiculously
meant to be.
[laughing]
- Yeah, well,
Diane's planning the heck outta
this thing and loving it.
Good.
Well, until this morning.
The dessert caterer
just flaked out.
Playing hero,
I volunteered to jump in
and take over finding a new one.
- Oh...
Yeah. I was sure
she'd say no. She said yes.
So, now I gotta figure that out.
Man, there is gonna be no way
I can do it up to her standards.
- Well, why don't I just do it?
- What? Why?
You put in so much
work for me.
Let me do something for you.
But I would want it to be
a surprise, so no hovering.
[chuckles]
- What do you got planned?
You just trying
to keep me at a distance?
No, that's just a perk.
[laughs]
"In conclusion, Theo1800,
I'm sorry you missed
your calling
as a celebrated food critic.
It sounds like perhaps
the element
that was most wrong
with your experience
"at Empire Ptisserie,
dot, dot, dot, was you."
Okay, okay,
that's pretty good.
I mean, nicely put, right?
I wonder who this is.
[curious music]
We had another website
reach out to us
hoping to include us
on a "best of" list.
And they were also interested
in a sit-down with you.
Is that required
to be on the list?
Maybe.
Well, I wish they'd just
come check the food.
You know what?
Just let them know
we'll get back to them...
in a year.
- Will do.
- Thank you.
Also, just checking,
you really still
wanna keep using E. L. Michaels
for all press and publicity
instead of Elizabeth or Libby?
No, I do. I think
it sounds more professional.
And keeps them guessing.
Okay. Well,
speaking of pseudonyms,
you're not gonna fess up?
Winter H!
[pen clicks]
How did you
figure out it was me?
- I just know your voice.
- I couldn't say nothing.
Libby, it made me proud.
Seriously. I wish
you'd do more stuff like this.
[inhales and exhales deeply]
Okay, how are the finances?
Uh, investors are all good,
but things are more wobbly
than I'd like.
We may need to look
at leaning back on catering.
Well, I suppose
that's doable in the new year.
Well, I only bring it up
because there was a worthwhile
looking posting for the 19th.
The 19th.
Wait, the 19th of December?
- Mm-hmm.
- Um, are you crazy?
- No.
- No?
No. We can do that.
You know, I was thinking
this would be the perfect task
for one of Diane's aunts.
- Just let me do it.
I wanna do it
for you and Diane, okay?
Okay. Well,
maybe it'll keep you occupied
and out of trouble, Theo1800.
- Wait, what?
- Yeah, I was referring
to the uncharacteristically
mean review you wrote.
Uh, the one time
I complain out loud.
And I knew it was you
because I know you.
And we were right around
the corner that day.
And Theo? Your next role?
No one wants to picture
Hollywood's most charming
leading man yelling
at a small business owner.
You should take it down.
And don't tell anyone
you wrote it.
Okay, fine, I won't.
I will take it down,
but not because
you told me to, but because
I was gonna anyways, so...
Okay, well,
as long as it comes down.
Well, do you want me to stick
around for the interviews?
And do you at least get
to try a bunch
of chocolate and cheesecake
and stuff?
Uh, no, I think I'm gonna
whittle down the list first.
- Okay, all right.
- Remember,
I told you, no hovering.
Taken on an Italian rickshaw
fish trawler
from the Sicilian sea.
What is a crust oyster?
Crusty oyster?
- Crusted oyster.
Oh, yeah.
[items clatter]
Yes. We keep them
in a particularly unfriendly
environment.
[phone buzzes]
I let them soak in the
ocean water itself
until it's just starting
to go rancid.
Okay, um, well,
this is looking great.
Okay.
I think of new love
as celestial, atmospheric.
My quest is to reflect that.
- Mm-hmm.
Integrate domes,
smoke, effervescence.
That's, uh, really cool.
Um, and thank you so much
for your time, Sebastian.
Um, Gary's assistant
will be in touch
before your flight back
to Milan.
- Ah, thank you.
- Oh, you!
You. Huh. Hi.
[chuckles]
Selfie guy.
Yeah.
[laughs]
- Hi.
- Oh, good luck.
Oh, thanks. You, you too.
Except I don't really
wish you good luck.
Because this...
this would be the pinnacle
of my existence
as a culinary artist.
Well, stay warm out there,
Sebastian.
And uh, we will be in touch.
Oh, yep. Sorry.
- Hi.
- Hey, okay.
Thank you so much
for taking the time to see me.
Yeah, I am excited.
Very much so.
Here you go.
Are you a...
a silent owner here or...
No, I just really like it,
and they're letting me use it
for non-public meetings, so...
- Well, I'm Libby.
I'm the I in L&N.
Nice to meet you. Peter.
You didn't need
to bring samples.
So, is this a proposed
concept or...?
Oh, uh, no,
it's just it's, uh,
it's Christmastime, and I...
I baked them this morning,
so I figured why not?
[nervous chuckles]
There is a bit of
a ginger bite to them.
- Is that so?
- Uh, my, my approach
is I like to come in open,
and I take care to avoid
any preconceived notions
about my clients.
Well, that might be
a challenge this time.
Congratulations,
by the way, on your engagement.
Oh, it's not me.
Definitely not me.
Uh, not that I am not
in a relationship.
I am... as you may know,
with Marla Benson.
As I may know?
So, this is an engagement
party for my brother.
- Oh, okay.
- Um, so this is kind of like
a, a Christmas gift,
engagement gift,
all rolled into one.
We wanna go big.
So, uh, why don't
you tell me about
the "coming in open" process
that you used for
the UN luncheon?
The... I'm sorry,
the what? The U...
Uh, I did some research
on your company.
I saw that you catered
that event?
That sounds amazing,
but I think that maybe
there was a bit of a mix-up.
L&N Catering?
Oh no, I'm so sorry.
No, L...
This has happened before.
We're, we're L&N Confections.
- Oh, yeah.
- Libby and Nicole.
- Oh.
- L&N Catering is...
quite the establishment
based out of LA.
We should probably
reconsider our name choice.
But I do hear amazing things
about the other Ellen and...
Catering, and it does sound
like they're maybe
more of the scale
that you're looking for.
So...
- Oh.
- Sorry.
- Uh, oh, okay.
But...
I, I really wouldn't
go with the whole
celestial atmosphere guy.
He seemed to have zero curiosity
and not...
Well, was pretty full of it.
[chuckles]
But I, I wish you all the best.
I hope you find
the right company
and the best to you and Carla.
- Marla.
- Marla. Sorry.
You don't know
who I am, do you?
- Peter?
- Yep. I will be in touch.
Amazing.
Well, I shall await
your call with bated breath.
Okay.
Thanks.
[music builds]
Mmm.
[phone buzzes]
[message pings]
[sighs]
[soft Christmas music]
[Libby]: What do you even
know about artistry?
Are you better trained
than their head baker
and pastry chef? And if so,
by all means, let us know.
But it sounds like, perhaps,
the thing that was
most wrong with your experience
at the Empire Patisserie
was you.
[scoffs]
[phone buzzes]
[Peter]: Dear Winter H,
first off,
don't tell me what I know
or don't know.
You know nothing about me.
Maybe I am a Michelin star chef.
Maybe I'm an Olympic skier.
A movie star.
A car salesman.
Either way, I'm the person
that had
this abysmal experience,
which you know nothing about.
So butt out.
My review stays my review.
Also, Victorian robot?
[scoffs]
Grow up, Winter H.
Grow up? You grow up.
In the evening when the sun
sets that is a strange...
[phone buzzes]
script.
[Libby]: Let's say there was
one mistake
on the part of the restaurant,
which led to your
bad experience.
Have you never made mistakes?
It's my belief that sometimes
mistakes can land us
in a realm of opportunity
we never would have
dreamt up ourselves.
[scoffs]
[Peter]: Oh wow,
that's fantastic
pseudo-Zen whatever,
perspective on mistakes.
I get it now, Theo.
You're one of those people
that considers
themselves discerning
and goes around being
dissatisfied with everything,
all the time.
- No!
Empire Patisserie
just brought that out in me.
I bet you're
the kind of person
who never roots
for the underdog.
Actually not true,
but for the sake of argument...
Well, why would I?
Wow.
[sniffs]
[sizzling]
No, no, no, no, no.
No. No!
[inhales and exhales deeply]
Oh, Victorian robot.
[keys clacking]
"E. L. Worked in New York's
most renowned kitchens
and bakeries, bringing heart
and skill back to Denver.
"Opening up Empire." Blah.
Well, I don't know what to say,
E. L. Go back to school?
[phone buttons beeping]
[phone rings, buzzes]
- Hello?
- Is this L&N Confections?
Uh, yeah. Hi.
Yes, this is Libby speaking.
Hey, this is Peter Holloway.
We met earlier today
regarding your company
catering dessert
for my brother's
engagement party.
Yeah, yeah. Hi.
Hi. I'm actually calling you
to offer you the job,
if you're still interested.
Oh, uh. Um...
I think we, we might
have another little...
little mix-up on our hands.
We're the L&N Confections.
Not L&N Catering.
We're the more...
modest establishment.
Yep, I, I know. Even though
the selection process
was technically a mistake,
I feel like you might be
a good fit.
Someone told me recently
that mistakes
can lead to unexpected
positive outcomes.
And I know it sounds
cheesy, but...
No, I, I actually
believe exactly that.
You, you don't want a tasting
interview or anything?
Oh no, the gingerbread men
were great.
You were right,
a nice ginger zing.
Huh, yeah.
So, I'm gonna go with my gut.
My manager's assistant
will be in contact with you
regarding the paperwork. Okay?
Amazing. Bye...
[phone beeps off]
[phone beeping]
Manager's assistant?
[Christmas music building]
"As Theo1800 and Winter H
feistily hash out
the conversation
the world has been needing
to have
about the service industry,
entitlement, art..."
This is kind of brilliant.
We've received a ton
of new orders.
I'm guessing they're all
Team Winter.
Team Winter?
Well, I'm already
regretting this decision.
This is not...
how I wanted us
to earn our notoriety.
Are you kidding me?
It'll drive foot traffic in
to see how good we actually are.
Hmm. Did I tell you
that Theo1800 made me
burn my souffle?
No, your "everything's going
to be okay" souffle?
I'm sorry.
- I totally forgot, though.
I actually have
really good news.
Uh, we... somehow got
the catering gig.
[sighs]
- Okay, thank goodness.
I didn't want to admit
how much we need it.
What's the name again?
Yeah, I can never seem
to remember this.
Uh, it's for the guy's brother.
But his name is Peter...
Uh, yeah, Peter Holloway.
[coughs]
- Peter Holloway?
Mm-hmm. Yeah, do you know him?
Uh, the world knows him.
He's a movie star.
You really don't get out,
do you?
This totally makes sense.
There's been sightings
around town,
it's been posted on socials.
Okay, you're right,
the Theo-Winter sensation
may pass, but catering
for Peter Holloway,
that'll be career making!
[crowd chattering loudly]
Oh, uh...
Yep, I should probably
maintain my distance.
Libby, you've gotta start
helping me out here.
We should lean into this.
E. L. Michaels has no idea
who this Winter H character is
and just wants to get back
to her... quality work.
And uh, as the dessert caterer
for a high-profile event,
should probably maintain
her distance
from all this internet chatter.
[banging on glass]
Um, okay.
I am already confused,
but you may have a point
about the last thing.
[overlapping chatter]
Oh, yeah. Yep.
Yep. He does look famous.
Hi, welcome.
[camera shutters clicking]
Are you Winter?
[instrumental "It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear"]
Oh, you drawing
a bunch of pictures?
Hi. Peter Holloway.
[laughs]
Oh, you know who I am now.
Yeah, yeah. Uh, sorry,
I, I don't get to see
many movies.
I did watch a trailer
for one of your movies, though.
Uh, "All Paths Lead to Love,"
and I read that
your on-screen romance
turned to an off-screen romance.
And now you're throwing
this incredible party
for your brother, Gary.
You know, one of the big
reasons I hired you
was because you didn't
know who I was.
- Oh.
- Which is okay.
Uh, I just really appreciated
the no-nonsense person
who wasn't pushing things
like atmosphere and celestial.
It was very refreshing.
- Totally.
So, think of us as colleagues.
- Colleagues. Okay.
- Yes.
We are colleagues, got it.
Do I need... I don't need
to write that down.
Um... okay.
[both chuckle]
So...
this is the venue.
It's, no,
it's actually beautiful.
And I was noticing
all the dcor. It's magical.
- Yeah.
- And these, I'd, I'd totally
forgotten about these
little snowflakes.
Great choice. Love it.
Is there gonna be a centerpiece,
like, like a cake and um,
is that, is that something
that I... is my department?
No, I'm gonna have
one over-nighted from Paris
so you don't have
to worry about that.
I love that.
Do you have a theme
or, or any particular desserts
that the happy couple enjoy?
In all honestly, I just
really liked your look book.
So, we can just pick
something from there,
but make it red and green.
We need to get you inspired.
I have an idea.
[pen clicks]
Um, where are we going?
So, I figure since
I won't be speaking
to the bride or groom directly.
- Yeah.
That the next best thing
is to figure out
what inspires you.
So, I guess my first
question would be,
do you like Christmas?
- Uh, yeah.
- Oh, good.
- Actually, I love Christmas.
- That's a relief.
Actually, um,
that'll get us a long way.
Good, 'cause honestly,
I really do trust you.
So, anything that's Christmassy,
tasty, and visually upscale.
But I guess I should
ask first,
are you thinking desserts
like Mille-feuille
that necessitate a plate
and sitting down at a table,
or would you be open to a...
- Um...
- Come over here, a funnel cake.
Something more whimsical,
like a funnel cake.
Can I have two please?
Thank you.
- Sure.
- Now, don't forget,
these desserts can be...
- There you go.
experiences,
not just decorations on a table.
Okay. Um, this...
- Yeah?
- Isn't really, uh,
visually upscale, though.
- Oh, don't worry,
I can make it that way.
- What is this?
[Libby laughs]
What?
You've got a little...
Do you have a napkin?
- Sorry, do you have a napkin?
- I don't need one.
Well, hot chocolate's
definitely a Christmas staple.
Yeah, actually,
Gary would love that.
When we were young,
he was crazy about those, uh,
those hot cocoa packets
with the little marshmallows.
- Oh yeah.
- And all the different
flavors, yeah.
- Well, you know what?
We could totally do that.
But we could,
we could elevate it.
We could add new flavors.
- What?
- We could, we could actually
even have a little,
a little station
and then the guests
can come and...
put on their own garnishes?
Don't know if
it's too casual. But...
- I like it.
- Oh.
- That's good.
- Okay.
Wow, that,
that is really good.
- Right?
- Wow.
And perfect timing.
Geez, I forgot to eat.
I had, uh, remote chemistry
auditions all afternoon.
Oh, for your,
like, your next movie?
- Mm-hmm.
- What's it about?
It's called Fathoms.
Um, it's, uh,
one of those franchise things.
- Okay.
I'm a superhero
slash sea captain.
[laughs]
For CGI sequels, you know.
No, that sounds amazing.
Congrats.
I will go and I will
watch your movie.
Thank you.
So, what inspired you
to be a caterer of confections?
My great-grandma,
she had a bakery
back when that just
wasn't a thing.
And then my grandmother
took over
and added her pastry expertise.
And as soon as I was old enough
to wield a cookie cutter,
I'd like, hop on my little stool
and get in there and help her.
And I loved it,
Idid that pretty much until
I left for college.
I never seem to get tired of...
creating something that's
really beautiful and tactile.
- Hmm.
- Like...
Like rolling out
the perfectly layered dough
to a Kouign-Amann.
I just, I love, I love it.
Wait, I don't even
know what that is. A...
A King Armand? That's like,
that's like one of the roles
I didn't get.
No, kouign-amann, it's um,
it's a laminated pastry.
It's like,
like croissants' quirky,
caramelized cousin.
It actually literally translates
to "butter" and "cake".
[laughs]
- That's really cool.
- So, yeah.
So, so do you, uh...
bake out of a...
uh, a shop or something, or...?
Yeah. Yeah, well,
I just kinda here and there.
- Oh.
- Mm-hmm.
[women whispering indistinctly]
I think you might
have been spotted.
[woman]: He's amazing,
he's so beautiful.
- Yeah, he's so cute.
- Oh, yeah.
- Oh.
- Maybe you should, um...
go ask them
if they want a selfie.
Well, my manager says
I have to get better at that.
Please hold my hot chocolate.
Okay.
[chuckles]
Hey, do, do you guys
want a selfie?
Yes! Yes, please.
[giggling]
Thank you.
- Thank you!
Well, I-I don't know,
I just uh, I froze.
He asked where I work out of,
and I didn't want him
Googling the patisserie
and the first thing that he sees
is that terrible review by Theo.
That's smart.
But how cool could it be
if Peter Holloway
could publicly
come to our defense?
It can't be terrible hanging
out all day with that hottie.
Oh. Oh, hottie?
You know what?
I had not noticed.
I've just been too busy...
trying to do the best job I can.
And in case you didn't know,
he actually is dating
a movie star who's stunning.
So, there's that, too.
- He can still be handsome.
It's just a standalone fact.
You're really putting like,
375 percent into this.
Nicole, if there was ever
a time for me to do that,
it's now. I really just,
I wanna knock this
outta the park for us.
Well, guys, that is our
biggest day on record.
And on a Tuesday.
- Nice.
- Thanks.
- I wish we knew who Winter was
so we could send her
a bottle of wine.
I wonder if that
Winter-Theo conversation
will pick back up again?
It was sort of
left on a cliffhanger.
Like, who takes pride in not
rooting for the underdog?
Yeah, but guys,
you really wanna hear from this,
this Theo character again?
I mean, yeah, kind of.
If anything, to hear what else
Winter has to say back.
I hope the conversation
keeps going.
It's win-win.
People will come for the buzz
but return because Libby
is so good at what she does.
[jazzy Christmas music]
[Libby]: Hello, Theo.
Sorry I dropped off.
I had to go on living my life.
[keys clacking]
Hello, Theo, how was your day?
Did you find any
new small businesses to malign?
[keys clacking]
Dear Theo, I don't believe you.
I'm going to give you
the benefit of the doubt
that you're a...
a much better person
than you've presented
here sometimes.
Internet chatter can bring out
the worst in people.
So, it's Christmastime.
What if we were to use
the Christmas spirit
as a way to start over?
I said I bet
you're one of those types
that's dissatisfied
all the time.
Prove me wrong.
Tell me your favorite
Christmas tradition or memory.
Something that brings you joy.
What? I have homework now?
Fine, Winter,
but only if you do the same.
And only because I refuse
to let you have the last word.
Maybe it's immature.
I don't care.
Okay, memory from
when I was a kid.
Where I grew up, it snowed
a lot, but it was flat.
No hills.
Me and my brother felt left out
seeing all the hills
and sledding on TV,
so we dragged
our swing set slide around
and got another one
from our neighbor.
Okay, I'm listening.
Maybe.
We got planks and cardboard,
then packed snow on top of it.
And then we got my mom's old
sheet pans and voila,
sledding for the kids
on the street.
Very industrious,
but maybe dangerous?
Are you critiquing
my joy, Winter H?
Miraculously, nobody got hurt.
Fine, that's maybe adorable.
I'm glad you approve.
Your turn.
[scoffs]
- Okay.
Mine is current, but similar.
Do you remember those
paper snowflakes
you'd make as a kid by folding
up the paper in half,
and then in half again,
and so on?
I do.
I just made a whole bunch,
and I'm hanging them up.
Why don't we make them anymore?
That's so funny.
Those came up recently.
What else? Okay, bear with me.
I read A Christmas Carol
every year.
The Dickens novella.
It's actually kinda heavy.
It is, isn't it?
Christmas coming at the end
of the year,
it's a good time to try
to remember what's important.
So, I read it outside,
people watching,
because it's easy to forget
that everyone
has their own story,
their own ghosts of the past,
present, and future.
That probably sounds sappy.
Well...
[sighs]
Actually, it doesn't,
but I'm definitely
not going to tell you that.
Fine, I suppose
you passed the test. For now.
It's getting late
and I should turn in.
I still think your review
was mean and unnecessary.
Good night.
[laughs]
Okay. Sleep well?
Don't tell me how to sleep,
Victorian robot.
[chuckles]
[upbeat Christmas music]
Well, how's the catering
going?
Really well.
I'm actually having
a lot of fun getting into it.
So...
I noticed you kept
that conversation going.
I was kinda hoping
if I didn't say anything,
you'd get bored of rebelling
against my advice.
Well, maybe this isn't
all about you.
And I don't see
what it's hurting,
and no one knows it's me, so...
Well, yeah,
no one knows it's you
until they know it's you.
If I may also suggest,
maybe avoid holding
your one-on-one meetings
with your attractive caterer
in a crowded Christmas market.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Okay, attractive or not,
there is no message.
It's... she's our
dessert caterer.
- Yeah.
- That is all.
[message pings]
[Peter]: Good morning, Winter.
Have you made any perfect paper
snowflakes today?
I did. I made a few for work.
Oh, work. Dare we
broach the subject?
[knock on door]
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Wow, huh.
- Uh, well, thanks for coming.
It's uh, much easier
to concentrate here
without having to worry about
the public or selfies, so...
Oh, yeah, you've gotta
watch out for those selfies.
[chuckles]
So...
Wow, this is not bad.
Yeah, yeah,
I'm, I'm very lucky.
Um, here, let me take that.
Yeah.
- Thank you.
- Oh, what's this?
- Mm, it's a Kouign-Amann.
A "King Armand" for the party.
A "King Armand".
But no, it's, it's for you.
You mentioned you didn't know
what they were,
and now you will.
Nice.
Oh, my God, that's...
that is really good.
Right?
So, uh,
which kitchen do you
want me to set up in?
- Oh. Oh, yeah, yeah. 'Kay.
- And can I use a few pots?
Of course, 'kay.
'Kay, follow me.
Okay.
[jazzy Christmas music]
- Wow, dj vu.
These little uh, paper
snowflakes keep coming up.
I mean, probably
'cause they were
at the event space
the other day.
Oh no, it's from this other...
never mind.
It's not important.
- Okay.
Uh, so, this is our base flavor,
which is delicious on its own,
but I've got three
additional flavors
that you can add.
We've got crme de cassis,
an amaretto,
and then, well, of course,
I couldn't not do peppermint.
- Ooh.
- Try them.
Okay.
I know that look.
- No, you don't.
- Yeah, how do you know
what look I know and don't know?
- Just focus and answer the...
Why does it... Do you like it?
Uh, this is great.
Without a doubt,
let's include this for sure.
Okay. Are you sure?
'Cause I, like, I really
want this to be
meaningful and special.
You don't have to overachieve
on every last crumb.
I do.
I have to pick something up.
Do you wanna come with me
so we can keep
brainstorming and stuff?
I can call my driver.
Why not.
[snow crunching under foot]
Oh, okay. Wow.
- Mm-hmm.
- So...
How many sleds
did you end up buying?
- Eight.
- Eight.
I might get more. Uh...
They're gonna be gifts and...
I was inspired recently, so...
- And we're here to...?
To test them out.
Yeah, I think that might be
a little outside
of my department.
Oh, having fun in the snow
is outside of your department?
No, I just...
it kinda feels like you might...
be procrastinating a little bit?
But why can't we just
call this
looking for inspiration
like the Christmas market?
You don't get to use
my own logic against me.
- And why not?
- That's not how this works.
Okay.
Um...
What do I do if I'm going
straight for a tree?
You just bail
and roll into a ball.
Okay.
[exhales]
All right, let's do it.
You're up.
[grunts]
[upbeat instrumental
"O Christmas Tree"]
Okay.
Woo-hoo!
[laughing]
- Okay.
- All right.
Wait, wait, wait.
No, not, no!
[laughing]
No! Wait, that's it!
What? How did that happen?
Oh, I stopped.
Why are you still going?
[laughing]
Is there a special someone
that you bake for or...?
Uh, you know what?
There's uh,
there's a lot of
special people that I actually,
I bake for.
- Oh, nice. Good.
Um...
I was seeing someone.
Until recently but it, it ended.
Oh, I'm sorry.
No, you know what?
It's probably for the best.
Work's been really
all-consuming,
and...
you know, he kind of
always saw my work
as an inconvenience
or beside the point.
And maybe he's right,
maybe I do need to shift things
or do something different.
You just need
to find a better fit.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Like you. Whoa!
Oh, what?
Are you, are you okay?
Um, yeah. No, I'm fine.
Um, yeah, like,
like you and um, you and Marla.
You're uh, you're a perfect fit.
Yeah. But uh...
Sure.
Well, did it work?
Do you feel inspired?
No, I just actually
really wanted to go sledding.
Yeah, I haven't gone since
I was a kid,
so, thanks for humoring me.
No problem. I guess,
you know,
sometimes you just gotta do
what you wanna do.
Which should be a lot easier
to do in life than it is.
Don't you think?
Actually, you just
kind of inspired me.
[laughing]
Without thinking,
what is, um, a favorite
treat growing up? Go.
Wait, so this did work.
Just answer the question.
Okay, this definitely
isn't sophisticated,
but my town's supermarket chain,
Lenny's,
they had these, uh,
these Christmas sugar cookies
with the jelly in the middle.
And it was supposedly cherry,
but it wasn't actually cherry.
- Yeah.
- You know what I mean?
Uh, yeah, they always made me
feel like a kid at Christmas.
I don't even know
if that store exists anymore.
But I wish I could find those.
[soft music]
Okay, let me know
as soon as you can.
Hey. Hey, it is really
cold in here.
What, what's going on
with the lights?
Bill says power's out
in the building,
and there's little chance
of it getting resolved today.
- What?
- Probably not tomorrow either.
Oh, well, that's great.
Yeah. Maybe since this
will free up
a little of your time,
might be a good opportunity
to put yourself out there.
You know,
take the next step with Theo.
Oh.
[chuckles]
Oh, with Theo.
Nicole, I, I'm just
conversing for the sake
of the patisserie.
Oh.
Okay, so say I indulge this,
this idea of yours.
Uh, you do realize that Theo
could be absolutely anybody.
He could be 105 years old.
He could be a basement dweller.
He could be a bot.
I love how you talk yourself
out of things.
Here's what I see happening.
You let yourself like someone
but from this safe,
online distance.
But I think
this could be something.
And you can and should
take a leap.
Fine.
I will keep this in mind
for the future.
But right now, I think
the most important thing
is just focusing on making
this catering gig
100 percent. Right?
- Okay.
- Okay.
[chuckles]
Fine.
[gentle music]
[music builds]
[bright music]
Well, thank goodness
for the battery powered
Christmas lights.
I have something important to...
I have an idea.
[chuckles]
- You go.
I have a plan to harness
this Theo-Winter chatter
and keep momentum going
while the power's out.
- Okay.
- We are going to make
a lot of your special
sugar cookies
and give them out for free.
We'll advertise on social media.
Free cookies as a vote,
pink boxes for Team Winter,
blue boxes for Team Theo.
We'll rent that
commercial kitchen
and get them all boxed up
and ready to go.
We'll open up
the front of the shop,
a festive grab and go.
There'll be a tip jar
for Christmas contributions
and we'll see what comes of it.
Hmm.
[sighs]
I know you don't
like social media.
No, I, I actually think
this is a really good idea.
Great. I'll look
for some kitchen space now.
You know what?
Why don't we just...
have a big baking party
at my place?
That could work.
Wait, what was your news?
Oh. Uh, yeah,
I, I think I've decided
that I...
I wanna give this Theo1800
IRL thing...
a shot.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
What changed?
Well, I was thinking
about what you said and...
how maybe I do need
to put myself out there,
and maybe you're right,
maybe I'd miss out on something.
And...
honestly, I, I need
a bit of a distraction.
Good. Because I think
I may have a good plan
for that, too.
[jazzy "Jingle Bells"]
Excuse me. What are you doing?
You still haven't
slid into Theo's DMs?
- No.
- Well, you're gonna need to.
It's time for Theo
to give Empire another try.
And Winter has the inside scoop.
A secret pass phrase
for a special treat
for limited customers.
But there will actually
only be one.
Oh.
[laughs]
Okay. That's, that's how
we're gonna reel him in.
What if he doesn't
take the bait, though?
Oh, he will.
Because he likes you.
- Oh, stop it.
- Because he likes you.
Get, go away!
[laughs]
Ooh, what flavor?
It is raspberry pistachio.
Mm. So, what's
the secret passcode?
"Who doesn't root
for the underdog?"
[laugh]
[indistinct spirited chatter]
What do you think
he'll look like?
Or what do you hope
he'll look like?
I don't know, I, I kinda hope
he's that non-intimidating
handsome where one day,
you just look over
and you're like, woo,
you actually have
a beautiful smile.
Why short yourself, Libby?
Oh, what if he's as handsome
as Peter?
Why do you keep
bringing Peter into this?
Um, as a handsome barometer.
- Mm-hmm.
- Why are you being so touchy
about Peter?
I'm not being
touchy about Peter.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I'm supposed to ask about...
cheering for underdogs?
Oh um, who doesn't root
for the underdog?
- Sure.
- Why would you ask that?
I don't know. That's what
the guy told me to say.
Oh, okay.
I'm just a Zip Eats driver.
If I could just get the thing.
- Oh yeah, yeah.
I'm sorry, here you go.
Just uh, make sure you,
you hold it upright
and don't... don't tip it.
Okay.
- Don't, don't jostle it.
- Okay.
Upright.
Sorry, Libby.
[sighs]
We'll think of another strategy.
I can't tell
if Winter or Theo won,
but I think we might have
surpassed our normal sales.
[laughs]
- Nice.
[soft music]
[lock clicks]
[message pings]
[music brightens]
He's coming.
Nicole.
- Oh, my God.
He's coming. He's coming.
Who's coming?
[giggle]
Okay.
Okay, so, so he loved the cake,
he like, really loved it.
And he goes on and on about it
and how the pistachio flavor
is just the right amount.
Fast forward to the part
where he's coming.
Okay. So he wraps it up
by saying
he owes Empire Patisserie
a big apology
and he's gonna come in
right away to apologize
to the baker E. L. Michaels,
in person.
[gasps]
- I have an idea.
- No, this is a bad idea.
- It's sweet.
- Bad idea. Bad idea.
- It'll be so perfect.
- No, trust me.
- Okay, bad choice.
You said you needed
some makeup?
Yes, yes. Because...
I'm gonna swear you to secrecy.
Chef Libby is Winter H.
And Theo1800 is on his way
to apologize to the chef
for his negative review.
It's a meet cute.
Guys, guys, you realize
this person could still be
an absolute weirdo.
Total weirdo.
I just have this gut feeling
he's not.
But if he is,
then you're just E. L. Michaels.
You thank him for his time
and then I guess Theo
and Winter's conversation
can just naturally fizzle out.
- Yeah.
- What? It's a good plan.
Oh, no, no, yeah,
it's a, it is a good plan.
I just, uh,
oh, I just realized
that I might actually
be a little sad about the idea
of the conversation
fizzling out.
Okay, we better go
be on lookout.
You stay here.
And when the time comes,
you can make your entrance.
Get out of here. Go.
Oh...
[upbeat music]
Just keep an eye, okay?
[clears throat]
[tender music]
[gasps]
Tell Libby not to come out.
Tell her to stay back.
Uh, okay.
Libby!
Hey.
Stay here. Don't come out.
[footsteps run away]
[door clicks open]
- Hey.
- Hey.
Welcome to Empire Patisserie.
We're actually, uh...
I know you guys are closed
but I was wondering
if I could speak to the head
baker or pastry chef,
E. L. Michaels.
I brought this bottle
of wine for them.
I have an apology.
Are you Theo1800?
Yes, I am,
that's why the apology.
Wow, uh what timing.
Our chef actually just left
for the evening.
- Oh.
- And is going on a vacation.
A cruise. A long cruise.
Well, I guess do you think
you could give them
this bottle of wine?
And tell them that
Theo1800 is sorry?
Of course.
This is really sweet.
We will pass this on.
Thank you. And I would
really appreciate it
if you kept the fact that
I'm Theo1800 on the down low.
It'd just be really bad
for me if that got out.
Absolutely.
Awesome. Thank you.
So wait, what else
am I missing here?
So, crazy, huh?
You doing okay?
Yeah. Sure.
So, what are you gonna do?
You gonna tell him?
Hmm. Nope.
No, I mean, to what end?
Theo's Peter, and Peter
is in a relationship
with a beautiful,
force of nature movie star.
He just doesn't seem like
someone who's in a relationship.
Yeah, I know, which
is the ultimate red flag.
What is he even doing
flirting with this online
Winter H character anyways?
Yeah, I think the best thing
to do is just, you know,
pretend it never happened.
And focus on making
the catering gig
as perfect as we can,
'cause our livelihoods
depend on it.
I know you had real feelings,
Libby.
For Theo.
And maybe even Peter.
And I know that doesn't
come often for you. I'm sorry.
I'm really okay. Honestly.
I mean, when it comes down
to it,
it was all make-believe,
wasn't it?
Theo and Winter are... fiction.
It's kind of a relief, actually.
And uh, yeah, as far as Peter,
well, there is just
no Peter in anything.
Um...
And I'm not someone
who's gonna break up
somebody else's relationship.
Well, at least there's that.
[chuckles softly]
[message pings]
[Peter]: Dear Winter,
just a follow-up. I went
into Empire Patisserie
to apologize in person,
but the chef had already left.
Anticlimactic, right?
I'm back on the main thread
here so everyone can hear.
I know we stayed willfully
ignorant of all the chatter,
but I hope the attention
the patisserie received
helped more than it hurt.
Who knows, maybe in the end
I'm a hero.
It's time I said it,
you were right, Winter H.
I'd simply had a bad day
and I stuck to my g*ns
because I was stubborn,
but maybe also
I wanted to keep
the conversation going.
Of course, the next move
is to take the review down.
But then that ends
our conversation,
so I thought I'd leave it up.
Just for now.
[oven dings]
[jazzy Christmas music]
[exhales heavily]
So, a lot of these
you've seen before,
but just so you could get
a picture of the whole spread.
I've got the funnel cake,
which I've made into a cupcake,
to make it more
visually upscale.
And then your favorite,
the kouign-amann.
And I gave it a bit of a...
a Christmas touch.
Can we call it the King Armand
on the little cards?
Sure, whatever you want.
And um, this is the surprise
that I've been working on.
[tender music]
Yeah. There you go.
- The cookies.
- Yep.
Yeah, I, I had some flown in
so I could try and figure out
the jelly, and you're right,
they're cherry,
but they're not cherry at all.
And I know you have
the Parisian cake,
but maybe you could have two.
Or you could have mini cakes.
Or, I don't know,
you could just take it home.
[chuckles nervously]
And enjoy it yourself.
Because honestly, I...
I made it for you
after your Lenny's story.
It's perfect. And I,
I know that I said lately
I've been far away from myself,
you know, detached,
but I just want you to know
that I don't feel that way now.
- Well, that's amazing.
- Good.
That means I've done my job
and that the desserts
are a success.
They are.
There's something that I've
been keeping from you,
or from everyone, really,
and I feel like I-I have
to get it out.
And I don't know why,
but I feel like I need
to tell you specifically.
But uh, Marla and I...
Wait, you don't need
to tell me.
Don't worry about it.
I'm just the dessert caterer.
[chuckles]
[mutters]
I know you've been
going through a patch
of feeling detached
and maybe a little unmoored,
but the day after tomorrow,
Marla's gonna be here
and you guys get to celebrate
your brother's engagement,
and then you're gonna be off
in New York at your premiere.
And I just...
I have a feeling
it's just all gonna
click back into place for you.
Don't you think?
You sound like my brother.
Then I sound like someone
who wants the best for you.
[sighs heavily]
Dear Winter,
if I'm honest with myself,
this conversation has been
something special and...
Dear Winter, I just wanted
to say that I wish
great things for you but...
[soft Christmas music]
This is going to be
an amazing spread.
But you're not going to attend?
What about your usual
standard of presentation?
No. No.
There was a moment earlier
when I was talking with Peter.
I don't even actually know
if he knew that...
it was a moment, but...
probably what he's going through
has absolutely
nothing to do with me.
I don't know.
But I-I started to picture
myself at the engagement party.
I'd be smiling at this,
this perfect,
Hollywood couple and uh,
at best, I just don't fit in.
And at worst,
I might actually be...
[sniffles]
somehow interfering.
But I did think of a silver
lining to everything.
Because I won't be there,
I can easily double
a lot of these recipes,
and we can have
a special Christmas menu.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
We can keep
the caf open late.
We can blast it on social media.
It can be like an impromptu
neighborhood Christmas party.
- Yeah, exactly.
- Yeah.
We can use
the snowflake doilies too.
[chuckles softly]
You put too much love
into this menu
for it to disappear
with one event.
I think I'm going to have Skip
oversee the engagement party.
And I just realized
I'm going to have to brief him
on the fact that he doesn't
work for the Patisserie,
he works for L&N Confections,
so that will be fun.
- Mmm.
The web of lies.
- The web of lies.
Uh-huh.
[guests laugh]
We work in an industry
where we control and shape
narratives with a specific
aim in mind.
Usually financial.
[guests laugh]
But when real life love
comes along,
it's a force of nature.
It's undeniable,
which is what I would use
to describe Diane.
[guests]: Aw...
And as you all settle in,
don't forget to grab
some of the confections
provided by
my soon-to-be brother-in-law,
Peter Holloway.
[guests]: Ooh!
- You may have heard of him.
But uh, just remember,
it's our party.
It's not his, okay?
[guests laugh]
[upbeat music]
- Oh.
- Sorry I'm late. That airport.
Okay.
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental
"Joy to the World"]
[laughing, chattering]
There you go.
- Okay, I admit
that when they were still
casting the role of Charlie,
I may have nudged them
in Peter's direction.
Besides his good looks,
he's incredibly talented.
What can I say?
She's got good taste.
[laughing]
[camera shutter clicking]
Who are you looking for?
Oh, I'm just checking out
the dessert situation.
Huh.
- Look what I got.
- Oh.
- Hey?
- How's things going with Marla?
Oh, amazing.
We are epically in love.
Great. What's this?
Your Paris cake?
No. Try it.
Hmm?
No way!
- Yes way.
- The Lenny's cookies?
- Yep, yep.
- Haha!
I'm eight years old again.
- Yeah, good, good, good.
Oh man.
[laughing]
I uh, I would highly recommend
finishing that off
with the peppermint crumble.
Hmm. Thanks for the tip.
Oh, yeah, that's the stuff.
[laughing]
You know, I'm glad my brother
chose your company.
It's funny it all worked out,
because he interviewed
the wrong L&N by mistake.
You know, actually, um,
my boss, Chef Libby,
has this whole saying, uh,
sometimes mistakes can be good.
Sometimes they land you
in realm of opportunities
that we never would have thought
for ourselves.
Well, in this case,
it landed me
in a realm of deliciousness.
- Well, now you enjoy.
- Cheers.
Wait a second.
That sounds familiar.
[exhales]
So, I think we did
a good job back there.
Yeah.
We're staying
in the same building.
Do you think we should ride back
together or can I go home early?
Well, I wouldn't mind
catching up a bit.
Uh, not like that, though. Uh...
I'm just having to lie
and all this pretending.
How do you feel about it?
- It's been awful.
- See?
You think so too,
and you are so much
better at this stuff than I am.
Yeah, but it doesn't
mean I like it.
I think, can we please
stop doing it?
- Really?
- Yeah, I mean if it hurts
the publicity of the movie
or the premiere, so be it.
I mean, it's a good movie,
we k*lled it,
so who cares, right?
- We did k*ll it.
- Yeah.
- Which is why
we got swept away.
- Yeah, maybe a little bit.
[chuckles]
Well, we should wait
until after this party.
- Yeah.
- For Gary's sake.
Mm-hmm. Um,
and then maybe
I'll release a statement.
Yeah.
One more thing.
I think you shouldn't give up
on Winter H... Theo!
How did you know that?
Well, I couldn't tell
at first, but in later posts,
it started to all
kind of sound familiar.
Putting two and two together,
it was that day
that you were upset and wanting
to say something.
- Oh.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
- Well, I think it's worth
noting that Winter H seemed
to bring out something in you
that I wasn't quite able to.
Well, unfortunately,
Winter might be gone.
I'm sorry.
- It's okay. Thanks, though.
- But...
now maybe you know
what's possible for next time.
Yeah. Yeah.
[laughing]
[sighs]
[gentle music]
Um, I was looking for you.
I kind of just figured out
something that you should
probably know.
Wait, where's Marla?
Uh, she left. Jet lag.
Um, listen, I...
You're quitting pretending to
still be together, aren't you?
Yeah. Um...
we don't have to talk about it
right now.
It's fine.
It's actually a relief.
Wait, what?
Well, it brings me to what
I had to say. Uh,
I have good reason to believe
that Libby, your dessert gal,
is also Winter H.
So, this kid
from her catering company
just used a quote about mistakes
that Libby told him.
It was word for word
what Winter said.
I don't know,
might be a stretch but...
No. No, it's not.
That actually makes sense.
Look, I don't know if
it's the dancing with Diane
all night, or the cookie cake,
but... I am so, so sorry.
Uh, I was being myopic
and pushy.
I really thought
it was helping you.
No, no, you're good, man.
Like...
You should go get the girl.
Online. IRL. Both.
You.
Yeah, it's uh, it's me.
You work for Libby, too.
Yeah, I work
with uh, Chef Libby.
She's not coming
tonight, is she.
Uh... no. I'm-I'm sorry.
She sends you know,
her apologies and uh, you know,
wishes the best for the couple
and for you and Marla, so...
Do you know
where I could find her?
I-I suppose
she's at the patisserie.
The patisserie.
Like the Empire Patisserie?
Uh. Um...
[stammering]
- What?
Is...
[blows out breath]
What?
Maybe I should be okay
Let the year just fall away
Look at what I have,
I let you go
But it's not Christmas
Without you here
It can't be Christmas
Without you near
It can't be Christmas
It can't be Christmas
[indistinct chatter]
Um...
Witout you here
Libby, uh, baker
and pastry chef extraordinaire,
E. L. Michaels.
I missed you so much
at my brother's
engagement party tonight,
and I want you to know
that your magical, thoughtful,
and delicious creations
were loved by all.
And I also want you to know
that Marla and I,
we're not together,
and we haven't been for weeks.
[patrons murmur]
It-It was amicable,
everything's... fine.
We were together
for publicity reasons.
And I don't wanna
do that anymore, because of you.
I-I know that you're Winter H
and I'm Theo1800.
[patrons murmuring]
- See? Winter. Theo.
Um... yeah. Uh...
I know.
You...
Peter, what are you
doing here?
Uh, well when I was coming
over here, I realized something.
That you didn't show up,
which is very unlike you.
Actually, you don't really
know me well enough
to determine whether
that's like me or not like me.
I mean, I disagree,
I think I do.
And I think you didn't
show up tonight
because you like me, too.
No, I mean, I can just tell
you're going through a lot
and, and your life is, is very
complicated right now,
and I just thought
it was best to Marla or no Marla
to just keep my distance.
Okay, what about Theo?
Theo's fiction.
No, Theo... is me,
and Winter is you.
And our connection was so real
that I fell for you, twice.
You made me feeling something,
Libby,
for the first time
in a long time.
And I know that sounds
simple and silly, but it's not.
I haven't felt like that
in a very long time.
And when I realized that,
all I wanted to do
was come and find you
and kiss you.
Yeah, I, I think you're just
mistaking me for Winter H. I...
I totally get. I mean,
it's a safe fantasy,
like Theo was for me.
And I mean,
if you'd had real feelings
for me,
I feel like you probably
would have told me sooner.
Okay, you did this
the other day
when you were packing up
and when you were telling me
what my feelings were
and what they weren't.
What do you feel?
I feel like it's been
a very short time
and we don't know each other
very well.
I feel like we were playing
it safe on Knives and Spoons,
both of us, and this is me
not playing it safe anymore.
Because I don't wanna wonder
what it might have been like.
And I want you.
That, that's incredibly bold
and it's sweeping and romantic,
thank you, truly. Uh...
But Peter, I'm really sorry
to say this, the truth is,
it's what the internet says
and this was all
just a-a massive
publicity stunt.
- I don't believe you.
- It is.
And I didn't tell you
when I found out that you
were Theo in real life,
because I was just trying
to keep the prestigious
catering job.
You have to understand,
we're in completely
different worlds.
- Okay, okay.
You can go out
the back door if you want.
They're all watching out there.
No, that's fine.
[door creaks open]
"And owner and pastry chef E.
L. Michaels, in parentheses
Libby Michaels,
brings us artful patisserie,
reverent to tradition but with
a twist and full of love.
Take, for example the perfectly
flaky pastry
that tasted like Christmas joy
was tucked in its layers.
Or the red-jeweled sugar cookie
with its unique jelly center.
The most surprising of all.
Yes, there has been viral
chatter about the restaurant,
but Michaels' artful cuisine
will speak for itself
"for years to come."
Amid all the noise,
The Times gave us
a glowing review.
And it's your dream review.
We have to print and frame this.
Well, yeah. It's amazing.
[chuckles]
And you know this review
is for you too, right?
I know.
And while I know
it might be a fool's errand,
I forwarded you more
interview queries.
Might be a good time
to change the narrative.
Merry Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas Eve.
Why aren't you more excited?
I am. I'm really excited.
[scoffs]
I-I am. I'm just really tired.
Well, you better come over
tomorrow for Christmas breakfast
and my inferior
biscuits and gravy.
[laughing]
- Nicole, I'm okay.
I, I actually am. I'm fine.
Libby, it's not about you.
It's about me. This is selfish.
I know, we spend a million
hours working together,
but I miss our normal,
everyday friendship.
I need you to laugh
at my stupid jokes.
[laughing]
Your attendance is required.
Oh, is it? Oh, okay.
I shall be there.
Now, really, I love you.
Thank you.
Love you.
I've been tempted to say
our original approach was wrong,
but I mean, there's no way
we could have
strategized for this.
- Yeah.
- Public confession
to being Theo1800,
the bold and mysterious absence
from the movie premiere.
Like, it is the most bizarre
publicity c*ck.
- Yep.
- All paths don't lead to love.
Yeah, well,
you can say that again.
And somehow,
the public adores you even more
for being sweet on
a mere mortal,
instead of Marla Benson.
[stammers]
Like, you might be invincible.
Look, I, I'm sorry, Peter.
If I'm being honest,
I feel like Theo and Winter
had a connection.
I know this 'cause it was
giving me heartburn constantly.
Just give it a bit of time.
[sighs]
I don't know if this is
the right time to tell you this,
but um,
starting the first of the year,
I'm gonna be booked
for a couple weeks.
Hey, don't worry,
I'm not dropping you,
I'm just, I'm just expanding.
Well, I lucked out
with this publicity,
so I think I'm gonna use it
to take things
in a different direction
this time.
- Huh.
- So, I'm gonna be passing
on a lot of stuff
that you don't want me to.
[exhales]
- Yeah, I can tell.
The heartburn's
returning already.
[laughing]
But the truth is,
I mean, we both know
you barely need me.
I don't. But I do.
So now, you've become
a little bit of a star chef,
but you're known for not playing
the social media game.
Is that intentional
on your part?
Uh yeah, it... it is.
I, ideally, would like my work
to speak for itself,
but I, I also understand
that people have to find you.
So, I'm... I'm working on it.
You don't want to end up
intentionally hiding.
Right.
Well, you may have predicted
we couldn't not ask you
about the dreamy Peter Holloway.
The internet has been going
bonkers with the idea
that all of this could have been
the smartest publicity
stunt ever.
Do you have
any response to this?
I do, yes.
No, it wasn't a publicity stunt.
That's not how I want
to earn my notoriety.
I want to let all those
involved know that...
that wasn't what it was, at all.
Even if I, I might have
said that it was.
Hmm. What was it like working
as a caterer for Peter Holloway?
It was great.
It was wonderful. We...
It was really fun coming up
with ideas.
We even went
sledding at one point.
And he confessed to having
feelings for you.
The world was flabbergasted
that you would actually
turn this heartthrob down,
especially after
such a heartfelt confession.
Is he not your type
or something? You felt nothing?
No, it's not... it's not
that I felt nothing. I...
I really cared about him
and he's, he's wonderful.
But...
how likely is it to work?
We're in two very
different universes,
and he's on the rebound,
and he's likely
already recovered.
[chuckles nervously]
- So you talked yourself
out of it so you would
never have to know.
This reminds me about
what we were talking about
here up top.
Didn't you ever wonder
what it would have been like
to just go for it?
To be Peter Holloway's
girlfriend, you know?
Hold his hand while you're
walking down the street.
Yeah, see this is why
I don't like interviews.
[chuckles]
- Yet, if I may remind you,
you called me two hours ago
to meet now, on Christmas Eve.
You're trying to reach
somebody urgently.
"Michaels chose not to answer."
Okay, last question.
Someone spotted Peter,
so he's still in town.
If you saw him down the street,
what would you want
to say to him?
[tender music]
Wait, he's still in town?
Mm-hmm.
Uh, can we pick
this up another time?
[music intensifies]
- Oh.
- Oh, excuse me.
[breathing heavily]
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey, hey.
What are you...
What are you doing?
[panting]
Well, this is, um...
a place where you,
you do the things you wanna do.
And I thought it'd be
a good place to start.
And I'm, I'm so glad
that you're here.
I am so sorry...
that I lied to you. And...
and that I didn't come clean
when I found out you were Theo.
It was never a ploy.
It was really, really real,
and it's been real longer than
I'd probably like to admit.
I'm just really good
at talking myself out of things.
I'm... so sorry.
That's a lot. Um...
Yeah.
I did think about
what happened.
And I missed you.
[tearfully]: I really
missed you too.
- So?
- Where do we start?
I think you owe me
a Christmas Eve date.
Oh, do I?
[laughs]
You do. Mm-hmm.
Okay.
And maybe since
you're in this place where...
you do things that
you really wanna do.
Mm-hmm.
There's some things
you might want to...
There is.
[instrumental
"Joy to the World"]
[light music]
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A Sprinkle of Christmas (2024)
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