All's Fair in Love and Mahjong (2026)

[bunniefuu]

Mahjong.

From the 19th-century

teahouses of China

to kitchen tables

in small towns today,

family and friends

gather around these tiles

sharing food, laughter,

and the stories of their lives.

When the Chinese

invented mahjong,

they gave us the gift

of community and connection,

reflecting life

through its tiles...

chance, choice,

and, of course, change.

Take the flowers.

Some sources say the flowers

are representative

of the four seasons.

Then there are

the four winds. Direction.

You never know

where it will take you,

but in life and in mahjong,

the hand you're dealt

matters far less

than how you choose to play it.

Ronni?

Come on! It's beautiful!

It's literally perfect.

Honey, you outdid yourself.

Okay? As always.

I'm telling you, your house

is my favorite restaurant.

All right, ladies. Game on.

Ooh!

Good luck, friends.

And I said, "That's fine, Evan,

but if you take

location services

off your phone again,

you can pay the bill

yourself."

Oh!

I bet that ended

the conversation real fast.

Nine bam.

Oh, you know it did! Flower.

I can't believe little

Savannah's going to college.

- Right?

- That's going way too fast.

- I know.

- It still feels like

yesterday

we met at the PTA meeting

where Caroline Bennett

had a fit and quit.

Two dot.

Wait. Do you remember

how dramatic her exit was?

"None of you appreciate

all that I do!"

If I had a dollar

for every time I screamed that

at the top of my lungs,

I would never

have to sell a house again.

Savannah finished packing

last night.

Savannah finished packing,

or you finished packing for her?

I plead the fifth, Shelley.

These kids,

they want to be so independent

until it's time

for the hard labor and then...

Yep.

It's,

"Can you do it for me, Mom?"

Seven bam.

That sounds eerily familiar.

Oh... I see my future in you.

Thankfully, I still have a year.

Take copious notes.

I will.

I'm not here!

I'm just grabbing my yearbook.

We're doing

a signing at Christa's.

Great conversation!

You are so calm, Ronni.

I was a complete wreck

when Alex went off to college.

Oh, you're still a wreck,

Melissa...

and it's been two years.

Sorry! Sorry.

How dare you, Carly?

Okay, in my defense,

I am only a partial wreck now,

not a complete wreck.

Noted. Green dragon.

Savannah is smart,

responsible...

if I did my job right.

Soap.

Are you kidding me?

You did a great job.

Especially after the divorce.

Yes, or, hear me out,

you could start dating again.

I don't want

to fly solo anymore.

West.

I'm out of here. Bye!

I love you!

And just like that, she's gone.

Guess I'll have

to get used to that.

Mm-hmm.

Just like you'll have

to get used to this...

Mahjong!

- No!

- What?

How?

We just started!

Nurse Ronni?

Brandon? Oh, your knee?

Not that pesky swing set again?

Ugh.

Did you hold on real tight,

like we talked about?

And you pumped your legs

real good?

Real good, Nurse Ronni.

Okay, well,

then that is not on you.

I'm gonna go have

a very serious chit-chat

with that swing set.

What do you say?

Yeah.

Yeah?

Got a minute, Ronni?

Yeah, I'll be right there.

All right, let's see.

Oh, I think you're gonna live.

Should I be worried?

No word yet

on next year's budget cuts,

but that's not what

I wanted to see you about.

For the fundraiser this weekend,

Mr. Lee was gonna teach poker,

and now he has

a family emergency in Utah.

Can you step in?

Oh...

Gloria, I have no idea

how to play poker.

Unless it's on a slot machine

in Vegas,

I'm clueless.

But you did give me a refresher

that one time I filled in

with your mahjong group.

It's the perfect replacement.

Oh, you want me

to teach mahjong?

- Yes.

- Uh, I mean...

if you think people would

be open to me teaching...

Are you kidding?

They'd be so open to you.

If anyone can draw them in,

it's Nurse Ronni.

I would be happy to.

Thank you.

No problem.

You know how big dorm rooms

are, right, Savannah?

There's a storage area

you can rent in the building,

if you need to.

I love you, kiddo.

You go get 'em, okay?

I'm not gonna cry.

Neither am I.

I'm not gonna cry more.

Good!

Aww...

Oh, I love you.

You know, it's not too late.

Your father and I

could still drive you.

Mom, we talked about this.

I'm fine.

I know. I know. I know.

I'm so proud of you.

From starting the STEM club

to getting accepted into

the Technology Institute...

Early acceptance.

Early acceptance!

And entry into

the pre-fall STEM program.

There's no one here

to hear you bragging about me.

Oh, well,

then I take it all back.

You promise to text me

as soon as you get there?

Okay.

Love you!

So... Ron.

Mike.

The house.

Right.

I was kind of hoping

you'd forgotten.

Nah, come on,

you knew this was coming.

Yeah, but I thought

you might wait

for her car

to clear the driveway first.

We had a deal...

you two stay in the house

till she's off to college,

and... then we sell.

I remember.

Look, Laura's condo

is too small for us,

and this is...

this is a lot of house.

It's more than

just a house, Mike.

It's my home.

It has been for 15 years,

and it was yours

until five years ago.

It's not gonna be easy

to just walk away.

You're right.

That was insensitive,

and I-I didn't mean

anything by it.

And I-I know we had a deal.

I've already spoken with Melissa

about what we need to do

to get the house ready to sell.

The touch-ups, repairs...

and, of course,

all the old plumbing issues.

Look, I'm not saying

tomorrow, 'kay?

Take some time, fix it up,

but we gotta get

the ball rolling, okay?

I can help.

I've got it.

I do.

'Kay.

I've got it.

Turn them clockwise,

remove the pipe,

and check the washer inside.

If it's cracked,

you'll need to replace it,

but if it looks okay,

clean it off.

It's so easy.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Ahh...

No need to pay

for an expensive plumber.

Anyone can do it!

And that's

the D.I.Y. Annie way!

Sure. Anybody can do it.

Hey, kiddo.

Your mom said

that she and your dad

are gonna be here real soon.

But you'll still do

the basketball game with me,

right, Uncle Ben?

Are you kidding me?

That's the whole reason I came

was the basketball game.

Do the basketball game?

Oh, one second.

So you want to try some games?

Uh... hey, kiddo.

Show Grandma around the school.

I'll be in in a minute.

Hey, sorry, hi-hi!

Do you need help with that?

No, I-I got it.

Okay. Oh... okay.

Uh, all right.

Then you don't need me

to tell you

about the obstacle

on your right!

Yup...

- Sorry.

- Thanks. Okay. Got it.

- You sure you got that?

- I got it. I got it.

I certainly won't

guide you past...

kids! Kids, yup.

I got it.

I got it! I got...

Oh! Okay.

Uh... sorry.

Sorry about that.

That's okay.

Disaster averted.

No trips to the E.R.

Well, there's still time today.

Yeah. Uh, well, in that case,

are you sure that I can't...

Ronni!

Let me grab that for you.

We're going to set up

in the assembly room.

Okay. Thank you.

Well, uh, thank you

for not helping me.

You're welcome.

It was my... not pleasure.

Well...

I'll probably

not see you in there.

Ladies and gentlemen,

can I have

your attention, please?

Come learn about

the age-old phenomenon

that has been sweeping

the nation...

mahjong!

The American variation.

Mahjong is a game

that requires curiosity

over expertise.

In fact, every mahjong expert

at some point in time

has looked at these tiles

and thought, "Huh?"

Come play!

It's only four tickets!

It's for a good cause!

Yes. We have one victim!

No, I'm kidding.

Four players, one table,

countless memories.

Mahjong is a game

you don't play to win...

well, some of us do...

but it is a game

about belonging,

community...

and mahjong is a game

that is proven

to improve cognitive abilities

and memory.

Come play!

Oh, thank you.

- Mahjong!

- Mm-hmm.

Do you play?

I'm a beginner.

I played a couple of times

with some friends,

but then my son

begged me to move closer.

Boys want to keep an eye on me.

No, boys wanna be nearby

in case you need them.

Hello again.

Hello again.

Do you have a child

here at the school?

A nephew, Brandon North.

Oh... Brandon of

the recurrent skinned knees.

Ahh.

You know, I think

that he is single-handedly

responsible

for keeping the bandage

companies in business.

Wow! You'd think we'd get

some sort of family kickback

for that.

Mm. Well, come. Take a seat.

Oh! Don't mind if I do.

Uh, oh, no, no,

don't mind if I don't.

I'm happy to stand back

and watch.

I gotta do basketball

with Brandon.

That's in an hour.

Um, unless you're afraid,

Mister...?

Ben.

Mr. Ben, and no, I'm not afraid.

I just wouldn't wanna, you know,

show everybody up,

on account of my skills,

which are, uh...

none.

Come on, Mr. Ben,

take a seat.

It's for a good cause.

If only for

the school's bandage budget.

Oh, tickets.

I gotcha. I gotcha.

Let's... mahjong.

- Ooh!

- Mm...

Uh, north.

That was a good play, Birdie.

See, she looked at her tiles,

and then the different

combinations on the card,

and she decided which combo

she was most likely to get.

I got lucky.

I picked another six dot.

Mm... lucky.

Mahjong is 50% skill

and 80% luck.

Mahjong math. It's a thing.

Okay.

A good strategy is to count

how many tiles you have

toward your preferred hand.

Birdie has one, two, three,

four, five, six, seven, eight...

nine out of 14.

It is time for her to commit.

Hmm, read 'em and weep.

Wow... that is just a hot mess.

What are you talking about?

It's not a hot mess.

I got three pairs.

Bim, bam, boom!

That do not go together.

But... if you move

these eights here

over there,

a dragon there...

Mm-hmm?

Bim, bam, bam,

you have the set-up for a great

two-four-six-eight combo.

All right, and what if

I don't want to let go

of my fives yet?

Or my nines?

Do you have a problem

with commitment?

I don't.

- Yes.

- No! What are you doing to me?

Get out of here!

I'm joking.

Well, good, because

you have the set-up

for a great marriage between

these bams and the dragons.

It's time to put a ring on it.

All right, and what happens

if the next tile

sends me in a completely

different direction?

Well, mahjong is like life.

You can't

just straddle the line.

You have to make a choice

and stick with it.

You know? Sometimes it means

you give something up,

but other times, it means

you find something

that you didn't know

you were looking for.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, yes. That's great.

That's a great one.

Okay, and, yeah, this is

really coming along.

All right. Just...

Ah, ah, ah, ah.

I think I got that.

Let's be honest,

you're a bit of a hazard

with this thing.

Fine, but only

because I'm exhausted

from teaching

four different games.

I can't say

until you send the offer,

then I need to discuss it

with my client.

- Let's go. Hey.

- Hey. Hey, kiddo.

Hey!

Uh, we have to get Brandon

to soccer,

and we promised

we'd take Birdie home,

but Henry's call

is taking forever,

so, uh...?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, no, I'll-I'll take Mom.

She's on the way.

- Yeah? You don't mind?

- No.

Okay, Ben, thank you.

He told me no work calls today.

- I don't know. I don't know.

- No, it's all right.

We can't be late for soccer,

can we?

Bye, Nurse Ronni. Let's go.

- Bye, buddy!

- Good luck, kid.

Give us at least

48 hours to mull it over.

Well, it looks like

you're stuck with me, Ma.

Uh, I'm gonna help Ronni out...

Oh, good idea.

I'll wait in the car.

Okay.

I still think I should've

stuck with those pairs.

If you like losing.

You're a great teacher.

Do you give a lot of lessons?

Uh, thank you.

No, this is actually

the first time

I've ever done it.

I'm... I'm more just

a passionate player.

Well, you're good.

Thank you.

And thank you for your help.

Well, you know, I had to go

way out of my way here.

Ohh.

True North Construction.

Is that your company?

It is, yeah.

I'm a general contractor.

Could you recommend a handyman?

I-I just... I'm trying to get

my house ready to sell,

and I might've tried

a few repairs

that were a bit

over my pay grade.

Let me guess... D.I.Y. Annie?

How'd you know?

Oh, you mean

"Destroy It Yourself Annie"?

Yeah.

We clean up a lot of her messes.

I knew it!

Yeah. Are you one of these

kinda do-everything-yourself

people?

Ah... it's kind of what happens

when you're the default parent.

Ah, and what about

the, uh, non-default parent?

He can't help?

Oh, my ex? He offered,

but I-I told him

I have it covered,

which clearly, I don't.

Tell you what.

Call Jeff.

Thank you. Is he reasonable?

It's just I have

lots of little repairs

and things that I need to do,

and my-my job might be changing.

He is.

You tell him Ben sent you.

Okay.

Well, it was nice

not meeting you.

It was nice meeting you.

Stay away from D.I.Y. Annie.

I have already unsubscribed.

Good!

Have a great time.

So, they did it.

They reduced my job

down to part-time.

I'm so sorry, Ronni.

I tried.

No, I know you did.

Thank you.

I hope you'll consider

staying on with us,

but I understand the salary cut

might make that untenable.

When do you need to know by?

I wish I could tell you

to take your time, but...

Thanks. I understand.

Ah!

Just the person

I was looking for.

Ben?

Uh, what are you doing here?

Uh, well, um...

here's the deal.

So, my mom has not stopped

talking about mahjong,

or how much she loved

playing again...

or, uh, you.

Well, it's...

it's not me, it's mahjong.

No, no, she-she wouldn't

even have sat down

if not for how welcoming

and-and inviting you were.

I really liked her too.

Good! Um...

she's a little lonely,

and I admit,

I might have begged her

to sell her place

and buy a new place

at Blue Sky West,

the retirement community.

Yeah, yeah, no, I know it.

Is she happy there?

Uh, well, she's not unhappy,

but there is a mahjong club,

and it is only

for seasoned players,

and she's just not

really meeting people.

So as you can imagine,

my guilt level is at, like, ten,

and I generally like

to keep it below a six.

Well, I'd be happy to have her

sub into my group sometime.

Or... maybe...

you could do at Blue Sky West

what you did

so beautifully here?

You know, you could

get people engaged,

and recruit some players,

and maybe...

set up a game for my mom.

And in return,

I would do all of the repairs

on your house...

on the house.

For free.

Y-yeah, no, I know

what "on the house" means,

and that is exactly my budget.

- Really? You'll do it?

- Yeah.

I mean, because, honestly,

that would take my guilt

down to, like, a three...

three-point-five?

Yes.

You, sir, have a deal.

Okay.

Okay.

If I could

review dates on the app,

I would say, "Three strikes,

and you are off."

Hey! I met Chris online.

And I got this blazer online,

and we are very happy.

Hi.

- Mm.

- Sorry to interrupt.

Ben. Uh, ladies, this is Ben.

He's the one

who I told you about

who is helping me

fix up the house.

Uh, Ben, these are my friends,

Carly, Shelley, and Melissa.

- Hi.

- Hello.

Hello!

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Uh, do you have paper towel?

Uh, yeah, in the hall closet.

Okay.

- Okay...

- What?

I'm sorry.

Hold on a moment.

What?

That is the guy

fixing your house?

Yes.

"Yes."

You never said

he was a hot handyman!

Oh, shh!

He is not a hot handyman.

Um, yeah?

Okay, yes, he is hot, okay?

- Mm-hmm.

- But he's not a handyman.

He's a contractor.

Oh. Mm-hmm.

And he is the uncle

of a kid at my school.

- Uncle. Okay.

- Oh, yeah.

He's just helping me

with my house...

- Uh-huh.

- And I barely even know him.

Okay, you know what?

Methinks the lady

doth protest too much.

- Mm-hmm!

- Did I tell you

that I have an interview

at the hospital?

Ah. She also doth deflect.

- Ah, yes, she doth.

- Thank you.

Mm-mm.

Uh, the school said

I could take

as much time as I want,

but I just...

I want to feel settled.

Well, you could just walk right

into the other room for that.

Settle right down.

Oh, God.

You are relentless.

- Ahem.

- Oh!

Uh, sink is fixed.

No more leak.

I'm gonna head out.

Great. Thank you.

No problem.

Hey-hey, uh, Ben?

Can you...

can you just come back here

and help us with something?

Um, dating apps...

yay or nay?

Ooh! Um... nay?

Yeah, no. I tried 'em

after my divorce,

and, uh, I think I prefer things

to happen more organically.

- Okay.

- Ooh.

Let's not interrogate Ben

about his love life.

- Mm-hmm.

- Thank you, Ben.

Mm.

You know, I agree, Ben...

organic is best.

You know, like, at... work.

Or school!

Or both.

- Oh?

- Okay!

Good night. Thank you.

Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.

Ladies.

Bye.

- Bye!

- Bye!

Buh-bye.

Oh, my gosh!

I cannot with you!

Oh, what do you mean?

That was my best behavior.

- Let's be clear. Okay.

- Yeah.

- Oh, you're blushing!

- She's blushing!

- I am not.

- Oh, you are.

- You are!

- It's just... it's hot in here.

Is it hot?

Oh, Ben! You know what?

It's hot in here!

I think she needs

to fix the thermostat too!

And then he's gonna have

to be here for weeks.

Yes!

And so I began

working for the district

when my daughter

started kindergarten,

so I could be there

to tuck her in at night,

but now

that she's off to college,

I'm looking for something

more than just part-time.

Well, you've had

an impressive nursing career,

but it has been 17 years

since you worked in an E.R.

We are looking for someone

with more recent

triage experience,

who can hit the ground running.

I was worried about that.

I'm so sorry we brought you

all the way down here,

but if anything opens up

outside of the E.R.,

I will keep your resume on file.

Thank you.

Oh, is that a mahjong tile?

Do you play?

Every week.

It's kind of my therapy.

Oh! I wish we knew how.

My book club is always looking

for fun new activities

to do at our meetings.

Don't you... read books?

Oh, no. I mean,

we pick a book every month,

but we never read it.

Well, I definitely

recommend mahjong.

It's great for the brain,

much like reading.

We're not reading

Catcher in the Rye this month.

We could use some good

brain power activities.

There's plenty of great

how-to videos online.

I could point you to some.

Oh, we prefer the socializing.

I guess

it's yet another escape room

for the book club.

Thanks for stopping by.

Thank you.

Let's see what

we're dealing with here.

It's not too bad.

A few bumps.

A few holes

that need to patched.

We can do this.

I assume we'll have

to paint over the accent wall.

Buyers do like

a nice, neutral paint.

Most go for what I call

Resale Gray,

or Back-up Offer Beige.

Occasionally,

they even laugh at my jokes.

Hmm?

Oh, sorry.

It was funny.

You okay?

Yeah.

I'm just adjusting

to my new normal.

I'm not used to clean, silent,

and lack of teenage judgements.

Yes, I hear teenagers

are very good

at reminding you

how uncool you are.

I could be that for you...

if you like?

It's just,

it's all happening so fast.

I knew it was coming, but...

this has been my home

for 15 years,

and I just, I hate the thought

of someone else living here.

It's not just a house.

It's your home.

It just kills me

to have you paint over this.

What if I say

that buyers can have

this whole house,

except for this one wall?

Hey, are you hungry?

What do you say we, uh,

we'll go pick some paint colors,

and I could take you

to my favorite lunch spot?

I'd like that.

Maybe... we'll find

a nice Over-Asking Alabaster.

Oh! See, that's funny.

That's funny.

I can see why this is

your favorite lunch spot.

Yeah, when I have time

to get away for lunch.

What do you think?

Best fries you ever had?

Absolutely.

But I make a casserole

with similar ingredients

that I dare say is better.

Well, that sounds

like a challenge.

You know you're gonna have

to make it for me.

Maybe.

Oh, "maybe"?

Um, can I help you

prep for tomorrow?

Mm? No, I'm over halfway done.

Oh, of course you are.

You think it's being

the default parent

that makes you so independent?

I-I'm only asking

as the, uh, default son.

I learned

pretty early in my marriage

that it was gonna fall on me

if I wanted

to get anything done.

Let me guess.

He had a very important,

very stressful job?

- Yeah, an architect...

- Ahh.

With an assistant

and two interns,

but way more stressful than

an E.R. nurse saving lives.

Oh, I've got one of those.

My brother, actually.

Uh, he's a lawyer,

and he always has some case

that is far more complicated

than you could ever fathom.

Oh, that's rough.

So you understand.

I understand.

I think that's ultimately

one of the reasons

why Mike and I got divorced.

Yeah.

What about you?

Your marriage?

If you don't mind me asking.

No, I don't mind.

We were young,

Victoria and I were 22,

and, uh, yeah, we stuck it out

for a long time,

but I just ultimately realized

that, you know,

no matter what I did,

I couldn't give her

the life she wanted.

I wasn't gonna make her happy,

and so, you know,

we live and learn.

And grow.

Grow, yeah, and then regress...

a little bit, and then,

hopefully, grow a little more.

Lots of books.

Lots of books.

- Podcasts, too.

- Mm-hmm.

And a lot of therapy.

Therapy! Yeah.

Yeah.

You get it.

I get it.

Well... I should get going

to finish prepping

for your mom's tomorrow.

Yeah. Well, I'd love it

if you let me help you.

Mm, when the time's right.

We made it.

Hi! Come one, come all.

I, uh, I got this under my door.

Mahjong and free snacks?

What's the catch?

Uh, there's no catch.

Hmph. You say that,

and then you try to sell me

a timeshare.

No, thank you.

We're just looking for people

who want to learn mahjong

and have fun with Birdie here.

Yeah.

Okay.

But the second

you put on a hard sell

or try to get me to join

some random cult...

I'm out.

Understood.

Have fun.

What do you want to do

with that tile, Alice?

I think it really likes you.

It might wanna...

move in with you?

Nice...

and then...

a little of this...

a little smoosh-up there...

Ooh! Mahjong!

Oh!

See, Alice?

Sometimes...

the tile that you didn't know

you were looking for

falls right in your lap.

Oh!

Next week?

Same time, same place?

Absolutely.

I'll reserve the room.

So, let's go have some snacks.

Oh! Yes.

Seems like

everyone had a great time.

I think your plan is working.

You even won over Alice.

Honestly, I think you could've

sold her a timeshare.

Oh. And I was speaking

with the director,

and apparently, a bunch

of people wanted to join,

but they'd already

signed up for Zumba,

which I've never actually tried,

but I'm pretty certain

would k*ll me.

Oh! This was

much better, Marsha.

Beginners were welcome here.

Speaking of which,

I was talking to my supervisor.

Would you be interested

in teaching a weekly class?

Teaching a class?

Yeah. You're

a mahjong teacher, right?

I... am.

She is! She's the best...

uh, teacher, actually.

The best?

- Mm-hmm.

- Great!

Uh, so how about next week?

We'll give you a call?

That would be great.

Perfect.

Okay, Teach.

Quite the green thumb.

Thank you.

Buyers love a nice garden.

That's what

Melissa keeps saying,

but I do this for me.

This is my other meditation.

So, I was thinking...

today was so much fun...

Ah, you were incredible!

And...

can I ask you...

when did you realize that...

you could really go for it,

and make your company,

do it full-time?

Oh, uh, well, I was

working for a local builder,

and he fell behind on some jobs,

so I stepped in,

and I guess I did a good job

and got some referrals,

and I was off to the races.

Start small, build a reputation.

You make it sound so easy.

No, it was not,

but, you know,

the first client's the gateway.

You already have that

with Blue Sky West.

Hurdle number one...

accomplished.

True.

Yeah, I mean, people today

were having so much fun,

and at the fundraiser,

people really enjoyed it.

Even when I had my interview

at the hospital,

the personnel manager

was talking about

wanting to learn mahjong.

Call her.

What?

Call her.

No, I can't...

you can't just

call somebody out of the blue!

Of course you can.

You want my phone?

- No! I don't need your phone.

- I'll give you my phone.

No, I have a phone.

Okay. I'll... I'll do it.

You got it.

Okay.

Ellen speaking.

Hi, Ellen, this is Ronni Rice.

I'm the school nurse,

and we talked about mahjong?

Of course I remember.

What can I do for you, Ronni?

Uh, well, I was recently hired

to teach mahjong,

and I've been thinking a lot

about what you said

about your book club,

and wanting to learn, and...

I was wondering

if you would like me to come

and teach a lesson.

Seriously?

That would be amazing.

We'd love that.

Uh, can you send over

your rate sheet?

Rate sheet?

Yeah, absolutely,

I will send one right over.

Great! Wonderful.

Thanks, Ronni.

Thank you.

Bye.

What's a rate sheet?

Oh, I see.

Finally, she needs my help.

Don't get too used to it.

Hi!

Ronni! Come in.

Oh, is, uh, this gonna be

enough for everyone?

Oh, every, uh, set has

enough tiles for four players.

Oh, we're 11 tonight.

Uh, 11?

Oh, I-I...

I thought you said four.

Oh, my goodness.

I can't believe

I forgot to tell you.

Uh, we started at four,

but then

everyone wanted to join,

so we're 11.

I'm so sorry!

What a knucklehead.

No. That's okay.

Uh, you know, uh,

it's just like in the game...

we'll pivot.

I was so excited,

I bought myself a set of tiles,

so we can use that,

if it'll help.

Oh, gosh, that would be great!

Thank you.

Do you happen to have

another table

that we can play with?

Oh, I thought maybe

we could sit around

the dining table?

Oh, okay,

we will figure that out later,

uh, because, um,

two tables

and then, uh, eight players...

so we'll rotate

the other three people in.

And what will they do

while we're playing?

They will watch and learn.

Huh.

Um...

uh, well,

I-I didn't start playing

until my daughter was in school,

and it was

around the mahjong table

that I-I found

my-my friends for life,

so I'm very...

I'm excited to be sharing

that community with all of you.

And I made this for you...

it's gluten-free

and made from almond flour.

I've been told it's delicious.

Yeah, gluten isn't the issue.

We have two nut allergies.

Oh, okay, we're just

gonna put that away.

All clear. No nuts.

So...

let's... let's, uh,

let's sort this out.

Okay.

You are on track

for any like numbers.

Ronni? I really need

some help over here.

Okay.

- Excuse me?

- Ronni?

What's the one bam bird thing?

Ronni, can I talk to you

for a sec?

So, those two are

our more scrutinizing friends...

Can they play soon?

Because if they don't,

I will never hear the end of it.

Yeah, I'm trying to move

the game along

as fast as I can

so I can rotate them in.

I have no idea

what I'm doing here.

Okay.

Hi? Excuse me?

Over here.

Maybe

we should've read the book.

Who is it?

It's Ben.

Oh! Hey, Ben.

Hi.

Wow, you look great.

Thank you.

I... wasn't expecting you.

Yeah, sorry, I realized

I left my compressor here,

and I need it

for a job in the morning.

Where are you off to

looking so nice?

Girls' night.

Turns out my side hustle

was kind of a bust.

No. The book club

that doesn't read?

Yeah, they also

don't communicate well,

they don't do nuts,

and they don't like me.

Oh, I find that hard to believe.

They did like the game,

those who got to play.

I just learned that I had

nothing planned.

No contingencies.

Well, now you know.

You will be prepared

for the next one.

If there is a next one.

So... I'm going out.

It's ladies' night,

we're gonna go

to Tequila Mesa

for some karaoke.

I go there all the time

with my buddy, Gary,

to play pool.

I can't believe

I haven't seen you.

Uh, well, it's been a minute

since I've gone.

You know, this is...

this is a crazy coincidence.

I was actually thinking

about going out tonight

to have a little fun as well...

That is a coincidence.

Maybe to Tequila Mesa.

What are the odds?

Well, maybe I'll see you there.

Maybe that would be fun.

And then one of

the scrutinizing members

stands up and announces,

"This is boring..."

and just storms out!

That's so rude.

So, needless to say,

I will not be invited back.

Next up is Carly!

Come on up!

I'm going to go pick a song.

- Get it!

- You got it!

Do it. Do it!

Hi.

Hey!

Surprise, surprise.

- You made it!

- We did!

Uh, this is Gary.

Gary, Shelley, Melissa,

and uh, this is Ronni.

Hi, Gary.

- Hey.

- Hi.

Hello.

Charmed.

Uh, I'm Shelley.

I am a single mother,

I am a museum curator,

and I like early mornings.

Ah, so you're on the apps too?

Is it that obvious?

You get sort of used

to giving out your rsum

before anything else.

It's ruined me for small talk!

You know what?

I should sue.

We all should.

Well, I'm divorced.

A physician's assistant.

Night owl, but only because

I work in a hospital.

So, Gary, do you rent or own?

Melissa!

Well...

You are gonna love Carly.

Her voice is incredible.

- Yeah?

- Mm-hmm.

Are we gonna get you

up there at some point?

If the moment arises.

And now,

here's Carly with her song!

Woo!

Hello, everybody!

The song

I am about to sing is...

for my girl, Ronni,

who is in the midst

of starting a new chapter,

which isn't always easy, right?

But... we believe in her.

This one's for you, Ronni!

I am unwritten

I can't read my mind

I'm undefined

I'm just beginning

The pen's in my hand

Ending unplanned

Staring at

- Woo!

- ...the blank page

Before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate

The words

that you cannot find

Reaching for something

in the distance

So close

you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else

can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else

No one else can speak

the words on your lips

Drench yourself

in words unspoken

Live your life

with arms wide open

Today is...

...where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

The rest

is still unwritten

The rest

is still unwritten

Oh, I love you!

Thank you!

- Yeah!

- Woo!

Gloria?

I don't normally hear from you

over the break.

I wanted to leave you alone

and give you

some time to decide, but...

we've been getting

a lot of calls about you.

What kind of calls?

People heard

about your mahjong lessons

at the end of school fundraiser,

and they're interested.

Oh!

But I don't really know

what to tell them.

I mean,

there've been at least ten.

Seriously?

Well,

I tried telling you, Henry.

I left a message

explaining exactly what

I was planning to do, and...

I'm-I'm not gonna let

Mom's birthday go by the wayside

because of a case.

Okay, yeah. Bye.

Sorry.

Is everything okay?

Oh, yeah, just, you know...

"default son" business.

Do you wanna talk about it?

Oh, there's not too much

to talk about.

You know as well as I...

we do what needs

to get done, right?

We do.

What's going on with you?

Uh, well, since

the school fundraiser,

people have been

calling the school

and asking about

my mahjong lessons.

See? It's not over.

It's a hiccup.

I just...

What?

I don't know.

Uh, before my disastrous lesson,

I was thinking

maybe this could be

less of a side hustle,

and more of a hustle-hustle?

Yeah. Why can't it be?

You got the interest, you know?

It's just gonna grow

the more you do this.

I...

Look, I don't want

to lose my home,

and am I insane to think

that I could teach

mahjong full-time,

get a loan,

and buy Mike's

half of the house?

I think you can do anything

you put your mind to.

You're so positive!

You've got the time.

Do everything you need to do.

Put the plan in place.

sh**t for the stars.

Is that what you did?

It's what I always do.

Okay. I'm gonna go for it.

I'm gonna take

the Ben North approach...

- Uh-huh?

- And I am going to...

I'm gonna go after what I want.

And what I want

is to keep my home.

That's a plan I can get behind.

Okay.

Yeah,

you have two great hands here,

but you're gonna wanna

break up with one of them.

Friends...

sometimes divorces are sad,

but you just gotta do it.

Break up with those tiles.

Seven bam.

Nice, Barbara!

Thank you.

There are over 40

variations of mahjong

stemming from

the original Chinese game.

Number-one rule of mahjong,

a joker can never, never,

never, not even ever,

not even for mahjong,

be played as a single tile

or part of a pair.

You know, you two

live in the same area.

You're halfway to a foursome.

I would love that!

You know, I've been going

to bridge lessons at our club,

but this is way more fun.

What club?

The Windward Country Club.

Oh, it's nice there.

They have a lot of activities,

but they have never done this.

Huh...

- Mahjong!

- Oh...

Savannah!

Sorry I missed your call.

I was in class.

It may be a pre-college program,

but it's enough work

for an entire semester.

Ugh! At least

you're getting credit.

Yeah, and I'm learning a lot.

So, your message said

you needed my help,

which is shocking,

because you've never

asked for my help.

I asked for your help

all the time!

Doing the dishes,

cleaning your room...

You've never asked

for help for you.

Right. Okay. Well, listen.

My first mahjong lesson

at the house went amazing,

so I could really use your help

with designing

the business cards,

the website, flyers...

and my social media is lacking.

I only have four followers,

and they're my best friends

and you.

You need a good name first.

I have one.

"Learn Mahjong with Ronni."

Mom, that's so boring!

You need something

that can go viral,

that makes people go,

"Hmm, cute! Hire her."

Or maybe they'll just say,

"Hmm, I want to learn mahjong.

I hear she's good. Hire her."

You won't get attention

until you figure out

how to stand out.

Come up with a catchy name,

and I'll create a fun logo.

Okay, if that's what

you think it needs.

That's what I know it needs.

Text me the name.

All right.

I'll text you when I have it.

I love you.

Love you.

Okay.

Guest room is painted.

I would leave the windows open

for a couple hours

just so the fumes

don't get to ya.

Will do.

What's all this?

You feeding an army?

Sort of. I have my first

big lesson at the house today,

and I might have

overdone it on the food.

So now I'm playing

fridge Tetris.

You went full Ronni.

I did. I did.

Actually, could you, uh,

help me with something?

I'm sorry.

Could you repeat that?

Could I...?

Could you please help me

eat some of the food?

Pfft... I mean,

it would be rude of me

to say no.

You're... clearly in a crisis.

Clearly.

Yeah, I'd like that.

I'll go wash up.

I love this yard.

Mm.

I love my firepit.

I love my garden.

I love it. I love it.

I love it.

I've thrown

some really great parties here.

Here's to... many more to come.

Hope I make it

on that guest list.

Probably not.

I'm sure I can squeeze you in.

If...

I get to keep the house.

Ah, come on.

You just gotta believe

you can have what you want.

Do you have what you want?

I don't think anyone's

ever asked me that before.

Probably because

you come across so competent

and capable,

and like

you have it all covered.

Mm. That sounds a lot

like somebody else I know.

Well, as someone who might

be a little bit like that...

I get it.

But I have been learning

recently that...

sometimes it's okay

to get a little bit of help,

to not have everything covered.

Thank you...

for all your support.

Mm.

Well, you make it pretty easy.

And, you know, it doesn't

have to be a one-way street.

I'm actually

a really good listener.

About four years ago,

my dad got sick,

and, uh,

Mom needed a ton of help,

and my brother's career

was kind of just

taking off at that time.

And so it was me who stepped up.

Of course you did.

'Cause that's who you are.

I did it willingly.

I think

there's a lot of value to that.

For some of us,

service is our love language.

Mm, and for some people,

their love language is food.

Never forget the food.

I would never forget about food!

I guess I don't know

how to be any other way.

Neither do I.

It's Mike.

I forgot he was, uh, coming by.

Okay, no problem.

I will, uh, get things

cleaned up out here.

Thanks.

Thanks for letting me come by.

Mm-hmm.

I, um, I wanted to talk

to you about this in person...

the house.

I actually wanted

to talk to you too.

I'm working on something,

and I'm gonna try to get a loan

and buy you out.

Oh, that's great.

No, that's great,

I love that for you

if you can make it work, but...

there's this house

that Laura and I have

had our eye on, and...

Mike... you said I had time.

Uh, I know I did,

but it's going

on the market soon, and...

Well, how soon?

I'm gonna need time

to figure things out.

I'm sorry, Ron,

but we're making an offer

as soon as it lists.

And when is that?

You have a month.

Again, I-I'm sorry. I...

I'll see you soon.

I was just not expecting

such an accelerated timeline.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

What? You, who have raised

more money for the PTA

than any president

before or after you?

You are Ronni!

You can do anything!

Except knit.

That one is not your thing.

That's true.

I mean, what was it?

Was it a potholder, or a scarf?

- I think it was a sweater?

- Was it, though?

I know! Oh!

Oh, Savannah's almost done

with my website.

Oh.

But she says

I need a better name.

Okay.

How about... Tile It Up?

Mm, sounds like

a home improvement show.

How about Ronni's Tile Time?

See, now, that show has Muppets.

The Winning Draw.

Ah, that sounds like

I'm hosting a reality

competition or something.

Yeah.

Ooh! Get Your Mahj On.

- Ooh!

- Yes! Yes?

Uh... no, Savannah says

it needs to pop.

Okay, well, I thought

that popped, but, um,

I guess we'll keep thinking,

because you know what?

We are very brilliant.

And exceptionally clever.

And don't forget gorgeous.

- Mm-hmm.

- All true.

I'm gonna stop by

Windward Country Club tomorrow.

I left a message with

their activities director.

Haven't heard back,

so I'm just gonna show up.

- Oh, that place is chi-chi.

- Mm-hmm!

Yeah, I don't know

if they're gonna let me in.

Do you remember

when I was trying to get

that listing

for that house on Noble Road?

What did you say to me?

"Go for it"?

No! You said, "March down there,

and you tell them why

you are the perfect person

to sell their house...

but don't be pushy about it."

I did say that, didn't I?

But that works for you.

You're a salesperson. I'm not.

I'm afraid

if I go in there like that,

they'll just think I'm weird.

Well, just remember to be you,

and you'll be good.

Right! Be you, you know?

Friendly, school nurse...

can make a beautiful

potholder/sweater/scarf.

You couldn't be weird

if you tried.

Aw... you got this, Ron.

And you know what, I have

a good feeling about Windward.

And I have

a good feeling about you.

Mm! Aw, I love you.

Oh, we love you.

I love you too,

but you know what I love?

This is a great name.

Get Your Mahj On.

- Come on!

- Get Your Mahj On!

I actually like it.

Get Your Mahj On!

Thank you for calling Windward.

Good afternoon.

Are you a member here?

Uh, no.

Are you a guest of a member?

Actually, no.

I'm here to see Lisa,

in your activities department.

Oh, do you have an appointment?

No, but, uh, you see,

I teach mahjong,

and I was hoping to talk to her

about giving lessons

to your members.

This is a private club, ma'am.

We do not allow solicitors.

Oh, I'm not selling anything.

I'm here to offer a service.

For money?

And fun...

and community, uh, brain dev...

No one gets inside

except members

or guests of members.

I just wanted to drop off

some information,

tell her about my classes.

And yet,

our rules remain unchanged.

No one gets inside

except members

or guests of members.

Maybe you could just call her?

Ronni!

Barbara! Hi.

Mrs. Moore?

Good afternoon.

I just came by to see Lisa

in activities, but...

"members only."

Uh, hello, Frederick.

I'm here to pick up my son

from his swim lesson.

Of course, Mrs. Moore. Welcome.

Well, are you coming?

She's my guest, Frederick.

Of course she is, Mrs. Moore.

I've watched her in action.

She is the best teacher

around, you know?

Oh, I have no doubt about that.

I'm sort of

a big shot around here.

I can tell!

Six dot.

- Oh!

- Hi.

I didn't expect

to see you here today.

Oh, I'm just

helping Ronni a little.

Mm. You've been

doing that a lot.

Mm-hmm.

I'm just saying.

Mom...

Mom! Can you not?

Hey, can you not?

Sorry that I can't

make it to your place today.

I've got to finish this job up

on 18th Street.

We had a permit issue, and...

You don't have to apologize.

You have already gone

way above and beyond our deal.

Well, when people

care about each other,

they show up.

Yes, they do.

Ronni?

Are you gonna come

to my birthday brunch?

It's my 70th!

Oh, that's so exciting!

And I'm honored to be invited.

I would love to come,

if that's...?

Oh, I would love to have you.

Well, then count me in.

Yay!

Oh, Ronni?

Um, every lesson,

more fantastic than the last.

Well, that's because

you keep winning.

Exactly!

I have told

everyone on my block.

It really is a marvelous game.

Ha! You're marvelous!

Thank you.

Just marvelous!

I'll see you next week!

Bye!

Such a different Alice

than the first time.

Yeah, this Alice seems to be

a big fan of adjectives.

"You're marvelous!

You're marvelous, darling!"

Oh, that's right...

I'm the marvelous Mrs. Mahj.

That's it!

The Marvelous Mrs. Mahj.

That's the name!

That's the name.

Mm, this is so good!

- Right?

- It's great!

It looks like a real business.

It is a real business!

Have I told you lately

that my daughter is a genius?

Mm, once or twice.

Have I told you lately

that my daughter

has changed her major again?

No!

I'm not worried, though,

because there are so many jobs

in the philosophy sector

of corporate America.

Oh!

Help me!

Okay, Ronni,

when your business takes off,

please hire Alex.

I will, but just hold off

on sending me her rsum.

I have a long road ahead of me.

Okay, so, what's the next step?

Gotta get

these gorgeous flyers out.

- Those are great!

- Oh, pretty!

Marketing starts

the conversation...

Word of mouth keeps it going.

Yes, that will be

your bread and butter.

Which we know

is your favorite food.

They'll tell two friends,

then they'll tell two friends...

Two friends?

We will accept no less than 10!

Okay!

- Mm-hmm!

You know, I don't even know,

do I have ten friends?

- I do!

- Of course you do.

I can give 'em...

No, I don't want... no, I don't

want your second-hand friends.

Okay!

Ladies,

I just heard from Windward.

That woman that

I'm always telling you about?

She vouched for me,

and they want me

to come teach a class.

Word... of... mouth.

Show all that to the bank,

and they will see

you're serious.

Oh, man...

I should've had

Savannah do the posters

for the Chinatown event

that the Cultural Center

took part in.

Mine look like

a fifth-grader did it.

- Oh, honey.

- It's been going on for years.

All the businesses

in Chinatown promote it.

- People know about it.

- That's true. Okay.

Also, um... Gary's coming.

You waited this long

to say that Gary is coming?

Yes! I wanted to build

the tension. Did it work?

- Yes, it did.

- Yes, it worked!

Listen, you need to invite Ben.

Now, that is an idea

I can get behind.

- Mm-hmm.

- Ronni?

It's time.

I agree. Mike moved on,

and I think it's time

for you to do it too.

I guess I can think about it.

Yeah, you can.

He's a pretty great guy...

and I haven't felt this way

about anyone since Mike.

Invite him.

I said I'll think about it.

Invite him!

Did you not just hear me?

Invite him!

Okay. I will.

Yeah. I'm sorry.

I had to go that hard.

Pardon me one second.

Hey, sorry.

I was early.

Um, they're from

the appraisal company.

Appraisers?

Yeah, for the house.

I know what an appraiser is.

We need to know

what the house is worth.

It's been 15 years

since we bought it.

There's a lot of appreciation.

And I told you

that I'm working on something.

I'm teaching mahjong now.

I have clients and...

You can't just decide one day,

"I'm gonna turn my hobby

into my job."

Watch me.

I have a meeting at the bank

on the 26th to get a loan

to buy you out

for your half of the house.

Look, not my business,

but whether we sell it

or you buy me out,

we still need to know

its value, right?

Fine.

Get the appraisal done...

but we are not listing it yet.

You got three weeks, Ronni,

to try your mahjong thing.

And I'm taking it.

Hi, Frederick!

I'm actually on the list today.

Ronni Rice.

I'm here to teach

a mahjong lesson.

It's gonna be fun.

You should come by.

Welcome to Windward.

Thank you.

Barbara! You came?

I reserved a whole table.

My group's already in there.

Oh, it means so much to me.

Thank you.

We're so excited.

Oh, me too!

Ohh.

Hi!

Here's my group.

All ready to play.

Oh... okay.

We just want to get

these kids off their videogames

for a few hours.

Oh, I get it.

Hi.

Guys?

Guys.

Phones down! Heads up.

Hey, guys.

Don't worry.

Mahjong is very similar

to video games...

except in mahjong,

you use tiles instead of a*mo,

but... every move you make

affects how the game unfolds,

and the key is to anticipate

the other players' next move

so you can pre-fire

and make the winning hand...

kind of like a Victory Royale.

- Okay.

- Oh, that's cool.

All right, ladies...

and four very intelligent

gentlemen...

Let's play.

All right,

I'll see you guys at the car.

Hey, great job!

Great job.

It was really fun.

The boys said, and I quote...

"That was fire."

And two of the ladies

want to play again,

so now I have a foursome

that started

that day at your house.

Yay!

Can I book you

for a private next week?

- Absolutely!

- Oh, great. I will call you.

Okay.

So, it helped

that Savannah's a gamer,

because I was able

to speak their language

and really get them interested.

Well, you're on a roll!

You won over the teenagers,

now you're gonna win over

the Director of Adult Education.

If I could teach a class

at the community college,

then I could really

show the bank that I'm serious.

- Thank you.

- Of course.

Plus, I'm teaching another class

at my house next week,

and I already have

nine people confirmed.

Boom. My mom's

telling everybody she knows,

and everybody she doesn't know.

So, um...

it's totally last-minute,

but Shelley runs

the Chinese Cultural Center,

and it's part of this event

in Chinatown,

and it happens to be tonight.

It's very dressy,

and special,

and it means a lot to Shelley,

and, uh, I'm gonna be there,

so, um...

So...?

Oh, I see.

I see what's happening here.

You haven't seen me dressed up,

and you can't wait

another minute.

Is that...?

It's like you're in my head.

Good! I thought

I was reading that right.

Uh... I would love

to go on a date with you.

I didn't say anything

about a date.

Well, you didn't have to.

I'm in your head, remember?

And I would love

to go on a date with you.

I mean,

if that's what you're asking.

That is what I'm asking.

Now get in there.

Knock 'em dead!

I'll be at the hardware store

down the street.

What we usually like to try

with our adult education program

is a trial one-day seminar.

I-I would absolutely

be willing to do that.

Then, if

there's enough interest,

we book more,

but it doesn't always

work out that way.

Of course.

You have to have enough students

to make it worth your while.

Exactly.

But mahjong

is very popular right now.

I'd like to try it once.

Great!

How's...

Saturday from nine to one?

Perfect! I will be there.

Hi.

Hey.

You look amazing.

You clean up nicely too.

Shall we?

So make sure you grab

a card from the table outside,

and then you can add

your wish to the wishing tree,

and I can tell you

from personal experience,

that those wishes

often come true.

Originating in

the mid-to late 19th century,

most likely

in a region near Shanghai,

mahjong evolved

from a older card game...

Gary.

To a popular pastime

using bamboo and bone tiles.

She's so good, isn't she?

Spreading internationally

in the 1920s,

it adapted to regional variants,

like Japanese

and American mahjong.

If you take a look around,

we have Chinese games

set up for you,

we have Chinese chess,

Fan Tan, and...

you can take a look

at the bamboo and bone tiles

that I was talking about.

Do you know...

that mahjong means "sparrow"?

For the clicking noise...

of the tiles.

That's one of

my favorite sounds.

Mahjong is a critical part

of Chinese culture...

come with me...

and a pivotal part

of my own childhood.

I still remember falling asleep

under the table

to the sounds

of the clicking tiles

as my grandmother

and my mother played,

and then, when I got older,

I was able to play

with them too.

Some of the best memories

of my childhood.

Oh, wow.

These are stunning.

That's the word

that I would use.

- Thank you.

- Thanks.

You know, she's not wrong

about the wishes coming true.

You speak from experience?

Yeah.

Well, last year,

I wished for Savannah to get

into the Technology Institute...

done.

And the year before,

she got accepted into

a very competitive STEM camp.

All right, how about this?

New rule...

this year,

you don't get to wish

for Savannah,

or for anybody else.

This year, you wish for Ronni.

Okay.

But then you have to make a wish

for you, too. Okay?

Okay. Yeah.

I-I can help you...

'cause I know

what I'd wish for you.

Oh, yeah? What's that?

You should wish

for whatever it is

that you want to see happen.

You know,

if you'd said that to me

a couple weeks ago,

I'd probably would have had

a pretty different answer,

but now...

You look frozen.

Thank you.

Well, would you like help

with your wish?

No!

I can't say my wish out loud.

It won't come true.

Says who?

Says the rule of wishes...

since the dawn of time!

Okay. Uh, I guess.

Well, then,

you should just write

whatever's in your heart.

All right.

Give me the pen.

Okay.

You're up.

Did you wish?

Oh, he likes her.

I love this for her.

Oh, I'm happy for him.

He's been looking

for someone for a long time.

Since his divorce, actually.

He hasn't found

someone that was the right fit.

Mm.

I guess when you find

someone so exceptional,

you cannot believe

that they haven't

been snatched up yet,

and you start to feel like

you can't imagine your life

without them.

You'd do anything in your power

to hang onto them.

I agree.

It's... rare to find

what Gary and Shelley have.

Yeah... exactly.

Those two.

Oh... sorry, man.

Ah...

pardon me.

Well, um, would you...

wanna come in for a drink?

I would love that.

Uh...

let me... let me just

get something from my car

real quick.

Okay.

Thank you very much.

Cheers.

Mm.

Ahem. I have something for you.

What?

It's heavy.

What is it?

Oh, I saw it in the shop window.

Thought you might appreciate it.

Oh, wow...

It's beautiful.

Consider it an investment

in your business expansion.

Thank you.

Should we break it in?

Can you play with two people?

Yes.

I'll teach you.

If you're trying

to figure out my tells,

I'll tell you straight up,

I have one...

sheer panic.

Well, do you want me

to help you?

I-I don't know if you know this,

but I'm actually

a mahjong teacher.

- No!

- Yes.

- Well, that's convenient.

- Yeah!

- Please.

- Okay.

Yeah, I don't know.

Um, sorry.

So, this is very much a game

that asks you to trust

what you cannot see.

Well, that sounds scary.

It can be...

but even if

you don't get a good draw...

you stay in the game,

because...

things can turn around

for the better...

in an instant.

So just...

throw caution to the wind?

Trust the journey?

That's what I'm learning to do.

Hmm.

Even more so

when I have

a really special hand.

I think I'm getting

the hang of this...

more so than I ever have.

I think you're doing great.

I'm not talking about the game.

Neither am I.

I didn't know

if there'd be much interest,

but there's more

than was expected.

Wow!

I know.

I'll grab some more supplies

when I head out for the snacks.

Here, hold these?

Oh, sure.

- And this.

- Okay.

And, uh, this.

Okay!

Hey!

Hey.

What are you doing here?

Is that...

the famous casserole

you were talking up

that day on the waterfront?

Maybe.

Aww...

I figured you'd be so busy

you probably

wouldn't take lunch,

so I thought maybe I could

get you to take a break...

for a picnic?

Oh, she's good.

She is good!

I know the perfect spot.

Taking a break.

Mm... all right...

I don't want you to get

a big head about this,

but this might actually be

the best thing I've ever eaten.

Success!

And your timing was perfect.

I don't think

I would've had a chance to eat.

I've gotta finish this project,

and then I'm heading

to the restaurant

to talk to the manager

about my mom's birthday.

Well, ask Henry to help.

I shouldn't have to.

You know... uh...

as I have been

allowing a little bit of help

into my life lately,

I'm realizing that...

things might've been

a little bit easier with Mike

if I had just...

you know, told him

what I needed,

instead of expecting him

to read my mind.

Maybe I would've been

a little less frustrated.

Sometimes it's just easier

to do it yourself.

Is it, though?

It is not. No.

Well...

in the immortal wisdom of you...

Hmm?

Call him.

Do you need my phone?

Do you need my pho...

I got a phone!

- I don't need a...

- Do you need my phone?

- I have a phone!

- I don't need your phone.

He's not gonna make time.

I know him.

Give him a chance

to prove you wrong.

Actually, I do need a phone.

Henry said

he would handle everything,

so hopefully there's flowers

and food, and...

Wow!

Looks great!

It's... yeah.

Aw, there's the birthday girl.

Hi, Mom!

Hi!

He pulled it off.

- This looks great!

- Yeah.

Now you should go tell him.

Happy birthday!

Oh!

Is this a bad time?

No. No, not at all.

Uh... it looks really good.

Almost as good as you could do?

I mean...

might even be better.

Uh, listen.

I-I owe you an apology.

I should've let you

weigh in more with Mom,

after the stroke.

Yeah, you should have.

You know, I want us to be

in it together with Mom,

but y-you gotta show up.

I know.

I know I wasn't always present

with Dad either.

But when I did try,

you didn't seem

to care about my opinion.

I know, I guess I just felt

more comfortable doing it all,

knowing that

it was gonna get done,

but that wasn't fair to you...

and I know that you only want

what's best for Mom.

I'm sorry I shut you out.

It was not my intention.

I'm sorry if I wasn't there.

So... we talk?

We make

any big decision together?

Sure.

Except you're gonna

take the lead with Mom...

for a little while,

because there is

a certain mahjong teacher

that I would like to spend

some time with.

I wouldn't have it

any other way.

Join the party?

Yeah.

Uh, hey...

Yes, I see it here.

These are

my employment documents

from the school...

and this page

has accounts receivable

from recent classes

and private lessons.

You can see here

that I have been teaching

at the retirement community

for over a month now,

and hopefully

that will continue.

This is great,

and we love to support

small business owners,

but for this type of loan,

we'd need more proof of income

from the lessons.

Uh, well, isn't this

proof of income?

We'd need to see

long-term, steady income,

or contracted work too...

but it seems like

you have a great thing going.

Come back in a year

with all of your records,

and that should be

more than sufficient.

I-I don't have a year.

I'm sorry, Ronni,

but it won't be approved

with only the guaranteed income

from your part-time job

with the district.

I'm really sorry.

Thank you.

Hey. What's all this?

What are you doing?

I'm getting a head start

on packing.

What? Why?

What did the...

what did the bank say?

That I show real promise,

that they love supporting

small business owners...

and to come back in a year,

when I have

a proven track record.

Ronni, I'm so sorry.

I mean, there's gotta be

something we can do.

There's not.

She was very clear about that.

And it's not "we,"

Ben, it's me...

this is my problem,

and I will handle it,

like I always do.

Hey, don't do that!

That's not the fighter

that I've come to know.

I'm out of time.

It's done.

Mike said the end of the month.

It's not

the end of the month yet.

We'll... we'll finish

fixing up your house...

Ben! It's not my house anymore.

Okay.

I'll, uh...

I'll give you some space.

Yeah, so...

I decided

I'm gonna throw a party here...

a mahjong party, this weekend.

You know, before the house

belongs to someone else.

Well, don't you worry.

You are in good hands.

We'll list the house

at the high end of the market,

and it should sell very quickly.

Thanks.

I guess,

then I'll, um, buy a condo

with my half of the sale.

Something with a community room,

so I can still

do my mahjong lessons.

Good! You're not

giving up on the business!

No way! I have a wait list.

Thattagirl!

Yeah, I'm-I'm gonna

stay at the school

until I can do it full-time,

but... yeah, I'm in it

for the long haul.

Good, then you can

buy an even bigger house,

with an even better backyard.

- Mm-hmm!

- Oh, hey...

and I happen to know

a fabulous realtor.

- Do you?

- I do!

She is gorgeous,

funny... always gets

the right price.

- I can't wait to meet her!

- Oh! How dare you?

Nice!

So, uh, have you talked to Ben?

Mm-mm.

What happened?

I lashed out at him. I...

he tried to help.

And we all know

how much you love that.

It was a moment.

We all have

those little moments.

I've already had

six of 'em tonight.

Hey there.

How did you know where I was?

I stopped by your worksite,

and your foreman said

you actually took a lunch today,

so... good job.

Yeah. Well, you know,

a friend of mine...

said that I should, uh,

ask for what I want, you know?

Try letting others

take the lead.

Oh, she sounds very smart.

She is all that and more.

I owe you an apology.

All you've ever done

is believe in me, and...

Ah, no.

You had gotten bad news.

I get it.

I should know better

than to try

and fix things for you.

I like when you fix things

with me, not for me.

More of a team.

I like the sound of that.

We've made it through 100%

of our fights,

so it feels like

a pretty good start.

So, any interest in going

to a mahjong party tomorrow?

I could be talked into it.

What is mahjong again?

Just remind me one more time?

- Hi!

- Hi.

Um, I'm Ronni Rice,

and I'm here to pick up a check.

Oh.

You're just the person

I've been wanting to see!

Hey, Tom!

We've had

such spectacular feedback.

Your post-class survey scores

were off the charts.

Wow! I am so flattered.

And we've had way more interest

than we ever anticipated.

That's amazing.

Uh, well, I'm here,

if you want me to teach

any more classes.

I'm very glad to hear you

say that, because...

we have a proposal for you.

I'm listening.

There's some permanent part-time

adult education faculty here,

and we'd like

to offer you a position.

- Seriously?

- Seriously.

Now, we can offer four

ongoing courses per quarter,

beginning and intermediate,

and it would be year-round.

Oh...

that is, uh...

Now, your contract

would be non-exclusive,

so you could still teach

elsewhere, if you want.

I'd be under contract?

Yes. Would that be a problem?

Uh, n... no! Absolutely not!

Uh... count me in.

Great! Okay. Come on.

Come with me.

You've got the pre-approval.

Wh...? Really?

I love it

when these things work out.

Oh!

Ben? Ben!

Hey! I just finished

setting up the tables.

You are never

gonna believe this.

Oakview Community College,

they gave me a contract,

so the bank approved my loan!

I get to keep the house!

You're kidding me!

It's a full house.

- It's so exciting.

- Mom!

Savannah?

What-what are you doing here?

What about your classes?

I'll be back Monday morning,

but I couldn't miss

your last big hurrah

at the house.

Oh, I'm so happy for you.

Hey. How's it going?

- And you are just in time!

- Hmm?

Uh, excuse me, could I have

everyone's attention, please?

Uh... this was supposed to be

the last hurrah for the house,

the last time

I had anyone over for a lesson,

a party, a get-together...

but I am happy to say,

that is no longer the case.

Oakview Community College

has given me

a contract to teach there,

so the bank approved my loan.

I get to keep the house!

Come here.

Ahh!

- Oh!

- I'm so happy for you.

And since

you're gonna be so busy...

we are here to help

You know, I could find you

some commercial space

to rent for hosting tournaments.

I'll cut my commission in half.

You don't even

charge me a commission!

Exactly.

I couldn't have

done this without you.

Aw.

Now, come here.

There's someone

I want you to meet.

Ben, Savannah.

I wanted you two

to finally meet.

It is nice to finally meet you.

It is nice to finally

meet you too.

It's a mess in there!

But it's my mess...

and I can clean it tomorrow.

I have something for you.

What is... that?

Savannah's growth chart.

I made an executive decision.

I knew how hard it was gonna be

for you to part with it,

so...

When did you do that?

Weeks ago...

before I painted the wall.

It's perfect...

for new beginnings...

in my freshly done old house.

I like that.

And with an unexpected hand

and a pivot or two,

I found love,

all while surrounded

by the bestest of friends...

and the best part is

the rest is still unwritten.