Holiday Dating Guide, The (2022)

[bunniefuu]

Hi. My name is Abigale Seaver,

and I'm a dating coach

and author.

I'm a dating coach on my way

to being a published author.

This is my home, Tifton.

It's also home to

the best book publisher this

side of New York City...

C. McNeille Books,

which is more than just

a happy coincidence for me.

I've developed my own rules

for dating

that I share with my clients

and have now incorporated

into my hopefully

soon-to-be-published

"Holiday Dating Guide"

to help people

fulfill their souls'

biggest desire.

They just have to get out

of their own way.

That and a little push from me

to guide them

in the right direction.

- Jim.

- Oh! Hi.

You got this!

No, no, I don't got this.

Remember our sessions.

All you got to do

is walk up to her and say hello.

71% of women in our age range

are just looking

for the right match.

Yeah, they're looking for

someone who can talk to them.

And I'm not that someone.

Chapter one.

- "You've got this.

- Yeah.

I've got this.

What I don't got is

what I'm going to say to her.

When in doubt, improvise.

Hi. Breakfast sandwich, please.

Bacon on the side.

That'll be $3.99.

Mm.

Thank you.

- What are you doing?

- Trust me.

Now walk over there slowly

and get me a napkin.

Go.

Whoa!

Oh, my gosh!

I am so sorry!

Are you okay?

She is so cute.

Um...

What's her name?

- Ava.

- Ah.

I am so embarrassed.

Can I make it up to you

with a coffee?

Uh... Yeah!

Yes, that would be great.

- Great.

- Yeah.

You silly dog!

And that's how it's done.

Good morning.

Good morning.

'Sup, bro?

Hey, what's up?

You good?

Yes, I'm good. Yeah.

Let's go.

- You sure? Okay.

- Let's go.

After you.

Thank you.

Bro, did you know that some cats

are actually allergic to humans?

What?

And apparently,

green eggs and ham

was actually created on a bet.

Thank you.

Fred, why do you know

all of these things?

And more important,

why do I need to know them?

Well, when you've been

a high school teacher

for well over a decade,

you learn a ton of random facts.

Plus, random facts are the best

way of meeting beautiful women.

That's how I got Lydia to fall

in love with me.

- Random facts, huh?

- Mm-hmm. Just saying.

Peppermint mocha latte, please.

- All right. And for you?

- Vanilla latte, please.

- All right. Perfect.

- Your turn?

- Yeah, I got it.

- Thank you. These?

Yeah, perfect.

Dad.

How long did he give you

to decide?

- 12 days.

- 12 days?

Wait, wait, wait...

That's Christmas Eve.

Last business day of the year.

Are you still upset that he

k*lled the deal?

What deal?

Oh, do you mean the deal

that I spent six months

working on that would have

made us an international brand

and probably

tripled our profits?

That deal?

Yeah, I'll take that as a yes.

You're still upset

about the deal.

Yeah.

Listen, Dad is stubborn,

and Mom was...

You know, it is too early

to be talking about that.

Okay, well, look,

I'll change the subject.

Come with me to the bar tonight.

I thought you had plans with

Lydia tonight.

No, no. She has this mother-son

thing with Cole.

Please, don't leave me hanging.

All right, fine.

- Yes!

- I will come, but not for you.

It's for the other patrons.

All right, well,

you won't be sorry.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Oh, yeah.

Awfully chipper in the morning.

James?

Ew. That smells horrible.

What is it?

Gwyneth Paltrow's $250

Holiday Ascension Smoothie.

- 250 bucks for a shake?!

- Ascending's expensive.

Also, I couldn't find

all the same ingredients,

so it's kind of a knock off,

but it promises to keep me

young and beautiful.

You're so extra.

Extra for being your roommate

for so long.

First of all, you would hate

living without me!

Secondly, after I finish

my meeting this afternoon,

you'll be looking at

C. McNeille Books'

latest published author,

and I'll probably be moving

into my own place.

And then how sad will you be.

Oh, so sad.

Wait!

The meeting with

the book guy's today?!

- Yep. It's finally happening.

- Well, here's to you

getting a book deal, and me

staying young and beautiful.

You know,

this is why people get Botox.

I got to get going. Love you.

I know.

Really?!

Are going to wish me luck

or what?

Being published

is only a lifelong dream.

No, you don't need luck.

You're the best dating coach.

And you're going to have

these publishers

eating out of the palm of

your hand.

I know!

I really want a doughnut.

You got this.

In fact, we have a new

coffee machine upstairs.

You obviously know

how to get to John's office.

You go down the hallway

up to the third floor.

But instead of hanging the left,

go right.

And there's a...

There's a new set up there.

Yeah. You'll really enjoy it.

Thanks.

Take care.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, that sounds great.

Perfect.

We'll see you next week. Bye.

Hi, Abigale.

Hi.

My name is Sarah.

Would you like

something to drink?

Oh, no, thank you.

By the way,

I loved your manuscript.

You know, little secret,

most materials

are usually read by

the assistants.

I, for one, am so grateful

I read yours.

I need all the help I can get

in the dating department.

I'm tired of spending

the holidays alone.

Are you nervous?

- Is it that obvious?

- Chapter one, right?

You've got this.

- Come on in.

- Jack will see you now.

- Thank you so much.

- Wait!

Good luck.

- Hi!

- Hi!

Abigale Seaver.

It's great to meet you.

I really appreciate you taking

the time to be with me, sir.

Especially so close

to the holidays.

Well, your e-mails were

incredibly persistent.

I'm grateful for the

opportunity, Mr. McNeille.

Oh, please, call me Jack. Here.

Have a seat.

Wow.

Oh! Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Sometimes I can't

believe it myself.

Uh, you want to know the secret?

Yes, definitely.

Well, I married the smartest

woman in the world.

And she really loved

helping people.

She's beautiful.

Yeah.

Listen, if I'm being honest,

I didn't really understand

your manuscript.

Oh! I thought...

My assistant... she loved it.

And she has her finger on

the pulse of what's hip.

And I do know good writing

when I see it.

And I'm with you on

the importance of finding love,

Abigale, especially at this time

of year.

And... oh!

By the way,

you are welcome to come

to our Christmas Eve party.

We McNeille's go all out.

I'm in!

Wait, does that mean

you're going to publish my book?

Uh... no.

I-it's about the dating rules?

Um...

"Be a mystery,"

"don't be too independent,"

"never see someone

two days in a row"?

I mean, it's just so different

from how I met my wife.

Jack...

How long have you been married?

Oh, we were married

45 incredible years.

I met Carolyn

and in high school, she...

She sat next to me

in chemistry class.

I guess I should have

known then, huh?

That's beautiful.

Really!

But times have changed.

People have changed.

Technology and social media

have flipped the game,

especially

when it comes to dating.

Well, yeah, but love

hasn't changed.

I mean, for me, it's all about

an authentic connection.

And then love

just follows, it's simple.

Everybody arrives

at it differently.

I mean, sometimes

less really is more.

Jack, respectfully,

I've been using the advice

I share in this book

with my clients for years,

and I have a 90% success rate...

With rates increasing

during the holidays to 93%.

I really believe now is the time

to share this with the world,

and it has always been my dream

to have my work published

by your company.

Look, may I ask you

a personal question?

Sure.

Are you in a relationship?

Well, no... but that's only

because my relationship

is with my work right now.

Okay, wait.

What if I can prove

my book works?

Uh, well,

I'm not sure what you mean.

What if I follow my own advice?

Um...

I'll use the book

and find myself a relationship.

What better way to lead

than by example?

Look, like I said,

you are a great writer,

and I would love to read

whatever you write next.

Think about it.

What better proof than

the author falling in love

with a guy using the advice

she shares in her book?

It's actually perfect!

H-how would I even know

if you actually succeeded?

I'll bring him to the

C. McNeille Christmas party.

Uh, you... you do know

Christmas Eve is 12 days away.

Uh-huh.

Plenty of time.

12 days to meet and make

a perfect stranger

fall in love with you?

Totally doable.

And if I succeed,

you'll publish my book?

Oh, whoa, whoa,

whoa, whoa, whoa.

Well, my wife always used to

say, "You might be right."

Solved any difficulties

we were having.

And... I can't believe

I'm agreeing to this, but...

But, um...

You might be right.

And if you succeed...

I will publish your book.

Thank you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Well, that was interesting.

I am horrible at

wrapping presents,

and this tape dispenser's messed

with my cuticles.

I need you to help me.

James!

I'm kidding!

I want to know everything.

Okay. I might have told

Jack McNeille that I could get

a guy to fall for me by

Christmas Eve,

so basically, I have 12 days.

- Wait, what?

- He was skeptical about my book,

so I told him

I could prove it works.

Prove it works, as in,

you have 12 days

to fall in love with someone.

Well, not necessarily.

I could at least get someone to

fall in love with me in 12 days.

Ah, still immune to love,

even now.

James, you know I love

a great holiday romance movie.

Do I want the snow

to fall on cue

as me and Mr. Right kiss

for the first time?

Yes! Yes, I do!

But this is reality...

And my book is my priority,

and I'm going to do everything

it takes to get it published.

Ooh, scandalous. I love it.

You know, I've got a guy

that'll do it for 50 bucks.

No!

I have to do this for real!

It can't be anyone

I've ever met,

and he definitely can't know

about this deal.

Do you want your book

published or not?

You don't think I can do this?

Okay, fine. Have it your way.

What does your book say

the first step is?

You haven't read it?!

Huh? No!

Yes, I've read it!

I love it.

I was reading it last night.

I love your use of words,

and, um...

You are the worst!

Here.

Early Christmas present.

- "The Holiday Dating Guide"?

- Genius, right?

No one's written

a holiday dating guide.

Okay, Get me up to speed

with the CliffsNotes.

Okay, so, the book

is pretty straightforward.

12 rules to get you

out of your own way

and help you meet someone new

without falling into

the normal pitfalls of dating.

- A rule book?

- Yes, a rule book.

Out of context,

it may sound silly,

but, for example,

one would never see

someone two days in a row.

- People actually do that.

- Mm-hmm!

Also, make sure your social

media looks amazing, festive,

but there'll be

a bit of a mystery.

- Obviously.

- Don't be too vulnerable,

and don't trust anyone to soon.

And never meet the parents

before the third date.

Oh, hindsight's 20/20.

Ooh, let's do happy hour

and scope out potential suitors.

Well, one of the rules is don't

include your friends too soon.

Well, we're breaking that one

because I'm not missing this,

but I promise I'll be invisible,

a fly on the wall.

Where are you going?

To find a guy,

make him fall in love with me,

and get my book published.

Guess we're done with

wrapping presents.

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

'Tis the season to be jolly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Don we now our rock apparel

Fa la la, la la la, la la la

Oh.

Thank you.

- Wow. Cheers.

- Cheers.

Mm!

Mmhmm!

Oh, wow.

Yeah.

What, you're not gonna

go over there?!

No, because it's guy's night.

- Oh! You love me!

- Stop it.

Hey, wait. Whoa, whoa!

Oh!

Do we know her?

It's the girl from this morning

that was doing the adorable

little happy dance.

Oh, well, she's gorgeous...

And lucky for you,

I'm taken.

Oh, please. You worship

the ground Lydia walks on!

It's the other way around.

The secret is

remaining mysterious.

Play hard to get.

It's Lydia.

Think she heard me?

- Yeah.

- Snookums!

Hey, I'm going to go use

the bathroom.

Don't cheat while I'm gone.

So, this is the place that

you recommend to your clients?

It's giving me

farmersonly.com vibes.

It's where you meet

real people, James.

Well, let's scan

the bunkhouse again.

Dashing through the snow

Ooh. What about the

singer in the band?

Jimmy Fallon Doppelganger.

Adorable, and America's

late night sweetheart.

Not to mention super talented. Hmm.

What if we start with that guy?

- Oh, go get him, tiger!

- Roar!

I'll tell ya,

this girl Puja is amazing.

So much fun.

Way more fun than Kelsey.

'Cept Kelsey's

your girlfriend, dude.

Don't remind me.

I feel bad enough already.

Why don't you just break things

off already, Barry?

Because we've been dating

for years.

Because my family loves her.

'Cause I love her.

Hey, Barry, you may love her,

but you may not be

in love with her anymore.

- What?

- I'm not sure, but cheating

is usually just a symptom

of a relationship in trouble.

And although I never

condone cheating,

the fact that you feel bad

means you're probably not

that bad a guy.

So, either let this Puja go

and get to couples therapy,

or let Kelsey go

so she can meet someone new.

Either way is the right thing

to do

and it'll translate to the best

chance of happiness for you.

Abigale Seaver,

Professional Dating Coach.

Happy to serve!

Ride in a one-horse

open sleigh

Hey! Jingle bells,

jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun...

Oh, my... oh, geez!

- Oh!

- Geez! I'm so sorry!

- It's okay.

- Oh, my gosh! I'm so sorry.

Well!

Thank you.

c*ck napkins aren't

really absorbent. I'm so sorry.

- It's really okay.

- Ugh...

You know, it's good

to see you again.

- Motorcycle man?

- Yeah!

Didn't think it was possible

to feel more embarrassed

than I do now.

For the record, I thought

that your little victory dance

was adorable.

I'm mortified.

- I'm Michael.

- Nice to meet you.

Can I buy you a replacement

drink, Miss Mortified?

Uh, sure. But I'm paying

since I knocked into you.

- That's even better.

- Hmm.

Excuse me!

Uh, sir?

He doesn't work here.

I mean, he works here,

but he doesn't

actually work here.

- Clearly.

- Aspiring actor?

Frustrated poet.

Who is also a non-conformist.

Who hates Christmas.

And loves ignoring

cool people like us.

I'm sorry... I actually hate

when people check their phones

during a conversation.

That's okay.

Girlfriend?

No. Best friend, Brad,

who apparently saw me

bump into a beautiful woman

and is extremely excited for me.

Excuse me.

Hmm.

You know what?

What are you drinking? Beer?

Beer works.

There we go.

Keep the change.

That was borderline

trespassing...

But also impressive.

To non-conforming, frustrated

poet bartenders

who hate Christmas

and love ignoring cool people

like us.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Mm.

Although I was supposed to pay.

Mm. Well, technically,

I bumped into you,

caused you spilled the drinks,

so I think we're even.

Okay.

Uh, you know, you never told me

your name.

Be mysterious!

Well, if you can beat me

at pool,

maybe you'll find out.

Random facts, bro!

Random facts!

Ooh!

Okay...

Nine ball, corner pocket.

Ugh!

Two ball, corner.

You know, even dolphins

have names for each other.

They have a distinct whistle

for every member of their pod.

One ball, side pocket.

There's no way that's true, and

you better not whistle at me.

It is definitely true.

My, uh... my buddy Brad

has a wealth of knowledge.

Actually used to look up

the things he would say

to try to prove him wrong,

but it turns out

he knows everything.

Mm.

Four ball, corner.

What?! You're goin'

behind the back?

Uh-huh.

You're really good at this game.

Thank you. All right.

Three ba*ls left.

I think your random facts

are my good luck charm.

So, what you got?

Actually, yeah,

I... I do have another one.

Sea otters hold hands

while they sleep... can I?

So they don't drift apart

in the water.

- Hmm. That's pretty cute.

- Hmm.

Do you and Brad practice

that one?

Every morning, yeah.

Your friend Brad seems to know

a lot about sea animals.

Well, he is a high school

science teacher

and one of

the coolest dudes around.

Cute.

Do you want to take

the next turn?

Oh, I'm not above charity.

Yes, I will take a turn.

I'm going to do that

15 right there

in that corner pocket.

Okay.

Just so I can save face here,

why don't we just say

whoever hits the eight ball in

next wins the game?

Deal... go ahead.

No. No. I think we both know

how this is going to go,

so why don't you

just put me out of my misery?

Okay.

Eight ball, corner pocket.

Okay.

Better luck next time.

That was amazing.

It was nice to meet Michael.

Hey, wait a second!

What's your name?

Abigale.

Oh, excuse me.

And "keep the date short"...

Pro!

Oh, gosh.

I didn't know you were awake.

Awake? I haven't gone to sleep!

I can't keep my nose

out of this book!

Well, that's quite

the compliment...

Considering you

don't even like books.

Um, I love books,

I just hate reading.

- Oh.

- Can we talk about last night?

As we stream popcorn

and watch "Love Actually."

You were incredible last night!

Who was that rock star

mysterious girl?

Never seen her before.

Well...

Only problem is,

I never felt like

"you've got this."

And that's the first chapter of

my book!

I just kind of, like,

bumped into him,

and things went from there.

So, you skipped to

chapter two... improvise.

Ever since as far back

as fifth grade,

you've always been so worried

about following the rules.

Because rules are meant

to be followed!

And so far, so good.

Amazing!

No!

Not amazing!

Okay. What am I missing?

If I go out with him tonight,

I'll be breaking my

two-day rule!

Okay. Do you have a chapter

about how you have 11 days

to make a gorgeous man

fall in love with you

or your dream of having

your book published

goes down the toilet?

Hmm?

Actually, exceptions to

the rule...

When the man is visiting

from out of town,

or the second date is playful,

not romantic,

because you can back-to-back,

playful to playful,

but you can never back-to-back

romance to romance.

And I know the perfect

playful date.

Sent one of my clients

there last Christmas,

worked like a charm.

Mm!

He said yes to my playful date.

Yeah!

Aww! You look just like one

of Santa's little helpers.

One that probably

needs the most help.

Hey.

It's a good thing you're pretty.

You're mean.

Thank you.

Ax throwing?

Should I be concerned?

Something I'm good at.

Okay, as long as you remember

tonight we're focusing on

chapters three and four...

Show your humor and get to know

each other lightly.

I wrote it, James.

No, Dad, I hear you.

There he is. Got to go.

Yes, Dad, and I... I promise

I'm going to think about it,

but I got to go. Okay.

Sorry.

Was that Brad with more

random facts?

Everybody loves random facts.

Best ice breakers going.

Worked on me.

I'm glad it did.

No, there was a...

It wasn't Brad.

It was my dad.

Oh!

Are you guys close?

Yeah! Just, lately, we haven't

been seeing eye to eye.

But I think that happens, right?

- Yeah.

- It's complicated right now.

Anyway!

Hi!

Hi.

Oh, wait, you don't have, like,

any beverages

or anything you're going

to throw on me, right?

- Ha-ha, so clever.

- I have my moments.

Oh.

She's beautiful.

- Thank you!

- '59?

- It is.

- Mm!

I'm kind of regretting

having you meeting me here

instead of picking me up,

but I got to figure out

if you're a m*rder*r

before I let you know

where I live.

Spoiler alert.

I am definitely a m*rder*r.

Well, did you know

that a recent survey

revealed that the holiday season

is a m*rder*r's favorite

time of year?

- Random fact.

- Random joke.

- Oh!

- Come. Follow me.

Okay.

- Oh, look at this.

- Yeah. Pretty, right?

Yeah.

All right. So I got to ask,

how do you know about old cars?

- My dad was a mechanic.

- Ah.

Yeah, I used to sit with him

in the garage all the time

and just hand him

whatever tools he needed.

- I love that.

- Yeah.

Told me it was very important

to know how to fix my cars.

"Because the two people

you can't trust

in this world are mechanics

and men."

Oh, wow.

He's not entirely wrong.

- Wow!

- You ready?

Yeah!

Thank you.

- Okay!

- Let's do this.

- Oh!

- Okay.

Have you ever done this before?

Uh, dated, or gone ax throwing?

No, I can't say ax throwing

has ever really been my thing.

But how hard can it be?

Take that, Rudolph!

- Wow!

- There you go.

Wow. Yeah.

Let's give this thing a whirl.

Huh.

Okay.

Every action movie

I've ever seen

makes this look a lot easier.

It's okay, just try again.

- Okay.

- Mm-hmm, okay.

Uh, sorry, I'm just

a little off my game.

Let me give you a few pointers.

- Okay.

- All right, always keep

your eyes

aimed at where you want to go.

- Okay.

- Ready?

Wow!

That was impressive.

- Thank you.

- Okay.

- Okay. Next.

- Yeah?

Visualize where

you want to strike.

- Okay.

- Okay? Visualize striking

the target,

and then just release.

Okay.

- Ah!

- Oh, my gosh! That was amazing!

Let's do it again.

Okay.

Oh, okay.

That's super dangerous.

How would you feel about

a less adventurous adventure?

- Sure!

- Okay. I know the perfect spot.

Okay.

Suck it, Santa!

I love it.

That lady is dangerous.

Welcome to my favorite place.

This is amazing.

Oh!

Look at all these classics!

You're seeing it at a good time,

because usually when I'm

working, it's...

It's really messy.

- So you refurbish cars?

- I do. Yeah.

My dad and I always

really loved classic cars.

So when I was a kid,

he got this warehouse

so we could

restore them together.

Wow. My dad

would have loved this place.

He and I used to talk

about building

a Shelby Cobra together.

Just driving it on a Sunday

afternoon with no place to be

and just the wind in our hair.

Best feeling in the world.

Where is your dad now?

Uh, he lives in California.

I don't get to see him

as often as I'd like,

but we make it work.

I still have this little toy

car collection that he gave me,

though, but pales in comparison

to this.

Well, the next time

he's in town,

you're welcome to borrow

any of these.

I might take you up on that.

I'm going to insist that you do.

This one is actually the one

I'm working on right now.

Oh, gosh! She's amazing.

She is a beaut.

Black beaut.

Yeah.

This one means something to you?

Yeah. This one is special.

I used to see it driving

around town when I was a kid.

It was also my mom's

favorite car,

so I knew

we had to have one, one day.

- So, you grew up here, too?

- Yeah. Born and raised.

And you never left. I mean,

how have we never met before?

Well, I went away to college,

but my dad's company's local,

so I came back here to work

for him...

For a while, at least.

- And you're not there anymore?

- No. No.

We had a disagreement

about the company's future.

It was actually right after

my mom passed away.

And I am completely spilling

my guts on a first date.

I'm so sorry.

No, that's okay.

Getting to know each other is...

getting to know each other.

Nice little library

you have over here.

Oh, yeah. They, uh...

They were actually

my mom's collection.

She passed down to me

some amazing first editions

and, you know,

some of her favorites.

I just like having

them here with me.

Okay. I have been talking way

too much about myself.

What do you do?

- What do... what do I do?

- Yeah.

- For work?

- Sure.

Kind of a work in progress.

Okay, what are you

progressing toward?

A writer of sorts.

Ah.

Hmm.

Wait, what's that face?

What type of writing?

I'm kind of in the middle

of my first book, so,

like I said,

kind of a work in progress.

I just remembered, though,

I promised my roommate

that I would decorate tonight,

so kind of got to go.

Oh! Uh, okay.

Ooh, hey, actually, uh,

do you want to pick one of these

for the ride home?

Um, as tempting as that sounds,

can I get a rain check?

I live really close, and I'm

actually in the mood for a walk.

Well, you know, this is one of

the best nights

I've had in a really long time,

and, uh, I really hope

I get to see you again.

- I think that could be arranged.

- Good.

Good night, Michael.

Good night, Abigale.

I still understand

why you didn't kiss him.

I know. Why do I feel like

I totally could have?

'Cause you totally could have.

James, I have to follow my book!

I honestly wish

I could give him a copy.

I mean, he's open

and vulnerable,

and almost immediately.

Isn't afraid

of looking ridiculous.

And asked to see me

on the next day.

This guy is definitely

not a rule follower.

So what is he?

Um, fun, real, normal.

Seriously, when are you

going to see him next?

I got so caught up in the

moment we didn't actually

set a date.

Abigale!

The Christmas party's in, like,

10 days.

You've got to start

making some bold moves.

I know!

My Christmas tacos and eggnog!

Okay. I was thinking more along

the lines of

chocolate covered strawberries

and champagne,

but nothing screams bold like

Christmas tacos and eggnog.

Chapter five,

show off your skills.

- Bring out the big g*ns.

- Taking no prisoners.

All right. Off to bed

for your beauty sleep.

Okay.

You can have the rest.

Love you.

Hi, Sarah.

Thank you so much

for agreeing to work with me.

Of course!

So are we starting from scratch,

or do you have someone in mind?

There's someone I've been

interested in for way too long,

but he doesn't know I exist.

That won't be for long.

Tell me more.

His name is Sam.

He delivers mail to the office,

and every day

I have to greet him.

But I can't get up the courage

to actually say anything to him.

I know your first two chapters:

"You've got this," and,

"Be bold."

But I don't know what would

fall under that category.

I've never even said hello.

I just wave.

Okay, let's start small then.

Tomorrow, when he comes in,

ask him something very specific,

anything you want.

Like, what his favorite

Christmas song is?

- Perfect.

- It is?

Yes. And then be ready

with follow ups,

like what you think of

the song, perhaps.

Or ask him what his favorite

holiday movie is,

what he's doing

for the holidays.

63% of relationships

begin with a minor interaction.

So let's give this a shot

and then we can get together

in a couple of days

and reevaluate.

Wow, I hope I can one day

just learn to follow my heart

and be as bold

and honest as you, Abigale.

Mm.

He's not here. What am I doing?

Chapter 11,

Never show up unannounced.

- Abigale?

- Yes! Hi. Sorry.

I was just in the neighborhood

at the coffee shop.

Oh, yeah. The one where you did

the little dance?

Yeah, that one.

Uh, I was just walking home,

and I was wondering

if maybe you were available

for dinner tonight at my place.

Kind of an expert at tacos...

Christmas tacos, actually.

Christmas tacos?

I'm in.

Great.

I'll text you my address.

Actually, do you want to

come in for a minute?

'Cause I'm making great progress

on the black beaut.

Sure.

I can come in just for a minute.

- Okay.

- Only to see the black beaut.

Of course.

Oh, my gosh. I love her.

- Oh, yeah.

- So what's left to finish?

Well, I was thinking about

bumping up the stock engine,

maybe after market headers

or supercharger.

After market?

You think it's bad idea?

I mean, it's up to you, but I

like keeping it to the original.

Huh. I just really like to make

them bigger and faster.

You know, take them

to that next level.

But I guess I can get

a little carried away sometimes.

I mean, making something

the best version it can be,

I agree on,

but I like keeping it authentic.

It's more valuable in every way.

And it's the reason we fell

in love with them

in the first place.

Yeah.

Why do we always

have to complicate things?

Hmm.

I don't know.

Uh, anyway, I got to go.

Um, don't forget,

Christmas taco night, right?

- Can't wait.

- 'Kay.

- Hi!

- Hi.

Wow! It's smells really good

in here.

It's like tacos

and pine needles.

Hmm.

Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- They smell great.

I actually also brought you

something else.

- You remembered.

- Of course.

I have the perfect place

for this.

Come on in.

Thank you.

Wow, I love your place.

Thank you.

Oh, wow. This is great.

That is quite the collection.

I especially love the 300 SL.

- Ooh, that's a special one.

- Yeah.

- I'm gonna put these in water.

- Okay.

You know, my mom used

to make tacos for me

for my birthday every year.

Some of my favorite memories.

How can I help?

Everything's ready to go.

- Where... am I over there?

- Yes, right here.

- Okay. Thank you.

- Sorry.

Okay, listen, you have to mix

the meat and the beans together.

Oh, no, no, no!

Usually keep it separate!

Oh, trust me.

Separate, they have some flavor,

but together,

it is going to blow your mind.

Okay. Uh, let's dig in!

Uh, sour cream.

Wait, you're starting

with the sour cream?

Uh...

Yeah, I know,

it's way too much sour cream,

but trust me, it is good.

No, it's just that I...

I set up the taco line

from right to left.

Are there really rules

when it comes to making tacos?

Yeah!

There are rules for everything!

Huh! Well, listen,

I have this theory that,

in order

to achieve true greatness,

you have to break the rules.

What do you say?

Okay, I'm in.

Okay! So, just go

with your heart, no rules.

- All right.

- Yeah. Get a little of this.

- Meat and beans together.

- Sometimes the process can be

a bit messy,

but the results are worth it.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

Nice! Oh, you're k*lling it.

- My sour cream.

- Oh! Uh-huh.

Slap it on top.

Boy.

All right.

Okay!

- Are you ready?

- Cheers.

Cheers.

I have sour cream

all over my face.

Yes.

But it is part...

of the process.

But what about the results?

Literally may be the best taco

I ever had in my life.

You're like a crazy genius.

I know.

Actually, here, come on.

We got to document this.

To the moment...

Mmhmm.

- That you learned...

- Tacos in.

To be messy...

and to break the rules.

Nice job.

Hmm.

I mean, that's...

Oh! Okay!

You need some, too.

I can't be the only one!

Touche.

- Let's document that.

- Yeah, let's d...

Now I'm a disaster.

Oh, gosh!

All good.

Thanks.

I mean, we're pretty cute.

So cute.

Okay, I know this is going

to sound cliche,

and I promise I don't mean

in a backhanded way,

but how are you still single?

I could ask you

the same question.

But I asked you first.

- Touch.

- Mm-hmm.

Well, I've always loved

the idea of love,

especially

the kind you see in movies.

But after a few failed attempts,

I shifted my priorities

to my career.

It is tough to fall in love

when you're so focused on work.

I know that feeling

all too well.

I like structure

and predictability.

Work is way easier

to control than love,

especially when you approach it

in a similar way.

Yeah, if you approach it

with all that structure,

it eliminates the possibility

of anything...

wonderful happening.

So why are you still single?

Oh... Uh...

I was in a few

long relationships,

but I just never really

felt that spark.

I've always wanted

to kind of love my parents had,

just don't want to settle.

How do you feel

about taking a walk?

A walk?

Okay. When you think

about your childhood,

what is your favorite memory?

Hmm.

Well, when I was five or six,

I remember making

Christmas cookies

with my mom and dad

in the kitchen.

I was about to put the flour

in the bowl and I dropped it.

I remember being so sad

and I was crying so hard,

and all of a sudden

my dad scooped some up

and he threw it at my mom,

and then my mom scooped some up

and threw it at me,

and before I knew it,

we were in a full blown

Christmas cookie fight.

It's one of the only times

I remember being with them

when they weren't fighting.

If I'm honest, maybe that's part

of the reason

why I'm still single.

I want to guarantee I find love

with the highest probability

of success,

'cause I don't want

to live with regrets.

And I've always wanted to have

one of those

Hollywood fountain moments,

like in "Roman Holiday."

Let's jump in.

I mean, that is probably

going to be pretty cold,

but yeah, let's do it!

No, I was just kidding.

I didn't really mean for us to...

No, you just said that you

don't want to live your life

with regrets.

I was referring to marriage,

not swimming

in an urban body of water.

Hey, in 20 years, when you look

back on your life,

do you think

you're ever going to say,

"I wish I didn't jump

in that fountain"?

You're not going to make me

do this by myself, are you?

Chapter two, "Be bold without

embarrassing yourself."

Shoes.

Ready?

I think so.

Okay. Three...

- Two...

- One.

Aah!

Oh, it's cold!

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God.

- I can't believe it.

- Neither can I!

No, I mean, I'm actually

not freezing anymore,

I'm kind of warm.

Same.

Hey!

What are you guys doing?

Uh...

publicly humiliated.

I think we should go unless we

want to spend the night in

security guard jail.

Yeah. Get the shoes.

Shoes!

- Sorry!

- Sorry!

Good morning.

Someone's got a little more pep

in her step today.

What's going on?

Okay, two things

that never happen...

Me not Photoshopping my photos,

and Abigale Seaver blushing.

Spill the tea, girl.

It was perfect.

But...

But what?!

James, I'm starting

to feel a little bad.

A little bad or a little good?

It sounds like things

are going great.

That's the thing.

I didn't exactly start this

to have a future with someone.

Now, I'm starring

in my own little rom-com,

going on ax throwing dates

and jumping in fountains.

Wait, fountains. This is major.

Majorly complicated.

It sounds like

the perfect holiday romance.

What would you tell

one of your clients

if they were spiraling

about the future?

Chapter nine...

"Don't worry about the past,

don't fret about the future."

It's like you wrote

a book about it.

Hmm.

See?! You can't tell me this

timing is just a coincidence.

Wait, are you planning

on ending things

right after the holiday party?

Because there are only five days

till Christmas Eve?

I don't know!

I just know that I don't want

to be the type of person

that uses someone

to get ahead in her career.

Too late for that.

Besides, all is fair

in love and w*r, right?

What chapter is that?

Hmm.

These rules!

Really starting to come back

and haunt me.

You said it, not me.

Hi!

Hey. It's good to see you.

You okay?

Yeah, I was just laying here,

couldn't sleep.

I was gonna ask you something.

Yeah. sh**t.

Would you want to go to

a Christmas Eve party with me?

Yeah. I actually have something

that I'm doing with my dad

that night, but I...

I can definitely split my time.

Great.

Did you know that yawns are more

contagious than the common cold?

What, have you

been hanging out with Brad?

Ooh, actually, that reminds me,

I know it's a little early

to be meeting the friends,

but I'm supposed to go over

to his place tomorrow night

for dinner...

Do you want to come?

I think you'd really like his

wife, Lydia, and his son, Cole.

Sounds fun.

Look what you started.

Okay, we can't just sit here

watching each other yawn

all night.

So I will, uh... I'll text you

the details tomorrow.

Good night, Abigale.

Good night, Michael.

So he said "White Christmas,"

which is crazy because that's

also my favorite Christmas song,

which then got us talking about

our favorite Christmas movie

of the same name.

Then he asked if I wanted

to get coffee after work,

and I said yes,

so we went to coffee.

Literally a legit coffee date.

This is amazing, Sarah.

What's next?

Well, I kept it short,

like you said.

And then he asked

if I wanted to do dinner

the next night, but I said no.

Wait, why would you say no?

Because of your

"two day in a row" rule.

I... don't... Huh.

I don't know if you have to

follow that rule.

I thought you had to follow

all the rules.

Yeah, but recently I broke

the two day in a row rule,

and, you know, it wasn't bad.

It was actually kind of fun

and kept the momentum going.

- So did I do the wrong thing?

- No! No, it's fine.

- Let's just text him right now.

- Okay.

So say, "Hey, Sam,

my other plans fell through,

if you still want

to grab dinner."

Okay.

Okay!

Oh, my gosh! Dinner!

We're back on for dinner.

Okay. Tonight, I'm just going to

get to know him, but lightly,

just like you say.

And if he wants to open up,

or, like,

if you feel like opening up,

that's okay, too.

I'm getting confused.

Yeah, so am I, Sarah.

Listen, just go to dinner

tonight and be yourself.

Okay.

And get to know each other,

whatever that looks like.

Are you sure?

Yeah.

I think so.

Give it. Give it.

Oh, man.

So strong!

And the craziest thing is,

she knows about her cars.

Wow, knows her classic cars

and random facts?

I don't know, bro, sounds like

a k*ller combo to me.

- It's pretty amazing.

- So when do I get to meet her?

Well, I was actually going

to ask you and Lydia

if she could come

to our dinner thing tonight.

- Oh, come on.

- Tell her 7:00 p.m. sharp,

and she doesn't need

to bring a thing.

Which means we can skip

the Christmas tradition?

Uh, there's no way

that's going to happen.

And those decorations

better look beautiful

if we're going to have

a guest over tonight.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Yes, ma'am.

Yes, ma'am.

- Smart kid.

- My boy.

Chapter eight,

"Dress to impress."

At least I know this rule

is going to work.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Am I overdressed?

No. You look amazing.

Um, I'm sorry,

did you not get my text?

No, I didn't.

Uh, it's just a silly Christmas

tradition that we have,

but come in.

Okay.

These are my best friends...

Brad, Lydia, and Cole.

- Hi!

- Hello, Abigale.

- Hi, Abigale.

- Who's Abigale?

We're so happy

you could join us.

Did Michael not tell you about

our little holiday tradition?

Uh, I missed a text.

I mean, I wish I had known.

I would have

worn something different.

Unh-unh-uhn, don't even finish

that thought, Abigale.

No respectable American family

goes without an extra pair

of Christmas onesies.

- Facts.

- Perfect.

You... you really don't have to

wear that if you don't want to.

Are you kidding me?

Why wouldn't I want to?

Let me just go change.

The bathroom's down the hallway

on the right.

Okay. Thank you.

I love her!

Another rule out the window.

You look ridiculous.

We all look ridiculous.

- Wait, wait, wait.

- Whoa!

- Okay.

- Oh, wow.

- Fits perfect!

- Nice!

Hey!

How do I look?

You are the perfect combination

of adorable and beautiful.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Oh, my gosh.

Is this you and Brad?

- It is.

- Aww.

I love that you guys have been

friends from such a young age.

- That's so cute.

- Uh...

Well, it feels like

a lifetime ago.

It feels like life

is going by faster

and faster as we get older.

I just wish I had a pause

button so I can slow it down.

Pause. Now what?

Hey, dinner's ready.

I actually met Michael first.

We were working together,

and I was reading

some self-help love book.

Because relationship books

are so helpful.

Exactly, so I told her

to throw that book out

because I already had

the perfect guy.

Enter Brad with a set

of random facts.

Ooh-ooh-ooh... did you know

that over 50% of

single Americans have not been

on a date in over two years?

Did you know that speed dating

was invented

by a rabbi in L.A. in 1999?

Ooh, I'm not worthy.

So what do you do

for work, Abigale?

Uh, I'm a coach.

Like a life coach.

Kind of hoping to have

my work published soon.

- Wow. Michael's actually...

- Loves books,

I love... love... he was just

going to say I love books.

She's already seen

the garage library, so...

- I did.

- h*, h*, h*!

- Hey, buddy. I mean, Santa.

- Hi.

Abigale, do you know what you

want for Christmas?

Well, I'm hoping Santa will

help me with a work thing.

What? You can't ask for a work

thing to pan out from Santa.

You have to ask

for something from the heart.

Uh, I guess I'll think about it

and get back to Santa.

Hey, Santa,

we can do books tonight

if Abigale can come with us.

What do you think?

- I'd love to.

- Good night, Cole. We love you.

All right, let's do this.

All right. We'll be right back.

"He cupped his hands around

his mouth and said,

'Merry Christmas'."

Good night, buddy.

Love you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

He'd be a great husband.

Very subtle. Thank you, Lydia.

He may be a bit of a wild card,

but us wild cards,

we live life on the edge,

we may be risky,

maybe a little bit dangerous.

I'm not sure how dangerous

a guy who color coordinates

his sock drawer is,

but I wouldn't change him

for the world.

Thank you.

- Oh, here.

- Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

What is it?

Obstacles are just an

opportunity for a new strategy.

- What?

- Sorry.

Something my dad always says.

No, I like it.

Uh, what are your obstacles?

I may be my only obstacle

at this point.

So it's time for a new strategy?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

I wasn't expecting this.

- What?

- All of this is.

Thank you for being you.

Actually, you know what?

I almost forgot something.

An...

early Christmas present.

- Christmas taco night!

- Oh, yeah!

Just the reminder that

the process may be messy, but...

- The results are worth it?

- Exactly.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

- Good night, Michael.

- Good night, Abigale.

Hi, this is Jack McNeille,

I can't talk right now,

and I think you know

what you do.

Hey, Dad. Um...

I was hoping to catch you,

I know I missed a few calls

from you, but I just want to let

you know that I am still

thinking about everything

you said.

And I am excited to see you

at the Christmas Eve party.

Okay. I love you. Bye.

I can't do this.

It helps if you pretend

you're in Cabo.

Seriously, James, I think

he's falling for me.

I think I'm falling

for him, too.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Yeah, but if Michael ever found

out that this all started as

a play to get a book deal,

it would crush him.

Listen, if you must get this

off your conscience,

then tell him, but for goodness'

sake, please do it

after the party.

Whole point of this arrangement

was to prove my book works.

Now I'm breaking all my own

rules, and, worse off,

I'm about to break someone

I love's heart.

Love?!

James, my book, my life's work,

my relationship with Michael,

all of it...

A total fraud.

Hashtag imposter syndrome.

Welcome to the club.

Listen, you are anything but.

Remember, back in college,

you were always

playing matchmaker.

So many of our friends that you

connected are still together.

And you did that out of the

genuine kindness of your heart.

You're an amazing

dating coach and writer,

and your work speaks for itself.

Things were simpler then.

Suddenly everything's so...

Messy?

"The process may be messy,

but the results are worth it."

I'm going to go to the party.

I'm going to

tell Michael everything.

I'm gonna give Jack an offer

he can't say no to.

Yes, that's my girl.

What does that mean?

Just like my book says...

"When in doubt, improvise."

I really want a margarita.

Joyful songs, rights and wrongs

And days by calmer seas

And as the children sing

outside their sweet melodies

I remember them all

See, this Christmas

has a hold on me

And it keeps tugging hard

on my heart strings

If I only had one wish this year

This Christmas would be

full of cheer

And we'd make this one...

Wow.

You finished the black beaut.

She looks amazing.

Thank you. She's running great.

I'm delivering her

to my dad later tonight.

But he won't mind

if we borrow it for a bit.

Did you end up

modifying the engine?

No, I did not,

because somebody really smart

taught me that bigger and faster

is not always better.

Sometimes you have to enjoy

the process

and appreciate a classic

for what it is.

You look...

There are no words to describe

how beautiful you look.

Thank you. You look pretty

dashing yourself.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Shall we?

- Yes, we shall.

Thank you.

Watch your head.

It's a little low.

Okay.

I really need to talk to you

about something.

It's hard to say, but I...

Oh!

You can't beat that sound!

Wow.

Listen, since this

is her maiden voyage,

I feel like

we got to savor this moment.

Right?

Yeah.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

So this is where your party is.

Yeah, it's the C. McNeille

holiday party.

Let's go in.

Uh, Michael, I really need

to talk to you.

Uh, yeah, looks like I really

need to talk to you, too.

How about I grab us

a couple of drinks first?

- Oh!

- Hi.

Abigale! Great to see you.

Oh, you look beautiful.

- Thank you.

- So, did you bring a guest?

Actually, I want to talk to you

about that.

About our arrangement.

Michael?!

Hey! Sarah!

Oh, it is really good

to see you.

It's been too long.

Your dad said

you were coming tonight.

Hoping that means

we'll see more.

Ah, we'll see.

Do you, uh...

Do you know who that girl

in the red dress is over there?

Oh, Abigale?

She actually met with your dad

a couple of weeks ago

for her dating book.

- Dating book, huh?

- And she's coaching me.

- Coaching you?

- Yes! This is Sam!

Sam, come here.

As I was saying,

I did bring a plus one,

but I also brought

a revision of my book.

Oh, revised, huh?

Oh.

And where is Mr. Right?

He is...

H-hold that thought. I really

want you to meet someone.

Oh, uh, Jack, wait, um...

I'm so glad you came.

- Thanks, Dad.

- Did you just say "Dad"?

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't

introduce you.

This is Abigale Seaver,

the newest potential member

of the C. McNeille Publishing family.

Well, she wrote this book

on dating, and she insisted

she could make a stranger

fall in love with her

to prove that her book works.

So, um, where is he?

Can't wait to meet him

and hear all about it.

Uh, based on the last 12 days,

I think you're

looking at him, Dad.

Is this the guy you broke

the rules over?!

Michael?

What... broke the rules?

That's what I was just going

to tell you, Jack, I...

This... Michael, it's not

what it sounds like.

Yeah, it sounds messy. Uh...

Too messy.

So, Dad, your Christmas present

is out at the valet.

And I know we need to talk,

but it's going to have to wait.

Sarah, it was great to see you.

Sam, pleasure meeting you.

I mean, Abigale, uh...

Good luck with your book.

Michael, wait.

I'm not really sure

what just happened.

What just happened is I fell

in love with your son,

and it changed everything

I ever believed in

about dating and love.

Here's the updated manuscript.

Merry Christmas.

Oh! Well,

Merry Christmas, Michael.

- Merry Christmas, Dad.

- Yeah.

Look, I got a couple of things

to say

before you give me your answer,

if you don't mind.

- Sure.

- Well, first,

thank you for the car.

I mean, I...

I absolutely love it.

I wish I could've

helped you restore it.

But, well, you know, you did

a mighty fine job on your own.

No, really, You brought it back

to its original classic beauty.

Thanks, Dad.

Um, secondly...

I'm sorry about the deal.

I know it was your intention

to expand the company, and...

Well, maybe I'm stuck

in my ways,

and need to get with the times.

But at the heart of this company

is making sure

that good people and good books

get published.

And I was afraid we might lose

sight of that if we got too big.

Mm.

Well, like Mom

always used to say,

you might be right.

It was smart to k*ll the deal.

I know that Mom always wanted

to keep it smaller,

focus on helping people and make

sure their stories were heard.

I lost sight of that somewhere,

and I'm sorry.

Unfortunately, there are not a

lot of people like her anymore.

Oh, no, that's not true, son.

I can't say that I agree.

And, uh...

I have decided that I am

not going

to come back to the company.

I respect your decision.

But can you at least grant me

one courtesy?

Sure.

You really should read this.

No, thank you.

Well, Abigale really knows

what she's talking about.

Yeah, Dad, I'm sure she does.

Okay.

Well, there's always a place

for you at C. McNeille's.

- Where are you going?

- Ah, the office.

Year-end paperwork, you know, and...

Well, it's easier for me

to be there than...

at home without her.

- Dad...

- You know,

this is quite different from

the last version that I read.

Something tells me

that that's all because of you.

Now, I haven't changed

your office since you left.

And I know it's your favorite

place to read new material,

so, uh...

Peppermint mocha latte

for my favorite girl.

It was $12,

so you better drink it.

I take it he still isn't

returning your calls?

- Nope.

- And C. McNeille Books?

Last thing on my mind.

But yeah, that ship

has definitely sailed.

Listen, what's done is done.

But what would you tell

your clients

if they were in your shoes?

Chapter 12!

"Focus on the solution,

not the problem."

- I changed chapter 12.

- To what?

To "Take a chance once in a

while and follow your heart."

I did that.

Exactly.

And what if I told you

that Jack and Michael

were at C. McNeille Books

right now?

How do you know that?

Girl, I have my ways.

Take a chance, Abigale.

- Sarah.

- I got your messages!

All five of them.

Thank you so much

for doing this.

Of course. Sam wanted to help

as much as I did.

- Hey.

- Hi.

"White Christmas,"

my favorite Christmas song.

That's the reason Sarah are I

are together, all thanks to you.

- Thank you.

- Come on.

Be bold.

You got this.

Well, no, we had a great time.

I'm really sorry

you couldn't make it.

Listen, Merry Christmas, John,

and give my love to Ruth, okay?

Okay, bye-bye.

Merry Christmas, Abigale.

It's good to see you.

Jack...

I lost my way.

I selfishly put my dreams

of having my work published

ahead of what matters most.

People and love.

And at Christmas of all times.

I really regret

wasting your time.

But more than anything,

I regret hurting Michael.

He's the most amazing man

I've ever met.

And I need him to know that.

Well, you... You came here so I

would give Michael a message?

I came to personally apologize

to you.

And, yeah, he's not responding

to any of my calls.

I may never be able

to forgive myself,

but I'm hoping maybe you

and he can forgive me.

Take a chance and follow

your heart once in a while.

Chapter 12.

Yeah, I read the new version,

and I finally get it.

And we especially...

Oh, we love the dedication.

We?

"To Michael.

My first and only true love.

Thank you for teaching me

that when it comes to love...

Rules are meant to be broken."

Well, I think I'll leave

you two for a few minutes.

Michael, what I did...

Was... messy.

Like, seriously messy.

I know.

But... when it comes

to making tacos

or rebuilding classic cars...

Or falling in love...

The process may be messy,

but the results are worthwhile?

Michael, I'm so sorry.

Why?

Look, you did what you had to do

to get your book published.

I mean, you weren't expecting

to meet a ruggedly handsome

pool shark,

ax throwing champion,

five-star taco chef,

classic car whisperer

who happens to look really good

drenched in

a freezing cold fountain.

No, I... I wasn't expecting

to find you, Michael.

The rules,

they don't apply to you.

No, the rules don't apply to us.

I want to show you something.

You know, there are a lot

of people out there

that need your advice.

And as your publisher,

I'm gonna make sure they get it.

What?

I decided to come back

to the company full time.

And the first book

that I'm going to publish

with C. McNeille is yours.

- Are you serious?

- Mm-hmm.

I don't know what to say!

How about...

"I've got this."

I've got you.

Deal.

My name is Abigale Seaver,

and I'm a dating coach

and a published author!

My advice?

Follow the rules.

Follow them with all you got...

Until your heart changes

the rules.

Then just follow your heart.