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you

Skinny vanilla latte, extra shot?

Thanks for coming in. Now the nation is buzzing about Lincoln, Colorado's Jake

Collins, the latest supersized talent whose career has been launched into the

stratosphere by the popular social media app. With his bad boy looks and voice

like Brad Paisley, Jake Collins was discovered three years ago as the tow

troubadour. Videos of him serenading his customers while hooking up their cars

for a tow blew up when they began posting their clips of him. And now that

and million dollar smile got him a Nashville record deal. One of our

caught up with Jake as he arrived for a recording session.

Word is, his new label is treating him like royalty. And Jake is living large

Music City.

Good on you, Jake Collins.

Way to make your friends in Lincoln, Colorado proud. Yes.

Thanks for you. Thank you, dear. Did you happen to catch that story on the TV?

No, Mom. I don't have time to watch TV when I'm serving customers.

Mom, that's for Jake Collins.

No. Yes. I'm not.

June.

I just think it's incredible that someone from our hometown, someone we

well, is now famous and on TV.

Yeah, somebody from our hometown who totally broke my sister's heart.

Hey, next one for you is decaf, big mouth.

Sweetheart, I didn't mean to open up any old wounds. It's fine, Mom. It's

ancient history anyway. I am living my best life, and apparently he is too. So

you were listening.

I'm happy for him. Really?

Really, Mom?

Your dad and I are proud of you, sweetheart.

For this place, too.

Even though you did turn our greasy old spoon into a fancy coffee shop.

The word's bougie, Mom.

Oh, Mason.

Can you brew some more dark roast?

Sure, Miss Gibson.

Mason, I've told you, just call me Amber.

I'm not that much older than you. Oh, I thought you graduated high school in the

last century.

Uh, no. No, it was way into this century.

Okay, am I the only person in the universe not on Ying Yang? No, it's

everybody. Listen up, I've been working really, really hard for getting closer

and closer on wrapping up my debut album. I cannot wait for you to hear my

single. It's going to be dope.

You do know there's a great big world out there that could care less about

right?

Cool. Yeah, well, I'm going to go back to work in that world.

I've come a very long way since that first time I picked up a guitar back at

that boy's home back in Colorado.

And I got to tell you, this album is going to be inspired by my roots back

And that means y 'all.

And that means that it is a love letter to all of you who supported me and

believed in me along the way. You guys stay tuned. I love you so much. Without

you, I wouldn't be here.

Good session, man.

Jake, what's up, man?

Where are you guys going, man? We're supposed to finish this single. I just

announced it on socials. I don't know what's going on, man.

And we got to head across town and record Luke Bryce.

Payphone cowboy.

Luke Bryce? What? No idea. Probably a scheduling thing. I would check with

Marvin. He's the one that finds everybody's checks.

Don't call me until you get it done.

And that's our key to get out of here.

Jaggy boy.

Go ahead and have a seat, buddy. I got some big news for you.

Okay. What's going on, Marvin?

I think I speak for all of us here at For the Artist when I say we really

enjoyed our time with you.

Your rise to fame has been nothing short of epic.

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Are you firing me?

No, no, no. We don't do that in the music business. It's more like we're not

picking up your options.

What's the difference?

Well, one sounds a lot nicer.

Think of this as like an opportunity to set yourself free, pursue your dreams.

Not in this band.

Marvin, I'm so close to finishing this album, man. We're going to finish this

single? Jake, it's been six months you've been telling me that.

You owe me a single.

You have to get it. I've been trying to put you up on these big charts.

But yet you mess around with that ding -dang.

Ding -ding.

Whatever. I need artists that are going to bring me the bling -blang.

Look, man, I can't be throwing good money out there when you're trying to

find your songwriting voice.

You must have lost it out there when you're towing cars on the road. It was

and all.

Look, baby, you know I love you.

Why don't you go ahead and leave those car keys up at the reception desk for

okay?

You're taking my car, too?

Jakey, it's a company car.

And you no longer work for this company.

Hey, get Jimmy on the phone. Tell him how much I love that EP.

Sorry that happened, buddy.

The music business can turn on a dime.

Just take me back to the condo.

At least I got my place that I can keep trying to write some songs.

Yeah. Uh, we might need to find you somewhere else to write your music.

Oh.

Wait, not the condo, too.

Bro, you gotta be kidding me. That was company housing? Yeah, Nashville's a

company town, Jake.

Coal miners have more security than me.

You sure this is all legal or whatever? Your contract said they can drop you if

you miss any key deadlines.

Which you sort of did.

Multiple times.

Oh, what a complete bust. Hey, no, no, no. No, no, come on. That's that little

orphan Jakey talking, all right? Let's just take that inside out voice and put

it back inside, all right? You're beyond talented, man.

FTA is not the only label in town.

Get you some meetings with this other label. Fine.

Yeah, what are they gonna say? The king of viral videos singing other people's

songs still hasn't even found his own?

I'm gonna jump at a chance to sign me. Failure is not an option, Jake.

Listen, I grew up with you. I know you better than anybody.

When I left Colorado to go to talent manager school... There's no such thing.

Okay.

Media arts major at Belmont College. But I was thrown into the deep end of this

business. That is how I learned to swim in this business, okay? And I have a...

sacred covenant with all of my clients. Well, I got no car.

I got no roof over my head.

Where am I supposed to live while I'm trying to take over the world?

Do you trust me?

That's what I mean.

Listen, I saw the writing on the wall of the FDA a while ago.

You did?

Yeah. So I started coming up with a contingency plan. And maybe I went by

place this morning and packed up all your clothes.

What contingency plan? I'll tell you when we get there.

Where is there?

The open road and gas station food, buddy.

The rest is a surprise.

Jake, wake up.

Check it out.

Oh, no. What'd you do, dude?

Just wait.

It's going to be great.

When the director of the community center called, said they were going to

the new performing arts theater after Lincoln's most famous local hero, I told

them to come home and cut the ribbon.

When you said we were going someplace, I thought we were going to hunker down

and actually finish some songs. Yeah, we're better to do that than where your

music came from, man.

Besides, clearly this town loves you.

Not everyone.

It's been a long time since high school, Jake.

You realize Amber's probably moved on, right?

Even still, there's no way she wants to see me.

As long as we're here, I'll keep my distance.

Okay, buddy.

I hear you.

Remember all of our sleepovers here back in the day?

Your folks ain't here, are they? No.

No, the crew's in the Greek Isles.

Right about now, Dad is busting out the Speedo, and Mom is slathering his entire

body with sunscreen on the island of Corfu.

Wow. That is a picture I can't unsee. Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

Well, now you get your own room, so that's fun.

Hmm. No more bunk beds? Spider -Man sheets?

No. As soon as we move to Nashville, my parents are tired and turn this place

into an Airbnb.

Okay.

Hey, Joaquin.

How was your day at school?

Good.

What was good about it?

Good stuff.

Good stuff.

Man, a few words.

I respect that.

Alright, first off, tuner for you.

Like for me?

Thank you.

I've never had my own before.

You ready for your first lesson?

Yeah.

So what I want you to try and do now is just put three chords together.

Easy one. So we've got E,

E minor, and G.

You can do it any way you want.

Any way?

Any way.

Okay.

Someone's clearly a natural.

Are you sure you haven't taken lessons?

No, I'm just practicing at the boys' home.

Okay. Well...

That's right. You'll be ready for Talent Fest in a couple of weeks. Oh, don't

worry. No pressure.

Let's see three more chords.

Any three.

We were at the diner and the mayor was there with his town council treating

all to dad's pot roast.

You're pulling my leg. I would remember this story. No, Bob, you weren't there.

So wait a minute. Did the fire department actually show up? No, we

them to. No, we had fireman dad.

Yeah, dad ran and grabbed the fire extinguisher and he put out everything

in time to make sure that the kitchen didn't get too much damage.

But the pot roast?

That font rose had no chance.

Zero. And I totally wanted to save you, and Dad made me just stand there because

he had this thing about teaching Amber that if she was going to be in the

she had to learn the rose.

Yeah. Even if the diner had burned to the ground.

Yeah, well, sometimes danger is the best teacher.

And how old were you?

Um, like nine.

Okay, check, please.

Oh, Gerald, I can't believe you never told me this. Well, we all took a bow of

excitement.

We just, we were worried you'd never let me go back to the diner.

You were right.

Good thing the only thing that'll burn in that building now is your coffee

Oh, it's my bean.

Lamb. Bean.

Oh, it was so funny. I remember going to school the next day and telling the

entire story to Jake.

Sorry, he's been on my mind a little bit lately with your new theater as a

community center.

I just really hope he shows up.

Okay, I think it's time to break out the cheesecake.

I get first deeds.

Shut up.

Love you guys.

Hey, babe.

Will you just grab the car, babe?

Right,

because I don't have level five gifts and family security claims.

I got it. It's okay. I love you.

I'll get the getaway car.

Mm -hmm.

Fit.

You're the one who broke the rule.

What rule?

Jake's not on that list anymore.

Okay, well, it has to be weird seeing his big mug all over town.

I mean, yeah, it's not ideal that my ex -boyfriend is on the internet's hot 100

list, but... He'll always be just Jake to me.

Remember what a sad puppy dog he was back then? Just following you around

with his big brown eyes just drooling over you.

Yeah.

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if he hadn't left.

We've grown a lot since then.

Thank you.

I know I was pretty awful after he ghosted me. Just like, you know, a

tiny bit.

But I was lucky.

I had you and Mom and Dad and Spence.

You all loved me.

None of you gave up on me.

Our family... At least, I think that's what they're supposed to do.

Yeah.

Where have you been?

Walking around town, incognito. Oh, so that explains the whatever you're doing.

Cool. How did it go?

Good.

Teenage girl called me mister.

Whoa. Yeah.

So no yinging effect.

Nope. Well, that's cool.

I mean, it's not going to last very long, but good for now, right?

How does it feel to be home?

Well, still not sure coming back here was the right way to revamp my career,

the answer to trust you.

And that's what I'm going to do.

Nice. Good man. I like it.

Go ahead and keep that positive attitude to what I'm about to tell you next.

Oh, no. What?

So, along with the dedication on Saturday, I have also volunteered you

tomorrow.

Volunteered me for a gig?

Well, you remember how your fans first fell in love with you?

No, I'm not going back to towing cars. Oh, no, no, no, no. No, but how about

towing some hearts?

I have no idea what that means.

Amber. Hi. I'm so glad I caught you before you went in there.

Why? What's going on? It's so cool.

I hired this special guest guitar teacher on my nothing -near -the

server. Who'd you get? Eric Clapton?

Miss Gibson, look who's filling in for you today.

Amber.

Jake.

We're all on Ying Yang.

Oh.

Yeah, that's fun.

Ted, can you handle crowd control, Furman?

Jake. Yeah. A word.

Jake? Yeah.

What are you doing here? I was about to ask you the same thing. I teach guitar

here.

I'm sorry, Amber. I didn't know what this volunteer gig was going to be.

Hey, my manager Tommy set this thing up. I was going to come to town and, like,

get out of here. Oh, wow. Yeah, that's a par for the course. I forgot about them

being high school sweethearts. Oh, wow. Yeah, that's a par for the course.

It's a tragedy.

Salt.

Any wounds?

I don't have any wounds, Jake. It's been over a decade since you left. I know

that.

You know what? There shouldn't be any tension between us because at this point

there isn't anything between us. It's just all ancient history. So I'm going

let you go back in there and finish your photo ops, okay? Can we, okay, at least

like talk later?

Fine.

Yeah, I'll be at my coffee shop. It's where my parents' place used to be.

Hey. Hey.

Sorry. It's okay.

Is now a good time?

Sure. Yeah.

Do you, uh, want a coffee?

Looks like you could use one.

Actually, I'd love a hot chocolate.

I'm trying to stay away from anything that's going to make me more jittery

I already am.

Sure.

So, Tommy Mitchell from high school is your manager.

Yeah.

He's been with me since the whole social media thing. Ying Yang?

No yolk.

Bad joke.

Yeah, I thought it'd be cool if I did some tutoring to go along with the music

center.

Evidently, they want to name it after me.

Oh, I heard.

Yeah, my brother -in -law, Spencer, is the director of the community center.

You make a dessert?

You know, you are the closest thing this town has to a hero.

Wow.

The celebrity stuff is mostly all smoke and mirrors.

I'm still just Jake.

Could have fooled me.

Thought you were busy in Nashville, you know, making your new album and getting

ambushed by the media.

Pretty crazy, right?

So, I take it you'll be leaving after the theater dedication?

No, actually.

I thought maybe I'd hang out for a few weeks.

Yeah, stay in a Tommy's folks old place.

Hang out for a bit, get some fresh ideas for my songwriting, you know, for the

album.

He said unironically?

What do you mean by that?

Well, I mean, wasn't the whole reason you left Lincoln to go find your music?

Sorry.

Shouldn't have said that.

No, it's okay. You're right.

I'm sure you've been wondering, looking for reasons why, for what happened.

And the truth is, I just don't really have any words for it.

Growing up, I bounced around from so many boys' homes to foster care.

Everywhere I turned, it was nothing but happy families, you know, and even

yours.

And sometimes I just felt so out of place like I couldn't breathe.

I never knew you felt that way.

Yeah, look, I don't want to stress you out any more than I already have. I'm

happy to talk to Tommy. Maybe you could have the music center. No.

Give me another student. Jake, it's fine.

We can both tell you we're walking.

Okay.

Just promise me that if you need to skip town to go hang out with Tim McGraw or

whatever, that you just give him a heads up.

The kid really looks up to you, and he's had a rough go of it.

I mean, he barely speaks to anyone.

I feel like you do have a lot in common.

This town really loves you, so just try not to break any more hearts.

I got it.

What?

You, um...

Have a chocolate mustache.

Thank you for the hot chocolate.

Yeah. I should probably let you finish closing up.

Hey, Jake.

Yeah.

Is something else bugging you?

No. It's all good.

Yeah. Nashville.

My record label.

That's my family now.

Yeah, I'm glad.

Yeah.

See you, Amber. Yeah. See you, Jake.

Hey,

sis. Hey.

You're going to want to put the sharp objects down for what I'm about to tell

you.

What?

I just spent the last hour tutoring Joaquin Lopez with Jake.

Jake like you're Jake?

Oh, no, not mine. No, Ying Yang.

The world.

Oh, pump the brakes.

Oh, hey, Ben.

Are you saying Jake Collins is actually here?

Mm -hmm. One never thought he'd accept my invite for the theater dedication.

Well, lucky for you, he's going to be here live in person, and lucky for me,

he's going to be teaching guitar lessons at the community center for the next

few weeks. My man.

So what was that like?

I mean, after all these years, seeing him, finally seeing him in person.

Surreal.

Like a dream.

Or a nightmare.

So, how are you feeling?

I mean, after the initial shock, fine.

I just...

I don't know. I get the feeling that he's not.

Well, you would know more than anybody.

But what do you think it is? I don't know. I just feel like he's hiding

something. I mean, something is definitely off.

And I feel like I should keep my nose out of it, but at the same time, I still

care about him, and I... I don't know. I feel like I should be there for him as

a friend.

I don't know about that.

Listen, if I were in his shoes, there's nobody that I would rather have by my

side than you. You are the best friend.

But after all that he's put you through, can you please, please, please, just

guard your heart?

Sorry again for blindsiding you yesterday.

Fine.

Jake and I have decided that we are going to Teen Puder walking.

Sweet. Great.

Oh, I was not looking forward to losing all those students we were going to find

next week.

Especially looking at next year's budget request. All the new sign -ups are

going to make me look good.

Oh, I'm so glad that your heart's in the right place, Seth.

What's up, Harry Styles?

Just call me Harry Styles.

So, Jake.

Yo. If you need anything, anything at all, I'm available 24 -7.

Okay. All right.

Totally unrelated.

But if you're looking for a classic folk edge to the album, I'm the best lute

player in Colorado.

Lute?

Bro.

Call me bro.

All right.

Okay.

Joaquin, do you want to show Jake the new chord progression we've been working

on? I need to practice more before I show Jake.

Come on, man. You've got to save space here. Let her rip. Let's hear it.

All right.

Ted Gonzalez, our Music Learning Center director, whose vision for learning arts

programs has inspired young people to pursue their dreams over the years.

So, without further ado, I would like to take this time to dedicate our brand

new Performing Arts Theater.

the moment you've all been waiting for, please help me welcome national

recording artist and Lincoln High alumnus, Jake Collins.

More love, more love, more love.

Jake, a few words.

Okay.

Howdy, Lincoln.

It's been a while.

Wow.

I couldn't be more humbled and honored to have an amazing new theater named

after me.

You know, it's been a number of years since I've walked these streets.

I know I've only been home a few days, but I'm starting to remember what I

about this town.

We love you, Jake!

I love you.

I told myself I wasn't going to do emotional

today, but there you have it. Easier said than done.

Truth is, I wasn't sure I'd come back and face the people that I left behind.

We'll always love you, Jake.

I love you.

Sometimes I wonder if I could have a do -over, if I would have even left in the

first place.

With all the glitz and glamour that's come my way, what I had here in Lincoln

was far more meaningful than anything I've experienced out there.

Each of you is very special to me.

In fact, without you, I have no success.

Thank you.

Hey, mate.

Can you walk to the counter?

I'll just be a minute.

Hey, Jake, I only have a minute, okay? I've got a full house in there. Yeah,

yeah. Listen, I just wanted to apologize for earlier. I don't know what got into

me at the dedication.

I do.

Oh, yeah? What's that?

Your home.

Being home makes you vulnerable to old feelings.

Maybe so.

Listen, I looked for you afterwards, but it seemed like maybe you left early.

Yeah. Well, I have old feelings too.

The last time I was here was called Gerald and Darlene.

What's with that 33?

I took it over when I turned 33.

Thought I'd turn the page on who I'd been and live a better life.

You know, I never thought I would actually stay in Lincoln.

But now it kind of fits me.

I love running this place. I get to make people smile with a good cup of coffee.

I teach music at the community center. I even lead worship at church.

Everything I need, everything that fills my soul, it's all right here.

I envy you.

I wish I could have found all that when I was still here.

But now I'm out there.

Spending money I don't have, buying stuff I don't need to impress people I

even know.

People always talk about greener pastures.

I figured I want a greener pasture. I should water the one I'm in.

Wow.

I actually really love that.

I kind of want to steal it and write a song. Is that okay? Well, it's all

But you do not need to steal it because it is public domain.

Straight out of the good book.

I should get back in there. Yeah, okay.

Hey, real quick, though. Can I take you out for coffee sometime?

I mean, obviously not at your place, but just somewhere that maybe you can give

me some more song ideas.

Yeah.

I'd like that.

Okay.

Town Gotham's about to start.

Yup.

How'd it go in here?

Anything?

Yoga, really?

Hey, don't be jealous of my strength, my balance, my flexibility.

I'm not. Oh, not to mention, of course, my inner.

Mumbo -jumbo. Okay.

So, how's Amber?

No idea.

Yeah, right.

I know you better than that, dude. Let's just...

Skip the innocent act and get to that high school sweetheart -shaped elephant

the room?

That little speech you gave of the unveiling, that was like an awesome

Well, it was complicated, dude.

I mean, even just seeing her brings up stuff for both of us.

I think being back home is going to help get your music unstuck.

But before we do that, you've got to get yourself unstuck. You miss 100 % of the

shots you don't take, right?

Good talk, Coach Wooden.

I'm pretty sure it was Gretzky who said that first.

Maybe with Gandhi.

I don't know. Doesn't matter. The important thing is, is don't leave

without telling Amber how you feel.

Yeah, yeah.

Even if she rejects you, you're not going to regret it, I promise.

When did you become the love doctor?

I watch a lot of rom -coms.

Hey, sweetie. We were just showing Jake your old photo album.

Good Lord.

Okay. Oh, oh, there's Amber, age seven, no boarding in Copper Mountain.

Remember how long it took to convince her to get off the chairlift?

Oh. I mean, did you not turn to the next page?

Baby Beth's home?

There are certain places we do not go with strangers.

Sorry, I didn't mean strangers. No.

So it's been a while since we've had Jake Collins at a Gibson family dinner,

especially one that was planned completely without my knowledge.

Or mine. Well, amazingly, I still had Jake's old phone number in my contacts.

And it worked.

You haven't changed your number in 10 years?

You already code 719 for life.

Yes, sir.

Come on.

Jake, hey, remember this?

It was taken on that church camping trip we took when you were a sophomore.

Oh, that's right. It was that father -son trip, and you stepped up. Anybody

passes through that door, that's family to me.

Besides, I was outnumbered in this house most of my life until...

Spencer Roller.

Lock it up, Jerry.

Jake, I was honored to stand in as your dad.

Hey, don't leave me hanging, young man.

Wow, that's crazy.

A blacked out Lambo. Yeah. And your record company just gave it to you?

technically it's a company car, but they spring from maintenance and fuel.

And they keep it detailed. Oh, man.

Hashtag goals. Okay, my hashtag goals for the evening, get out of here before

this bromance gets ritter.

I'm sorry.

Hey, Jake, coffee, cheesy?

Yeah. All right, see you then. Okay. Bye.

So, what about that coffee you promised me?

I would have warned you about your mom's dinner invite, but I didn't have your

number. She has yours, and you don't have mine.

That is pretty messed up, Jake.

So?

So? So you had mentioned before when we were talking about old feelings.

I never gave you an opportunity to tell me how you felt after I left.

Are you sure?

Mm -hmm.

Okay.

The way you ended things by just leaving?

It really hurt.

Maybe at 18 it was just puppy love, but I really did love you.

And I loved your dreams, too. I had this picture in my head that we would get

married and move to Nashville and get a ranch and some horses.

And Lincoln would always be here when we missed home.

But then you were just gone.

I cried myself to sleep for months.

Sorry.

But then I decided that I wasn't going to let the fact that you left determine

the direction of my life.

So I got my head on straight.

I went to business school, focused on opening my coffee shop.

I designed a life for myself.

You must have hated me for what I did.

Yeah.

Just a little.

But we were just kids. I don't hold it against you.

I forgave you a long time ago.

Not that I deserve that, but... Thank you.

My family helped me figure that one out.

They were with me through all of it.

Can I ask you something?

Okay.

That feeling you had of being trapped.

Feeling like you couldn't breathe around my family.

Is that really why you left?

I think I got scared.

Of what?

I actually graduated. I think I panicked.

I realized I didn't have a family of my own.

I was aging out of the system.

I didn't really belong anywhere.

I think I kind of got it in my head that I had to go out there and make it on my

own.

I think I used finding my music as an excuse.

The truth was, I knew that you would realize that I wasn't good enough

for you.

Jake, that would never have been true.

We adored you.

I adored you.

And that had absolutely nothing to do with you going out and becoming rich and

famous.

I never would have rejected you.

Listen, Jake, I would really like to be there for you.

As your friend.

Yeah, I mean, if you're open to it, I know your life is big and busy with all

your records and concerts, but I don't know, I would just really rather us be

friends than strangers.

Totally.

Have anything else you want to get off your chest? Nope.

Actually, there is one thing.

I feel like your brother -in -law has a dude crush on me.

He definitely does.

Like this close man Been this close for like two months now. It's more like six

but

You know, keep at it. You'll get there. It's not a sprint, right? It's, um...

It's a crawl. Yeah.

Yeah.

I got your text, by the way.

Friend zone. That stinks.

Yeah, well, it's not the end of the world, I guess.

At least now I don't have to avoid her for the rest of my life.

Now I can just be with her and pretend I'm not dying inside.

You know, what does she say when you tell you still had feelings for her?

Why didn't you tell her?

Look, I chickened out.

But what's the point?

She's clearly moved on.

No, no, no. No, bro.

If she doesn't have a ring on her finger...

or shares a 24 -hour fitness membership with some dude, she hasn't moved on.

I'll just leave it where it is for now.

I'm good.

But I probably should get back to trying to save what's left of my shredded

career.

All right, buddy.

I hear you. I'm going to let you get your head in the game, so I'm going to

okay?

Hey.

Like this close.

Hey.

Oh, hi.

Ooh, dope song. Who's this?

My new favorite national artist.

Okay. You got any other favorite artists?

Can't think of any.

Anyway, I saw Joaquin when I was pulling in. Oh, good.

Actually, do you mind doing the first half of the lesson? I just need to

the schedule for the coffee shop.

You got it.

Yeah, man.

Can I ask you a question, buddy?

Yeah. When was the last time you saw your parents?

My mom died when I was a baby.

I don't remember her at all.

But I know what she looks like.

I have photos of her and stuff.

My dad left me at my grandma's house when I was two or three.

I don't know anything about him.

But my grandma said that he loved me.

He just wasn't ready to be a dad yet.

That's tough stuff, buddy.

I know the feeling.

You do?

I do.

I lost my mom when I was a little bit older, when I was five.

And I never knew my dad.

How did she die?

Car accident.

And I lived with my grandparents for a while, just like you.

And then I bounced around from... Boys' homes to foster care until I was 18.

Did they treat you right? Yeah, for the most part.

I didn't always have a grateful attitude, though.

I was fortunate that I had my best bud, Tommy.

I had Amber.

I had her family.

They're my lifelines.

What happened between you and Amber?

We were a thing in high school.

Pretty big thing, actually.

Why didn't you guys stay together?

I was young.

Dumb.

Stupid.

And I'll tell you what, that's the biggest mistake of my life right there.

Look at you. What are you, my therapist getting this all out of me?

I gotta hand it to you, buddy.

It's not easy opening up. I appreciate it. I really do.

You got it.

Hey, can I show you something I've been working on?

Yeah, of course. Come on.

All right, guys.

I'm ready to join in.

Where are we at?

Joaquin's just about to play something for us. Oh, okay.

Joaquin, that's a gift from heaven.

You really think so?

We know so, bro.

In fact, might be getting a call to join me in the studio at some point.

No way. Really?

Do you think it's good enough to play at Talent Fest?

Absolutely. Talent Fest?

Yeah, it's Lincoln's version of America's Got Talent.

Everybody comes out, people perform.

First year we're doing it at the new theater.

Your new theater.

You should do it.

Would you maybe want to play with me?

It's on the 20th.

The 20th?

Yeah, you think you might still be in town?

Let's do it.

Hi!

So, what was so important that you couldn't just talk to me on the phone?

Uh, well, you're my big sister and I want to make sure I'm doing the right

with Jake.

You mean like just being friends?

Right.

Except I may have overheard a conversation between him and Joaquin.

Oh, overheard? You mean like you were eavesdropping?

Okay, fine.

I was eavesdropping.

But Jake may have offhandedly admitted that he still has feelings for me.

Yeah, not exactly a newsflash.

You heard his speech at the dedication.

I saw the way he was looking at you at dinner, okay?

Okay, I know he has been all over the place emotionally since getting back,

I just chalked it up to nerves.

Okay, so do you still have feelings for him?

I don't know.

It's all just like a giant jumble in my head.

I mean, first love is so magical, right? But we were just kids back then, and

we're completely different people now.

Totally. I do care about him. I just don't know if it's my heart or if it's

compassion for everything that he's been through.

Pity is not exactly a great foundation for a good relationship.

Agreed. It's just...

Taking me back to Jake in high school when he was just so passionate about his

music. You know, it was never his voice or his good looks that drew me in. But

he is not hard to look at. I think he got hotter.

No, it was the way that when he would play music, he just came alive, you

Like he was born for it.

Yeah.

I get those same shivers when Spencer presents his recreation budget at the

council meeting every year.

You are so weird. It's really sexy.

Just promise me this.

If you're feeling feelings, just make sure that they're for your Jace and not

like some celebrity, annoying, ying -yang version of him.

Invite him to church.

If he comes Sunday, just promise him.

Every blessing tune my heart to sing thy grace.

Dreams of mercy never ceasing call

for songs of loudest praise.

God, we're so thankful, Lord, that you seal our heart.

That you bless us and that you keep us.

Father, thank you for what you're doing in the hearts of those in this room.

Thank you so much for bringing the change in their lives.

We love you.

Good morning. How are you doing this morning?

My name is Gerald Barganier. It's really good to be in the house of the Lord

today. And as always, it's really good to be among Lincoln Community Church. So

glad you're here today.

Some of us think that our successes will set us free.

Some of us think that our talents will set us free. But it's not any of those

things. It is the truth that sets you free.

Some of you all need to be set free by the truth because you are only as sick

your secrets.

What secrets are you hiding from the people who love you?

Thank you for coming.

She's bad.

Well, I taught her.

One. You can have one.

Hey,

Jake. Hey.

Thanks for coming today.

It's been a long time since I've darkened these doors.

Probably since you screw.

Probably. Well, we were just about to grab a bite to eat.

Jerry went here to get a table.

You hungry? You know, I'm actually kind of behind on a couple of deadlines.

Appreciate the invite, but I'm going to get some writing done today.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

It was really beautiful, by the way.

Thanks.

I gotta go.

It's good to see you guys.

You too.

Bye, Jake.

Well, he showed up.

Yeah, he did.

I was busy running, trying to put some trophies on my shelf.

No wonder why it took some time for me to understand.

Lord knows I'm only half the man.

Hey. Hey.

Needed a change of scenery from Tommy's place.

Yeah, I actually stopped by. He said you weren't there.

And I had a feeling you might be here.

Yeah.

You kind of hightailed it out of church today.

Yeah, sorry about that.

That pastor man seemed like he was talking straight to me. Yeah, he kind of

that effect on everyone.

What's this song?

Something I've been working on.

I only have a verse and chorus part of it, at least.

Looks like I've been banging my head against the wall for months now.

Can I hear it?

Maybe I could give you some feedback.

Without you?

Without you Wherever

the wind blows no matter what I do

And that's where I get stuck Is

that about us?

The verse is beautiful

Can I hear that chorus again?

Without you Without

you Wherever

that wind blows No matter what I do

What was that? That was good.

How'd you just get that so fast?

Maybe I'm a songwriting prodigy.

That or the sermon got to me too.

Yeah, that sermon.

I'm only as sick as my secrets.

Jake, what is it?

FTA dropped me from the label.

What? Yeah.

I think my first album should be called Vanishing to Thin Air, because that is

exactly what it did.

I'm so sorry.

How did this happen?

It's not a show of friendship.

It's a show of business, right?

If you're not making your label...

Hits and fans and money.

So you just came back for the dedication, then? Yeah.

I didn't know how to tell everybody. What am I supposed to say? Your local

turned zero?

Complete imposter at this point.

Jake, you're not an imposter. Everyone in this town loves you, and they always

will. No matter what.

I don't know. Tommy thinks if I can at least try to finish writing some of

songs, maybe I'll have a shot at another label.

Well, I'm...

Who knows? Maybe coming home's exactly what you needed.

Hong is beautiful.

Thanks to you.

Jake... Thank you for being honest with me.

Yeah, well... While the cat's out of the bag...

Whether or not I get an actual shot at a music career...

I threw away the best thing in my life.

Anything, Lincoln? No.

Tommy boy, you finally answered.

What can I do for you, Marvin?

Well, I was hoping you could just spell a nasty little rumor that's been buzzing

around town.

And what rumor is that?

Rumor is you've been shopping my Jakey boy to the competitors.

May I remind you, Jakey has a non -compete clause in his contract.

Oh, you mean the contract that you tore up? Nah, don't be getting your side on

the fence, Tommy boy.

My bean counters haven't finished his official exit papers yet. You took away

his car, his condo. You kicked him out of the studio, Marvin. That sounds

official to me.

Official?

Oh, it'll be official soon enough. And until then, I don't want to hear about

any more fishing expeditions with any other labels.

We clear?

I have to look out for the best interest of my client.

You best mind yourself.

Or I'll flush you and Jakey Boy down faster than convenience store sushi in a

Nashville gas station.

Wow. That is... I just made that up.

Nice work, man. But with all due respect... Hang me.

Hey, Lila.

Hard pass.

Hang this up.

Good talk.

You good?

Yeah. You?

Did not expect that.

Me neither.

So what now?

Um, I think maybe we should just take it slow.

See where it goes. You know.

Dip our toes in the water.

That was more than just the toe in the water.

Yeah.

Okay, what about your song?

What about it?

Well, what if, I don't know, what if you record a demo and Tommy can shop it

around Nashville?

I love that idea.

Let me check with Tommy.

Okay.

We're going to have to hold off for a while.

Sorry, guys.

What the heck, Tommy? FPA kicked me to the curb. Well, it happens all the time,

Jake.

Marvin's a control freak.

You know that. I just talked to a lawyer, and it's just a timing issue. So

the ink is dry on those termination papers, we're going to have to lay low

while. Okay, so no demo recording, but you still have to finish the second

verse, right?

I like the way she thinks.

You know, strike while the creative iron's hot.

But I'm not doing it without you.

You're the inspiration for the song in the first place.

That works for me.

Spend as much time with her as you can, then.

Wait. What's going on here? Are you two back together?

Shut the front door. You are back together.

When did this happen?

30 seconds ago.

Oh, man. High school me is so happy right now.

Congrats, guys. Seriously.

It's very non -public right now. Smart.

Yeah. Okay. I'm going to let you two sort this out, but I'll see you

Yeah. I think I can wait a full 24 hours before seeing you.

All right. Well, patience is a virtue.

We'll see you soon.

You dog.

Bro, I feel like my luck is turning.

You kissed?

That seems really fast.

So what happened was I was helping him write his new love song, which...

It happens to be about me, and it's going to happen.

Oh, my gosh.

I'm having naughty little hot flashes here. You realize what you're saying,

right? You're helping this, like, big recording artist write a love song about

you. Yeah, it sounds pretty crazy, right?

But this is our Jake.

He's not a vagabond teenager anymore, and he has been so open with me, and he

doing everything in his power to earn my trust back.

Sounds pretty sweet.

But what are you going to do when he goes back to Nashville?

I don't know.

I'm not thinking that far ahead.

But it could be a while. He's in between music contracts right now, so that

could take some time.

And besides, I'm not an emotionally wrecked teenager anymore.

Well, it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders about it.

But you know what I'm going to say, right?

Mm -hmm.

Well, as far as I'm concerned.

You go, girl.

Do you live here?

Babe, I'm sorry to leave you hanging.

Don't mention it, don't mention it. Look, hair grows slow, but love grows

Right.

I can't believe this song is finally finished.

Like, after months of struggle, I feel like it wrote itself.

Because you put your heart on paper.

You wrote down your truth.

Both are truths.

Watching you put all of that together, it was like you were put on this earth

write music.

I'm not so sure about that anymore.

I am.

I always have been.

Even in high school, watching you, it was so clear.

Part of your DNA.

Nobody's believed in me like you do.

Sorry to interrupt.

And Dad.

I didn't see you come in. We just got here.

We love coming out and hearing Doug E. Fresh play guitar.

And just so you know, we're thrilled about this.

Jim? Who else?

Jake. I never asked this of you when you were a kid at our house.

But would you play a song for us?

Really? Please.

Okay.

Thank you, man. Thank you.

What's going on, everybody?

The new one?

Yeah.

This is a song that I just wrote.

with someone who's very special to me.

I left my girl in my hometown and left me by myself I was busy

running trying to put some trophies on myself No wonder why it took some

time for me to understand Lord knows I'm only half the man

Without you.

Without you.

Without you by my side.

Won't spend every day and night.

For the rest of time. Cause you can't spell us without you.

Without.

Mace, can I have your phone? What?

Phone. I'll get the phone. Thank you.

It's getting thousands of likes.

It's blowing up.

That's what's supposed to happen.

Tommy's? Yeah, I'm on it.

Yeah.

Is there any way to delete this?

Not unless you're the one who posted it.

You know, you really do need to download Ying Yang.

What's going to happen, Tommy? Did I blow it? Take a breath, man. It's not

end of the world.

Let's call Ying Yang. They love you. Let's just have him pull the video.

Yeah.

Oh.

It's Marvin.

It's fine.

Don't freak out.

This can play out in any number of ways.

Marvin. Tommy boy.

How's my favorite manager?

What up, Marvin?

Brilliant move, leaking that single onto the radar on Tiki -Tac. Uh, ying -yang.

And yeah, we're in the process of getting that video pulled down. Yeah,

good. Having it up overnight and then yanking it like a big mistake.

Man, genius.

So, you're not mad?

Mad. Yeah, I'm mad.

Man, I'm in love with that song.

My phone's been pinging off the hook all morning. I had no idea what you and

Jakey Boy were up to. Back there in that little weed patch, Colorado.

Finishing up that single under my nose. Proving all along why Jakey belongs at

FTA. What are you talking about, Marvin? You dumped me from the label.

Jakey, my boy.

Of course I didn't fire you. You know me. I use fear and shame to get what I

want. That was me just lighting a fire in the rear to get those songs written

for the album.

Man, you took my car and my condo.

Nah, that was just a time out, brother.

That's like what I do with my kids, bro.

Take over the toys to do the homework.

In fact, I got all the boys right here. Hey, boys, say what up. What up?

They're all ready to ride those backup tracks, but without you, as soon as you

get your keister back in here. So, how soon can your rear get here?

I don't know. Yeah, no, no, no. We're going to wait just a little bit on those

plans, Marvin, to see what the marketplace has for us.

You're going to do what? Bye, Marvin. Okay, we're going to make him sweat just

little bit.

Okay, just like he did with us. We finally have the power back in this

relationship.

This is only my whole career on the line here. Do you trust me? You keep saying

that. It keeps working out, doesn't it? You got everything you wanted when you

got back here. You got your music unstuck.

Amber did.

Even better, right?

Yeah.

Hey, is she still here?

Left a while ago.

All right. Thanks, buddy.

Love you.

I looked everywhere for you. I realize I still don't even have your phone

number. Well, you know me. I like to wait until the second date to give out

details.

I'm really excited for Talent Fest.

Me too.

And for what it's going to mean for Joaquin.

I love that kid.

So, what happens after that?

Sit with me.

If the record label wants me back, I get a second chance to make my album.

That's great news.

That's not the second chance that I care most about.

I feel like after all the distance that I put between us, because frankly, I'm

an idiot.

I feel like I've been given a second chance.

To figure out who I am in this world.

And a second chance to love you.

And I do, Amber, I love you.

I love you too, Jake.

Without you by my side, I'll spend every day and night.

Well,

you look like you're on cloud nine.

It turns out we didn't have to leave Marvin dangling for too long.

I just got a very interesting call from his attorney.

Oh, what about?

They want to bump up your previous deal, add another two years, and give you as

much latitude as you need to finish the album.

Plus, they're even willing to give you an advance on your single. It is a win

-win. I get my car and my condo back?

Yes! That goes without saying, man.

Wait a minute, what's the catch? With Marvin, there's always a catch.

He wants us on a plane back tomorrow night so that we can start laying down

the track.

Oh, no.

The talent fest is this weekend. I promised Amber and Joaquin I'd be there.

Marvin said to qualify for the Country Music Awards.

We have to get the EP released by next week.

Joaquin, it's beautiful.

Do not stop on my account.

I saw you and Jake online, Ms. Gibson. And the new song, too.

Yeah, you along with half of the world's population, apparently.

It's not that choogy.

Choogy? Choogy. Like, uh, all drip.

No cap.

Like, cool.

Right. Cool. Right.

I just wish I could write, play, and sing like that one day.

I'm sure you'll be able to.

I hope so.

I'm a bowl of noodles right now.

If I don't have you and Jake with me at Talent Fest, I don't even want to play.

Joaquin, don't worry.

Okay, I talked to Jake last night, and we're both going to be there.

Thank you.

Think you could play that again?

Yeah.

OMG. What?

You're in love.

Jump to conclusion?

Uh -uh, girl. I recognize that little thing you do with your legs from high

school.

You're totally in love.

He may have professed his love to me after a long walk under the lights and

cuddled by a fire.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up the bus.

professed his love for you.

Did you reciprocate?

I actually have to go to the coffee shop. Amber, get back here! You are an

emotional terrorist!

Have a good night. Bye, guys.

Oh, hey, Jake.

Hey. You okay?

Yeah, yeah. You good? You had a good turnout tonight?

Oh, yeah, always.

It's Frappuccino Friday, so...

What is it?

Um, I don't know how to say this, but I gotta miss the talent show.

What?

Why?

The label wants to release the single in a week in order to qualify for awards

season, but that means they want me on a red -eye tonight back to Nashville so I

can finish laying the vocal tracks like this weekend.

Wow, that's great news, right?

I mean, considering the hole that I've been in with these people for the last

year.

Huge news.

Amazing.

But I also know how much this show means to you and to Joaquin, and I don't want

to let you down, and I feel really horrible about this at the same time,

don't want you to feel like any of those feelings from before.

I know how this could look, and it's not my intention. Jake, it's okay.

We're okay.

That was then, this is now, and this is how adults deal with their relationship

stuff, right?

I guess.

Right. All right.

Well, you go get on that plane, and you sing your song. No, our song. Our song.

Just rock it like you had an Elvis transfusion, and I'll see you whenever

back, I guess.

I love you.

Don't be a stranger, Jake.

You ready?

Yeah. Hey, come on.

Marvin sent a private jet for you.

Better than a road trip and gas station food.

Talk about whiplash, man. That guy wanted nothing to do with me until he

this new song.

Now it rolls in the big leagues, bro.

I just hope that Amber knows I'm not skipping town on her like last time.

Hey, listen.

You're on the cusp of some, like, really big things here, okay?

I can feel it.

And then once you're on the top, if you want to move Amber and this entire town

to Nashville, you can.

I mean, probably not literally.

Yeah,

you got it. All right. Just go before I change my mind.

I

didn't

hear you come in, sweetie.

Yeah, I was just craving for Mom's chocolate cake.

It looks more like noodling than craving.

What's wrong?

I'm just, uh, yeah, just a little worried about Talent Fest. I want it to

good for the kids.

Something happen with Jake?

I'm usually two steps behind your mom and your sister when it comes to matters

of the heart.

But you twisted a lot of forks and a lot of cakes back in high school, too.

He went back to Nashville.

Sweetheart, I'm so sorry.

Do you think he'll be back?

I don't know.

I really hope so.

But all of this is just bringing up a lot of old emotions.

Now you listen to me, young lady.

When the love of your life left you the first time, you were about to start life

together.

If you had gone on like everything was normal, that would have been unhealthy.

You should have seen how I reacted when your mom told me she was going to break

up with me for the first time.

I sat in my room and I listened to Black Sabbath nonstop.

You guys broke up more than once?

Three times, actually.

Or maybe it was four. I don't know.

It kind of locked down.

I had some growing up to do, just like Jake.

Sweetheart, whatever happens, you are going to be okay.

You spent so much time encouraging others.

It's your superpower.

I want you to receive this.

You are a beautiful, amazing woman.

God is using you to fix the world one

person at a time.

And he's only just getting started with you.

Thank you, Daddy.

And if Jake doesn't realize all of that about you, well, the music business can

have him, and he's the dumbest man in the world.

Agreed.

I love you.

We love you.

Marvin. Tommy boy. What's up, man? I tell you, you're my favorite man in the

city. Yeah.

Hey, Jake.

Welcome back to For the Artist.

Jakey boy.

Go ahead and get your rear end here, huh? Let's get that platinum record

started. Woo!

Rhonda, take some notes here a little bit. You know what I'm saying?

I think this kid's got it. Right? All the time I have faith in him. Yeah,

testing him. That's it, just a little. Yeah, a little test. Like my kids with

the toys.

We get it, okay? We get it. Like, we got some big songs coming.

We'll bring Amber in here. It's gonna be great. That hot blonde.

Yeah, that song's fire. Amber. She single?

Hey.

I don't think I can do this. Hey, I know you can.

Why couldn't Jake be here?

I'm here.

And I know that Jake is thinking about you right now, okay?

Okay. You can do that.

Thank you very much.

Thank y 'all. Thank y 'all so much. Thank you. Welcome to the fifth

edition of the Lincoln Talent Fest.

We are so thrilled to have you here with us.

And we have an amazing local lineup backstage waiting just for you. So

further ado, we have dancing extraordinaire Lola Iglesias.

effort to offer happiness and still know that I love you.

It's always been so...

What did

I say? What did I do?

Do you still love me? Is that even true?

Up next, we have...

Okay, we have a late addition to our lineup. It's our very own Mason Risser

Coffee 33.

So please. What are you doing? Show your love for the thinking buddy. My time is

depleted.

Meet me in St.

Louis, Louis.

affair don't tell me the lights are shining any place

but there we will dance the hoochie coochie i will be your

tootsie wootsie if you will meet me in saint louis louis meet me

High school junior Joaquin is in his first few lessons here at the Music

Learning Center. But see, I have it on good authority from my sister -in -law

Amber here that this kid is a natural.

So please show your love for Joaquin!

Lockheed, everybody!

Hey.

Hey, Beck.

I can't even begin to explain to you how shocked I am that you're here.

I know.

That makes me both sad and happy.

It's sad that you didn't expect me, but happy that you'll never have to say

those words ever again.

Really?

Across my heart.

I don't understand, though, what happened in Nashville.

I don't know. I got there and I just couldn't go in.

I realized that if I'm going to keep making music in this world, that I don't

want to do it ever again.

Without you.

You're home.

You are my alma mater.

Word is, Jake Collins is tearing up his contract with FTA Records and said, I'm

doing it on my own. Many thought he was crazy, but his debut album is headed for

platinum, and his number one single made the world fall in love with him, and

his lovely songwriting partner, and now fiancé, Amber Gibson, all over again.

We'll be right back.

Everything means nothing without you.

Without you.

I wanted to hold you, but I didn't want to hold you back. Though I loved you,

though I always hoped you'd admit what we had, no one...

Over those mountains There's a girl who ran away

Across the dreariness of thousands

And crossed for a way to hang Well, she

promised me the world And again she didn't Maybe you should love me Maybe

you shouldn't

Meet me out on the porch in the morning.

Last night it rained, it was pouring.

So when the old man calls, I'll tell you what to say.

And I know how much you hate it when someone tells you to pray.

And I know it'll be hard for you to stay.

But I love you.

I love you.