Original subtitles

You cook?

All the time.

Steak?

Chicken.

Well, ahem. I'm stuffed.

Thank you. I think I'll head back to Grey House.

-I'm tired. -(SIGHS)

I don't see why you can't stay here.

Oh, I'm sure your mother would like her privacy.

And I'm gonna be right next door.

Dad, I never get to see Mom.

Can Mom stay here?

One night. Why not?

Come see me before you go to sleep, okay?

-You got it, kiddo. -Great.

(SAM CLEARS THROAT)

What game are you playing?

Oh, Sam, I came here to visit Nick.

And it's not like I can hop in a cab and go across town,

now that you've decided to move our son to the sticks.

(SCOFFS)

Look, I have a first class, open-ended ticket to Hong Kong.

They're not expecting me until the end of the week,

and that is the best I can do for an answer.

The end of the week?

This is a far cry from the Upper West Side, Sam.

I like it here.

Do you?

Just spend some time with Nick

and leave me alone, okay?

(CHUCKLES) You are no fun.

Goodnight, Linda.

Goodnight, Sam.

(CASSIE SIGHS)

(DOOR OPENING)

Hello there, Doctor.

Please, call me Sam.

If you insist.

I do.

Linda checked out of Grey House.

And into my house.

She used Nick. She is so manipulative.

And I say that with a certain sense of awe.

It's a gift.

-Is everything all right? -Yeah, why?

You're kind of unflappable,

but right now you look a little flapped.

Um, Brian's okay, and we left the hospital hours ago, but...

...my hands just stopped shaking.

And that's why I'm making tea.

They'd be shaking worse if you didn't live next door.

Well, it's a good thing I do, then.

It's just...

BOTH: Adrenaline.

Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah, I just... Just got a chill.

You are cold.

This whole thing was...

Intense.

(THEME SONG PLAYING)

Oh! I've heard a rumor.

Old Mr. Jenkins' mail-order bride?

What the Smiths really use to fertilize their lawn?

No.

Sally Baker's husband's "business trip" to Vegas?

Apparently, with a good detective,

what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas.

(LAUGHS) No. Java Shed.

(SIGHS) That big coffee franchise.

I hear that they're looking to open a store in Middleton.

Well, that could be good for the town.

Not my part of the town!

I can't compete with them.

They'd take all of my business.

But they have tai chi lattes

and those delicious frozen coffee drinks.

My husband's a big fan.

Stop being disloyal,

and find out if there are any

zoning applications pending.

I'll see what I can find.

Thanks. Ah, it's on the house.

Oh! (CHUCKLES)

You won't get that at Java Shed.

Actually, they have these reward punch cards.

After 10 visits, you get a free...

I'm gonna stop talking now.

(SIGHS)

-(DOOR CHIMES TINKLING) -RYAN: Hey, Cassie.

Hey.

I brought breakfast.

Oh. I already ate.

Oh.

RYAN: Thirteen years.

That's kind of an odd anniversary

to celebrate, isn't it?

Not if 13 is your lucky number.

You are something else.

(CLEARS THROAT) Hi.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, honey.

Don't mind us,

continue making out in front of everyone.

I left my purse here.

-Did you? -I did.

Did you see the way she looked at me?

Ah! We surprised them.

I don't think that was a look of surprise.

She likes you.

But does she like us?

Ryan's been around a lot lately.

Yeah, he's a nice guy.

They make a cute couple, don't you think?

They're not really a couple.

Well...

You never know.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Sure. (CHUCKLES)

I just never really thought

of my mom as part of a couple before.

(DOOR CHIMES TINKLING)

Hi.

Hi!

I wasn't sure if I was in the right place.

Well, that depends on what you're looking for.

Well, I...

I was, um, looking for you.

Well, for your help, actually.

Then I guess you're in the right place.

Nick tells me that you were a huge help to them when they first moved in.

He said they would have starved if it wasn't for you.

-(CHUCKLES) -And it looks as though

you and Sam have become fast friends.

Uh, neighbors.

Well, Sam lived in the same building for 10 years in New York,

and I don't think he could have picked any of his neighbors

out of a line up, so... (CHUCKLES)

Well, that was New York. This is Middleton.

Yes. Well, I wanted to thank you for being there for Nick.

Sam is...

Well, he's more of a weekend dad.

-Oh, I wouldn't say that. -Oh, you couldn't say that.

You weren't married to him.

Either way, I want to let you know

that I really appreciate all of your help.

So, you looking for anything in particular?

I am.

I am looking for something for Nick.

Unfortunately, I missed his birthday, and I'm at a loss.

Hmm...

Wow!

That's, uh... That's an odd choice.

-Well, it spoke to me. -Yes?

What did it say?

(SPEAKING OTHER LANGUAGE)

"Who wishes to fight must first count the cost."

I found this at the Shanghai night market

the year I backpacked across China.

You've been to China?

I have, and I loved it.

Well, I'm about to go to battle myself.

I have a big takeover in Hong Kong.

You know, this is...

This is actually perfect.

It's special and unique,

and considering my work in Hong Kong,

it's really quite...

...appropriate.

So it speaks to you as well.

Yes, it does.

Wrap it up.

So...

I hear Sam's ex is in town.

-Linda? -What's she like?

Perfectly coiffed, great shoes,

mean as a snake?

You might want to reserve judgment

until you actually meet her.

Where's the fun in that?

Well, there's always two sides to a story.

And you're taking her side.

No, I'm taking neither side.

Their relationship is none of my business.

Again, where's the fun in that?

I really think we should give Linda the benefit of the doubt.

Well, she didn't come all the way to Middleton

to look at the snow.

(SIGHING)

She's after something.

I don't think it's Sam.

Well, a little bird tells me

that things are heating up for you in the romance department.

A little bird named Abigail?

I don't know how she does it,

but she is so well informed.

And unlike some people,

she's not stingy with the details.

Well, your bird is misinformed.

Mmm-hmm.

Okay, enough about you, back to me.

Have you heard anything about

Java Shed coming to Middleton?

That big coffee-house chain?

Mmm.

That's not very Middleton.

(SIGHS)

(CHUCKLING) What's that?

Happy belated birthday, darling.

Open it!

It's cool. What's it mean?

Well, it...

"Who wishes to fight must first count the cost."

LINDA: Where did that tag come from?

It was just in here.

-Hmm. -Thanks, Mom.

Your welcome. And that's not your only gift.

-Really? -Mmm-hmm.

Hmm, what's this stuff?

CASSIE: Hello there.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

You know, I gotta say,

ever since I was a kid, I love it when you do that.

Aw...

So, Tara's coming tomorrow?

Yeah. I, uh...

-I just hope... -Oh.

"Absence is to love what wind is to fire,

"it extinguishes the small and inflames the great."

I sense that your love is definitely great.

Here.

What's this?

Tea, soap,

perfume oil...

Cardamom spiced cookies.

These cookies brought Tara and I together.

Hmm, fate brought you together.

I think you gave fate a little push.

It seemed a lot easier then.

Mmm.

How did you and Dad do it?

Communication and compromise,

the keys to many things,

but definitely my recipe for a magical,

loving and happy marriage.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

-Abigail? -Hi!

Where's mom?

She had to run out.

I told her I'd watch the store.

-Where? -Ryan picked her up.

Ryan?

Again?

I'm sure Cassie won't be gone all the time.

What do you mean?

Well, you know, what happens

when your girlfriends get boyfriends...

They kind of disappear.

Exactly.

NICK: (LAUGHS) Yeah. LINDA: (LAUGHING) Thank you.

-Hey. -Hi.

-Hey. Uh, can I tell him? -Yes.

-Tell me what? -We're going to Hong Kong!

Really?

She's taking me on her business trip.

A whole month.

We leave at the end of the week.

-Isn't that great? -No.

What? Come on, Dad. Why not?

Well, off the top of my head,

you're in school.

Hong Kong is halfway around the world.

You don't speak Chinese.

It's just a month,

we can Skype every day and I can learn Chinese.

And school?

Sam, traveling to Hong Kong is an educational experience.

How about the fact that nobody discussed this with me?

We wanted to surprise you.

(LAUGHS)

Nick, I need to talk to your mother

for a second, alone.

-Don't let him change your mind. -Never.

SAM: Just wait in the car, okay?

Nick's doing well.

We both like it here.

He doesn't need to go with you.

No, you like it here. He doesn't.

This isn't happening.

I have full custody of him.

You can't take him to Hong Kong

or New York or Blairsville without my written permission.

All right.

Then he is only going to resent you

more than he already does.

-Tara! -Hey!

Hey.

(SCOFFS)

-Think it's... -Oh...

-Oh! -Oh! Sorry.

Sorry. Let's try that again.

It's so good to see you.

Yeah. It's so good to be back.

MARTHA: $4.50?

I don't understand.

It's your check from yesterday.

But you said that was on the house.

Well, that was before I found out

that you were trying to run my "house"

out of business.

Ah...

Well, you know, I really am very busy...

Yes, what with bringing in a major franchise

which will probably put me out of business,

I'm sure your day is jam-packed.

Don't you think you're overreacting?

The fact that you didn't tell me

says that my reaction is spot on.

It is a testament to the strength of your business

and your managerial panache

that I think you can handle a small franchise coming to town.

Two hundred stores!

This is the kind of business that makes a town look like a city.

Java Shed will attract other franchises,

maybe even a big box store.

I want that big box store.

You swore to support and uphold the welfare

of all citizens of Middleton,

and to faithfully discharge the duties

you were appointed to execute

in a manner befitting the office of Mayor.

You are using my oath of office against me.

That is dirty pool.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

But it's like kryptonite.

That's because you still have a soul.

But no coffee franchise.

You can't have both.

Fine. I'll tell Java Shed no

and give them a map to Blairsville.

Doesn't it feel good to do the right thing?

Yes.

(CASSIE SIGHING)

-(KNOCKING AT DOOR) -Hey, Sam.

-Hey, you got a second? -Sure.

She wants to take him to Hong Kong.

She didn't say a word to me.

She conspired with Nick and now I have to say no

and then I look like the bad guy again.

Looking like the bad guy fades.

What's important is you're not a bad guy.

Nick will figure that out.

And you have full custody.

Oh, I can fight her, but...

But you're protecting Nick.

He doesn't know that Linda never fought me for him.

I wanted full custody and I would've gone to the mat with her,

but she wanted the job in London more.

It would kill him to find out that his mother

basically just walked away.

I can't allow that.

And if I end up in court with Linda,

my lawyer will use that against her

and I'll win the battle and lose the war.

Hmm.

I think I just have to weather the storm, and...

...she's going to do what she always does,

blow through and leave a big mess for me to clean up.

-Is that right? -No.

It's not right.

It's just Linda. (SNICKERS)

I found this on our nightstand.

I was looking through it the other day.

-Oh, my hair is so long! -Oh!

I like it better short.

Police regulations.

First vacation, remember?

I forgot to put on sunscreen.

-(LAUGHING) -Lobster woman.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

TARA: Oh...

This wasn't even that long ago...

It feels like forever.

I miss you.

Yeah, I miss you too.

(STUTTERS)

It's weird, isn't it?

-Yeah. It is. -Why? Why is that?

I haven't been here in a long time.

I'm sorry I haven't been able to get away.

Well, we're together now.

Right.

I hate to bring this up.

What?

I'm sensing something.

Which is kind of odd, considering that's your thing.

Ever since the storm, it's like you're there

but you're not there.

I'm all here.

Okay.

Um, I was thinking that

you might want to come over for dinner tomorrow night.

I can't. My parents are coming to town.

Oh. Well, next time.

Yeah.

Well, why don't you just come with us. You and Grace.

No, we wouldn't want to intrude.

You can't intrude, because I'm inviting you.

Come on, it'll be fun.

Or at least as much fun

as dinner with my parents can be.

-Okay. -Good.

Hey, Grace, wait up!

-Hey! -Hey.

How are you?

Uh, wow! (LAUGHS)

Sorry, I've never really seen you

like this before.

Happy!

(BOTH CHUCKLING)

Yeah, I guess maybe you haven't.

Well, I like it.

You missed your mom.

Uh, yeah, but we're going to Hong Kong together.

-Really? -Yeah!

Wow.

Your dad's cool with it?

No, but I should get a say.

Right.

Is your mom married?

No, but her boyfriend Geoffrey

tries to act like my stepdad.

-Geoffrey? -He lives with her.

-Is that weird for you? -Honestly...

Yeah.

But you get used to it.

Why'd you ask?

-(SIGHING) -Something going on with your mom?

I don't know.

I just don't want things to change between me and my mom.

Please,

don't tell anybody that I just said that.

Who am I going to tell?

Good point.

Thanks.

-Mmm! Smells wonderful. -Yeah.

Thanks. It still has to simmer for a while.

-Yeah, let it blend. -Yeah.

So, Ryan's parents are in town

and, well, we thought maybe

we could all go have dinner tomorrow night.

Oh. You know what, I have a test.

You don't have a test.

But you can skip dinner.

Thanks, Mom.

-Grace. -Yeah?

Hey.

I carried you for nine months.

It took 20 hours of hard labor

to give birth to you.

I have been there for you and with you

since the day you opened your eyes.

I'm here, honey. I'm not going anywhere.

-Okay. -Okay.

Jones can't be serious.

My father's always serious.

He's wanted this property for a long time.

It just came on the market, so he swooped in and bought it.

This is not good.

Dad wants you on point for this project.

You have the inside track.

He already has a franchisee that wants to renovate

and sign a five-year lease for double the rent.

Okay, I gotta talk to him.

He doesn't want to talk,

he wants you to smooth things over with the tenant,

get them out of the building press and drama-free.

He says you know the current tenant.

-Yeah. -That's good.

No. It's not good.

I'm sure you'll figure something out.

-Cassie! -Tara!

-Hi. -Hi. Good to see you!

-Good to see you too. -Where's Brandon?

-Uh, he went into work. -Oh.

Cassie, I, um...

You have a secret.

I do.

One you haven't shared.

(SIGHS)

I don't know how.

I'm... I'm afraid.

You face your fear, stand up to it

and you take its power away.

What is it?

Well, your landlord definitely sold the building.

Can you go see him?

He moved to Arizona a few years ago.

Oh. You know, Cassie, this is more Ryan's thing.

He's in meetings all day.

I haven't been able to reach him.

But your old lease will protect you.

The new owner has to honor the terms under your old landlord.

My original lease expired.

(SIGHS)

So you're on a month-to-month.

Yeah.

And no guarantees from your old landlord?

A handshake and his word that I could stay there as long as I wanted.

And you can't take a handshake to court.

Never thought I'd have to.

Well, that doesn't leave you many options.

You either have to pay the increase in rent

or the new owner can give you notice to move out.

-You're quitting? -Resigning.

That's my two weeks' notice.

Why?

Relocating to be with my wife in San Francisco.

And she can't relocate here?

Her path was made up a long time ago.

Mine is new.

One of us has to give, or...

...our flame will go out.

You okay?

Yeah.

It's just something Cassie said.

So Cassie's okay with you leaving Middleton?

Well, she's okay with me saving my marriage.

-What is it? -You know, I...

...was kind of grooming you to be my lieutenant.

-Yeah? -Yeah, you know, I was your dad's

and thought it was only right that,

you know, someday you'd be mine.

But there's guys here with more time in and seniority than me.

Cassie and your father

taught me that when it comes to people,

you have to learn to trust your instincts.

You were the guy.

Sorry.

-Hi. -Hi.

-Can I borrow some tea? -Of course!

Sam is more of a coffee drinker.

-I know. -Oh, you do?

Well, he's not big into tea. (CHUCKLES)

He seems to be adjusting to his surroundings, though.

I guess you've heard about my plans.

Taking Nick to Hong Kong?

You must see what a marvelous opportunity this is.

Excuse me?

You've seen the benefits of an unorthodox education.

You traveled, you moved around,

it helped you, shaped you,

made you who you are.

Well, all of our experiences, good or bad,

make us who we are.

Exactly.

And that's what I'm fighting for.

To give him more experiences in life.

Like the scroll says.

The scroll?

"Who wishes to fight must first count the cost."

I can't shy away from battles

and I can't let Sam win.

-You helped me see that. -I didn't.

Oh, you did. Thank you.

I only wish that Sam could see things as clearly as you do.

(SIGHING)

So, I hear you're going for dinner

with Ryan and Cassie.

I've... No, I'm not.

I get it.

What do you get?

As your mom starts to go out more,

you start to feel like a third wheel.

(SIGHING)

But I'm here, okay?

Ooh! Maxima and minima.

You know calculus?

I know a lot of things.

Y equals 13.

What are you up to?

What do you mean?

Grace.

I'm helping her,

and I'm not doing anything that you wouldn't do.

I find that hard to believe.

You have always found it hard to trust me.

Everything is gonna work out

just the way it's supposed to.

Sam, you are only putting off the inevitable.

Soon he'll be able to choose who he wants to be with,

and with every decision like this that you make,

you are only pushing him closer to me.

(SIGHS) Linda, we were married, we had a son,

it wasn't all bad.

Don't do this to Nick.

Cassie thinks that Hong Kong is a great idea.

Cassie thinks Nick should go to Hong Kong?

Dad...

Come on.

You seem nervous, Ryan.

I wonder why that is.

I'm sure she'll be here any minute.

I'm not so sure.

Excuse me?

This is Abigail, Cassie's cousin.

-Pleasure to meet you both. -Pleasure, Abigail.

Enjoy your meal.

Yeah.

So...

...you have a big announcement?

No.

You seem nervous.

No, I'm not.

No announcement?

No, Dad.

So why are we here?

Uh, to have dinner with your son.

Well, on the phone you seemed kind of excited

and, well, I guess I thought

you had some big news to share.

Uh... No. Just dinner.

Told you. Told her.

Oh, um...

Can we talk later? I'm running late.

Did you tell Linda

that you thought taking Nick to Hong Kong

was a great idea?

-Sam... -Did you encourage her to fight me on this?

-No. -She says you did.

Consider the source.

I know. I know!

This is what she does to me.

She turns me inside out, makes me question

all common sense!

You look great, by the way.

I'm interrupting.

I'm meeting Ryan and his parents.

(SNICKERS) Oh. I should go.

No, you should calm down before you go back over there.

-I'm okay. -No, you're not. Tea?

Your date?

It's not a date like that.

-I can't do this to you. -Well, you're not doing it, I am. Sit.

Ryan will understand.

Linda is a master

of twisting things to fit her agenda.

She's winning this fight.

Well, that's because you're playing her game.

She strikes me as a person who

always has a reason for everything she does.

Find out the reason

and you may find a solution to your problem.

She's normally so punctual.

-Could be traffic. -Well...

I guess I do have some big news.

I told you. I told him.

Apparently, she told me.

-We want to help. -We do.

-Help? -With the costs.

I just want to be involved.

It'll mean a lot to your mother.

To help me find an executive rental in Chicago?

Is that where the wedding's going to be?

-What wedding? -Yours.

(LAUGHING) Oh, right!

Oh, that's a good one, Mom.

Uh... You're not laughing.

Who am I marrying?

Cassie.

Why would you think that?

Well, you've known her for so long

and you talk about her all the time.

Yeah...

Listen, my only big news is that

I got a really great job offer in Chicago.

It's a really great opportunity, this job.

Oh, sure... (CHUCKLES)

That's great, Ryan.

Congratulations.

-Yeah, congratulations. -Thanks.

(GLASSES CLINKING)

(TEA POURING)

What's up?

We need to talk.

Yeah.

I'm so afraid.

What are you afraid of?

Your reaction.

This is about us living so far apart?

Yeah.

So I quit my job.

I can be a police officer anywhere.

But England?

Why would I want to be in England?

That's where I'm going to be the next three years.

I got accepted to Cambridge for my doctorate.

-Cambridge? -Yeah.

-In England. -Yeah.

Congratulations...

But you accepted without talking to me about it?

Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

-Hey. -Hey.

Cassie thought you might need some help

with your homework.

(SIGHING)

Pre-calculus?

Mmm... Don't you have any English homework?

I wish.

Can I...

Can I ask you a question about Mom?

Okay.

Was it strange for you...

...when dad brought her home?

Strange?

She wasn't your Mom.

You know what I mean.

Well, actually, I think I brought her home to Dad.

(CHUCKLES)

But Dad would never have let anyone into our lives

who wasn't really wonderful.

And I know Cassie will do the same when the time comes.

(CHUCKLES)

What?

Mom was right.

I did need your help.

Well, thank goodness it wasn't for the math.

-(BOTH LAUGHING) -True.

MARTHA: Thank you.

You did it anyway?

-What, what did I do? -Java Shed.

The franchise is coming, and to Main Street!

Not because of me. I told them to take their business elsewhere.

Well, someone is bringing that store here.

Well, it's not me.

And anyway, there is no space on Main Street.

Well, that's enough tea and enough sympathy.

You're late for Ryan.

I called him, explained.

I'm meeting him for a late dessert.

Hmm... His parents?

I'll meet them the next time they're in town.

What?

Well, speaking of Ryan and your shop...

I made some phone calls

and I found the corporation that bought your building.

And I made an offer to buy it back.

You did?

But he won't budge.

(SIGHS)

Seems he's got big plans for your shop that don't include you.

Oh.

It's hard to believe Ryan's involved.

Ryan?

Yeah, Jones are the buyers.

You didn't know?

Ryan's Jones?

(SIGHS)

Yeah. One and the same.

He didn't tell you?

-I don't... No, he didn't. -Oh.

I'm sorry, Cassie, but you should know.

Yeah, now I do.

I don't think Dad's going to let me go.

Yes. Yes, just apply the whole balance. Thank you.

(CELLPHONE BEEPS)

Listen, sweetheart,

I want you to let me worry about your father, okay?

He stole you from me once, and I'm not going to let him do it again.

"Stole?"

Hey.

Hey.

Um, a Stephanie called.

How many women do you have in this town anyway?

Nick, can I talk to your mother, please?

-(NICK SCOFFING) -Nick. Nick, it's okay.

(SAM SCOFFING)

I understand you not wanting to talk about your girlfriends

in front of him, but he knows.

SAM: Friend.

She's a friend.

And you're not taking him to Hong Kong.

You're not taking him anywhere.

Sam, doesn't he have a say in who he lives with

-and where he lives? -SAM: No!

He's a kid!

We're supposed to be the adults.

We're supposed to tell him what to do,

not the other way around.

Sam, he wants to come with me.

You need to leave.

Tonight.

Before you cause any more trouble.

Nick doesn't want me leaving.

It's not his house.

NICK: It is.

And she's my mom.

Go back to your room.

No, Dad.

You're not gonna bully Mom anymore.

"Bully?"

You're not gonna win this time, Sam.

I'm not gonna let you win.

NICK: You've had me for long enough.

I want to be with her and she wants to be with me.

I know what you did, and you can't get away with it again.

What did you tell him?

The truth.

You don't get to steal me from her twice.

You should have just let him come to Hong Kong with me.

-Ryan? -Yeah.

Tell me it isn't true.

-It's true. -Oh, no.

But I'm working on it, Steph.

If he moves that coffee chain into Cassie's shop,

it's going to kill my business and break her heart.

I just found out about this. Give me some time.

And you didn't bother to tell me or Cassie?

I wanted to fix it first.

Well, is it fixed?

No.

Jones is going to turn Bell, Book and Candle into a Java Shed.

This is going to affect the whole town.

Look, if we wanted to live in Blairsville, we would.

We are not a chain store kind of place.

I know.

Does Cassie know?

I think she knows.

(THEME SONG PLAYING)