Original subtitles

[upbeat music]

- Hi, Nina. What can I do for you?

Absolutely, yeah, I'm sending it over right now.

Happy Holidays!

[phone rings]

Hey, Lara.

- Julianne, hi, thanks for

dealing with Nina,

but can you pick up my dry cleaning before it closes?

- Sure. I'll just grab Nora and I'll be right over.

- I'll mull you some apology wine.

[chuckles]

- Hi, Nora! - Hi, Mom!

- Hi, sweetie!

You had a good day?

- Yeah.

[whimsical music]

- Lara, we're here! - Hey, I'll be right down!

- Whoa!

Can we get one like that?

- Are you going to help me carry it up three flights of stairs?

- Sure. - Come on, Lara's waiting.

Let's go, let's go, let's go!

[gasps]

- Here you go! - Wow. Spoon, please.

I thought you were joking when you said you were mulling wine.

- Why would I joke about something so serious?

Besides, you're finished

for the day and I made you traipse all the way back here.

- I'm your assistant, it's my job!

You don't have to go to any trouble.

So what's in it?

- It's a treasured secret family recipe...

that I found online.

[laughs]

Wine, sugar and cinnamon! Mm, what's not to love?

- Cheers.

- Oh, right. I need to finish getting ready. Where am I going again?

- The Hudson Benefit.

- Oh, and then the Fitzgerald festive drinks.

- Mm-hmm and then a quick appearance at the MADAM Christmas party,

if you can stand it.

- Bringing this week's grand

total to eight holiday events so far

and it's not even the weekend yet.

- You're a trooper. So what are you gonna wear?

- Mom, why don't you go?

[laughs]

- Very funny.

- You never go to Christmas parties. You should go!

Then aunt Lara can stay home.

- It's not that simple, bub. People are expecting to see Lara.

- Tonight, but you can definitely go to another party for me.

- Really? - I don't think so.

[chuckles]

- Hey, there's a big pile of invites in my office.

Why don't you go choose one for us to send your mom to!

- Be right back!

- Don't give me that look.

You know it would do you some good to get out

and let your hair down.

- My hair is perfectly fine how it is, thank you!

- Come on, you deserve a party and it certainly wouldn't do

your career any harm to make some new connections.

- My career? What, are you trying to get rid of me?

- No. - Because you know I'm perfectly happy working for you.

- And I'm perfectly happy with you working for me too,

but I also want what's best for my friend.

- A job, with flexibility where I can pay my bills on time and be there for Nora?

This is what's best. - Okay, forget I said anything.

- Found one! - Mm!

All right. Let me see.

Ah...

[chuckling]

- The Carson Centre Christmas Masquerade Ball?

Nice try, kid. - Lara said I could pick any.

- Nora, it's a very important event and Lara has to be there.

- I absolutely do not have to be there, but...

I did say I would meet a potential client there.

[winces]

You know what, he probably won't even show. You should go.

[whimsical music]

- What?

[scoffs]

- You're going in my place. I've decided.

- What are you gonna wear? - Yeah?

- We're gonna go shopping!

[gasps] [chuckles]

- Hey, sis! - You're late.

- Ah, yes, but I come bearing gifts.

- Hmm, that better be non-alcoholic.

[sighs]

Uh...

Of course not.

- So, where is the dotting father-to-be?

- Vegas.

[laughs]

What's so funny?

- I'm just picturing John in Vegas.

- He's working, dummy. - Ah.

- Like most adult males, he has a career.

- Oh, I'm about to have a career.

- Oh!

[chuckling] Sure.

- Look, you are looking

at the future Vitanian Ambassador to the United States.

- If the panel approves you. - Oh, come on!

The Ambassador's been a Karlsson since...

- The...

...1800s. - Yes, whatever, the 1800s, exactly!

You really think Dad'll retire and they'd appoint somebody else?

- Instead of you? Sure.

- Ah, no, no way. Dad would never let that happen.

It would be far too damaging to his massive ego.

And besides, I'm the next Karlsson in line.

- Mm. And you're not a popular appointment.

[scoffs]

This might have passed you by, Michael, but um...

you have something of a reputation.

- A reputation? Moi?

[chuckles]

- That's what you get

for dating American models the last 20 years.

- Oh, don't be ridiculous.

I mean, they haven't all been American.

[scoffs] - I'm serious. The appointment committee is not a shoe in.

You need to work for it!

- Ma'am, yes, ma'am!

- Ten days, Michael, they are meeting on the Eve of Christmas Eve!

- I know that. - You need to up your game.

- Consider it up!

- Okay, then you can join me at the Carson Centre Christmas Masquerade Ball tomorrow.

- Great, I love a Masquerade. - Great!

And you can finally meet the PR specialist that I've hired there.

- Mm... Helena, on second thoughts, tomorrow night--

- Non-negotiable.

- Come on, you know how much I loathe PR people.

- Not this time.

[sighs]

Hm. That was easy.

[Christmas music]

- Oh, you're here already? Dinner's gonna be 20 minutes.

- That's perfect, Mom.

- It could be on the table

now if you'd let me know that you were on the way.

It's not good for Norushka to be hungry.

- She's not hungry, so-- - We had a hot chocolate.

- Yeah.

- Why were you buying a hot chocolate at this time?

- It was at Aunt Lara's.

And Lara said that Mom can go to the "Maquerade" Ball.

- Masquerade, baby.

- Masquerade, at the Carson Centre.

[gasps]

- Oh, my...

The Carson Centre Christmas Masquerade ball?

You're going? Ah!

It's tomorrow night, no? The third Saturday of December.

- How does Babcia know when it is?

- Well, we used to take your mama when she was a little girl.

Every year.

- Mom, you went before? - Not inside.

[chuckles]

- She used to sit with her little pencil case,

making drawings of all the guest presses as they arrived.

[laughs]

Oh, my, what are you gonna wear? - I don't know yet.

- The red dress! The one you made at fashion college.

Show all the guests how talented you are!

- No. No, no, no, it's too old and I haven't even looked at my sewing machine in months.

I'll just borrow something from Lara. It's not a big deal.

- Not a big deal? Well, try telling that to little Julianne.

She'd be thrilled.

- Look, it'll be fun,

but I'm not gonna stress myself out trying to be something I'm not.

I'm a guest. No one will even notice I'm there.

- Mm-hmm, now that, that could never happen.

[laughing]

[soft Christmas music]

[floor creaks]

[chuckles]

[upbeat violin music]

[shuttering]

[chuckling]

- Ah, here we go.

One hour and I'm out of here.

[chuckling]

- Great. The whole Ambassador thing

is probably overrated anyway.

[laughing]

Oh, sure. - Yeah, mm-hmm.

- Hi!

[shuttering]

[indistinct chattering]

- You shall go to the ball.

[whimsical music]

[classical music]

[indistinct chattering]

[sighs]

[whimsical music]

Excuse me!

Hi. Would you mind taking a photo?

- Uh, sure.

[shutter]

There you go.

- But I... didn't have time to pose.

- Ah, no, I'm sure it's fine.

[laughs]

- I'm sorry but...

would you call this a good photo?

[laughs] - No.

- Right, well, if you're gonna say yes to the job,

you should at least try to do it well.

- Oh, well, you only asked me to take a photo, not a good photo.

- Oh, so it's your policy to do the bare minimum?

- What's that suppose to mean?

- I don't even have both my eyes open!

- Well, that can't be blamed on the photographer now, can it?

- I think it can. - I don't think so.

- All right, well, agree to disagree.

But I'm willing to give you a second chance.

- What generosity.

[chuckles]

- Uh, okay, uh...

You're ready? - Um, yeah.

- Okay. - Okay.

[shutter]

- Yeah, yeah, this one is way better, it's...

Rude.

[gasps]

- Oh, Michael! Let me introduce

you to Isabella and Tomas Berg.

Isabella sits on the appointment committee and Tomas is a trade envoy.

- Ah! Well, a pleasure to meet you.

[playful music]

Again. Tonight.

Uh, great masks!

[chuckling]

Yeah, we have met before, haven't we?

- You dated our daughter.

- Oh, yes, right! And how is Liza doing?

- Lydia. - Lydia!

- Lydia!

[chuckling]

Lydia, that's what I meant! Mm-hmm.

- She got married. - Ah!

- To a very nice man, thankfully.

Good to see you, Helena. - Oh, yes.

- Tomas.

- You dated Lydia Berg?!

- It was a long time ago.

- How long? - Two, three years.

- That is not long enough.

She's the daughter of an appointment committee member!

- Okay, I know that now.

[scoff]

- Did you end it or did she?

- What do you think?

- Michael! You better still be friends!

- Let's just say I'm not at the top of her Christmas card list.

- This is not good for your appointment campaign!

- No kidding.

Hey!

- Thank you.

[muffled pop music]

- There! There's Mom!

- Mm, really?

- Um... no, that's somebody else.

- Look, she's wearing pink, remember.

- What about her?

- Oh, no, that's Helena Karlsson, but...

[deep inhale]

Oh, is that... one sec.

Is that...

- That's him!

- Ah! Are you sure?

- Yeah, look! They have the same chin.

- Oh no, no, no!

- What's the matter?

- Everything's fine,

I just need to catch your mom on the phone.

[phone ringing]

- Hello? - I need you to do something for me.

- Nice to speak to you too.

- Michael Karlsson is at the ball.

- Should that name mean

something to me?

[sighs] - Yes!

- Okay...

Kinda need a little bit more information.

- He's the diplomat I've been trying

to sign as a client for months.

His sister said he would be at the ball

but he's cancelled me every time

we were meant to meet so I didn't think--

- Okay! It's fine,

I will speak to him.

[exhales]

- Okay, great. Great!

Okay, I love you. Thank you.

- So...

What does he look like?

- Oh, yeah, um...

Okay...

Okay, so he's about 5'10,

medium brown hair, really blue eyes, a strong jaw!

- Velvet jacket?

- Yeah! And a black mask.

Wait.

How did you know about the jacket?

- I'm looking at him.

[sighs]

- Go get him.

[playful music]

- Oh, I, I don't... I just have to go talk to a client.

- I'm gonna need to see your ID if you want to get to the VIP lounge.

- Yeah.

Um... so that's my ID.

I recently...

well my hair grew very fast since I took that photo,

but everything else is exactly the same so, you know.

What are you looking at?

- I'll announce your arrival. - Oh, no, no!

- It's part of the VIP service. - Really, it's not necessary.

- Lara Kaws, ladies and gentlemen!

- Lara Kaws?

- Hello. - Helena.

- Oh...

Muah, muah!

- It's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name!

Great mask! This is my brother, Michael Karlsson.

Michael, this is the illustrious PR specialist Lara Kaws

of the Park Avenue Kaws'!

- You are? - Yeah.

- Ah...

- I'm sorry, do you two know each other?

- We met briefly, just now.

- And unfortunately, ladies, it's gonna have to remain brief.

I'm gonna get out of here.

- Michael...

- Pleasure to meet you, again, Miss Kaws. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

- I'm sorry.

- Oh, don't be, at least he said goodbye this time.

- He really does want to work with you.

- Well, you know how to reach us if he changes his mind.

- Oh, you're going? I mean, don't leave on Michael's account.

- No, I'm not, I have a sitter waiting up.

- You have children? I had no idea.

- Yeah. One... a girl.

[chuckles]

- Can't believe I didn't know you were a mom!

You're so mysterious.

[chuckling]

- Great to meet you. Merry Christmas!

Me... Merry Christmas.

Yeah, I'd like to go now, please. Thank you.

[whimsical music]

[door creaks]

- Hey... - Oh, hey.

- I'm sorry, she insisted on sleeping out here.

- Hmm, it's okay.

I'll carry her to her room when I go to bed.

Do you wanna drink?

- Won't we wake her?

- No, no, she's a very deep sleeper.

Just like her dad used to be.

[soft music]

I'll go get changed and then I'll be right out.

- Okay, Cinderella.

[chuckles]

You look beautiful.

[Christmas music]

- Thank you so much for watching Nora, but there was really no need.

My mom would've been more than happy.

- Okay, nonsense, it's good to give her a night off

and I love spending time with your family, especially Nora.

She's an angel.

[laughs]

What?

- Well, she's 10 going on 20,

I wouldn't exactly call her an angel.

- She is. She's perfect.

- Although there must be something wrong with me,

because tonight reminded me

how much I'm craving a little more angel-free time.

- You don't know how lucky you are.

- No, I do. Wait, what is this about?

- Nothing... I just...

- Okay, 'cause it sounds

suspiciously like someone might

be changing their mind about being child-free by choice.

- Well, I... might be reconsidering my position.

[laughs]

- Are you sure this isn't just a case of Stockholm Syndrome?

You did just spend the whole evening with Nora.

[chuckles]

- More importantly, hello?

How did things go with Michael Karlsson?

- Right, uh... about that.

He might think I'm you?

[chuckles] - What? How?

- Well, there was a mix-up with this security guard and your ID

and, well, it just seemed easier to let it go.

- Hey, if we land him as a client, what do I care who he thinks I am?

- Yeah, right...

- Oh... he didn't sign up as a client, did he?

- No... I'm sorry.

He was thoroughly uninterested.

And rude.

- Oh, sounds like classic Michael Karlsson.

- It does?

- Well, yeah! I think his playboy credentials

might just outstretch his diplomatic ones.

- Not ideal for a wannabe Ambassador.

- No! But hey, if he comes back, we can switch lives,

you can take over the account and be me.

- While you do what? - Well, I can do you!

And Nora can help me decide if this Mom thing is a go.

- Deal.

But I think you might be pulling the short straw there.

[scoffs]

- How dare you talk about my goddaughter like that?

[laughs]

- Mom! - Coming, honey!

Just think,

one phone call

from Michael Karlsson and this could be you!

- Sounds perfect!

- Oh, it does?

- Yes!

- Mom!

- Don't get your hopes up.

Coming!

[door opens]

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

- There is coffee in the pot. Decaf, for the pregnant lady.

Pancakes are on the way and that's fresh squeeze orange juice.

[whimsical music]

What?

[scoffs]

- When you texted me to meet you, I thought you'd fallen and bumped your head.

Am I in the Twilight Zone?

- No, but, you are about to enjoy a delicious breakfast in the apology zone.

Please.

- Thank you.

- Look, I'm sorry about the way I left yesterday.

- And about being rude. - And yes, about that too.

But, look, I'm ready to take this whole Ambassador thing seriously.

From... now.

And you know what?

No need for a PR person, I've got this covered myself.

- You got it covered? - Mm-hmm.

- It's you, yeah?

[playful music]

- Oh... they startled me.

[chuckling] Look, that was a set-up!

- Exactly.

And now, it's time to be set up with some positive press.

I'm calling in the troops.

Is there bacon?

[soft piano music]

- It will never cease to amaze me that someone so talented

would insist on being an assistant.

- Did you want me for something?

[chuckles]

- Did we hear from Michael Karlsson?

- Hm, unfortunately no.

The rudest man alive has failed to reach out so far.

- Well, there's still time.

- I'm sorry, L, but we're more likely to get a visit from Santa than one from him.

[sighs]

[phone ringing]

Lara Kaws PR, how can we help you today?

- Lara, is that you?

It's Helena Karlsson.

[stutters]

- Helena, hi!

- Look, I'm sorry about last night--

- Don't, no, no, no!

There's nothing to apologize for!

- I know my

brother can be a little... gruff.

But...

he really does want to work with you.

Could you meet tonight to start strategizing?

- No! - Yes!

- Tonight? - Tonight's perfect!

- Oh, great!

Sorry,

who am I talking to?

- This is... Lara's assistant.

Julianne.

- Oh! - She's free from seven.

- Lovely,

I'll email the details over.

[chuckles]

[playful music]

[sighs]

- I'm free from seven, am I?

- We did have a deal!

- That was a joke!

- Not for me.

I really wanna spend some more

one-on-one time with Nora.

- Oh you could spend time with Nora whenever you want.

- It's not the same.

I wanna see if I can do it on my own.

- And you can do that!

Without me having to spend

the run up to Christmas

with the world's rudest man.

- You don't have to like the man! You just...

need to work with him for...

two weeks! Less.

Look, he normally hates PR people.

- Wow, you're really selling this.

- I am! And he hates them!

And he's arranged to see you again.

- His sister has.

- It's the same thing.

Come on, this could be a big deal for us.

You secure Michael Karlsson as a client and that would mean

a lot more interest in the company.

And... a big Christmas bonus.

- I don't know.

- Plus... you could use this.

For whatever you want!

And... you can stay in my place!

'Till Christmas!

- You... you don't have to do that.

- If you're gonna be me,

you should at least get some of the perks.

- Okay!

[laughs]

Okay.

- Don't worry.

It's gonna be perfect.

[sighs]

- Come in, come in.

So lovely to see you.

- Wow! Your place is gorgeous!

- Ah, well, it'll do for now.

But, not for long.

[chuckles]

I thought Michael could take it over, when he's appointed.

If he's appointed.

- Well that's what I'm here for.

Where is he?

- Uh, he's...

- He's... not here, is he?

- I'm sorry.

He will be here.

Can I order us some food while we wait?

- Sure. - Okay, follow me.

Just through this way. - Mm-hmm.

So, I think you were school friends at Trinity with my friend Madeleine?

- Um... - Oh, Wittington?

- No--

- Yeah, she said you were close with a scholarship girl?

I can't think of her name-- - Don't be... it's fine--

- Jul, Jules... something polish.

[laughs]

- It was so long ago, I don't...

[laughs]

- Michael, Michael! We're in here.

- Ah, miss... Kaws?

- Mr. Karlsson.

- What are you doing here in my sister's apartment?

- I'm here for our meeting, which you are late for.

- Oh, that's funny because I didn't schedule any meeting with you.

[playful music]

- Well, then there appears to be some miscommunication here.

- Michael... - Oh!

- Please don't go.

He really does need you, he just...

He just doesn't know it yet.

- I'm afraid I only stick around for people who understand when they're in trouble.

- Oh, he does!

- No, I don't think he has a clue.

Good luck with the appointment committee, Mr. Karlsson.

- Thank you. - Yeah, you're certainly gonna need it.

[scoffs]

I'll see myself out.

[laughing]

- Go after her.

- I can hire my own PR person,

thank you very much.

- Okay, well, it's five days

before Christmas and anyone

worth speaking to is already booked.

- Exactly! I don't even know who this woman is!

- That's the point! She's notorious

for not being in the press,

but her clients always are!

I mean, she's the best in the game!

It is a miracle that she said yes and that she stuck around this long.

- Look, Helena, I--

- Don't worry! If you'd rather hire some 20-something

inexperienced intern from Long Island, have at it!

[grunts]

- Lara, it's me, um...

That did not go well.

Can you give me a call when you get this?

[sighs]

[whimsical music]

Can I help you?

- Well, that depends, can I apologize?

- Sure. - Great.

- Are you gonna apologize or...?

- I'm sorry, I'm an idiot.

Will you give me another shot?

I really don't wanna let my sister down.

[ding!]

Let me, let me! Let me get that.

- He'll get a cup for himself too.

- Oh, no, no, I'm fine, thanks.

- No, he could definitely use a little more sweetness.

[chuckles]

- Thanks.

Jules...?

[playful music]

- Yeah, I... I don't like

to give out my real name.

- Ah... - Yeah.

- Well, this will be the first hot chocolate I've had since childhood.

- Oh...

[whimsical music]

- Woah! - It's good, right?

- That is incredible.

- See what can happen if you just listen to me?

- Okay, good point. Well made.

- So, should we talk-- - Do you wanna walk?

- Yeah. A walk sounds good.

- Great, um...

- So, why don't you tell me a little bit about life in Vitania?

- Oh, Vitania?

Wouldn't really know, I haven't lived there since I was 18.

- And now you live in LA? - Yeah.

- But you wanna be the Vitanian Ambassador?

- That's the plan. - Okay.

Well then, we just need to focus on reconnecting you to Vitanian life.

- And how do you suggest we do that?

- Well, we could have you spending time with the Vitanian community here in New York.

- Oh, well that's gonna be tough,

'cause I think you can count the Vitanian families on two hands.

- Great, you can host a Christmas lunch!

- You're joking?

Lunches aren't really my style.

- Yeah, to be frank,

life as a candidate for Ambassador

doesn't really seem to be your style either, yet...

- You think I have a shot?

- Absolutely.

We just need to focus on showing you in a positive,

professional light in the run up to the committee meeting.

- Fewer fallouts, more families.

- Exactly. Responsible... reliable.

[phone ringing]

Sorry.

[sighs]

Oh, shoot... - Is everything okay?

- Um, yeah, I...

I didn't realize how late it was.

We should wrap this up.

- Is nine PM considered late in diplomatic PR circles?

- I don't know about that,

but it does to my daughter and our sitter.

I've missed her call to say goodnight...

Look, I gotta go catch the subway.

- Oh, no, no. Take my driver.

- No, it's fine, I--

- I insist.

Please. Come on. - Okay.

[laughs]

- Ah... okay, okay.

[screams]

Oh! Okay, Nora, it's time to go to bed.

- No! It's time for you to show me the choreography!

- Nora.

- You're the one who said we should stop watching TV and do something together!

So let's do something!

- I said that an hour ago and you wanted to finish watching the movie.

- I know! But, just, repeat after me, it's so easy!

- Oh my gosh. - Come on. Come on!

One, two, three...

Do it, come on! - Okay, okay!

- One, two... - One, two...

[counting under her breath]

[clatters] - Oh, no!

- Oh my God...

Three, four...

Okay, okay!

Your mom is gonna be calling to say good night soon,

don't you think you should at least be in your pyjamas when she does?

- Good point. - Yeah.

- But you need to practise while I'm gone.

- Okay... - Okay.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

- Wait... one, two, three, four...

- Thank you so much for the ride.

- My pleasure.

[knocking]

- Hi, I'm Nora! - Hi.

- Nora... - Do you work with my mom?

- I... do.

- And you're like, a Prince?

- A Prince? No.

- But you're from Vitania

and you're gonna get a job because of who your dad is?

[laughing]

- I like her.

- Oh, I'm... so sorry.

Oh, I'm... the sitter.

I'll take this one up to bed.

- Well, there's a kid I could bear to have a conversation with.

Probably not for more than five minutes, though, kids are not for me.

- Oh, I... I feel like an Ambassador

will have more than the occasional interaction with children.

- Really? Yikes.

[laughs]

- You know, maybe this isn't a good idea.

- What? No, wait, wait, no, I was just joking.

- Didn't sound like you were joking.

- I was, I was, I swear. Look, let me prove it to you.

Tomorrow morning you can bring your daughter.

- No, I-- - You won't regret it!

- Can we go?

I think we should go. Please, Mom!

- There you go.

Settled, then?

See you tomorrow.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

- Bed, now!

- I'm so sorry, after we called and you didn't answer,

she just wouldn't settle, I thought maybe it would best if she saw you tonight.

We'll be out of your hair first thing in the morning. I promise.

- I'm not sure that's possible.

I think I just agreed to spend the morning with Nora and Michael Karlsson.

[sighs]

[whimsical music]

- Hmm...

- What, "Hmm"? - Oh, just, "Hmm".

- No, no, that was definitely a loaded, "Hmm".

[scoffs]

- Nothing, just...

It's 10 PM and you're not at a cocktail bar with a model.

- And?

- And...

looks like Lara's magic has already started working.

Yeah, so...

- I am a world class negotiator. People are scared of me.

But could I get your 10-year-old daughter to go to bed?

Not a chance!

- Well kids can smell weakness.

- Maybe I'm not cut out for mom life.

- No! Don't say that! Nora is a headstrong 10-year-old,

but babies, on the other hand,

they arrive as perfect little squishy balls

and they just... pop!

Stay where you put them.

- Yeah, but, apart from the crying...

- Oh yeah, apart from the...

constant crying.

[laughs]

Should we just call this off? - What? No! I'm just...

adjusting. That is all.

- Me and Nora can head home first thing.

- And lose Michael Karlsson as a client? I don't think so!

You're the first PR person he's ever been willing to meet with for longer than 20 minutes

and he's booked to see you... Again, tomorrow!

- Well, when you put it like that.

[laughing]

- We should at least hear what he has to say.

- Maybe he'll surprise us and turn into the dream client.

- I'm sure everything will work out perfect.

As long as Nora doesn't blow your cover.

- Right...

[laughing]

- Is that him? - No.

- Is that him?

- No, that is not him, making him officially 25 minutes late.

[Christmas music]

- Woah. - What?

- Look!

[laughing]

Oh my God!

Woah...

- So big. - I know.

Oh my God!

[laughing]

- Good morning. - You're late.

- Oh, yeah, sorry, old Misty here wouldn't get going until she had a full breakfast.

Horses these days, am I right?

[chuckles]

[neighing]

- Come on, Mom.

- Sorry about doing something so tourist-y,

I thought somebody might enjoy herself.

[whimsical music]

Huh?

[laughing]

They've been giving carriage rides since the park opened in 1858.

- Wow.

- All the horses that you see in this park,

they all live in stables right here in Manhattan.

- Whoa!

- In fact, this is the first place that a Vitanian came

when they visited New York City. - Oh, that's nice.

- Yeah. - Oh, look, Nora.

- Woah! - It's beautiful, isn't it?

- Yeah!

This is so cool! - Mm-hmm. It is, isn't it?

- Yeah!

- They have the best hot chocolate in this park.

- Oh, we're done already?

- Yeah. Sorry, kiddo, but maybe your mom can take you out another time.

- No, she says it's way too expensive.

[chuckles]

- I don't think I've said that.

- You have! - No, I think it's impressive,

teaching Nora the value of money.

- Well maybe that's something I ought to be working on with you too.

You don't need grand gestures to win people over.

An Ambassador needs consistency, integrity, honesty...

- It's not as much fun as a carriage ride, am I right?

- Are you gonna take the whole appointment committee out on a carriage ride?

- No... wait, should I?

- Can we go one more time?

- Sorry, kiddo, old Misty here has other appointments to get to.

- Okay.

- Come on, honey.

Let's get you home so that Michael and I can get to work, okay?

- Okay. - Uh, yeah... about that?

I have a lunch that I need to get to.

- Really?

- It's with a bunch of old college buddies.

- Are any of these buddies Vitanian?

- They are not.

- Well then, you're gonna have to cancel.

- I can't do that, we've got a booth at Greenby's.

- And are the Greenby's servers gonna appoint you Ambassador?

- I can't get out of this, Lara.

- Okay, then, what time are you finished?

- Tomorrow morning.

- I see.

Fine.

- Is it? - Course it is.

Have fun. I guess I'll just start my holidays early.

Merry Christmas, Michael. Good luck with all of it. Alone.

- What are we gonna do now?

- We're gonna go back to Babcia's.

[sighs]

- How it's going? - This isn't gonna work.

- Wait, what? What happened?

- It went... fine.

Everything was great.

I thought I'd won her over.

- Okay, then what happened? - Nothing.

- Michael...

- She's ridiculous!

- How so? - She wants me

to cancel on my boy's Christmas party.

- I'm sorry.

Is this some type of joke?

- No, look, it's been planned for months, I can't

drop out now. - Oh! But you can drop out

on Lara? - Oh, I knew you'd take her side!

[scoffs]

- Dad phoned this morning.

- He did? - Mm-hmm.

He saw your photo on the internet.

He's not impress, Michael.

[sighs]

Do you really wanna risk losing Lara?

[sighs]

- Hello?

- Are you really not gonna work with Michael anymore?

- Depends if he takes my advice or not.

- Will he?

- Well, he'd be stupid not to. - I don't think he's stupid.

I like him, he's nice. - Looks can be deceiving, baby.

- Are you gonna stay here tonight?

- I don't know. I'm not sure, maybe not?

You don't mind spending time with aunt Lara, do you?

It's only until Christmas.

And you know you can call me whenever you need me.

Yeah?

[laughing]

- I don't mind. I like Aunt Lara.

But she's not as good as you, Mom..

[squeals]

- Come on.

[laughing]

- One more measurement, we're gonna find you a perfect dress--

- Hi! - Oh, hey, friends!

- What is going on in here?

- Lara is being very helpful.

But far too generous.

- Well what's the point in working in PR if you can't

pull in Christmas party favours for your friends?

- This is all for Christmas Eve?

- I told her nothing fancy,

it's just a little party.

- And I told her, it would be my pleasure.

Or we could just this whole thing at my apartment.

- Oh, no, thank you,

but this is already more than enough.

- Come on, it would be my pleasure.

- Thank you.

But Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without being at home.

Besides, it takes far too long to get to Manhattan!

- You make it sound like crossing the Atlantic.

- And I already did that once.

[chuckles]

- Hey, should we go grab a coffee?

- Go. I can make coffee for you here!

- No, it's fine, Mom. We need to talk business.

- Oh, well, okay. Suit yourselves.

- We won't be long.

[chuckling]

- Look at this one. - You like it?

- Mm-hmm!

[Christmas music]

- And Nora really didn't blow your cover?

Even after he called you Lara? - No, no.

She just didn't seem to notice.

Michael teaching her all about the horses probably helped.

- Well, call me crazy, but it seemed like you were having a good time.

Well, until the end.

- That's the thing.

Every time I think he might be a decent person to work with,

he reveals his inner idiot.

[phone ringing]

[chuckles]

Okay...

Michael, hi.

- What's he saying?

- I'm sorry, I didn't quite

catch that?

[clears throat] - I said, I'm sorry for before.

- He's sorry. - Sorry?

- You were right, and I cancelled my lunch.

- Perfect. I am glad you came to your senses.

- Uh...

so, should we meet here, or?

- Uh...

I'll have a courier bring over your homework

for the afternoon.

- Oh. What, you're not gonna be joining me?

- No,

no, I'm afraid not,

but don't worry, I will see you first thing tomorrow morning.

And there will be a quiz.

[chuckling]

- It's okay. Okay.

- A quiz. Hm.

- Yeah, on your homework. - Ah.

- I'll send over the address for tomorrow.

Don't be late.

[sighs]

[laughing]

- Okay, this... boss persona suits your vibe.

- I don't know what you're talking about.

[laughing]

- What are you gonna send him?

- Uh, background info on the appointment committee,

there's actually a lot to learn.

Um, I thought it would do him good to spend the afternoon alone,

thinking about what he's done.

[laughing]

- Hear, hear!

[laughing]

- So what should we do?

- Oh, I think it's about time

you got to enjoy some alone time, don't you?

- Really? - Absolutely.

Have fun.

Relax.

[chuckles]

[whimsical music]

[laughing]

I wish I could have seen his face.

- Me too.

[laughing]

- Okay. Thanks. Have a good day. [door opening]

Oh. - Oh, hey, no.

Let me take that.

Everything okay?

- What would you like me to do with the others?

[soft music]

- Oh...

Oh she's... she's joking, right?

- Mm-mm.

- Oh boy. - Yeah.

[upbeat music]

- She's a Taurus... and Scorpio rising.

- Eh! - Ugh!

- Sagittarius.

[laughing]

- Why do I need to know this stuff?

[phone ringing]

- Surprised to see you here so early.

- Your message said 6:30.

- You were here at 6:30? - No.

[scoffs]

Okay. Yeah, you're good at this.

So what are we doing here?

- You'll see.

- Hmm.

Can't help but think there aren't gonna be any Vitanians of note here.

- I wouldn't be so sure about that.

Ms. Berg! Hi.

Nice to see you again.

- Isabella please.

I must say, I was surprised to hear from your team.

- Oh, uh, I think it's this lunar eclipse in Gemini.

You know, it's got me...

re-evaluating what's important in life.

- You're a Sagittarius, no? - Uh, rising, yes.

But the rest of my chart is pure Pisces.

- Of course. Fascinating.

Well, you're welcome here anytime.

We can always use helpers.

- Oh, well-- - Oops.

- Happy to be here. Heh.

And, uh... I'm hoping if I'm gonna be in New York more often

that I can make this a regular thing.

- Excellent.

Carry on.

- Whew.

- That was... impressive,

but you probably shouldn't be making promises you don't intend to keep.

- Nah, I wouldn't do that.

If this is where I'm needed, here's where I'll be.

[upbeat music]

Would you like it? Yeah. Okay, great.

Here you go.

Enjoy, yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

[chuckling]

- Don't you think you've maybe had enough chocolate cereal for before 9 in the morning?

- No. This is only my second bowl.

I used to have, like, three when I was tiny.

[chuckling] I used to have competitions with my dad.

- Aw. Did you? - Yeah.

He used to always let me win. [chuckling]

- Okay, well, why don't we go to the playground?

When you're done. [scoffs]

I looked out before, and it's totally deserted.

- I think I'm a little old for the playground.

And it's probably deserted because it's a Tuesday.

And everybody's at school.

[laughing]

- I thought you said it was a holiday?

[laughing]

- Gotcha! [laughing]

- Oh, uh, you have a little um...

Uh... - What?

- Flour on your face.

- Ah, I have something...

- Can I, uh...

[soft music]

[birds chirping]

Uh, so, I mean, shouldn't we be posting to social media

or taking some pictures or something?

- No. We should avoid the whole virtue signalling narrative.

With the appointment committee, it's best to work on word of mouth.

Any photos or comments need to come from other people.

- That sounds smart.

- Well, you can count on Isabella Berg telling everyone she knows,

but even with that, a visit to a soup kitchen is not gonna generate enough chatter.

Are you ready to work hard? - Oh, I was born ready.

- Good, 'cause we have the Elders of Vitania

to meet first who are notoriously difficult to impress.

[soft music]

[shuttering]

[indistinct chatter]

- Oh.

[chuckling]

- I hope you're hungry.

- Why does that sound like a threat?

- It's not a threat, it's just an invitation to sample

the best Vitanian schnitzel sandwiches the city has to offer.

- Sandwiches. Uh, I don't know.

- What's wrong with the little schnitzel sandwich?

- You think I managed to maintain this figure eating bread?

- I don't know, do you think you can manage to maintain your popularity

after disappointing a Vitanian national treasure?

- Okay. Alright. - Okay.

- Mm.

[scoffs]

That... that is delicious.

- Carlo asked if you wouldn't mind sampling another,

but for a photo this time. - Oh, for you Carlo, anything.

- Okay.

[shutter]

[laughing] It's great.

It's really good.

You're doing incredibly well.

- Oh, well, we're doing incredibly well.

I couldn't do any of this without you.

I owe you a lot.

- Um, we have a clear afternoon.

Is there anything you'd like to go over?

- Yeah, actually, um, there's a place I'd like to take you.

If you're okay with that.

- Yeah, sure.

- Okay, let's go.

- Are you gonna tell my mom about me missing school this morning?

- I haven't decided yet.

- Please don't. I'm sorry, I'll do anything you want me to do

just to make up for it.

- Well, I suppose you could help me make some Christmas decorations as an apology

for being so sneaky.

- Doesn't sound like much of a punishment.

[chuckling]

- Come on, you.

[soft music]

- I've never been to this part of the park before.

- Yeah, it's a little off the beaten path

but I think that's why my Mom liked it so much.

- A gift from Vitania to the children of New York.

[chuckling]

- Yeah, it's like a whole Vitanian garden

in the spring time.

There are just flowers everywhere.

My mom would bring us here when we came to the city.

And she had me convinced, for years,

that they had planted the flowers as a welcoming for us.

- It makes sense.

[laughing]

Well, of course you believed that a garden

was planted in your honour, right?

- I don't think you would have recognized me as a kid.

- Why not?

- I was quite a gentle, sensitive soul until my mom passed.

She's definitely responsible for any lingering good parts.

- Well I'm sure she'd be really proud of the man you've become.

- Yeah, I'm not so sure about that.

- I'd... hardly have been able to point out Vitania on a map a few weeks ago.

- Really?

[laughing] - Yeah.

- You're breaking my heart, Kaws.

- That was then, this is now.

Now I am a fountain of Vitanian knowledge.

Although I think I would still struggle to name another high-profile Vitanian.

- You kidding? Other than little Aviva Benzi?

- Wait, Aviva Benzi the teen singer?

My daughter is obsessed with her.

- Yeah, yeah. Her and everyone else in the world.

I mean she's... I don't know,

one of the most famous teen singer the last decade.

- Really? - Really.

Really, she's in town for a concert tomorrow night,

you have arranged a meeting, haven't you?

- No, no...

I haven't... [phone ringing]

...and I am so sorry, I had no idea, but...

I am sure there's something I can do.

Just...

[chuckling]

Oh.

- Everything okay?

- Yeah, yeah.

Did you know your dad was in town already?

- I did not.

He told me he wasn't coming in until the appointment committee decision.

I guess he didn't want to include me in his plans.

- Oh, I'm sure that's not true.

- No, it's pretty textbook for my father.

You know, why spend time with your only son

when there are other, more important people to schmooze?

- Should we focus on securing these Aviva Benzi tickets?

I think it's a great chance to show you're connected

to Vitania's future and, well, I would hate for you to miss out because of me.

- You know what?

Don't worry about it.

I don't really wanna go.

- You... You were doing so well.

We're so close.

- Look.

Let's not kid ourselves here.

The appointment committee is only gonna take me as seriously

as my father does, which is not at all.

I appreciate it but...

I think I'm just gonna go.

[sad music]

[laughing] - Do you like this one?

- Yeah. Let's sing our Christmas song.

♪ I love Christmas food

- Hi, it's me!

♪ I love Christmas crafts

[laughing]

- Oh, hey. - Hi Babcia.

- Oh, wow, these are looking very impressive.

- Thanks, Babcia.

You made these yourself?

- Yeah! Shall I teach you how?

- Aw, so clever.

[laughing]

I love home-made decorations.

- The three ornaments are home-made, aren't they?

- Well yes, but they're old.

The apples were made by Julianne when she was a child.

- Ah, that's what those are.

[laughing]

- Did you used to make snowflakes when you were younger, aunt L?

- I did. It was something I did with my nanny though,

and she stopped working for us when I started middle school at Trinity so...

a long time ago. [laughing]

- You're still pretty good though.

Your nanny must have been a good teacher.

- Yeah. Yeah, she was.

How about this one?

- Ooh.

Hey!

- Oh, look who it is.

Have you eaten? I'll make you some food.

- No, no, I'm fine, Mama.

Aw, the place looks great in here.

Hi, honey.

Can we have a quick work chat?

Things have taken a turn. - Oh. Sure.

Let's go to my place now, Nora and Viktoria can come later.

- You're back!

Bagel?

- Did you know Dad was in town?

- I...

I did. Mm-hmm.

- Mm. Okay, so just me out of the loop then?

[sighs] - Michael.

I didn't want to dampen your mood.

You're doing so well.

- Has he reached out to you?

[laughing]

- No. No.

He's probably too busy boring everybody with the sound of his own voice

to even think about checking on his own children.

[sighs] - That sounds like Dad.

- I don't know why you do this.

Let him get to you.

You've always been like this, since you were teeny.

Just desperate for him to approve of you.

- I think I gave up on that a long time ago.

- Oh you just wait until the gala dinner

after the appointment committee.

Even he'll be impressed with how far you've come.

- I don't know, it just feels like another perfect opportunity

for him to be publicly disappointed in me.

- Don't say that.

You've done brilliantly since Lara came on board.

- Yeah, maybe, but tomorrow night Aviva Benzi's in town

and I'm gonna be the only Vitanian not in attendance,

I don't know, maybe I should just cut my losses now.

- No! Don't do that, just stop it.

Stop self-sabotaging yourself the way you always do.

- Uh, I don't know-- - You're doing well!

Listen, are you not the most famous Vitanian export since the schnitzel sandwich?

- I think that's debatable. - No!

I don't. You are.

So just like, pull it together and figure out a way

to meet Aviva Benzi yourself.

- I don't know.

- If you don't do it for yourself,

do it for Lara.

You owe it to her not to bow out.

[phone ringing]

- Oh, it's your mom. - Oh, you can answer.

- Hey, Viktoria, it's Lara. Are you okay?

Oh, I actually don't know.

Let me check some reviews and I'll send you a message.

I won't be long. Bye.

Your mom wants to know if I recommend the Polish fish monger nearby.

- Would you? [laughing]

- I have no idea.

Is a Polish fish monger special?

- No, but I would watch out for a carp in your bathtub.

- Carp? - It's a Polish tradition, we have it on Christmas Eve.

- And you keep it in the tub?

- I'm sure she wouldn't. She hasn't done it since before Nora's dad died.

- I'm sorry, I can't get my head around this,

you keep carps in the tub?!

- Just forget I said anything.

- Okay, yeah. You're right.

We have more important things to discuss.

I think I'm gonna do it.

- Do what?

- Have a baby.

By myself.

- Really? - I mean, okay, so,

being with Nora, it's been hard at times,

but it's also been wonderful.

And it showed me that I do really want this...

to be a mom.

Do you think I could do it?

- Of course I do.

- Even though I'll be on my own?

- No. You'll never be on your own.

You have all of us as. And so will your baby.

- Okay then, I guess that's that decided.

I'm gonna do it.

I'm gonna be a mom.

A brilliant one. [laughing]

- Okay, enough about me.

What are we gonna do about this Michael Karlsson situation?

- Ugh, I don't know. [laughing]

I just, I tried and failed to get these tickets but,

more importantly, he seemed to lose faith in himself altogether.

- I'm sure you can bring that back.

Look at everything you've managed on your own so far.

- I wouldn't be so sure about that.

- If he's lost the faith, then we need to keep it for him.

Let's get to work.

- Alright. - Cheers.

- Cheers. [laughing]

[doorbell ringing]

- Ugh, who on earth is that?

[sighs]

[suspenseful music]

[doorbell ringing]

- I'll get it!

- Leave it, Mama!

- Uh, who is it?

- It's Michael.

- I'll... be right out!

- Oh.

[grunts]

- Um, it's business, Mom, okay?

So when he comes, just don't call me Julianne, okay? - Or me Lara?

- Yeah, don't call either of us by our names.

In fact, why don't you just go wait in your room?

- It's time to start the day! - Okay, coffee? She could make some coffee.

- In the open-plan kitchen. [doorbell ringing]

Oh, actually, I could really use your help in...

for a minute, Viktoria.

- You two are being really strange.

[chuckling] - What?

- No, no. Just...

- Really, really strange, girls. [chuckling]

[knocking]

- I'm sorry to just turn up like this.

- It's fine. - No, it's not.

I should have called first. I'm sorry.

Look, I just wanted to apologize for the way I left yesterday.

- No. No, no, no, there's no need to apologize.

I should be the one apologizing, I tried all night to get those Aviva Benzi tickets--

- About that.

I got us tickets.

I thought maybe Nora would like to join us.

You said she was a fan.

[chuckles]

- Not as big of a fan as me!

- Hello. - You have Aviva Benzi tickets?

We love Aviva Benzi. She's so talented.

- I'm sorry, who are you?

- She's my babcia.

Did you say you have tickets to see Aviva Benzi?

- I do.

Would you like to join your mom and me there?

- Can't we all go?

- Oh. Um...

I'm not sure...

You know what but... maybe your grandma can take you instead?

- No, no, no. No.

What about your meet-and-greet with Aviva?

- Oh, I'm sure we can work something out.

They were very helpful on the phone yesterday,

it seems somebody's revolutionized my PR or something.

So, do you want to go?

- Yes! - Yeah!

- Okay. Well, I guess we all ought to get ready then.

- Oh! - Come on!

- Thank you.

[chuckling]

[upbeat music]

- Do you want to come in?

- Sure.

[screaming]

[playful music]

- Is everything okay in there?

- Are you aware there's a...

a fish in your bathtub?

- Oh.

[chuckles]

- Oh.

I just wasn't expecting to see a fish.

- Neither was I.

She hasn't done this in a long time.

- She's done this before?

- Yeah. It's a Polish thing.

- Oh, I didn't realize Kaws was a Polish name.

- It's not.

How long does it take to get to the concert?

- Um-- - Is it far?

Or we should... - Mom, we're ready!

[upbeat music]

- Ta-da!

[laughing]

- You weren't kidding about them being fans.

- High-five. [laughing]

- Uh, sorry, no hot chocolate.

[chuckles]

- Um, thank you so much for today.

I'm pretty sure it's been like the greatest day of her life.

- Your mom's or Nora's?

- Oh, my Mom's. 100%. Nothing else comes close.

[chuckling]

Seriously though, it was a really kind thing for you to do.

- Well, I think it was necessary after the way I left yesterday.

Throwing self-pity parties is not my most attractive of qualities.

- Well, I'd say you have a few others in your favour.

Um, you know you're doing incredibly well.

- Oh, uh, I mean, that's all...

that's all down to you.

- No. No, no, no,

it was a team effort.

[soft music]

- Would you want to-- - Should we...

[chuckling]

- No, no, you. - No.

- Please, please. - No, you. You.

You go.

- I actually... I can't remember what I was gonna say.

- Same.

Nora and I should take you to lunch to thank you for today.

- Oh, uh, actually, I have a lunch scheduled with Aviva Benzi,

but why don't you join us?

- Oh, you are full of surprises.

Uh, yes, we would love to.

Should we go tell Nora and Babcia the news?

- After you.

- I don't want to jinx it, but I'd say Aviva Benzi publicly endorsing you on her socials

has pretty much sealed the deal--

- Nah, no, no, no.

Don't... don't say it. [laughing]

Although I'm pretty sure Nora won Aviva over for me.

- Well, maybe I should start marketing us as a mother-daughter duo.

- Oh, yeah, yeah. Definitely. - Yeah? Mm-hmm.

- Do you think you could source matching outfits?

[chuckling] - I make a lot of Nora's clothes so I don't see why not.

[chuckling]

- You're joking?

- No.

- Did you make that coat?

[chuckling] - Yes.

- No, no, no. No, no, no. Wait, wait, wait.

This is too unfair. You can't be brilliant at PR

and make stuff like that.

- It's not that hard. My Mom taught me when I was little.

- So why get into PR?

- It's complicated.

- Well, I'm listening.

- Uh, I was working in fashion until Nora's dad died.

[soft music]

And then my priorities changed.

I had to be there for her.

- And you couldn't do both?

- No. Nora had to come first.

- Well, I think you're brilliant.

And to build up your PR business so quickly.

- Yeah...

- I wish I had your focus.

- Well, I'd say you could be pretty focused

when you put your mind to it.

- Thank you.

[chuckles] - What did you want to be when you were little?

- Uh...

I don't really know. I don't remember.

I mean, I think it was always expected of me

that I become the ambassador one day but...

You know, to tell you the truth, I don't think I ever wanted it until this week.

- No? - Yeah, after watching my dad, you know?

It was always about him,

the speeches and parties.

I don't know, it wasn't until I met you that I realized

I could actually help people with it.

- I think you will make a wonderful ambassador.

- I think you'd be wonderful at whatever you wanted to do.

But I'm glad you're this.

Otherwise, you and I would never have had the chance to meet.

- Yeah.

- Um...

Hey, um, look.

There's a big gala after the appointment committee

makes their decision.

Would you like to join me?

- Yeah, I'd love to.

- Great.

- Um, well...

I won't be able to stay late

because it's the night before Christmas Eve

and Christmas Eve is a very big deal in our family.

There's a whole party to prepare for, so.

- Maybe I can come to that party too?

I... If I'm invited.

- Yeah, okay.

I'd like that.

- Come on, Mom!

- I should get going.

- Okay.

Um, good night.

- Yeah... have a good night. - Yeah.

[soft music]

[city hubbub]

You think these roses are too... roses?

- I think that sentence doesn't make sense.

- You know what I mean. - No, I don't.

- Do you think Lara would like these?

- I don't know. Do you like Lara?

- I don't know what you mean. - I mean,

I think somebody might have caught feelings for their PR specialist.

- I don't know what you're talking about.

Here. You take these.

I'm gonna get something a little more fairy tale.

[sniffs]

- Hm.

Okay.

- Good morning!

How are you feeling?

- Good. Fine.

- Now, what's that?

- Nothing, just trying to calm my mind.

- What time are we expecting to hear the news?

[sighs] There should be a call from the appointment committee

before they announce it at the gala dinner.

- Back at the Carson Centre. Are you going?

Are you nervous?

- No.

No, no. I think we did a good job.

They'd be fools not to appoint him.

- I meant about telling Michael who you really are.

[sighs]

- Do you think I should tell him tonight too?

- I'm sure everything is gonna be fine.

Especially if he likes you as much as you like him.

- Well, no we're just... We're just friends.

[laughing] - Oh, look, the Hudson River just froze over.

- Oh, that's funny.

[laughing]

- You like him. - Stop.

[laughing]

[clanking]

- Oh!

[playful music]

- Are you causing trouble?

Is it too much?

- No.

No, you look incredible.

Yeah.

These are for you.

- They're gorgeous.

- And these...

Are for Nora, seeing as she can't come to the ball.

- Thank you.

She'll love them.

So, uh...

how are you feeling about the announcement?

- You know what? Surprisingly calm.

We did the best we could.

Together.

[soft music]

- Michael, um...

There's something I need to tell you. [honking]

- Oh...

- Our car's waiting.

- Oh...

- I'm... I'm sorry.

You wanted to say something.

- No. No. It's fine.

It can wait 'till later. We should get going.

- Okay.

[indistinct chatter]

[shutter]

- Did you smile?

- No. - No?

- Let's just go for another one. - Okay.

[chuckling]

[shutter]

- Oh, he wants another.

- Oh, another one? [laughing]

- Congratulations my boy.

[soft music]

You look almost as surprised as I was.

- Wait, did-- - I'm sorry, have they made him ambassador?

Officially?

- Yes. The committee just passed on the news.

I assumed you'd heard.

- No.

No, I hadn't.

We did it.

[chuckling]

- We did it. - We did it. - Yeah.

[soft music]

- You're amazing.

[clears throat]

Yeah, um, sorry, of course.

Dad, this is...

the incredible, Lara Kaws.

[scoffs] - No it isn't.

- Excuse me?

- That is not Lara Kaws.

You're her assistant, aren't you?

Yes, I never forget a face.

You were in the office the day I hired your boss

to pull my feckless son into shape.

I never imagined she'd actually do it.

Hmm.

I imagine she decided her assistant was more your usual type.

- Michael, um--

- Excellent idea, I must say.

She certainly had your card marked.

- No. No, you see, you're wrong.

This...

this is, um...

This is Lara.

Aren't you?

[soft music]

You lied to me?

- I was trying to tell you before.

- So you... you work with my father and then you lied to me.

- I can explain everything-- - I have no idea who you are.

- You do. You do. I'm--

- You're a liar.

[shuddering breath]

- Michael...

- Ugh. Don't.

- Great dress. Vintage?

- Wha... sorry?

Sorry, no. I made it myself.

- Exquisite.

Heading home already? - Yeah, I think so.

- Mm.

Here, take this.

My card.

I know talent when I see it.

We should work together.

- Oh, no, I don't-- - Take it.

And take my car too.

My driver's parked right outside.

It looks like you could do with a comfortable ride home.

- Uh...

Thank you.

[soft music]

- Congratulations Mr. Ambassador.

Where's the lady of the hour?

- I'd thank you for introducing us,

but it turns out it was Dad all along.

- Okay.

So, he was involved at the beginning, sure,

but does that really matter now?

- I thought you would understand.

- Uh, I do.

But don't let him ruin your night.

- You don't get it, do you?

[soft music]

[sighs]

- Dancing. Dancing!

Figure skating!

Figure skating.

Figure skating. - Skating!

Uh, reindeer!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! - Oh, I've got it!

No, I don't got it-- - Tree!

Tree! - No, no, no.

Ornaments! - No!

- Gold! - No.

- Snowing! - Look, look, look.

[sighs] Mom, come and guess!

- It's over.

It's time to go home.

Okay?

[sighs]

- Thank you.

We will have to do lunch. - Absolutely.

- Oh, Michael.

Um, this is Cara Marshall. - Hi.

- A fellow fashion buyer, though more high-end than I.

- Oh... - Pleased to meet you.

Um, look, I'm gonna get going.

[chuckles]

- It's your night.

Celebrate.

- I don't really feel much like celebrating.

Yeah. - Bye.

- Yeah, can you bring the car around?

No, I know I said I was gonna be here for a while but...

You know what, actually, forget about it.

I'll walk.

[soft music]

[city hubbub]

[door opening]

- Michael!

Thank God!

[sighs]

I was terrified.

You have ignored every one of my calls.

- I had to clear my head. - You couldn't even let me know that you were okay?

I am pregnant!

- I apologize.

[sighs]

- What is this about?

Something happened with Lara?

- She's not Lara.

Actually...

She's Lara's assistant.

- What? - I don't wanna talk about it.

[scoffs]

- Well, she's obviously all you can think about.

- She betrayed me.

[sighs]

- Betrayal's a strong word.

- She lied to me... for our father.

- Is that what she said, or Dad?

Have you spoken to her about it?

[sighs]

Michael.

You like her.

She likes you.

Don't you think you should hear what she has to say about it?

- Yeah.

[playful music]

♪ It's that time of year

♪ When Santa comes Bring that cheer ♪

♪ He ain't coming by boat or plane ♪

[muffled music]

[clattering]

- Is that the...

- Try not to think about it.

[laughing]

- Hey, at least you're smiling now.

Any word from Michael?

- Nothing.

And I know he doesn't want to hear from me.

- Can I just have one, Babcia? - Hm, you know the rules.

Christmas doesn't start until we see the first star in the night sky.

Have you seen the first star in the night sky?

Hmm.

[laughing]

Now, where should we place the absent guest?

- The absent guest? - It's a tradition.

We set an extra place setting in case someone shows up unexpectedly.

- It's not gonna happen.

I'm gonna open the wine.

- Mom, it's Michael!

[soft music]

- Hey.

- Hey.

I wasn't expecting to see you here.

- I would have been here sooner, but, uh...

I had a hard time figuring out where you lived

because I didn't know your real name.

- How did you find me?

- I may have had some help.

I am an ambassador now, after all.

- Right. [chuckling]

Look...

I am so sorry for everything.

I wanted to tell you for so long and...

I swear though, I had no idea about your father. - I know.

I might not have known your real name.

But...

I think I got to know the real you over the last couple of weeks.

- I think you have too.

- I think...

the real you went through all that because you actually care about me.

- Oh.

I care about you, do I?

- I think you do?

- Hmm.

What else do you know?

- Well, I know your name is Julianne.

- Mm-hmm.

And that I've wanted to do this for a really, really long time.

[romantic music]

- Babcia!

I see the first star!

Mom! It's Christmas!

[laughing]

- Should we...

- Two more minutes.

[playful music]

Subtitling: difuze