ASHLEY CLERK DAVE ERNIE GRAM GREG JACKIE LUCAS MANDY TAMMY MANDY No, of course Mr. Wilcox, I understand. And again, I apologize on behalf of Horton Hotels. I can personally assure-- that this will never happen again. Well, I’m not supposed to do this-- --but because it’s the holidays how about I offer you-- --a massage to our spa and some vouchers--for free room service for the rest of your stay. It’s not a problem. Merry Christmas to you, too, Mr. Wilcox. Bye. GREG Wow, that’s very generous of you, boss. You ready to take off? MANDY Uh, yeah. Just— Oh, just one second I have to get this. GRAM Hello, is this thing on? MANDY Hi gram, how are you doing? GRAM Is it, Amanda? Are you there? I can’t see you. MANDY Gram, hello? GRAM Oh, there you are! Oh, there’s my darling girl. MANDY Now I’m the one who can’t see you. Tilt your tablet down. GRAM Okay, all right. MANDY Oh, split the difference. Almost there. There you go. How you doing GRAM? GRAM Oh, you know, I’m just plugging along-- --counting the hours until my darling-- --granddaughter comes home. MANDY Me too, GRAMs. I’m so happy I finally got some time off this year. Christmas just isn’t the same when I’m in the city. GRAM I’ll bet. Now how’d you get your boss to let you come home this time? MANDY - Well, I am gonna have to work a little bit while-- --I’m there but it shouldn’t take up too much time. GRAM Oh, I’ll just be so glad you’re here. I don’t care what you do. GREG Uh— GRAM - In fact, I can’t wait to tell you -- MANDY - Uh, just one moment, GRAM, okay? Oh, yeah. Hey GRAM, I gotta go but I’ll see you soon, okay? GRAM Yeah, okay, all right. I love you. MANDY I love you, too. Bye. GRAM Oh, I love you. Oh, you’re coming home! MANDY Let’s go. Thanks. GREG Wow, your grandmother seems like the sweetest person. MANDY She’s really special to me. Okay, I gotta drop these off on the way out. You ready? GREG Let’s do it. This traffic is insane. MANDY These guys are treating-- GREG it like a parking lot. It’s a road! Any luck? MANDY It looks like a fender bender up ahead. GREG Ugh, well it better clear up soon if we’re gonna get-- -- you to, I’m sorry, what’s the name of this place again? MANDY Hollybush. GREG Hollybush, yes That’s right. Come on! Well, on the bright side-- I’ve checked you in, window seat. I printed you off a luggage-- --tag in case you need it and we left 20 minutes early-- --so still if I was a betting man-- --I’d say you’d get to the airport with enough time-- --to get a chai latte in the lounge, your favorite. MANDY I knew I hired you for a reason. GREG Yeah, well, I had a great resume, too, so. GinnyZee? MANDY Yeah. GREG Look, if you need help with Ginny’s-- account while you’re gone I can handle it. MANDY Oh, thank you, but you know I’m-- the only one she’ll deal with. GREG That’s ridiculous. It’s sucky for you because you get no time off as it is. MANDY Well, that’s okay. GREG Look at this. See, I told you we’d get you to honeydew. MANDY Hollybush. GREG Yeah, same thing. CLERK Good luck, take care. Take a candy cane. Okay. CLERK Hello, welcome to— MANDY Hi. CLERK Convenient cars where the customer is always right. How can I help you? MANDY I have a reservation for Amanda Leeds, L-E-E-D-S. CLERK - L-E-E-D-S. Hm, I’m not seeing it here. MANDY Oh, that’s weird. I, I have a confirmation number. Ah, here it is. CLERK Okay. MANDY 2539901. CLERK Uh huh. Okay. Huh, that’s weird. MANDY What is it? CLERK That reservation’s already been checked out. MANDY Really, by who? CLERK By that guy over there. Um, sir? Sir? Yeah, if you could just… MANDY Oh, I know him. CLERK Oh, good, well, we’ll get it all sorted out. CLERK Hi. LUCAS Hi. MANDY Uh. LUCAS Leeds? MANDY Leeds? Okay, I haven’t seen you in a long time. MANDY Hi LUCAS. LUCAS Hi. I’m, what a coincidence running into you here. I mean honestly, I haven’t seen you since, what-- --high school grad, is that possible? MANDY You might be right. LUCAS So, what’s going on? You heading home for Christmas? MANDY Well, I was hoping to, but it looks like-- you got my car reservation. LUCAS What? CLERK Yeah, our system’s been kind of whacky all day. I don’t know how this could happen. I’m so sorry. MANDY Oh, no, it’s okay. It’s not your fault. I’ll just get another car. Right? CLERK Yeah, yeah, um, just one moment. MANDY Okay. CLERK Just a few moments. MANDY Oh, oh, okay. LUCAS I mean, I don’t wanna overstep, but I could give you a ride. LUCAS I mean, technically it’s your car. MANDY No, no, no, I don’t wanna impose. I’m just gonna get another car, it’s fine. LUCAS Nah, don’t be silly. Come on, two Hollybush High survivors, huh? Catching up on the road, could be fun. MANDY Uh, no. LUCAS It’ll save you like $400 and I’m going the same way. CLERK You should take the ride. We don’t have any cars left. MANDY Oh. Okay, well, I guess I’m going with you then. LUCAS All right. MANDY Okay. CLERK Okay. MANDY Great. CLERK Thank you, take a candy cane. MANDY Um, thank you. CLERK Bye bye. LUCAS Heard any good jokes lately? MANDY Not off the top of my head. LUCAS Really? MANDY No. LUCAS I seem to remember you being, like, really funny. MANDY I’m not not funny. LUCAS That was funny. I’m just saying, everyone’s gotta have a go-to joke, right? Like in case of emergencies. Do you have an emergency joke? MANDY I, okay, I did hear a joke recently, but it’s like really bad. LUCAS Okay, like bad like cheesy or bad bad? MANDY Oh, like, it’s a pun, so cheese city. LUCAS I love cheese, throw it at me. MANDY I don’t know. LUCAS No, you can’t just dangle the carrot like that. Come on, let’s hear it. MANDY What do you call a fake noodle? An imposta! LUCAS An imposta! Wow. MANDY I know. LUCAS That was a really good bad joke. MANDY I tried to warn you. LUCAS You did, you did, thank you. Maybe a better warning next time. What kinda music you listen to? MANDY Uh, whatever. LUCAS This? MANDY No. LUCAS Oh, this is good. Yeah, nice song. LUCAS So, Leeds. Be honest. MANDY Okay. LUCAS How come you didn’t come to the high school reunion? MANDY Um, I mean, I wanted to but I was just busy with work-- and I couldn’t get it off. Honestly, I’m still busy with work, but do you hang out with any of the old crew? Nah, not really. I mean ASHLEY from time to time. MANDY ashley Clayton? LUCAS Yeah. Yeah, that ASHLEY. Okay, I know you two didn’t get along-- --in high school, all right? But you were highly competitive. Not that you needed to be ‘cause I mean what, you were good at everything. MANDY Well, that’s nice of you. I mean, I wasn’t good at everything. LUCAS Oh, come on. Let’s ring the old memory bell here, huh? MANDY Okay, let’s. LUCAS Yeah, ding, ding. Yeah, ding, ding. Okay. MANDY Mm hm. Okay, so you beat me off-- LUCAS for Valedictorian. MANDY Oh I did. LUCAS Yeah, you were editor of the yearbook, huh? MANDY Okay. LUCAS You remember that? MANDY Yeah. LUCAS Head of the track team. MANDY Oh, you have a good memory. LUCAS Yeah and you played Sandy in “Grease,” you remember that? MANDY Yeah, I do. Ooh, that was fun. LUCAS You beat out like 50 girls. MANDY Okay, well look who’s talking. I mean, prom king, captain of the football team, and you got voted class president. So. LUCAS That’s true. Mm hm. That’s true. You think we peaked in high school? MANDY Definitely not. LUCAS Hey, are you hungry? MANDY I’m starving. LUCAS Up ahead. MANDY Hanks? LUCAS Yeah. MANDY Oh, my gosh. They have the best french fries. LUCAS Yeah, they do. MANDY We’re going. LUCAS We’re going. Oh, I haven’t been here in awhile. DAVE Hey, welcome to Hank and Son’s Diner. I’m DAVE, let me know if you have any questions. Just grab any seat you like and I’ll be right with you. MANDY Thanks. LUCAS Thanks, DAVE. DAVE Thank you. LUCAS Nice hat. Think he works for Santa? DAVE I heard that! Just kidding. LUCAS Oh, this is great. MANDY Yep. Oh. DAVE Here you go. MANDY Thank you. LUCAS Thank you. Wow, look at this. You see this mega mac and cheese? It’s got two pounds of cheese in it. MANDY That’s a lot of cheese. DAVE Oh, yeah, you know people usually split-- --that between three or four people, but if you can eat it all yourself it’s free. Plus you get your picture up on that board. MANDY Hm, I am hungry. LUCAS There’s no way you’re gonna eat that. MANDY One mega mac, please. DAVE All right, split? LUCAS Make it two, Garcon. DAVE Okay, two mega macs coming right up. LUCAS With extra cheese. DAVE Whoa. LUCAS So, we’re doing this? MANDY Well, I mean it is a special occasion. Plus we get our picture up on that board. LUCAS Absolutely. LUCAS So, how have you been? What are you doing? Are you in a relationship, are you seeing anyone? MANDY Uh, I actually broke up with someone last month. LUCAS Oh, that sucks. Especially around the holidays. MANDY Yeah, he thought I was too focused on my career. I didn’t even know that was a thing. LUCAS Yeah, I know that feeling all too well. Mel and I, just broke up about a year ago. MANDY Mel and you? Mel, Prom Queen, Mel. LUCAS Yes, Prom Queen Mel. MANDY Interesting. What happened? LUCAS I mean nothing really happened. We just, I don’t know, we grew apart. I mean, we both changed but we didn’t change together-- if that makes any sense. Plus, you know, she wanted to stay in Manhattan and I didn’t, LUCAS so that was a big factor. MANDY So, you wound up in New York? LUCAS Yeah, ended up being one of the Wall Street type guys-- if you can believe it. MANDY Hm, you don’t say. LUCAS So, what about you? I mean, what are you doing for work now? MANDY Do you know Horton Hotels? LUCAS Yeah. MANDY I’m a regional manager-- --for three of their locations; two in Miami, and one in Fort Lauderdale. LUCAS Wow That’s cool and you like it? MANDY Oh, I love it. It’s a great company and plus my boss let me have some-- --actual time off this year, so I’m pretty happy about that. I mean, it does come with some strings attached, but. LUCAS What kinda strings? MANDY Oh well, you know that quaint hotel off Highway Eight? It’s kind of a mashup of a bed and breakfast and a motel. LUCAS Yeah, the Chesterwood, of course. MANDY Right, well, it’s up for sale and Horton Hotels-- --is trying to get more boutique locations, so I tried to convince my managers-- to let me put a bid on it. Yeah. LUCAS So, what’d they say? Oh, well, if I can close the deal by next-- --then I am looking at a hefty raise-- and probably transferring to corporate office. LUCAS Wow. MANDY I mean, it’s not all about money for me. I just really wanna do a good job, you know what I’m saying? Sorry, do I make any sense? I feel like I’m rambling. LUCAS No, it’s fine. That’s great. Wow, so, you’re moving home? MANDY Oh, no, well, no, not exactly. LUCAS Well, how’s that work then? MANDY Well, I can the location remotely, just like I do for Fort Lauderdale. DAVE All right, here you go. MANDY Thank you. Oh, wow. DAVE Hope you’re not lactose intolerant. MANDY We’re gonna need a bigger fork. DAVE Say cheese! MANDY Cheese! LUCAS Cheese! DAVE You know, I’ve never seen a couple take-- on this challenge at the same time. MANDY Oh, no, we’re not a couple. LUCAS Oh, we’re not a couple. DAVE Either way, you two make a great team. DAVE I hope to see you back here someday. LUCAS Thanks DAVE. MANDY Oh, I got it, I got it. LUCAS Oh, you sure? MANDY Yeah. So, thanks for the ride. LUCAS Anytime, Leeds. Hey, why don’t I help you to the door. MANDY Okay. LUCAS Okay. TAMMY Amanda Leeds is that you? TAMMY My, my, you have grown. And LUCAS Manzino, twice in two weeks. Am I the luckiest gal in Hollybush or what? Manzino Junior here wants to buy-- the inn and I might just let him. LUCAS Well, I mean nothing’s finalized yet. TAMMY Oh, no, but it’s close to being final, wouldn’t you say? When you were here last week-- you were ready to sign the check. LUCAS You know what, I do need to take this, so excuse me. TAMMY He’s got some really fun ideas for the new menu. Very excited. MANDY That’s interesting. LUCAS Sorry to leave abruptly. I really need to go. TAMMY, we’ll chat soon about the menu. Please let me explain this tomorrow? I’ll call you? Great. TAMMY Okay, that was strange. So, young lady, what brings you into town? MANDY Well, uh, I guess this is the best time to tell you, LUCAS isn’t the only one with his eye on the Chesterwood. That’s what I’m doing here, I also wanna make a bid on it. TAMMY Oh. Okay. So, let me get this straight, You also wanna buy the inn? MANDY Well, not me personally, but on behalf of Horton Hotels, yes. TAMMY Well, that puts me in quite-- a pickle to be honest with you. I mean, I’m very grateful to have two buyers interested, it’s just, well, LUCAS is moving back home And Bert and me, we just really want the person-- that takes over here to really care about the place. To run it like my family has for generations. MANDY This is my home too. And did you know that Horton Hotels-- is actually a family run business. I mean, it’s a multimillion dollar family run business, but still, we know family. TAMMY I mean, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hear you out, but I should tell you this town relies on visitors-- --and we haven’t been getting many since-- that terrible blizzard last spring. I mean, we aren’t the only people suffering-- -- from lack of tourism around here, businesses are closing up left, right and center. I tell ya, if we don’t get more bookings for January, it won’t matter who owns the inn, there won’t be a town left to visit. MANDY Oh, that’s awful. TAMMY I know and Bert and me, we just don’t have-- the heart for all the hustle and bustle anymore. So, we really need to find somebody who does. MANDY tammy, I completely understand what you need in a new-- owner and can confidently say that I wouldn’t let you down. I have a ton of ideas for this place, and I can help this town. TAMMY Well, let’s sit down over tea and chat this week. MANDY Great. TAMMY Oh, I guess I should check you in, huh? MANDY Yeah. TAMMY Okay. MANDY Hey, it’s me. Are you around tomorrow at Noon? Yeah? Okay, yes. JACKIE Ah, it feels like 80 years since the last time I saw you. Why didn’t you call me sooner you dingdong? MANDY I know, I’m the worst. But it was a last minute decision. JACKIE Whatever, I’m just happy you’re here. When are you coming over for a movie marathon? MANDY Uh, probably once the Christmas chaos dies down. JACKIE Or what are you doing tonight? MANDY Ooh, I can’t tonight. JACKIE Why not? MANDY I’m going to dinner at my GRAM’s-- And then I have business to attend to. JACKIE Business huh? Yeah? MANDY You heard of the Chesterwood? JACKIE You are aware that I live here, right? MANDY Right, well it went up for sale-- about a month ago. JACKIE I know, it’s all anyone in this town can talk about. What about it? MANDY Well, I’m putting a bid on it so that-- I can take it to corporate in New York City. JACKIE What? What about your job in Miami? MANDY Oh, well, I love my job, I just need a new challenge. JACKIE Uh, huh, so you’re to buy the Chesterwood-- --for your company and then what, move back home? MANDY Oh, not really. Oh, but I will be home more. I mean, I’ll be commuting from here and the city. And just until the place gets in shape, so. What is it? JACKIE Well, obviously, I would freak out-- if you spent more time at home. MANDY But? JACKIE But there’s a teensy tiny-- rumor that LUCAS Manzino is gonna put a bid on it. Apparently he’s moving back home. MANDY So I’ve heard. JACKIE And the entire town is rallying behind him-- because they say he’s the voice of the new generation. JACKIE Honestly, the guy could-- run for Mayor and win just based on his charming smile. People really eat that up here. I’m sorry, Mans, I woulda sugarcoated the truth for you, but I love you too much. MANDY It’s not that I’m competing against him again, it’s that I’m surprised that he didn’t tell me himself. I mean, I had to find out from TAMMY. JACKIE Hold up. I’m clearly missing something here. MANDY Oh, we ran into each other on the way back into town. JACKIE And? MANDY And it’s a long story. And I have to get a dessert for tonight, so let’s go. JACKIE You’re not getting off that easy. You know how much I love good gossip-- --and I haven’t had nearly enough, so, girl, you’re on. MANDY Well, the truth is he was different than I remember. JACKIE You are aware of how gossip works, right? You aren’t giving me much to go on here. MANDY We bonded over mac and cheese. JACKIE Oh, Hanks mega mac? MANDY Oh, that’s the one! JACKIE Oh, that must’ve been a fun trip. Ok, let’s get to the good stuff because if I know you, there’s something you’re not telling me. Jane Is that little Amanda? MANDY Hi Jane. Jane Oh, it’s so good to see you. How are you doing big city girl? MANDY Good, good. Jane And the parents, how are they doing? MANDY Oh, they’re doing great. Soaking up the sun in Panama somewhere. Jane Ah, I can’t wait to retire. And, of course, hello JACKIE. JACKIE Hey, how’s business been? Jane Oh, it’s Christmas time. To be honest, we’ve had better years. Ooh-la-la MANDY Oh, no, no time for Mr. Leeds. Just me. Jane Oh, well that’s okay. Plenty of fish in the sea and everything happens for a reason, right? MANDY Right? Jane When Mr. Right comes along you’ll make time I’m sure. MANDY Yeah. ASHLEY Look who it is. MANDY Hi, ASHLEY. How are you? ASHLEY I’m really great. ASHLEY Hey JACKIE. JACKIE Hi. ASHLEY Hi Jane. Jane I’ve been meaning to thank you for helping out with the food drive at the community center. ASHLEY I do what I can. Everyone’s gotta pitch in, right? So, are you home for the holidays? MANDY Yeah, I’m here for Christmas with my GRAMs. JACKIE And she gets to spend time with me. ASHLEY That’s nice. Anyways, I’m just grabbing some chocolate chips ‘cause I gotta finish up my holiday baking, so. MANDY Oh, well, if I don’t see you then I hope you have a merry Christmas. ASHLEY Oh, I’m sure we’ll see each other around. It’s a really small town or have you forgotten? JACKIE Okay, byeeeeee. I don’t love her. MANDY I know. Jane So just the fruitcake? MANDY Yeah. Jane Okay. GRAM You’re here! GRAM Oh, look at you. Oh, sweetie. Oh, I finally get to hug my angel girl. Oh, my goodness. Oh, sweetie. Oh, and you brought dessert. You always were my favorite grandchild, you know that? MANDY I’m your only grandchild. GRAM Well, still. MANDY Wow, GRAMs, you really went all out. GRAM Yep. MANDY I’m impressed. GRAM Well, you know me. This is definitely my favorite time of year. Oh, this looks so good. MANDY Oh good. There’s actually a shop in the mall in my neighborhood-- and they have Christmas decorations all year round. It always makes me think of you. GRAM Oh sweetie. MANDY How have you been? I miss you. GRAM Oh and I miss you. And you know, I’ve just been puttering along. Yeah. MANDY Well, you look pretty happy for someone who’s just puttering GRAM Really? MANDY Mm hm. You’re beaming. GRAM Well, I do have a surprise to share with you my darling girl. MANDY Oh? GRAM Yes. Ah. MANDY Who might that be? GRAM That might be the surprise that I wanna share with you. MANDY Oh. GRAM Amanda, you remember ERNIE Manzino? He’s my boyfriend. ERNIE It’s so good to see you again. MANDY ernie Manzino, how are you? I just ran into LUCAS on the way here. MANDY What a small world. ERNIE Oh great, then you’re reacquainted again, ‘cause he’s gonna be along in just a minute. MANDY What’s that now? LUCAS Hello? GRAM Hi. LUCAS Oh, hi. Hey everyone. MANDY lucas, what are you doing here? LUCAS Oh, uh, well, my GRAMps invited me over about an hour ago and I had nothing going on, so. GRAM We thought it might be nice for you to have somebody your age to catch up with. MANDY Well, that is really nice of you, GRAMs. I’m actually gonna head to the kitchen really quick. ERNIE Uh, uh, uh, that’s what LUCAS and I are here for. We’re going to make you dinner while the two of you catch up with each other, okay? GRAM Ooh! ERNIE Right Luke? Come on, let’s go. LUCAS Absolutely. GRAM Thank you. Oh, ERNIE, you. That’s my boyfriend. So, ERNIE Manzino, huh? GRAM Isn’t he something? And wait till you try his turnips, they taste even better than mine do. MANDY That’s impossible. I wonder who told ERNIE that my favorite food was mashed turnips? GRAM Oh, I don’t know, must’ve been a little birdy. MANDY He seems nice, GRAMs. GRAM Mm hm. MANDY But just, you know, be careful. GRAM Be careful, what do you mean? MANDY You know boys. GRAM Oh hun, don’t worry about me. This isn’t my first rodeo. Ooh, forks on the left. There you go, dear. And let me tell you something. When you know you just know and someday soon, you’re gonna know. MANDY Hm, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one, but if you’re happy then I’m happy. ERNIE Dinner’s ready, ladies. GRAM Ooh, great. I hope everybody is very hungry. MANDY Yes. I haven’t had a home cooked meal in forever. GRAM Aw. LUCAS Ooh, forever’s a long time. MANDY Oh, well I’ve been busy. GRAM So, MANDY-- MANDY Mm hm? GRAM Did you hear that the Chesterwood is for sale? MANDY I sure did. So, how did you two meet? GRAM Oh, my goodness. We love to tell this story, don’t we? ERNIE You wanna start it off? GRAM Okay. We reconnected at the Thanksgiving Day Parade. ERNIE And the weather for the day was beautiful, believe it or not. The sun was shining. GRAM Mm hm. And with my fair skin I was afraid I was gonna get a sunburn, isn’t that unbelievable? GRAM But anyway, did you know that ERNIE does woodwork? MANDY No. GRAM MANDY, you should’ve seen it, it was like a giant birdhouse for a turkey. LUCAS It worked. ERNIE Well, after the parade I walked over to Eileen-- GRAM And he said, “I wanted to come up with something clever to say but I thought I’d just wing it.” I almost died laughing. MANDY Okay, well, uh, I guess congratulations are in order for the love birds. GRAM Oh. LUCAS Ooh, well, I mean, as long as there’s no foul play. GRAM Ooh! ERNIE So, how did you two get reacquainted? MANDY Um, what do you mean? ERNIE Well, you said that you reconnected on the way over here. LUCAS Oh yeah. MANDY Oh, well. LUCAS The airport was trying-- MANDY Yeah. LUCAS --to get Leeds, I mean MANDY’s reservation at the car rental place at the airport and so, I got to give her a ride into town. GRAM Well, that was awfully kind of you. MANDY Well, I mean, they had my reservation but for some reason or another it got mixed up with LUCAS’s, so actually, he took my car. GRAM Oh. ERNIE What a mix up. GRAM Yeah, really. GRAM Well, it sounds to me like you two are meant to travel together. MANDY Oh yeah, I don’t know about that. Those, uh, rental car places, their computers are really old. LUCAS Oh, come on, I think we had a pretty fun ride back, didn’t we, MANDY? MANDY Yeah, it was really fun. MANDY Uh, ERNIE, these turnips are amazing. You’ve got this like sweet and sour combo. What’s your secret ingredient? ERNIE Oh, I’m glad you liked em’. LUCAS mixed up this batch, it’s an old family recipe. GRAM Mm. MANDY Oh. MANDY They’re, they’re good. MANDY Thank you. LUCAS It’s apple cider vinegar by the way. MANDY Oh, is it? LUCAS Mm hm. MANDY Interesting. ERNIE Uh, anyone want seconds? GRAM Oh, I’ll have some more turnips, ERNIE, or should I say, roomie? MANDY Roomie? GRAM Mm hm. LUCAS Huh? GRAM Well, we wanted to wait until we could tell you in person. GRAM ERNIE’s moving in with me tomorrow. MANDY Tomorrow? MANDY Wow. LUCAS Tomorrow? MANDY Um, um. LUCAS Wow. MANDY Well, that’s big news. GRAM Mm hm. LUCAS Yeah, uh, cheers. MANDY Cheers. GRAM Oh, yeah, right. GRAM Cheers. ERNIE Now, we know the two of you are incredibly busy young people, but we were hoping that you might be able to help us out with the move. GRAM Would that be ok? I’m just not as strong as I used to be. ERNIE There’s not a lot of stuff, but we sure could use the help. MANDY Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. LUCAS Yeah, totally. Yeah, sure thing. GRAM Oh, that’s just wonderful then, thank you. MANDY Ah, well, I am full. LUCAS Oh, thanks so much for having me over, Mrs. Leeds. GRAM Oh, come on, you did all the work. LUCAS Thank you and you can call me Eileen or even GRAMs if you like. LUCAS Okay. MANDY Ah well, this was a wonderful meal with wonderful company, too. GRAM Are you all right, dear? MANDY Oh me, never been better, GRAMs. I’m just gonna take these dishes LUCAS Oh. MANDY because we have a big day tomorrow. LUCAS Oh, I’ll help you. MANDY Oh, no, that’s not necessary, LUCAS. You can just sit back and relax. LUCAS No. MANDY I’ve got this. LUCAS No, I’ve cleaned dishes all through college and I know how to make ‘em sparkle. MANDY Okay, well, I can’t argue with that, can I? LUCAS Huh? GRAM Well. ERNIE We get out of doing dishes. GRAM Yes we do. ERNIE Yes we do. I’ll drink to that. GRAM Good planning. Yep. LUCAS I shoulda told you I was gonna make a bid on the Chesterwood. MANDY And why didn’t you? LUCAS I don’t know. LUCAS I guess I just got distracted. LUCAS I mean I was having a lot of fun. And then when I found out that you wanted to make a bid on it too, I just felt bad. MANDY Well, it felt worse hearing it from TAMMY. LUCAS Yeah, no doubt. It’s conflicting, you know? I mean, like, I really want this change of pace in my life-- --and this is a great opportunity, but I don’t wanna take anything away from you. And to be honest, I didn’t wanna rain on your parade right then and there. MANDY I get it. I mean, things get in the way. I just, I just wish you woulda said something. LUCAS I’m sorry. MANDY No hard feelings. LUCAS So, friends on? MANDY Friends. And by the way, about the Chesterwood, you haven’t taken anything away from me yet. I’m still in the running. LUCAS Uh, yeah, I guess you’re right. MANDY Mm hm and just so you know, I have some stellar plans for that place. LUCAS Hm, well, as they say, may the best man win. MANDY Or woman. LUCAS Hm. I should go get the rest of the dishes. MANDY Yeah. Eye on the prize, MANDY. MANDY Eye on the prize. So, if you click that button there it automatically brings people to your new booking page. TAMMY That was so easy. MANDY Mm hm. And if you click that it’ll direct customers to your social media pages. Hm and that’s weird. TAMMY Oh, it’s actually not that weird. We don’t have the social media. MANDY Oh. Well, that explains it. I guess we’ll have to get started on that, too. Good thing I brought my good camera. TAMMY Hm. MANDY Ah, it’s still lacking some flair. MANDY I’ll tell you what, I’m gonna go help my GRAM’s today, but how about tomorrow I stop by and just spruce the place up. TAMMY Well, as long as it’s done by our annual Christmas Eve party. We’re hosting it at the banquet hall this year and I don’t wanna keep going back and forth. MANDY Of course, I just need a few hours and it’ll look good as new. Trust me. TAMMY Okay. TAMMY So… LUCAS Hello? Oh, hey. TAMMY Hey. LUCAS Hi. LUCAS Oh, I’m sorry, don’t let me interrupt, ladies. TAMMY Oh, no, it’s ok hun. We’re just gabbing about some much needed renos. MANDY Yep. LUCAS Oh, really? MANDY Mm hm. LUCAS Well, don’t allow me to take up too much of your time. I just wanted to stop by and drop these off. TAMMY Oh, is that what I think it is? LUCAS You know it. TAMMY I just love biscotti. LUCAS Now, this would be the Chesterwood’s signature cookie, okay, we would serve it in every room with all the espresso machines. And this is what I’m working on for the proposed menu. TAMMY Wow look at you, this is fancy. Let me just go put this in the kitchen. LUCAS You know how they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? MANDY Hm. LUCAS MANDY Gotta hand it to you, Luke, you’re a strong competitor. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re still gonna lose, but I do admire your tenacity. LUCAS Ditto. LUCAS Are you ready for this move? MANDY Uh, yeah, I’m in my comfy clothes and everything. LUCAS Yeah you are. TAMMY So nice to see you two are in better spirits today. I forget how peaceful it is here. MANDY So quiet. LUCAS Yeah. LUCAS That’s why I left the city. MANDY Hm. LUCAS I’m gonna warm up the car. MANDY Okay. LUCAS Oh, come on. MANDY What? LUCAS I don’t know, maybe the block heater’s too cool? Might have to wait till morning when it warms up. MANDY Okay. LUCAS Guess we’re spending the night. MANDY Well, ERNIE’s cabin it is. MANDY What are we gonna do about food? MANDY We packed up all the cans. MANDY We packed up all the cans. LUCAS Ah, you know what we didn’t pack, the fridge. MANDY Mm. LUCAS Huh. MANDY So, mustard and pickle sandwiches? LUCAS I’m in. LUCAS Why don’t you have a seat, I’ll handle this. MANDY Okay. LUCAS All right. MANDY So, what made you wanna purchase the Chesterwood? LUCAS Well, my family has always been in the service industry and I think I’m finally understanding why. LUCAS I mean, the day-to-day can be quite simple, however, you can make someone smile just by making ‘em a LUCAS Plus that whole Manhattan fast-paced lifestyle, I think I’m over it. MANDY You don’t think that you’ll miss it? LUCAS Yeah, maybe. LUCAS I just wanna spend more time with friends and family. MANDY Hm. LUCAS All right, one sandwich, coming right up. MANDY You know, I admire that. MANDY For me I’m just trying to build my career. MANDY Cheers LUCAS Cheers. LUCAS To being stuck together yet again. MANDY Yeah. MANDY It’s actually really good LUCAS Thank you. LUCAS So, how about you? LUCAS I mean, what got you into the hotel game? MANDY I just think there’s something really rewarding about going the extra mile to make someone happy or making them feel special on their MANDY I’m really in my element when I’m working and I just wanna be the best that I can be. LUCAS Well, you don’t have to tell me that. MANDY Okay, I know, I’m competitive. MANDY But, I don’t know, I feel like I have something to prove to myself. LUCAS I get that. LUCAS You wanna know something? LUCAS I like spending time with you. MANDY Oh, sorry it’s work. LUCAS You should try turning that off sometime, you might like it. MANDY Well, it’s just this one client. She kinda counts on me to be there. LUCAS That sounds time consuming. MANDY I mean, not really. MANDY It used to be, but now that I’ve figured out what she likes and what she doesn’t like, it’s pretty easy. Plus, we’ve kinda become friends. LUCAS That’s nice. LUCAS Well, I guess we should tuck in, huh? LUCAS Get a good sleep so we can move everything in the morning. MANDY Yeah, okay. LUCAS I’ll show you to your room. MANDY Thanks. LUCAS Here you are, my lady. LUCAS Good night. MANDY Night MANDY Hey. LUCAS Hey. MANDY How’d you sleep? LUCAS Ah, pretty good, you? MANDY Not bad. That bed is surprisingly comfortable. LUCAS Yeah. LUCAS You all right? LUCAS Hey, hey, what are you doing? LUCAS Uh, uh, you don’t wanna do that. LUCAS That’s it. LUCAS This is so on right now. LUCAS Oh, nice. LUCAS You ready for my specialty? LUCAS Okay, I call this the big thunder. MANDY Where’d you go? MANDY Do you give up? LUCAS Oh! MANDY I surrender, I surrender. LUCAS For real? MANDY Yes. LUCAS Turn around. LUCAS I tried to warn you. MANDY Uh, great, well, in my defense I didn’t know I was up against some sort of snowball olympian. LUCAS Yeah, three time gold medalist winner. MANDY Uh, huh. LUCAS Uh, huh. LUCAS Uh, huh. MANDY Uh. MANDY Oh no. LUCAS What is it? MANDY They moved my flight to the 28th. LUCAS That’s not a bad thing. LUCAS Now you get to spend more time at home. MANDY Ugh, I have a big meeting with my boss on the 27th. I’m supposed to debrief her on all of the progress I’ve made on the Chesterwood. LUCAS All right. MANDY What’s wrong? LUCAS Honestly? LUCAS I mean, you haven’t been home in over a decade and you wanna go home the day after Christmas. I just don’t get it. MANDY I mean, I don’t want to go home. LUCAS You’re not trying very hard to stay. LUCAS Look, I mean it’s one thing to care about your job, it’s another to make it your life. True me. MANDY I don’t know what to say, Luke. I have to get back to work. I can’t stay here forever. LUCAS Fine. LUCAS Yeah, we’ll get you back. MANDY I was supposed to only be here for a week and then back to my life in Miami and now I don’t know what to do. JACKIE Oh, I know, it’s so stressful when they change your flight around. MANDY Right? MANDY And I have meetings to get back to and my apartment and the sunshine. JACKIE Well, on the brightside, those things will be there when you get back. MANDY That’s true. MANDY And I’m a little worried about the Chesterwood. I mean, I really, really want it, and how am I supposed to make biscotti? And when would I learn to make biscotti? All it is is a sweet cracker. JACKIE Biscotti? JACKIE Is this about LUCAS? MANDY Okay, yes. MANDY He’s said there’s caring about your work and then making it your life. And then we didn’t talk on the drive home. JACKIE Yikes, that must’ve been an awkward ride back. MANDY Yeah. JACKIE Oh, I’m so sorry, Mans. MANDY It’s okay. I actually need to focus on the inn anyways, so. JACKIE It’s okay to be upset about it. MANDY I’m not upset about it. MANDY Okay, I’m a little upset about it. JACKIE Okay, take a deep, long breath. JACKIE And let’s talk about how we’re gonna turn this day around. MANDY To be honest, I think I need to be distracted. Are you free this afternoon? JACKIE Girl, you know I’m always free as a bird for you. What do you have in mind? Self care day? We can get manipedis. MANDY Oh, that sounds amazing but I did promise TAMMY that I would help her with a few touches back at the inn. MANDY I would be so grateful if you could join me. JACKIE Uh, it’s not quite as relaxing as a spa day, JACKIE …but if it helps you get one step closer to closing the deal with the O’Connors, I’ll be there. MANDY You’re the best, Jacks, I can always count on you. JACKIE Ooh, I’m late. Okay, I’ll call you later. Ooh, wear comfy clothes. JACKIE Mm hm. JACKIE Mm hm. JACKIE The spa would’ve been really nice. MANDY We’re on the east coast, it’s the same time zone GREG Oh, so, I’m sorry, is now not a good time? MANDY Is everything okay? GREG Uh, yeah, totally. Everything’s completely under control. Actually, um, can I put you on hold for just one second? GREG Yeah. GREG Oh, yes, okay, can I deal with that in like five minutes? GREG Okay, I’m back. MANDY Level with me, GREG. GREG It’s room 203. GREG The guest is complaining that it’s somehow too hot and too cold at the same time. I honestly don’t know how you do it. I’ve tried everything. MANDY Okay, how bad is it? GREG Well, it’s pretty bad. I would say that the guest is irate. Um, I could really use your help in fixing it. MANDY I can’t. GREG Um, I’m sorry, can’t. MANDY Fix it. GREG Oh. MANDY You don’t need me, you’re a great people person. I know you can handle it. GREG Um, um, thank you, but… MANDY Have you spoken to her? GREG Uh, yes, a number of times. MANDY In person? GREG No. MANDY What do you think, patterned or textured wallpaper? GREG Um? MANDY It’s for the inn. I’m helping the owner with a few small renovations. GREG Okay, yes, how old is the building? MANDY Uh, 1870s Victorian. GREG Textured. GREG You can never go wrong with a classic. MANDY Great. GREG So, the guest, any advice? MANDY Bottom drawer, left-hand side, knock on the door. Go with the classics. GREG Go with the classics. TAMMY I’ll tell you the truth. My main concern is that LUCAS is local and he cares about this town and this town cares about him. And Horton Hotels is a big company. TAMMY I’m just not sure this place will get the same attention and care, you know? MANDY I completely understand where you’re coming from. Let me start by keeping my promise from yesterday. A few simple fixes. MANDY I mean, why wait right? TAMMY All right. TAMMY I don’t see the harm in getting some help anyway. MANDY Okay. MANDY Let me just make a couple phone calls first. TAMMY Okay MANDY Thanks for coming. JACKIE Of course. JACKIE Okay, yeah, no, I got perfect stuff. TAMMY When you’re right, you’re right. TAMMY This place looks 10 times better than it did yesterday. TAMMY And even better than it did on its best days. Thank you so much, MANDY, for your help, we needed it. MANDY Well, this is just the beginning. I mean, imagine what we can do with some deeper pockets. TAMMY Ah, well, I will give that some thought. I promise you that, but in the meantime, I gotta go check on Bert. He’s got a very nasty cold, but I’ll be back in a few minutes. GRAM Okay. LUCAS Hello? LUCAS Oh hi. LUCAS Hey. Hi. LUCAS Whoa, this place looks amazing. Did you, did you do this? MANDY Well, I mean, not alone. I had some help. GRAM Mm hm. LUCAS Three amigos, huh? LUCAS I mean, it looks really good, I mean, it’s not too much, it’s not too little. LUCAS Whoa. JACKIE Yeah, I should go. I could use a shower. MANDY Mm hm. GRAM Right and I’ve gotta pick ERNIE up from curling, so. LUCAS Bye. LUCAS Guess I know how to clear a room, huh? LUCAS I’m sorry about what I said earlier. LUCAS You care about your work and that’s a good thing. LUCAS I had no right to pass any judgement on that. LUCAS To be honest, Leeds, I mean that was me. LUCAS I never took a lunch break, never took a vacation. LUCAS And I got burnt out, like hard. LUCAS So, I just want what’s best for you if that makes any sense. MANDY Well, for what it’s worth I’m sorry too. MANDY Sometimes I get so wrapped up in work I don’t realize how glued to my phone I am. TAMMY Oh great, great, you’re here early. I was wondering if we could go over a few things on the menu you gave me. LUCAS Yeah, absolutely. TAMMY Excellent. MANDY Okay, well, I’ll just leave you to it. LUCAS I mean, unless you wanna stay? MANDY Are you sure that’s okay? I mean, just so I can check out what the competition is up to. TAMMY Yeah, we would appreciate the input. MANDY Great. LUCAS Great. TAMMY Great. TAMMY Okay, so my first question is will my cook be able to make everything on this menu? He’s not the brightest bulb in the pack. LUCAS Yeah, I have the recipes printed off, so I think he’ll be okay. But if he needs help I’ll come and teach him. MANDY Can I take a look? LUCAS Yeah, absolutely, I mean most of them are from family recipes, but you know, I got creative with a few. MANDY Hm. MANDY Chicken Cordon Bleu. LUCAS Mm hm. MANDY Oysters Rockefeller, these are good. MANDY These are like really good. TAMMY Really? TAMMY So even this turnip, how do you say the word? LUCAS Tartine, its French. TAMMY Uh huh, Tartine? TAMMY ‘Cause you know, turnips can be hit or miss with people sometimes. MANDY Oh, turnips are a hit with me. TAMMY Really? MANDY Yeah. TAMMY All right, well, you know what, if this is how people are eating nowadays, I’m all for it. But could you do me a favor? LUCAS Hm? TAMMY Could you put a couple of classics on the menu? I’m thinking something like a pot roast, fried chicken. LUCAS Deal, absolutely, done. TAMMY Great, well, I think it looks good then. TAMMY Now, it is no secret that you both really want this property-- TAMMY --and Bert and me, we’re thrilled about your interest. And from what I’ve seen from both of you is that either one of you would be a great choice to run this place. TAMMY We just have a lot to consider before we make our final decision. LUCAS I’m sure I could put a good word in, see if I could get the secret family recipe for our spaghetti sauce. TAMMY The Manzino Marinara? LUCAS Yeah, you know it. MANDY Well, I can make a single phone call and get you a higher number for this place. TAMMY While I appreciate those sentiments, I should let you know that it’s about more than just menu or money. TAMMY Bert and me, we built this place and you know, we just really wanna make sure it’s looked after with the same amount of heart that we gave it. And you guys both have heart, that’s for sure. TAMMY We just, we just need just another day. To make our final decision. MANDY I completely understand. TAMMY Thank you. I promise I will let you know tomorrow at the Christmas soiree. TAMMY Hm, see you’re not the only one who can speak French around here. LUCAS Sounds fair, TAMMY. TAMMY Okay, so having said that in the meantime I’ve gotta go get prepared for said soiree, so if you’ll excuse me. MANDY Okay, see you tomorrow. LUCAS Later, Tam. TAMMY Bye guys, thanks for your work. LUCAS Oh yeah, speaking of work, we still have some moving boxes to unpack at your GRAM’s if I’m not mistaken. If you still want help. MANDY Wouldn’t mind an extra hand. LUCAS I’ll bring ‘em both. LUCAS So, Leeds, you like my menu? MANDY Yeah, smooth move with that secret recipe. MANDY Must be some spaghetti sauce. LUCAS Gotta hand it to you though, huh? Coming in with the higher bid. MANDY Not my first rodeo. MANDY Ooh. LUCAS Ooh. MANDY I cut myself. LUCAS Really? MANDY Ooh, yeah its bleeding. LUCAS Ooh. MANDY I’m gonna go sit down. LUCAS Uh, where does your grandma keep the first aid kit? MANDY Uh, top shelf in the cabinet on the right. LUCAS Oh, I found it. LUCAS I found it. Unit one, we got a cut. We’re coming in hot. LUCAS Okay. LUCAS Hey, eyes right here. MANDY Okay. LUCAS Follow my finger. LUCAS Eyes here MANDY I see you. It’s not bleeding that bad LUCAS No, no, don’t look at it, just focus. LUCAS All right, knock knock? MANDY Who’s there? LUCAS Boo. MANDY I’ve heard this one. MANDY Knock knock. MANDY Who’s there? LUCAS Boo. MANDY Boo who? LUCAS Oh, hey, it’s okay, you don’t have to cry about it. Just a little cut, see? LUCAS Everyone’s gotta have a go-to joke. MANDY In case of emergencies. LUCAS That’s right. Just like this. Look at that emergency. LUCAS How’s that? MANDY It’s great. MANDY Yeah, all better MANDY Uh, thank you. GRAM Nice to be home. ERNIE Yeah, I hear you. LUCAS Guess I should go. MANDY Yeah. LUCAS I’ll see you at the party. GRAM Yeah, you were funny. MANDY Of course. GRAM Oh, wow, I can’t believe how much stuff they brought in. GRAM Hey MANDY, LUCAS, where are you? LUCAS Hey GRAMps, Eileen. ERNIE Oh, well, thanks for all this, kiddo. We owe you one. LUCAS Not a problem. GRAM Thanks. LUCAS Ah, you two look good together. GRAM Oh good night. Thanks again. LUCAS Thank you, good night. GRAM Hi. JACKIE You guys held hands? JACKIE What is this, middle school? MANDY Okay, well, when you put it that way it doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it was cute. JACKIE Oh no, trust me, this is a big deal. I’m still trying to recover from the fact that you guys are even on speaking terms and now you’re going to get married and have babies. MANDY Okay, whoa, you missed a couple steps, I mean, we haven’t even kissed yet. JACKIE Yeah, but you almost did, which means it’s only a matter of time before (humming), and no pressure, but just saying your babies would be so cute. MANDY Oh, oh, no pressure, huh? JACKIE No. JACKIE Are you sure you wanna stick around? I don’t need my cappuccino that bad. MANDY No, it’s fine. ASHLEY Look who it is. LUCAS Oh. ASHLEY Hi. LUCAS Hey. JACKIE Hi. ASHLEY Look at us all together again. LUCAS What are you up to? MANDY Uh, we were actually just about to go get ready for TAMMY’s Christmas Eve Party. MANDY How about you? ASHLEY We’re keeping busy. JACKIE Ash, you’re still Christmas shopping? ASHLEY I’m almost done. It’s been so tough for Main Street this year so I’m doing all my shopping locally. ASHLEY And speaking of locally, Amanda, I hear that you are also bidding on the Chesterwood? LUCAS Yeah, I’m just gonna order something really quick. You want something or? ASHLEY Oh, I would love a coffee. Thanks Luke. Woman That looks delicious. ASHLEY So, the inn? MANDY Uh, yeah. I mean, it’s a great opportunity and I feel like we can really revive the business. CLERK Hey LUCAS, what can I get for you? LUCAS Hey, I’ll grab one coffee and one cappuccino. CLERK Of course. ASHLEY Well, this town really needs the hotel to work-- ASHLEY --but I just feel like LUCAS knows Hollybush so well, you know? LUCAS What’d I miss? ASHLEY Oh, we were just discussing how both you and Amanda are bidding on the Chesterwood. LUCAS That comes up a lot huh? MANDY Yeah. ASHLEY Well, I personally don’t think it’s gonna be much of a competition. I mean 99% of Hollybush is rallying for you to win, and come LUCAS I don’t know, Ash. LUCAS I mean, you should see what Leeds has been doing over there. It’s quite impressive. ASHLEY Well, this might sound harsh, but I just don’t think she’s as good as you, Luke. ASHLEY I’m actually really good at my job. ASHLEY Yeah. JACKIE Well this has been fun, but Mans and I have to go get ready for the party. MANDY Yep. ASHLEY Okay, see you there. LUCAS Really? ASHLEY What? MANDY Okay, she is as bad as I remember. MANDY Let’s not worry about her. We have a party to get ready for. JACKIE Mm hm. LUCAS Hey. MANDY Hey. JACKIE Yeah, I’m gonna go grab, go grab my… JACKIE …whatever, I’ll see you in the car. MANDY Okay. LUCAS I meant what I said at the table. I think you’re doing a great job with the inn. MANDY I appreciate it. LUCAS I mean, I’ve had all these visions for it and you just keep bringing new ideas. MANDY You just like the competition, don’t ya? LUCAS Yeah. LUCAS Yeah, I do. LUCAS But I mean if I’m gonna lose… LUCAS …might as well lose to you, right? MANDY Hm. MANDY I’ll see you tonight? LUCAS Yeah. LUCAS Let me get that. MANDY Thanks. MANDY You know, Jacks, you’re seriously the only person in this world I trust enough to do this. JACKIE Well that’s because I’m amazing at it. MANDY Mm hm. JACKIE And because that salon lady really overdid your prom makeup. JACKIE That’s when I got why you couldn’t trust anyone to do anything for you. MANDY Oh, no, okay, I think that is a bit of an exaggeration. JACKIE What, no, no, no. It’s not a bad thing, okay? Some people just need to work a little extra to earn your trust. It’s who you are and I love every bit of you. MANDY Have I told you how awesome you are? JACKIE No, but if you lived here you could tell me everyday. JACKIE I know, true. JACKIE No, seriously though, I miss you. JACKIE And call me crazy, but you seem pretty happy ever since you’ve been back. MANDY It has been nice being home. MANDY I love seeing GRAM so happy… MANDY …and I have a really good feeling about the Chesterwood, so. JACKIE I think you’re forgetting something or shall I say someone off the list. MANDY Yeah, LUCAS. MANDY Things have been pretty great with us, even if he is friends with she who shall not be named. JACKIE No, ding dong, I’m talking about me! I make you happy! MANDY I was saving the best for last. MANDY Uh huh. MANDY I was. JACKIE Okay, are you ready to head over and impress everyone with our sweet dance moves? MANDY Absolutely. JACKIE Mm hm. MANDY Let’s do this JACKIE Mm hm. MANDY Let’s do this TAMMY Well, it’s just been so nice of you guys to come. You know, every year at Christmas we do this. JACKIE You got this. I’ll see you in there? MANDY Wish me luck. MANDY Excuse me, TAMMY. TAMMY Okay, I’ll see you guys up there. Okay, Merry Christmas. MANDY I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t too forward when I was talking about a higher bid, I-- TAMMY Oh. MANDY I want you to know it’s not all about money for me either and I care about the inn. TAMMY It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s fine. You know, I’ve been thinking about this situation a lot and you know if I really went with my gut-- MANDY Yeah. TAMMY I think I would, ooh, oh those look scrumptious LUCAS Oh, hi, yeah, I was just gonna run those upstairs. TAMMY Oh, no, that’s okay. TAMMY Bert! Bert Yes, dear? TAMMY Take these upstairs Bert Yes, dear. TAMMY Come on, Bert. LUCAS Thanks Bert. LUCAS Wow, you look beautiful. MANDY Thank you. GRAM Oh, hi. TAMMY How are you? ERNIE Hey, I was wondering where you were. TAMMY Yeah, Merry Christmas. GRAM You look beautiful Bert Great, ERNIE, thanks. GRAM What a pretty girl TAMMY Thanks ERNIE You remember this guy. GRAM Hi, is your cold better? Bert All better. GRAM Oh, come, come, come TAMMY Yep, yep, it’s better. MANDY So, you got anymore tricks up your sleeve or is biscotti your real show stopper? LUCAS Have you even tried it yet? MANDY Oh, yeah, it’s good. MANDY Like really good. MANDY I see why TAMMY likes it. Wow, okay, we gotta get away from this or I’m gonna eat the whole plate. LUCAS Hey, listen, I’m sorry about what happened with ASHLEY earlier. She can get carried away sometimes. MANDY Sometimes? MANDY She’s a grown woman and she acts like a 17 year old. LUCAS You’re absolutely right. LUCAS Look, I’m not trying to make any excuses for her here, but I mean, you know this town, right? ASHLEY’s never left Hollybush and she loves it here. I mean, she got really upset with me when I moved to New York. Probably didn’t forgive me until I decided to move back MANDY And again, I know this doesn’t explain everything, but like many people here, they’re just really protective on this town and the people in it. MANDY I get it. MANDY It’s just she can be a little frosty. LUCAS That’s a good way to put it. LUCAS Plus, you know, I mean, she thinks that I like you and stuff. MANDY Oh, yeah? MANDY What do you think? LUCAS I--- LUCAS I think I wanna dance. LUCAS You? MANDY Yeah. LUCAS Wow, I can’t remember the last time I was on a dance floor. MANDY Was it prom? LUCAS I’m not that rusty am I? MANDY Well, I’ve seen worse. LUCAS So, Leeds, what’s the plan? LUCAS I mean, I have a feeling you’re gonna to get the inn. LUCAS Gonna see you around here more often? LUCAS Gonna see you around here more often? MANDY What makes you think I’m gonna get the inn? MANDY Your biscotti’s pretty convincing. LUCAS Just a gut feeling. MANDY Well, if I do get the inn then, yeah. MANDY I’ll be here for a few weeks at a time. MANDY What? LUCAS Nothing, will just be good to see you around here more. MANDY Yeah? LUCAS Yeah, you know, maybe I’ll ask you out sometime. MANDY Maybe you should. GRAM There you go, I told you that would look sharp on ya. GRAM Isn’t he handsome? JACKIE Very dapper. GRAM Oh, hi. TAMMY Hi guys. GRAM You guys are cutting the rug out there. TAMMY Is everyone having fun? LUCAS Absolutely. MANDY tammy, you did such a wonderful job, you sure know how to throw a party. MANDY Oh, well, I couldn’t have done it without you. TAMMY I wanted to thank both of you for everything. TAMMY I mean, with your decorating and your cooking skills, you’d make a heck of a great team. TAMMY Just something to think about. TAMMY Bert and me, we finally had a chance to sit down and chat about who should get the inn. TAMMY And so we’ve decided-- ASHLEY Hello, everybody. MANDY Oh, merry Christmas, ASHLEY. ASHLEY Enjoying the party are we? ASHLEY Perhaps a little too much even. TAMMY I’m glad you could make it, Miss Clayton. ASHLEY Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. ASHLEY Oh, Mrs. O’Connor, have you gotten a chance to say goodbye to Amanda yet? TAMMY What, what do you mean? ASHLEY Amanda Leeds is not here to stay. ASHLEY She’s going back to Miami after the holidays. TAMMY Well, of course she would wanna go back and get her things before she moved back home. Of course she would. ASHLEY Oh, no, no, you’re misunderstanding me. Amanda does not intend to stay here even if you sell the Chesterwood to her. ASHLEY That’s right. ASHLEY She plans to buy the hotel and then leave Hollybush again. ASHLEY I guess she thinks she’s too good for us. MANDY I wanted to speak to you privately about this, but now that everyone is listening MANDY I was planning on designating a team for this specific project, but it was just because I have to go back to Miami and I can’t really do both. MANDY And so I don’t, and-- TAMMY No, no, no, now, now, now, now, it’s okay. It’s okay, it’s okay. Now, now, now, now. I am going to speak to Mrs. Leeds privately. TAMMY Everyone just enjoy the party. Go on, enjoy the party. TAMMY Bert, make more punch. Bert Yes, dear. GRAM Well. MANDY tammy, I swear, I was planning on giving you a full run through before I assigned a team. Plus, I’d be only a couple hours away because I’d be transferring to the Manhattan office, so that I could be here constantly while we got things up and running. TAMMY And I really wish it had happened that way, privately. But what happened in there doesn’t look good on you hun. TAMMY It certainly doesn’t look good on me and Bert. TAMMY I don’t know how we could sell you the hotel right now, ‘cause the town would riot. MANDY They need a familiar face in there. TAMMY I’m so sorry. TAMMY Me too. TAMMY I really didn’t want it to work out like this. JACKIE Come on, Mans, please don’t go. MANDY I was just so close. GRAM Honey, you should be very, very proud of yourself. JACKIE Yeah, you would’ve gotten it if it wasn’t for that vixen. TAMMY She’s a troubled one that’s for sure. MANDY I’m not even mad at ASHLEY. MANDY I mean I expected it from her, but LUCAS? MANDY I mean-- JACKIE Are you 100% sure that he’s the one that told her that you weren’t staying for good? MANDY I don’t know. JACKIE Yeah, it’s just weird. JACKIE He tried to run after you when TAMMY pulled you aside, and when I cornered him he said he had no idea how she found out. JACKIE I don’t know, it seemed like he was telling the truth. MANDY Well how else would she have found out? JACKIE I dunno. GRAM Well, why don’t you stay at my house tonight and you’ll wake up with family Christmas morning, okay? GRAM Well, why don’t you stay at my house tonight and you’ll wake up with family Christmas morning, okay? MANDY Okay, fine. I’ll stay, but just for tonight. MANDY Tomorrow morning I’m going to try and find a train outta here. MANDY But you know what we should do? We should watch a Christmas movie. GRAM Absolutely. MANDY Oh. MANDY Okay, I have an idea. JACKIE What is it? MANDY Scratch the movie. MANDY This party’s just getting started. GRAM Hello, everybody? GRAM My girl has something to say. MANDY Excuse me, I’m sorry to interrupt. Um. MANDY I know a lot of you are upset with me right now, and I don’t blame you. MANDY Um, I shoulda told TAMMY about my plan from the beginning instead of all of you finding out at once. MANDY And for that, I am truly, genuinely, sorry. MANDY I am formally withdrawing my offer to purchase the Chesterwood. MANDY And something that I don’t want spreading is that I don’t care about this town or the people in it because I do. This is my home. MANDY And just because I moved away doesn’t mean that I forgot where I came from. I’m a small town girl at heart. MANDY And if there’s one thing you need to know about small town girls is that they’re the most loyal people you’ll ever meet. MANDY So now I have a question for you all. MANDY Are you ready to have a great Christmas!? MANDY Okay, so, I brought a friend with me tonight. Some of the younger crowd might know her. So please give a warm welcome to GinnyZee! JACKIE That was amazing, Mans. MANDY I know, I can’t believe she came. JACKIE Are you sure you’re going to be okay? MANDY Yeah, I mean, it sucks for now but I’ll be fine. JACKIE Well, I for one have got to say-- JACKIE --that you are the most amazing, most ambitious-- most epic boss lady I have ever met. JACKIE Seriously, how could you have possibly-- gotten cooler since high school. MANDY Well, obviously I learned it from you. JACKIE Oh, well, that totally makes sense. JACKIE But let’s talk about GRAM’s dancing. MANDY Oh, my gosh. JACKIE What was that? MANDY Amazing, she’s so cute. JACKIE Did you see that robot thing she did? MANDY Oh my gosh. JACKIE I think she was me JACKIE Trying to one up MANDY Absolutely, she definitely GRAM Merry Christmas. MANDY Merry Christmas, GRAMs. GRAM Oh honey. GRAM I hope you still like blueberry. MANDY Ah, you know I do. GRAM Great. MANDY Is ERNIE here? GRAM Oh no, not quite. GRAM Um, he, uh-- MANDY What’s going on, GRAMs? GRAM Nothing that I know of. GRAM Uh, he, um, ERNIE, um. GRAM Would you, do you want some juice? MANDY No, thank you. GRAM Coffee? GRAM Okay. ERNIE Merry Christmas, kiddo. MANDY Merry Christmas, ERNIE. GRAM Okay, so don’t be mad at him, be mad at me. MANDY I could never be mad at you, GRAMs. MANDY What’s LUCAS doing here? GRAM Well, I asked ERNIE to pick him up. GRAM Lucas did not tell ASHLEY that-- you’re going back to the city. GRAM I did. MANDY What? GRAM Well, not directly, but I played bridge-- GRAM --with her grandmother and I was talking about how wonderful-- it was to have you here and how much. --I was gonna miss you when you were gone. GRAM Oh boy, I didn’t connect the dots until early this morning. GRAM I just feel terrible that I said anything-- and I’m so sorry if I jeopardized your career. MANDY It’s okay, you didn’t do it on purpose. MANDY And honestly, I should’ve been upfront- with TAMMY from the beginning. That’s my fault. GRAM lucas, would you like to stay for breakfast? MANDY Could be fun LUCAS I’d love to. LUCAS Yeah, thank you. GRAM Great, well, I better just get cooking. ERNIE And I’ll help you. LUCAS Hey. LUCAS How are you doing? MANDY I’m okay. MANDY I’m really happy for you. MANDY You’re an amazing chef. MANDY You’re gonna knock it outta the park. MANDY I wouldn’t wanna deprive Hollybush of that. LUCAS Yeah, about that. LUCAS I, I may have dropped out of the running and told TAMMY-- that I think you’d be a better fit for the Chesterwood. MANDY Why, you’ve worked so hard for this, too. LUCAS ‘Cause I want what’s best for this town-- and I think you’re it. LUCAS I actually told TAMMY yesterday morning before the party-- which is why I think she was so rattled. because she suddenly went from two buyers to zero. MANDY I can’t believe you did that for me. MANDY I mean, isn’t TAMMY and slash pretty much all-- of Hollybush still upset with me for leaving? LUCAS Well, your friend actually made quite the impression. LUCAS I mean, she started geo-tagging all her posts-- LUCAS --started hyping the town, hyping the inn. LUCAS I mean the bookings started coming in like hotcakes. LUCAS Look, the inn’s completely booked till after Valentine’s Day. MANDY Really? LUCAS And TAMMY, man, I’ve never seen TAMMY so happy before. MANDY That’s amazing. LUCAS That’s you. LUCAS But listen, TAMMY wants to tell you the rest herself, but I can assure you the inn is yours if you still want it. MANDY I’m getting the inn. LUCAS You’re getting the inn. MANDY And you knew when we were dancing? LUCAS Yeah, yeah, maybe less of a gut feeling-- and more a secret surprise I guess. MANDY I just wanna say LUCAS Why don’t- Get No, I think— Time out. MANDY Stop. LUCAS You go first. MANDY I just wanted to say thank you for talking to TAMMY. MANDY She values what you have to say. LUCAS Well, honestly, all I did was help TAMMY-- realize what she already knew. LUCAS That you’re the best fit for the Chesterwood. LUCAS I mean, hands down, no question. LUCAS Right, you did the work and you showed that you cared. MANDY Well, there was one thing I wanted to run by you. MANDY I was planning on talking to you about it-- if I got the Chesterwood MANDY It’s just an offer and see if you like it. LUCAS Okay. MANDY I can handle the day-to-day operations. MANDY I’ll be back and forth from New York City. LUCAS New York City? MANDY That’s where corporate is. MANDY Just a couple hours away and I’ll be transferring there-- once the deal goes through. LUCAS So, I’ll be seeing a lot more of you then, huh? MANDY Mm hm. MANDY Well, that’s what I wanted to ask you. MANDY I mean, we’ll need a head chef for the restaurant. I mean, if you know anyone interested. LUCAS Um, you know, maybe, maybe. LUCAS I mean, is there dental? LUCAS Are you serious? LUCAS Wow, no, thank you. LUCAS That’s incredible. LUCAS You’re incredible. MANDY So what did you wanna ask me? LUCAS Really just wondering when you’re headding down-- LUCAS --south again, ‘cause I’m assuming you gotta pack, right? LUCAS To move to New York City. MANDY Well, I was thinking of staying here through New Years. MANDY I pushed that big meeting with my boss. LUCAS Hm, that’s interesting. MANDY What’s interesting? LUCAS No, just maybe we can hang out a bit more now? LUCAS After all, if I’m gonna be your head chef, LUCAS I mean, you’re gonna have to approve everything on the menu. MANDY Absolutely LUCAS Right, there’s gonna be- LUCAS alotta taste testing. MANDY Lots of taste testing. LUCAS And probably some one-on-one cooking lessons. LUCAS Maybe? MANDY You really do know a way to a girl’s heart. LUCAS It’s biscotti. LUCAS There’s just one more thing. MANDY Yeah? ERNIE So, after that I just said I’ll see ya later. GRAM Ah well, Merry Christmas, everybody. MANDY Merry Christmas. GRAM Let’s eat. LUCAS Merry Christmas. ERNIE Merry Christmas everybody. LUCAS Here’s the plate.