MAN 1: Guess what, Milwaukee boys and girls?
Winter storm Meghan is here,
and she is making a mess of the roads out there.
WOMAN 1: Businesses across Indianapolis are having
no choice but to close shop and send workers home,
due to heavy snowfall and ice.
WOMAN 2: You thought Cincinnati had it bad,
you should see Columbus right now.
And yowzers, look at this storm.
MAN 2: Looks like Meghan is headed towards
Cleveland next.
WOMAN 3: It is official, winter storm Meghan
is the biggest snowstorm that the mid-west has seen in over a decade
with below freezing temperatures and icy conditions
in cities including Columbus, Detroit, Ann Arbor,
as well as Green Bay and Philadelphia.
There's no question, it will be a white Christmas
for this entire region.
Temperatures continue to drop right across the mid-west
as winter storm Meghan begins to make her presence known
with an arctic blast that is sure
to make this a very frosty Christmas.
(cell phone buzzing)
Hi, Mom, hi, Dad.
Hi, honey, is this a bad time?
Actually, it is.
If I don't get outta here soon I'm gonna miss my flight, so...
MOTHER: Well, that's what we're calling about.
Is there any way we can convince you to stay here for Christmas?
I wish, but it's our busiest time of year, you know?
I just-- I can't take off work.
Well, you haven't spent Christmas with us
in over three years, ever since--
Ivan and I broke up!
Yep, I remember.
I was there.
Did I tell you that I am the chairwoman this year
for the Snow Ball?
Only about 1,000 times.
Oh, it's a shame you won't be there.
I know.
We just wish we could all be together
at Christmas for a change, you know?
I'm sorry, Dad, I know.
You know what, maybe next year, right?
And send me some pictures from the ball.
I'll call you on Christmas morning, I promise.
-Okay, hon. -All right.
Well, be safe up there, Nina.
Always, Dad.
Love you guys.
Love you, too.
WOMAN: The question now is, exactly how bad
will winter storm Meghan be
for the Cleveland metropolitan area?
Will our city bear the full brunt of Meghan,
or will we be able to quickly get back to business as usual?
Only time will tell.
♪♪
-Hi, how are you? -Good, thank you.
-Right this way, ma'am. -Thank you.
GUARD: Go ahead. This way, please.
This way, ma'am.
Sir, excuse me!
Sir?
Excuse me, sir, sir.
You have my suitcase.
I don't think so.
I do think so.
It's my suitcase, I would recognize it anywhere.
Oh, why is that?
Because it's a Hobson Matador.
It's the best carry-on you can buy.
We've been all over the world together,
and she is very dear to my heart.
I feel the same way about mine.
(chuckles) How about a bet?
If it's yours, I'll give it back.
If it's not...
you'll give me your number.
Seriously, I'm late for my flight and you want to play games?
Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just, you know,
tryin' to have some fun.
Your suitcase is waiting for you.
♪♪
I'm sorry. (chuckles)
Easy mistake.
-Safe travels. -You, too.
Hi.
Oh, four minutes late, Rooney, that's not like you.
I know, I know. Look, I would've been on time,
but some guy tried to ask me out at security.
Oh, that happens to me all the time.
Some guys just have a thing for a woman in uniform.
Or for a man.
More guys ask for my number on the airport shuttle
than anyplace else.
I kinda love it.
Well, all I know is we are one flight away
from a week on the beach in Turks.
Why can't I come with you again?
Jay, it's a girls' trip.
We're gonna be lounging by the pool,
and reading trashy magazines and going to the spa.
Right, so why can't I come with you?
-She has a vision. -(chuckles) Stop.
You know I love you.
All right, fine, girls' trip.
Who are you flying with?
Someone named Brady Sloane?
-He must be new. -Hm.
-What, you know him? -Mm, I haven't met him yet.
But he used to work for Sun Bolt.
Only been with Jet Jet for a few months,
and already he has quite the reputation.
He's a quintessential fly boy.
You know, charming, too handsome for his own good.
Probably has a girlfriend in every city.
And a few in the air.
Well, good thing we will not be falling prey to his charm.
Because we follow numero uno
of the airline 10 Commandments.
NINA/TARA: "Thou shall not date pilots."
Guys.
(chuckles)
Nice suitcase. Is that a Matador?
Got me.
Brady.
Nina Rooney.
It's nice to see you again, Nina Rooney.
You guys know each other?
-No. -Yes.
We just met, at security.
Our bags got mixed up.
It was a case of mistaken identity.
(chuckles) "Case," good one.
-Could I see the manifest? -Oh, yes.
Thanks.
Is that the guy who...
Yes.
And you said no?
Commandments, right?
Uh, yeah, sure, whatever.
Wow, that looks really nasty out there.
We need to get this bird loaded up and off the ground
before winter storm Meghan steals our vacation.
Amen to that.
Everything else looks good. Thanks.
Good afternoon, everyone.
This is a service announcement for Jet Jet flight 454
with service to Miami.
We're going to begin boarding in just a few minutes, so--
Oh, no.
I'm sorry, everyone, but it looks like
all flights out of Cleveland have been canceled
due to dangerously low temperatures.
Unfortunately, it's too cold
to load the bags or prep the planes.
We have vouchers for those who need hotel rooms.
Again, Jet Jet flight 454 is canceled.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Hi, step right up, thank you.
May I see your ticket? I am so sorry about this.
Okay, there you go, thanks.
-Can you check this? -Sure.
Unless you guys need me,
I'm gonna wheel Mrs. Cheddy out here.
We're good, thanks.
Hasta mañana.
NINA: Okay.
♪♪
BRADY: Hey, Rooney!
You want a ride?
Where are you going?
Does it matter? Come on!
Thanks. Could've been there for hours.
Co-workers gotta stick together, right?
I'll get dropped at the Skylodge,
and then the cab's all yours.
-Sound good? -Hm?
Uh, yeah. How'd you get a room?
Oh, I didn't.
Well, you might want to check the app,
I heard a couple passengers saying that
Skylodge is booked up.
Yeah, I, uh-- I don't use apps.
Uh, how old is that thing?
I don't know. I've had it for a really long time.
Can see that.
You can laugh, this thing is indestructible.
Well, you might want to call the hotel, Fred Flintstone.
I'll be fine. I know a guy.
The manager. He always hooks me up.
All right.
(camera shutter clicks)
Problem?
No.
Just wonderin' if you're the kind of person
who has to post every moment of their life on social media.
Not every moment, no.
But I feel like I'm being judged.
Not judging.
I just prefer to be present.
In the present.
Well, I'm present, in the present.
Whatever that means.
Well, we've been in this cab for what, 10 minutes,
and you've barely said a word or heard anything I've said,
let alone made any eye contact.
I barely know you, buddy.
And I'm trying to learn more about winter storm Meghan,
which is, frankly, threatening to ruin my vacation.
(chuckles)
Where you headed after Miami?
Turks and Caicos, for a week of relaxation,
cocktails by the pool, just doing nothing.
Hm.
What does "hm" mean?
Nothin'.
I'm just not a do-nothing kind of guy.
I prefer a little more adventure, personally.
Kuala Lumpur, Tibet, Mongolia.
You know, that kinda thing.
Honestly, so do I, but last year,
I dragged Tara to the Galapagos over Christmas,
so this year it's her turn to pick and she chose Turks.
Which is fine by me, I mean,
anything's better than spending Christmas here.
Really?
I would love the chance to have a real white Christmas.
You got snow on the ground, icicles on the windows, snowmen.
You do not get that in LA.
Yeah, I guess you could say I'm dreaming--
Of a white Christmas?
Yeah.
Here we go.
Thanks.
You hungry? It's a well-kept secret
this has one of the best seafood places around.
You know, uh, thanks for the offer, but I'm-- I'm good.
I mean, it's not a date,
it's just two co-workers gettin' to know each other.
On me.
You asked for my number two hours ago and that didn't work,
so now you're just trying a different angle.
Now I feel like I'm the one being judged.
Look, I don't know you, but I know pilots like you, okay?
What does that mean?
It means, thank you so much for the cab,
and nice to meet you, and I'll see you at work tomorrow.
And if I don't, some other time.
Okay. Sounds good.
-Uh, stay warm. -You too.
-Goodnight. -Goodnight.
(sighs)
-Wait a sec. -DRIVER: Yes, ma'am?
-We gotta go back. -DRIVER: No problem, ma'am.
♪♪
Come on, I know you got a room in that computer somewhere.
I wish I did, really,
but we're fully booked, Brady.
This storm's got way too many travelers stranded.
There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry.
BRADY: That's all right. Thanks.
-How's the wife? -Wife's good.
Hey.
Forgot your phone.
Oh.
-Thank you. -No problem.
So, uh, is that your guy?
Yeah. Turns out the hotel is booked.
Oh! Hm.
But now that I got my phone back,
I can figure somethin' out.
Are you sure?
Yeah, I'll be fine.
Okay.
Well, good luck.
(sighs)
BRADY: Can't get any bars. It's gotta be the storm.
Yeah.
-Sloane-- -Look, call me Brady.
Okay, Brady, you can crash on my couch tonight if you want.
Really? 'Cause a minute ago--
No big deal.
We'll share a cab to the airport in the morning.
I don't want to impose.
No imposition, just come on before I come to my senses.
Oh, sir, no, I'm not staying here!
-I'm going downtown, remember? -Not with me, you're not.
They're closing the highways, it's too icy.
When it's unsafe, I go home.
Now, you and your boyfriend, you owe me 18 bucks.
No, we're not together.
That's none of my business, okay?
$18, please, young lady.
Okay, uh, where's home?
You can't stay with me!
I know, I just want to know where you live.
Oakdale, it's about an hour west of here.
Okay, do you think you could drop us
at Vernon Falls on the way to Oakdale?
It's just a few miles before.
-Okay, come on, come on. -Thank you, thank you.
Bring your boyfriend, come on, let's go.
-What's at Vernon Falls? -Oh, my parents' place.
They've got plenty of room and they wanted to see me anyway,
-so it's a win-win. -Yeah, I appreciate this.
Don't get too excited. My mom will give you
a third-degree grilling on your whole life story,
and my dad will definitely tell you about his fear of flying
and how he thinks I should have a job on the ground
like everybody else.
It's okay. I'm good with parents.
Then tonight will be a breeze.
♪♪
My parents love the holidays, if you can't tell.
Festive. I like their style.
Oh, no.
Wait!
What's wrong?
We can't go in there.
It's my parents' annual tree trimming party.
That must be why they wanted me to come by.
Am I missing something here? I'm just not seeing the problem.
You don't understand, it's all our family friends.
People who've known me my whole life.
You know, all they ever want to know is "Why aren't you married yet?"
And "How's your love life?" Blah, blah, blah.
It's why I have avoided coming home for Christmas the past three years.
Look, these questions come with singlehood, I get it.
Okay, well, then you should also get
why I don't want to go inside.
Yeah, there's something you're not telling me here.
I mean, why three years?
Why not five or 10?
Okay, fine. My ex, Ivan and I,
we broke up three years ago right before Christmas,
but our families are still friends,
and he's in there,
so I am definitely not going inside.
Okay, but what exactly are we gonna do?
Because it's freezing and we're not gonna get another cab again
-until New Years, so-- -I know, I know, I know.
We just need to find a workable solution.
Sip a little eggnog, sit by the fire,
avoid your ex for a few hours.
Or, we go in, casually, no big deal,
and if anyone asks, you say you're my boyfriend.
What?
You're not serious.
I'm serious and I'm desperate.
You want me to lie?
Fudge, a little.
No way. No.
Do this for me tonight, okay?
And-And-And I'll owe you a favor.
What do you say, come on, please?
MOTHER: Nina, is that you?
Mom, hi!
I thought I heard people out here.
What a wonderful surprise!
Who's this?
Oh, him, uh-- This is Brady.
He's-- Well, how should I put this, he's, uh--
I'm the boyfriend.
(chuckles)
(indistinct chatter)
Look who I found lurking in the driveway.
My globetrotting daughter and her boyfriend.
Hi, everybody.
-Hey, hon! -Hi, Dad.
Hey, I thought you had to work?
Winter storm Meghan had other plans,
so we need a place to crash.
Of course.
Hi, I'm Bert, Nina's dad.
Brady.
-Boyfriend, really? -Yeah.
So, can I get you some of my famous eggnog?
I would love some, but unfortunately,
we're not allowed to drink within 12 hours of the flight.
We work together.
Ah, another lunatic who thinks it's okay to work in the sky.
-Suppose I am. -Air travel's never been safer, Dad.
-Oh. -The planes practically fly themselves.
BERT: Is that supposed to reassure me?
I don't care what anybody says,
you won't catch me up there again.
One bumpy flight five years ago and I am out.
Which is why Santa is probably going to be
bringing us an RV for Christmas,
as opposed to the African safari I was wishing for.
-NINA: Sierra! -(gasps)
If it isn't my favorite niece!
-Merry Christmas, Aunt Nina. -Merry Christmas, Sierra.
-Hi! -Hi.
(chuckles)
Is that your boyfriend?
Yep, that's my-- that's Brady, mm-hm.
Are you guys gonna get married?
-Oh! -Well, sweetie,
Auntie Nina isn't exactly the settling-down type.
All right, you know, look, things with Brady are very new,
so we are taking it slow, step by--
Who cares? You lock it in.
That man is cute and then some.
And so are you, honey.
(laughing)
Anyways, how is it possible
-you've never told us about him? -Yeah.
Oh, I'm sure I told you about him weeks ago.
Potentially months ago.
Uh, believe me, I think we would've remembered
you mentioning a new boyfriend.
And bringing him home for the holidays?
It's a pretty major statement there, huh, sis?
You know, it just happened, it's no big deal.
It's just this thing that happened.
Uh, hey, honey!
Oh, excuse me. (chuckles)
Boyfriend? How long have they been going out?
I don't know.
This is my brother, Will,
and my sister-in-law, Marcy.
-(chuckles) Hi. -Hi.
So-- So, how did you guys meet?
That's a great question. (chuckles)
It's actually quite a story.
Oh, it sure is, yeah.
Why don't you tell 'em?
Oh, I'll let you tell it.
You tell it so much better. (chuckles)
Well, um, we-- actually, we--
we met in the security line at the airport.
-Of course. -The craziest thing happened.
I thought that he took my suitcase.
So, she yelled at me
-and rudely demanded it back. -(laughs)
I wouldn't say-- I wasn't rude, just insistent.
Anyway, it turns out we have the same suitcase.
You must've been so embarrassed.
Yeah, I was, until he asked for my number.
Which she gave me immediately.
Only because he looked so desperate and lonely.
I thought, why not have coffee with the poor guy, right?
(laughter)
And the next thing I know, here I am in Vernon Falls.
It's a great story, it sounds just like a movie.
We've been doing the long-distance thing.
Talking on the phone, meeting up when our routes intersect.
So, where was the last place you guys met up?
Oh, that was at
-San Francisco-- Diego. -San Diego.
San-- It was San Diego, we were in San Diego,
but then Brady, so sweet,
planned a romantic day trip to San Francisco.
Oh, that's so sweet.
Wow, I'm just amazed that you were able
to keep this secret from the family. (chuckles)
Well, you know, it wasn't intentional.
You know?
-Gosh, I'm hungry. -Starved.
-Right? -Yeah.
NINA: We're just gonna grab a bite.
-Bye. So good to meet you. -It's good to meet you guys.
-Boyfriend, yeah. -This is good.
-This is crazy. -And your idea.
I know, I know. Look, it's way more than I bargained for, okay?
We just need to get through tonight,
we leave first thing in the morning and--
-Hi, Nina. -Nice to see you again.
And Mary.
-And? -And I will make it up to you in spades.
Okay? I promise.
-You better. -Wait, no, no.
We have to stick together the rest of the party, okay?
I don't want you going alone.
Fine, I'm sure I'm gonna have to
save your butt a couple times anyway.
And what is that supposed to mean?
Not exactly too quick with this whole charade.
Oh, okay, and you are?
Better than you.
-Nina, hey. -Ivan.
- Merry Christmas. - Hi, merry Christmas.
I didn't expect to see you here.
I didn't expect to be here.
Oh, this is Brady.
The boyfriend. I heard.
He's the big news in the living room.
Ivan York. How are ya?
You look fantastic. How long has it been?
Oh, gosh, I don't know.
You know, time's just zip-zappin' by.
Been super busy, so--
I know, work has been crazy for me.
The insurance game never lets up,
nevertheless, you're looking at
the number one broker in the county.
I even bought a house last year.
Oh, wow. Congratulations.
-For you and-- -Julie?
No, no, we, uh-- we broke up a few months back.
I'm a bachelor again, much to my parents' dismay.
You know, they, uh--
they still refer to you as the one that got away.
That's sweet. (chuckles)
But she didn't get away from me. (chuckles)
Yeah, unfortunately, I have to leave.
I have a really big morning, so...
it was really great to see you, Nina.
And good to meet you.
If you ever need term life insurance, give me a call.
Ivan, you are not leaving, are you?
We need you for the annual photo.
Come on, you guys!
Come on, all right!
Let's do this, everyone!
MOTHER: Honey, you look great.
Here, let me take it.
It's okay, we're good.
No, we want you in it, come on!
You have to be in the picture, come on.
-Okay. Everybody ready? -Yep.
Good.
Okay. Say merry Christmas.
ALL: Merry Christmas!
(camera shutter clicks)
Okay, everybody, pie and ice cream, this way.
-Ooh! -It's cute, it's a good one.
-Yeah, can you post that? -Sure, sure.
I'll post and tag everybody so you can see it.
Thank you.
Yeah, I don't want to be tagged on Instagram.
Oh. Sorry, too late. I just did.
It won't happen again.
BRADY: Well, growing up an army brat,
it wasn't easy to have a Christmas like the ones I saw on TV.
I mean, it was just a miracle getting a Christmas tree
on a base in Seoul or Abu Dhabi.
To be honest, when Nina told me
that this was a tree trimming party,
I thought, I should bring shears.
-Or an ax. -(laughing)
An ax would've made quite an impression.
Will you be seeing your family at Christmas?
Unfortunately, both my parents have passed,
and I'm an only child.
Oh.
So, usually, when I'm not working,
I'll spend Christmas in Encino with my Aunt Sofia and my cousins,
but I can promise you,
it does not hold a candle to this.
Thank you.
You're making my wife's night, Brady.
You are good with parents.
Are you sure you can't stick around for the Snow Ball?
What's the Snow Ball?
Oh, it's our annual Christmas gala
for the children's hospital.
You get dressed up, you bring a date.
Everyone votes on their favorite couple.
It's like prom for adults.
You two would be hard to beat
for this year's Snow King and Queen.
Dad, who cares about that stuff?
Uh, you do. Why, a few years ago, she was--
Okay, well, I don't, anymore.
So...
I stand corrected.
Look, we'd love to stick around,
but we both have to get back to work tomorrow.
-It's true. -Maybe next year.
Okay. Next year.
♪♪
Wow, I suddenly feel like I'm scuba diving.
(chuckles) Yes, my brother really fancied himself
a budding marine biologist.
Being your boyfriend is exhausting.
Come on, it wasn't that bad. Everybody loved you.
I'm glad.
But being on every second of the night wasn't easy.
I know. Thank you.
So, what was it like seeing your ex again?
That's never fun.
You got a lot of those, do ya?
Hey, this isn't about me.
For what it's worth, Ivan seemed like a nice guy.
Yeah. He is.
So, what happened between you two?
You know, I don't really want to talk about that.
Barely know each other. I get it.
-Night, Sloane. -Goodnight.
♪♪
(cell phone buzzing)
Oh, please tell me you found a way for us to get to Turks.
Um, have you looked outside?
It's snowmageddon out there.
I know, it's insane.
-What's up? -Well, you tell me!
I mean, imagine my surprise when scrolling through Insta,
only to find a photo of none other than Brady "freaking" Sloane
standing next to you at your parents' house.
It's nothing. He needed a place to crash,
so I'm helping him out, that's all.
You're helping him out?
That's why his arm is around you?
He's kidding. He's like that.
Look, there's nothing going on here, Tara, believe me.
Fine, but you just gotta remember commandment number one.
I mean, I know he's cute--
he's hot, actually, but--
Okay, I will explain everything tomorrow, I promise.
Fine. Better be a good reason is all I'm saying.
Goodnight, Tara.
♪♪
♪♪ (peaceful)
Hello?
What's all this?
-Shh. -Sorry.
♪♪
You know, it's so important that we start our day
in a state of openness.
You know, open to the world around us in the moment.
I mean, Christmas, it's not about presents.
It's our presence that makes it special.
Namaste.
-Namaste. -Namaste.
Thank you, Brady.
Oh, it's my pleasure, really.
Nina loves our morning meditations.
I do? I-- I do.
I didn't know you took up meditating.
Yes, it's something new I'm trying.
Huh. (chuckles)
Apparently.
-(grunts) -Ah, thanks.
-Coffee, honey? -Yes, please.
-The airport's still closed. -(sighs) No big deal.
Easy for you to say. I mean, I love my family,
I'm supposed to be laying on a beach by now.
It'll be open soon.
Well, if it isn't, then you two
will just have to spend Christmas with us.
BERT: Great! (chuckles)
I was thinking, I should just find a nearby hotel.
-What? -That's not a bad idea.
Why? Didn't you sleep well?
Oh, no, no, no, I slept great.
It's just I figured you guys want some quality time together
without me hanging around, imposing.
It's no imposition, besides,
you're our daughter's boyfriend.
And you don't want to waste all that money
when we have a perfectly good room for you here.
And this way, we get to know you better.
Well, it's whatever Nina thinks is best.
Hm...
Great, I mean, just one more night.
Really?
And my parents made such a good point, I mean,
why wouldn't I want my adorable boyfriend staying here?
-(chuckles) With us. -Yeah. (chuckles)
I just don't know what we're going to do all day.
Well, I'm gonna be tied up all day planning the ball, but--
Oh, honey, would you be really helpful
and pick up this from the confectioner's for me?
-Sure. -And you could give Brady a tour of the town!
-Yeah. -I do have to do some Christmas shopping for Sierra,
so this is a great idea.
Perfect, I have relatives to shop for, too.
NINA: Ooh!
So, um, what're we gonna do now?
This really great toy store.
I'm talking about our situation.
Uh, right.
I mean, it's one thing to help you for one night, but, um--
I know, but... I mean, we're stuck here,
and I'm not sure what more we can do other than
just pray the airport opens tomorrow.
Yeah, and keep playing our parts in the meantime?
Sorry. Let's go.
Wait a minute.
Why don't we walk to town?
No way, it's freezing!
And we're dressed for the North Pole.
Do you see how beautiful this is?
It's a winter wonderland. You were lucky
to have Christmases like this every year.
Come on, we're walkin'.
-Hey, Sloane! -Yeah?
Town's this way, buddy.
Yep.
NINA: Welcome to the incredible, thrilling Vernon Falls.
Home to zero five-star restaurants,
zero hot nightclubs,
and exactly zero chance of spotting a celebrity.
I think it would be nice to live in a town
where people actually know each other.
Each other and everyone's business.
That's why I have a hard time with this place.
People grow up here, they get married, they settle down.
No one ever leaves.
I mean, I moved to the city to go to pilot's school
and live my dream and see the world.
People here just don't really seem to relate to that, so...
every time I come home, I just feel like an outcast.
Yeah, I know that feeling. I mean, I'm always on the road.
I don't know my neighbors, I barely see friends.
It's hard to have real relationships,
let alone a romantic one, when you're never around.
Well, from what I understand,
you are doing just fine in that department.
Well, don't believe everything you hear
in the airline gossip mill.
(cell phone rings)
Sorry, I gotta take this.
Sure.
Hello.
Yes, speaking.
We've had this conversation.
♪♪
Yeah, absolutely.
♪♪
♪ Up on the housetop, reindeer pause ♪
Gonna hop in line.
♪ Down through the chimney with lots of toys ♪
♪ All for the little ones, Christmas joys ♪
Was that Veronica?
You know Veronica?
No. Took a guess.
She called when you left your phone in the cab last night.
Well, nosy Nina, it was not her.
That was my Aunt Sofia calling to make sure that
I'd be home for Christmas.
Oh!
(humming)
-Okay, you got me. -What?
You're just humming along.
Right. Look, I can't help it, okay?
"Up On The Housetop" is my favorite Christmas song.
Nothing to be ashamed of, it's an amazing song.
(chuckles) It's not, but it makes me smile.
And hum, apparently.
Look, I'm just trying to be "present in the present." You know?
Yeah, I do not sound like that.
-Do I sound like that? -For Rooney.
"Give me your number and I'll tell you."
Okay, I, um-- I did deserve that one.
Oh, don't be so hard on yourself, Sloane.
Nobody's perfect.
Not even you.
♪♪
Well, honey, the bird is just spectacular this year.
Mom, Dad, thank you. This is amazing.
Well, it's so rare that we're all together
at this time of year, your mom and I got inspired.
And we haven't been able to welcome Brady properly.
-Oh. (chuckles) -It's so sweet.
-Thank you, guys. Yeah. -You really shouldn't have.
SIERRA: Aunt Nina, can you help me build a gingerbread house this week?
Everyone else is too busy.
Oh, they are?
I really wish I had a little brother or sister
to do stuff like that with.
You do, huh?
That's been coming up a lot lately.
Interesting, interesting.
Well, in the meantime,
I would love to build a gingerbread house with you.
If I'm in town, absolutely.
Me too, if that's okay.
Yeah!
Wow, looks like Brady's got another fan.
Brady, it doesn't bother you that
Nina never told any one of us about you?
Not at all.
Oh, I get where Nina's coming from.
You know, you start seeing someone new.
People tend to get their hopes up,
but if it doesn't work out,
you feel like you're letting people down.
-Right. -Yeah, like what happened with Ivan, right?
Will.
(chuckles)
I'm sorry, sorry.
Not all of us are as lucky as you, Will.
But if there's one thing I've learned, it's...
that tomorrow's not guaranteed.
You have to treasure each day you have together
as if it's your last.
Wise beyond your years.
Thank you.
He's a keeper.
I mean, no pressure.
(laughter)
Uh, I'm sure she'll get tired of me soon, right, Nina?
Oh, yeah, right, get outta here, mister.
(laughter)
Okay, guys, I have to ask.
What was Nina like as a little girl?
NINA: Oh, I don't think we need to do that.
-I think we do. -Well, for one thing,
she did always want to be a pilot.
Ever since her first flight,
when the captain showed her the cockpit
and gave her one of those little pins with the wings.
(chuckles) I still have that, actually.
Did she, uh, tell you about her Christmas world tour?
Oh, come on, Will, why?
Okay, okay, okay, so when Nina was about seven,
she had this giant map on her wall,
and she had this whole world tour mapped out.
I'm talking like, I don't know, 20, 25 cities?
So the plan was, she was gonna stay up on Christmas Eve,
and then when Santa came, she was gonna, you know,
convince him to let her tag along.
So, she's all packed up, she's ready to go,
but then she falls asleep and she missed Santa.
So then the next morning, before anybody else got up,
she called a cab and headed straight to the airport.
-What? -(laughter)
You really did that?
She did.
Yeah, the only problem though, hon?
She didn't have a plane ticket, or the money to buy one.
(laughing)
I didn't even have enough money in my piggy bank
-to take a taxi home. -(laughter)
So... so when she calls me from the airport,
I don't know whether I should laugh or cry,
or ground her for a year.
You should've grounded Will!
He's the one who helped me pack.
It was the least I could do. (chuckles)
Hey, you know, um,
you guys should come out with us tonight.
Oh, yeah, to the Elbow Room. It's sort of become
like a holiday tradition when everyone's in town.
And there is a Santa contest.
Oh, that sounds fun. Count us in.
-MARCIE: Great! -All right.
-Great! -Really?
Why not?
I guess I gotta get a Santa outfit?
I got you covered.
(chuckles) Fun!
Hey, it's so good to see you.
Hey. (chuckles)
You know what? Let's get outta here.
We just here.
Yeah, I know, but I know too many people.
The whole town is here.
What's wrong with that?
That I'll spend the entire night hearing about
how Madison won the spelling bee and so-and-so made partner.
And how you became an airline pilot?
Give it half an hour.
If you're not having a good time, we'll go.
Shirley Temples are on me.
(chuckles)
Hey! (chuckles)
Hey, guys? Hey, before I forget,
we're having a little get-together at our place tomorrow night.
You should come.
Gosh, so many invitations from you two.
Hey, it's not every Christmas you're here.
And with a man friend by your side.
I have a feeling that's the real reason.
Hey, just come, okay?
And it's a white elephant party.
Yeah, I don't know what that is, but it sounds awesome.
Count us in.
All right. (chuckles)
We're a maybe, a maybe,
if the airport doesn't open and we're still here.
I have a feelin' you'll be making it to the party, sis.
-(laughs) -A Christmas miracle.
Stayin' in Vernon Falls, woo!
(giggles)
Looks like you're stuck with me.
And you with me, my friend.
MAN: All right, everybody!
It's time for the annual Santa Claus contest!
So, line up, show us your Santa stuff.
The first prize this year is a romantic sleigh ride.
I am so winning that.
Oh, come on, you're not really going up there.
I'm wearing a Santa costume in a bar in Vernon Falls.
It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
♪ Come on, Santa ♪
♪ Now don't be late ♪
♪ I've been good all year ♪
♪ Have you lost some weight? ♪
♪ I've got my gifts wrapped up ♪
♪ The tree's all trimmed ♪
♪ Come on, Santa ♪
♪ Let the fun begin ♪
♪ Let's have a rockin' Christmas ♪
♪ Let's have a jolly season ♪
Seven. Who's next?
(audience laughs)
-Woo! -There it is, all right.
There it is!
-A little old school. -I love your work!
Here it is, it's an eight, everybody, for him, eight!
(laughs)
There we go.
(laughs)
I loved it.
Come on!
No, Marcy!
Come on!
Show us what you've got, girl.
Here they come! Oh, we got a duo!
♪ Bring good kids new shiny guitars ♪
♪ Dump your joy all under the stars ♪
Woo!
♪♪
Whoa!
I like it, I like it.
We've got some choreo here.
(cheers, applause)
I'm givin' 'em the first nine of the evening, everybody.
The first nine!
BRADY: No, I'm not-- I'm not just saying it.
Runner-up?
-We were robbed. -I don't care.
That is the most holiday fun I've had in ages.
Me too.
But do not forget. Fun ain't free.
How could I forget?
I've figured out how you're gonna pay me back.
Oh, really? How's that?
Well, I've only been with the airline for a few months,
but I feel like, for some reason,
everyone's already made up their mind about me.
Even you.
I mean, I have no idea why, it's-- it's not fair.
But admit it.
I am not the guy you heard I was, right?
Okay, I admit, You have exceeded
my very low expectations of you.
Where are you going with this?
You are gonna help me fix my reputation.
That is the favor.
And how am I gonna do that?
By spreading the word through the airline gossip mill
that I'm not the guy they think I am.
Send texts.
Post nice things about me on social media.
Whatever you gotta do.
Just let our co-workers know that
I'm actually one of the good guys.
So, what do you say?
Deal?
All right. I'll help you with your reputation rehab.
Deal.
Thank you.
(cell phone chimes)
Goodnight.
Goodnight. St. Nick.
♪♪
What are you doing, Nina Rooney?
(sighs)
One. (panting)
(clears throat) Morning.
Oh. (chuckles)
Morning.
Whoo. Gettin', uh--
Gettin' in a little early workout, I see.
Comes with having a Marine for a dad.
Been doing this every day since I was a kid.
Well, it's paid off. (chuckles)
Uh, I think I'm gonna grab some breakfast.
Right behind ya. (chuckles)
How was the party last night?
Shockingly fun, I have to admit.
Morning.
-Morning. -Morning.
-Help yourself, Brady. -Oh, thank you.
I'm glad you're both up.
Listen, um...
your mother and I have something that
we need to talk to you about that's been troubling us.
What's up?
Is there something you two would like to tell us?
What do you mean?
We mean...
you're staying under our roof.
I think we deserve to know the truth.
(clears throat)
Mom, Dad, you do deserve the truth, but...
please understand, I didn't mean to lie,
and I certainly never meant to hurt anyone.
You could've just told us that you two
didn't really have to work at Christmas.
A getaway in Turks and Caicos sounds very romantic.
Even if you do have to fly there.
-How did you find out? -Yeah.
Well, I wasn't snooping. I was hanging up your coat
and your hotel reservations fell out.
You could've just told us. We would've understood.
I know, of course, of course, I could've told you.
I-- I'm sorry, I--
you know, I was-- I was keeping it--
I was keeping the trip a secret.
It was my fault.
Christmas was the only time that our schedules lined up
-for our beach getaway-- -Yes.
so I told Nina to tell you guys that
we were working so she didn't feel pressured to stay home.
So much pressure.
I'm really sorry, guys.
You'd be surprised how understanding we are.
Thank you.
-I'm sorry. -Yeah.
Oh.
Doesn't look like you're gonna be flying out today, either.
I think that I'm officially out of warm clothes.
No problem, I've got you covered.
-Oh. -Oh.
And since you're both free,
we sure could use your help getting ready for the Snow Ball.
We have so much work to do before tomorrow.
Yeah, she needs some other minions
to order around besides me.
Well, we're happy to help.
-Good. Thanks. -Totally.
♪
Six plates.
-Okay, this is done. -I can pick up the cupcakes.
After I do the tables.
-Hi. -Honey, I need you to do place settings,
and Brady, can you help him with the tables?
I'm all yours, Mrs. Rooney.
And mine, though too, right, honey? (chuckles)
Yeah. (chuckles) That's right.
-Have fun. -All right.
Oh. (chuckles)
Hey, how are you doin'?
I have an idea. Tell me what you think.
-Take it right over there. -All right.
-Yeah, all right. -Hey, Bert.
I got this.
Oh, good, I've got other things to do.
Still here, huh?
Oh, yeah.
So, how long have you and Nina been dating?
Oh, um...
A little while.
Months or weeks?
A few months, and a few weeks.
Here you are, meeting her whole family,
everyone she knows.
Everyone in town is talking about you.
You're practically celebrities.
Our very own, uh, Brangelina or Bennifer.
I guess that makes us Bradina.
Guess it would.
(sighs)
Those couples broke up, though.
I mean, they started out strong, but they flamed out.
It seems to me that a couple who's known each other a long time,
has been friends first and, you know, hasn't rushed it,
just think they got a better chance.
You know what I mean?
-How's it goin', honey bun? -(laughs) It's going good.
Snookums, snooker-doodle.
(chuckling)
I was just about to tell Ivan here, when it comes to love,
there's no one recipe for success.
We're proof of that.
Well, these tables won't cloth themselves.
Yep.
Hey, thanks for the help.
-Yeah, any time. -Better put these on.
Yeah, I'm gonna help you out.
BERT: Thank you so much for help.
Couldn't have done it without you.
-I know. -Thank you, sweetheart.
Appreciate it.
-Come on, we have to-- -Yes, yes.
So, uh, when am I gonna get the whole Nina and Ivan story?
You don't want to hear about that.
Uh, yeah, I do.
It's the whole reason we're doing
this crazy charade in the first place.
Okay, that's fair.
I've known Ivan a long time,
but we only started dating about five years ago,
and it was right when I got my commercial pilot's license.
And I thought he'd be really happy for me, you know?
I was living my dream,
but he ended up just being really frustrated
that I wasn't around enough.
The curse of the travel industry.
Yeah.
Eventually, he got so fed up that he told me I had to choose
between being a pilot and being with him,
and I didn't know what to say,
other than I don't see why I can't do both.
Yeah.
So, when the holidays rolled around,
I made sure to be here for Christmas.
I-- I got a new gown for the ball,
I even planned this romantic getaway for New Years Eve.
And then the night of the ball, he, um--
He broke up with me.
Seriously?
Wow, that's pretty cold.
Yeah, I stayed home that night, it was...
I was so heartbroken.
And, well, later, I found out he went, alone,
and danced with Julie Pendergast.
I guess they connected and...
before long, they were dating.
I haven't been home for Christmas since.
Right.
Being back here and...
seeing him, seeing everybody...
getting a taste of this life that I passed up, I--
I don't know.
I can't help but wonder if I made the wrong choice.
Do you still have feelings for him?
I didn't think I did.
I don't know. I don't know how I feel.
Well, breaking up's never easy.
Trust me, I know.
Yeah, but I'm sure you're the breaker,
not the breakee, most of the time.
Why would you say that?
Come on, who's gonna break up with you?
You'd be surprised. I've--
In fact, I was dumped recently.
Really?
-Yeah. -(cell phone rings)
-I gotta take this. -Saved by the bell.
Hello. Yeah.
No, we've been over this before.
My answer's still the same.
-Everything okay? -Yeah, it's fine.
Everyone wants to know when I'm getting to LA.
Family.
I would like to know that, too.
Are you sure I'm doing this right?
You're doing fine, rookie.
Yeah, lay off the candy, though. Ornamental use only.
Hey, part of my process.
Right.
Thanks for helping me with this, you guys.
Of course, favorite niece.
It's not every day we get to do something like this together.
I wish you could be here for Christmas every year.
I know.
All right, so you're making your first gingerbread house,
you got runner-up at your first Santa competition,
you attended your first tree trimming.
Anything else on your holiday bucket list
we should tick off while we're here?
Hm...
As a matter of fact, there is.
What's a white elephant party?
The way white elephant works is
we take turns in numerical order.
When it's your turn, you can take a present,
or you can steal someone else's already-opened present, okay?
And if your present is taken, you can choose a new one,
or you can steal someone's,
unless it's been stolen three times already.
Hey, don't get too attached to those.
I really always wanted a copy of this.
-Thank you. -Wow.
Oh, I've always wanted to go there.
BRADY: Me too.
Well...
uh, number five, sorry, not sorry, sis.
-You're joking? -Nope.
Will, you never travel.
-And now I do. -(chuckles)
Hey, you can go again, Nina, it's okay.
Oh, okay.
Hmm... penguins.
That was a good choice.
Thank you. I love a penguin.
-Oh! -Oh, no.
-Oh. -Oh, come on! What?
Somethin' tells me you're stuck with those, Nina.
MARCY: You can make anything work.
-Who's up? -I'm up, I'm up.
All right, decisions, decisions.
Come on, go for the headphones.
Uh-huh.
♪♪
(chuckles)
Chivalry is not dead, apparently.
-Mr. Nice Guy, all right. -(laughs)
-Hand it over, buddy. -No!
-Was that three times? -You had it coming.
Come on!
You didn't have to do that.
You kiddin' me? I wanted this.
-It's a win-win. -(laughs) Yeah, right.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
All right. Mistletoe break.
Yes, a little work, a little play.
Can work and play at this party.
(chuckles)
-There we go. -All right.
All right, you two.
-Oh, no. -Oh, no, yeah.
We're just not really the PDA type.
Oh, come on, respect the kisstletoe.
Don't make us kick you out.
Fine!
-All right. (chuckles) -No big deal.
Yeah.
NINA: Fine.
Totally, so-- (chuckles)
Hey.
(glass breaks)
Oh, club soda, quick, quick, quick, honey.
Oh, you're not getting an invite next year.
I'm joking, I'm joking. (laughs)
You two really get each other.
Is he the one?
Marcy.
Okay, okay, you're pleading the fifth, I get it.
I respect that.
(cell phone buzzing)
I'm sorry, this is work. I'll take it really quick.
No problem, take your time.
Please tell me the airport's opened.
I don't know how much longer I can do this.
You're not seriously still at it
with the faux-couple thing?
Nina, what are you doing?
Brady will leave in a day or two,
and if anyone asks, I'll just say we broke up.
Oh, so your solution's more lying?
Wait a minute. You like him.
He's not such a bad guy, if you get to know him.
Oh, Nina, no, this is bad, bad, bad, bad.
We have the commandments for a reason!
This is not gonna end well for you.
I'm a big girl, Tara, I can handle myself.
I gotta go, okay?
Thanks for this, boyfriend. I'm gonna hit all 1,000.
-I hope you do. -(chuckles)
I don't know about you, but, uh, I'm not tired.
Yeah, me neither.
Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?
That depends. What are you thinking?
Hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, of course.
Get out of my head, Sloane.
That's perfect, I'll get the hot--
Oh.
I'm beginning to think winter storm Meghan hates us.
Yeah.
Okay.
Patagonia.
Spent two weeks trekking there.
Is there anywhere you haven't been?
Okay, come on, my turn.
Oh, this is an easy one.
The Louvre.
Many times, I love Paris.
Okay, come on.
Okay, I can't pronounce this one,
but it's in Namibia, I think,
it's, uh, Sossusvlei?
The sand dunes.
Yeah, I've never been but always wanted to go.
Oh, me too.
-One day. -Yeah.
Maybe I'll see you there.
We have the best job.
Yeah.
For me, being a pilot was just a means to explore the world.
You wake up in the morning, you choose a destination,
and then a day or two later, you're there.
I feel the same way.
Not everyone can just
drop everything and run off to Machu Picchu.
That's true. Well, expect for people like us.
Or flight attendants.
You date a lot of those, huh?
No way. No.
I mean, nothing against them.
I don't know, I just don't think
mixing work and relationships is that good of an idea.
Wait a minute. What about when you hit on me in security?
Uh...
I didn't know we were co-workers.
I was wearing my uniform.
All right.
This is the truth.
I've seen you once before.
It's about a year ago and I was working for Sun Bolt,
we had a layover in Philly and, uh,
HQ sent us to the wrong gate and you were there.
You remember that?
Oh, yeah.
I mean, it's not every day that you see a female pilot,
-even this day and age. -That's true.
I was just wondering to myself
who you were and...
you must've been so determined.
I had to put up with a lot of people
who didn't take me very seriously.
I bet.
And then, next thing I know, I'm in the airport,
and you're yelling at me.
Accusing me of stealing your suitcase.
I thought, well, you know, life is presenting me
with an opportunity, so I took it.
Guess you gotta break your own rule sometimes, right?
(chuckles)
Glad we got to chat. That was fun.
Yeah, I should, uh-- it's getting pretty late, I should get goin'.
Yeah, tired too.
All right, goodnight, Rooney.
Goodnight, Sloane.
♪♪
BRADY: Namaste.
-Namaste. -Namaste.
Ah, you should've joined us, honey.
-Get centered for the big day. -Are you kidding me?
I've got way too much on my plate already,
including this last-minute social media push
to get the attendance up tonight.
Oh, Nina, I posted the party on your board.
-Wall. -Wall. Whatever.
I hope I did it right.
Many of the major roads have now been cleared,
so traffic is resuming and people are getting out there,
completing that last-minute Christmas shopping.
Although the worst of winter storm Meghan is over,
Cleveland International remains closed,
due to ice and unsafe conditions on the runways,
just two days before Christmas.
Looks like you two aren't going anywhere soon.
(chuckles) Brady, I'll have a suit
delivered for the party tonight.
And you two will be our guests of honor.
(chuckles)
(squeals) I'm so happy!
(knocking)
Hey.
-Hey. -Can we talk?
Yeah, come in. What's up?
That is a lot of pink.
Um...
I think we should tell your mom that I'm sick.
What? Why?
So we can get out of the party.
You don't want to go, right?
I didn't want to go, but...
But now you do?
I was hoping to avoid the whole Snow Ball thing, but...
my parents really want us to go and...
it won't be so bad, now that I have a date.
Even a fake one?
Wait a minute.
Is this about you and the whole
Queen of the Snow Ball thing?
No, no, don't be ridiculous.
I don't care about that.
Uh-huh.
Look, every day that this charade goes on,
I feel worse about it, okay?
We're making fools of people out there.
These are your family and your friends.
It is not an ideal situation, I know that,
but we're here, and I'm trying to make the best of it.
And don't forget, I will tell everyone
what a great guy you are.
I won't even have to lie.
So, do I have a date?
You have a date.
-BRADY: It fits perfect. -You look so handsome.
-Thank you. -Chairwoman shouldn't be late.
Oh...
♪♪
You used to look at me like that.
I still do, my love.
What're you lookin' at, Sloane?
My date.
You look stunning.
Thank you.
Like a woman in love.
Probably just the holiday spirit.
Hey, let me get a photo of you two.
(chuckles)
Oh.
What're you doing?
You look really stiff. Put your arms around each other.
(chuckles) Of course.
-Yeah, okay. -MOTHER: Nice.
Just put your heads a little closer together.
MOTHER: Yeah.
-Lovely, oh! -Yes.
All right, say Snow Ball!
BOTH: Snow Ball!
(indistinct chatter)
Listen, you two look amazing together,
and you make me sick, okay? (chuckles)
Here's the happy couple!
-Hi! -Whoa, look at you, miss thing.
Aren't you the belle of the ball?
-What are you two-- -Don't worry,
we're not Snow Ball crashers, right, Nina?
No, no, look, I invited them last minute, okay?
It's fine.
I've heard about this Snow Ball thing for years.
No way I was gonna pass up the chance to be with my girl
on her special night.
Okay, Tara.
Good evening, everyone.
Welcome to the 35th Annual Snow Ball.
(cheers, applause)
Tonight, we have raised over $50,000
for the Cleveland Children's Hospital.
(applause)
You so broke our number one rule.
I did not, we have an arrangement, that's all.
Yeah, right, I've got eyes.
I can see the way you two look at each other.
Okay, have you ever heard of immersing yourself in a role?
Oh, so you're Meryl Streep now?
You have all voted and I have the results in my hand.
It's time to announce this year's Snow King and Queen.
Oh, here we go, you guys.
Oh, this is wonderful.
Brady Sloane and Nina Rooney!
(cheers, applause)
I've been wanting to do this for years.
(chuckles)
(cheers, applause)
(chuckles)
What is that?
Oh, it's tradition.
The king and queen always have the first dance.
Okay.
♪ Bells are ringing down the street ♪
♪ Children singing soft and sweet ♪
♪ Knowing there are presents on the way ♪
I just want to say thank you.
I've had the best holiday season I've had in ages
and it's because of you.
I feel the same way.
You shared your family with me,
and you gave me a taste of a real Christmas.
Well, maybe next year, I should come to LA
and pretend to be your girlfriend.
I don't think so.
(chuckles) Okay.
I don't want to pretend.
I want to take you on a real date.
And not just anywhere, I mean, we can--
We can meet up in Florence or Paris or Bali or...
anyplace in that book.
Well, they all sound perfect.
As long as you're there.
♪ All I'm missing is your kiss ♪
♪ All I want is you on Christmas day ♪
I've wanted to do that from the first moment I saw you.
I'm glad you did.
(cell phone rings)
It's HQ.
They reopened the airport.
Are you still flying with me to Miami tomorrow?
I have a 10 a.m. to Dallas and then onto LA.
Back to work we go. (chuckles)
And on Christmas Eve.
It feels weird to be leaving here.
That's the job, right?
That's the job.
Hey.
Mind if I cut in?
-Ivan, actually-- -It's not a problem, is it?
I mean, you guys aren't really a couple anyway.
Ivan, what are you talking about?
We're-- We're together, we've been together for months.
Are you sure about that, Nina?
I just met your girlfriend.
Yeah, outside.
Merry Christmas, Brady.
I've missed you.
Veronica, what are you doing here?
Coming to your rescue, of course.
After I saw you tagged in that photo on Instagram,
looking like you'd been adopted by a bunch of strangers
in some Ohio burb,
I booked the first flight possible.
I wasn't sure where I'd find you until, luckily,
the cabbie said the whole town was here at this party,
and here you are.
Hi, I'm Veronica, Brady's girlfriend.
Your girlfriend?
No, we broke up, almost two months ago, right, V?
(chuckles) Brady, we were taking a little time out.
That's all.
I know, I know it was my idea.
Dating during the holidays freaks me out,
but I've come to my senses and here I am.
And I didn't want you to be alone at Christmas like always.
He's not alone, he spends Christmas with his family in LA.
Brady doesn't have any family there.
Or anywhere, for that matter.
Is that true?
Yeah, I made that up.
I didn't want to look pathetic in front of you and your family.
You didn't have anything to do for holidays, so...
you used me to pass the time until you could get back to LA
and your real girlfriend.
If you can please just let me explain this.
You wanted me to help you with your reputation, but...
Brady, the truth is, you're not a great guy.
Our deal's off.
You lied to me.
Please go.
Both of you.
-Nina, I am so-- -Ivan. I-- I can't.
Honey.
What did you mean by "deal?"
Brady and I aren't together.
We made it up so that I could get through the holidays here.
What were you thinking?
I didn't mean to lie to you.
I-- I saw Ivan through the window at the tree trimming party
and I panicked,
so I convinced Brady to
pretend to be my boyfriend for one night
so that it would easier to be around Ivan,
and then the storm happened and--
and we were stuck and I didn't know what to do,
and for once, it felt like
I actually fit in here.
I mean, you invited me to parties and dinners.
And why?
'Cause I had a date?
That was the most fun we've had as a family in years,
and it was--
It was because of a lie.
I'm so sorry.
You have every right to be upset with me.
I made a huge mistake.
Veronica.
Look, I'm sorry that you came all the way out here,
but I'm not leaving with you.
What? Why?
Because we broke up. Remember?
And now we're getting back together.
Couples do that.
Veronica, when we were together
we drove each other crazy.
So, we break up.
And then...
we start missing each other,
so we get back together again.
-Until... -We needed our space again.
It shouldn't be this hard, V.
Look, I care about you.
You're a good person, but...
I know now that you're not my person.
And I think deep down...
you know I'm not yours, either.
I just thought that even though you weren't
answering my calls,
maybe if I took a chance and showed up in person,
it would make things better.
I just thought if we tried harder,
it would all be okay.
You deserve better than okay.
We both do.
Friends?
Friends.
Goodbye, Brady.
♪♪
Hi, honey.
Mom, hi.
I'm so sorry about the party.
I ruined your big night.
No.
You just made it a little more memorable.
I'm the one that's sorry.
We never wanted you to feel so pressured to find someone
that you felt like you needed to lie.
I know.
I think it was just...
seeing Ivan and...
feeling accepted by everyone.
Realizing I could finally be queen.
I'm so stupid.
You're human, Nina.
And when it comes to your father and me,
just know that if you're happy,
we're happy for you.
And don't worry about what anyone else around here thinks.
You are a smart, strong young woman.
And a pilot, no less.
Just know that we are so proud of you
for all the things you've accomplished.
I know it was a rough night, honey,
but tomorrow's another day.
Christmas Eve, no less.
But that Brady was quite a catch.
So you've said.
Maybe he's feeling as bad about tonight as you are.
♪♪
Morning, Captain Sloane.
My uniform's still at the Rooneys', so--
We keep a secret stash in the coat hatch.
You're not the first to need it.
Thanks.
♪♪
You know, thanks to Brady,
I'm thinkin' meditation could help with my anxiety.
Who knows. Maybe I'll be okay flying again.
That'd be good. (chuckles)
Hello?
Sorry.
Hey, um...
I know last night was hard,
but I've been thinkin'.
I'm not sure you two really told the truth.
What do you mean?
Well, you said the relationship was a lie, but...
there was something real between you two.
And when you came down those stairs last night in that gown--
(chuckles) the look on that young man's face.
You can't fake that.
No matter how hard you try.
I hope you two think about giving it another shot.
For real this time.
Thank you.
I love you.
Oh, honey.
Oh, sweetheart, it was so nice having you home
for the holidays for a change.
Even though you only did make it to Christmas Eve.
(chuckling)
I had fun too, Mom, okay.
-Love you. -Love you.
Be safe.
Okay.
Bring on the I told you sos.
No, I'm gonna spare you.
Besides, things are lookin' up.
Guess who sweet-talked the hotel manager
and got him to change our rezzies?
We're goin' to Turks tonight.
We can ring in New Year on the beach.
-Tonight? -Yeah!
Wow. (chuckles)
That's amazing.
Bye, Brady.
Tara?
I'm not going to Turks. Or Miami.
I'm sorry.
Nina...
We've been talking about this trip for months,
and you hate being home for the holidays.
I know, you're right. I-- I did.
But I want to see my niece open her presents.
I want to sing Christmas carols with Will and Marcy
and play board games with my parents by the fire.
I don't want to miss that stuff anymore.
Who are you and what have you done with my Nina?
I'm so sorry.
It's just what I need right now.
(sighs)
Well, you do look like you're coming down with something.
-Flu, maybe? -Yeah.
Oh, yes, yes, you are burning up.
You better get yourself home.
I'll find somebody else to fly this bird.
Thank you.
Will you do me one more favor?
Yeah.
Check this one through to LA.
It's Brady's.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, babe.
-Oh, seven. -Oh, playing a strategy game.
-Seven. -Yeah, oh, that's good.
-Getting close. -Good one, honey.
-Four, five, coming up-- -She does it again!
-How did she do-- -Aunt Nina!
You're back again!
Well, if there's one good thing
that came out of winter storm Meghan,
she reminded me how much I love spending Christmas with all of you.
Anyone with you?
No, Mom, just me.
That's just fine.
And we could really use a sixth player.
-Yes! -Well, count me in!
Let's just start over. Re-deal.
-What? I got a great hand! -What!
-I'll shuffle, I'll shuffle. -Grandpa will shuffle.
-(laughs) -(indistinct chatter)
It's not poker, sweetheart, it's not poker.
It's Brady's. (chuckles)
(sighs)
Merry Christmas.
♪♪
♪ Up on the housetop, reindeer pause ♪
♪ Out jumps good old Santa Claus ♪
Oh, hey, sweetheart, did I wake you?
No, but why are you playing
"Up On The Housetop" in the middle of the night?
Oh, that.
Well, that's a good question.
Which I can't answer.
But he can.
♪ Down through the chimney with old St. Nick ♪
Brady.
♪ First comes the stocking of little Nell ♪
♪ Oh, dear Santa... ♪
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
I'm gonna go now.
What're you doing here?
I came to get my bag.
We have got to stop doing this.
(chuckles)
What about LA?
I was at LAX when I got the call from the airline that
they had my bag,
and I realized it was the wrong one.
And then Jay told me that
he was going to Turks instead of you.
I knew I had to come back to Cleveland.
And Veronica?
I am so sorry about that.
We broke up months ago, I swear.
All the phone calls and...
No, no, I never took her calls.
That was Sun Bolt, my old airline.
They wanted me to come back.
They told me that they would give me a raise and promotion
if I got on a train to Atlanta
and started working right away.
But I refused.
Why?
Because there was nowhere else that I wanted to be but here,
having my first real Christmas with you.
And you wanted me to help fix your reputation.
No, I don't care about that.
I know this whole thing started off as being fake,
but the way I feel about you, it's--
it's very real.
So, as long as you think that I'm a good guy, it's--
It's all that really matters to me.
Well...
I don't think you're a good guy.
I know you are.
♪♪
(mother laughs)
Okay, okay, everyone, I have something for your mother.
Merry Christmas.
Oh! It's an RV.
Open it.
(gasps)
Look, look, look!
Wow.
Oh, honey!
(gasps) I'm gonna be a big sister!
-What? -(gasping)
-Are you kidding? -You're not joking?
MOTHER: Okay, okay, one more.
-This is for you. -Thanks, Mom.
-This is so great. -Thank you.
-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.
♪♪