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[bright Christmas music]
- Hi.
[*]
All right, I think that covers your Christmas offerings
that begin today. Our special
is the pistachio cream bûche de noël.
Just make sure you check for allergies.
Oh, very important reminder, uh, the toffee pudding
with the praline caramel sauce,
for dine-in only. Not to go.
Definitely does not travel well.
Yeah? - Yesterday, some guy ordered it
and then dumped it into a to-go box and took it away.
- Uh, well, okay. So, maybe we just
strongly advise against that.
We put a lot of love into our creations at Empire Pâtisserie,
and there's a reason that we do things the way we do.
And then tackle them on the way out.
[snickers]
I'm, I'm kidding. Don't... do that.
- Okay, well the good news is we're doing more dine-in
service than we were expecting, so we added another
two top over here.
So, now the numbering of the tables
is two, three, four.
- And you guys are doing amazing.
No one expects opening week to be perfect.
And working out the kinks as we go
is all just a part of the process.
Oh, Skip, I'm gonna have you step up
and assist me today, okay? - Okay.
- Perfect. All right.
[exhales] So, Nicole,
do you think it might have been a little overly ambitious
to open right during the holiday season?
- Well, we've done it.
[laughs]
Oh, I had an idea.
Your signature orange fruitcake.
I was thinking we could set out some samples, you know?
- Ah... - Change Denver's mind
about fruitcake. - Like that.
- Good for photos and social media.
- Mm-hmm. - Despite how you feel
about social media, pictures of this floating around
can't hurt us. - You know what?
No, it's actually a really good idea.
But I am going to need orange liqueur.
You know what? I'll go ask Danny after our first push.
- Perfect.
- Look, personally, I think you should ride the momentum.
Prioritize those high-profile roles
before you take a step down and work with Sheldon again.
- It's not a step down. He's one of the best directors
that I've ever worked with, man. - Yeah, well, so have you
and Marla figured out a strategy for our little project?
- Do you mean our ridiculous charade?
- Peter, you're about to have a publicity goldmine.
Your movie is about to have its New York premiere
right before Christmas.
During the filming of which you fell for your co-star.
It's the perfect Hollywood romance.
And moviegoers want in on it.
[scoffs] Online rumors are
you might even propose.
- Uh, which might be difficult, because we are not together.
- Mind your public persona.
If you're gonna say what's actually on your mind,
just make sure that it's edited and pleasant.
Also, participate more. You know,
smile for the selfies and whatnot.
Oh uh, what do you wanna get Mom for Christmas anyway?
- Are you asking me as my manager or my brother?
- Maybe both. - Hey, Danny,
uh, you don't happen to have any orange liqueur
that I could borrow? Just a little bit?
- Yeah, I'm sure we do. Hang on. - Thank you so much.
[soft music]
- Be approachable. Go see if she wants to take a selfie.
- No, I'm not gonna do that. - Shh, she's right there.
[sighs]
- Hey. - Hi.
- It's, it's okay to ask if you wanna take a selfie.
- Uh... oh, uh, no, I'm fine. - Oh.
- Thank you. - Yeah, I, I'm sorry.
I misread that. - She works a lot.
Um, and doesn't see many movies.
You can keep that. We have plenty.
- You're a lifesaver. Thank you so much.
And uh, well, you boys enjoy your beers.
And your selfies.
- Oh, yeah. [embarrassed chuckle]
- "Do you wanna take a selfie?"
- Oh man, you're the one that made me say that!
- Well, come on. - Thanks for the help, Danny.
[patrons murmur indistinctly]
- Hey, is it just seat yourself or...?
- Yeah. Yes. Sit wherever you like.
A server will be with you in a moment.
- Oh, thank you.
- I think we've got a VIP at table three.
Um, no wait, four. No wait, three.
- Whoa. Not that one. - So uh--
- Blackcurrant. - Oh, okay.
- Yeah, all good. Easy mistake. - What's your little saying
about mistakes? That they can lead to somewhere
you never would have found yourself?
- Yep. Not in this case. - Wait, VIP like...
- Oh yeah, I think he's a... he's that actor
that was in that Gloria Miera film.
- I have no idea what you're talking about, but here,
all of our guests are VIPs. - I don't know,
maybe you show them a little extra love?
What could it hurt? - Fine.
Have Cindy give me a heads up when the order comes in.
- Okay.
- But I want to substitute the strawberries.
Also, can you add that chocolate glaze on it?
Like I see on that éclair over there.
- Uh... - Uh, humor me.
[chuckles]
Oh, lastly, I'll have the uh, toffee pudding to go.
- Um, so, the pudding is dine-in only.
It doesn't travel well. We strongly advise against it.
- I'm a big boy. I'll manage.
[chuckling]
- Welcome. - Hey.
- Do you live in my building?
- Uh, not likely, unless you live in New York.
- You just look so familiar. Huh.
- Huh. - Anyway,
may I walk you through our menu?
- No need. I will get the plum clafoutis
and a coffee, black, please and thank you.
- Coming right up. - Awesome.
- Libby? - Mm-hmm.
- I am so sorry.
I have a difficult order for table four.
- Is that the celebrity guy? - Yeah, I think so.
- I guess so. Yeah, that, that totally makes sense.
- What is this? These things don't even go together.
This is gonna be absolutely not good.
And yeah, and the toffee pudding to go.
- I tried. - It's all good. You know what?
Best to let the customer be right. We're too busy.
- Thanks, Libby. Oh, also, here's the ticket
for table three. He's nice. And normal.
- This is the clafoutis. This is the difficult order.
- Yes. - Let's run it now,
all at once, to avoid any confusion.
- Good idea.
- Skip, would you mind running it quickly?
- Yeah, um... [clears throat]
Um, this one here? - Uh yes.
And, and if he says that's not what he ordered,
that is what he ordered. - Yeah, you got it, Libby.
- Uh, is this the clafoutis?
- This is what you ordered.
- Oh, I don't wanna argue, but this is definitely
not what I ordered and I... and there's strawberries on it.
- Yes, uh, delicious strawberries.
- I don't think this is clafoutis.
- Okay, I'm, I'm gonna go.
Um, enjoy your meal.
- This is...
[phone ringing]
[film crew speaking indistinctly]
- Hey, honey.
- Hey. Uh, just checking in
on what Gary was calling our project.
Uh, are you actually feeling okay about this? Um...
- I mean, I guess?
If it's important for the movie,
then what's a little make-believe?
[inhales deeply] Anyway,
I'm here in Argentina,
and it's awful that I won't see you until Gary's party.
I really, really miss you.
- Uh...
- How's Denver been?
- Uh, it's been great. Well, up until a few moments ago.
I stopped at this café place
and I just had this really awful experience.
- Well, I could tell you were worked up.
Did you say something?
- Well, no, I just got mad and left.
- I've been saying you should complain more.
I mean, productively.
You say you're tired of people telling you
to act a certain way. If you're unhappy, say so.
- See, yes, that's the thing, I agree.
But Gary was just saying that I need to edit myself
to be a certain kind of likeable.
For my brand. I, I don't know. It's just...
I mean, the establishment should know
that their customers aren't happy.
- Wait you kinda zig-zagged there,
but I think I know what you mean? I...
- Well, I am mad.
And I want to say something about it.
- Good. - Yeah.
[film crew speaks indistinctly]
- 'Kay, love you. Bye!
- Bye.
[instrumental "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"]
- "If you're gonna speak your mind,
make sure it's pleasant and edited."
Sure, Gary.
[music swells]
[keys clacking]
"Let me first just say that I have never written
a negative review in my life, but tonight,
I'm feeling inspired.
I am not a high maintenance customer.
I went to Empire Pâtisserie
hoping for a pleasant experience.
Instead, I found a disheartening letdown
with a side of terrible service."
- "What happened to the simple beauty of enjoying a delicious
confection in the shop around the corner?"
- Um... Uh...
- Keep going.
- "It seemed clear that neither the quality or the artistry
of the food, nor the customer experience
mattered to the proprietors of the pretentiously named
Empire Pâtisserie."
- You know that whenever someone says they're not
high maintenance, it's a dead giveaway
that they're very high-maintenance.
- Where's that, uh, where's that from?
- Um... - Knives and Spoon.
It's uh, like the new Yelp, but more interactive
with discussion threads and stuff.
It incentivizes drama and trolling.
- Mm-hmm. - This one was...
featured in their Holiday Hassle series,
so it got a little bump.
[scoffs] - Well, this person
clearly just has their own issues
and way too much time on their hands.
- So um, do we reply? You know, defend ourselves?
- Nope. No.
We are not going to get involved with this person's toxicity
or the overall ugliness of online review culture.
Our time is actually valuable. [chuckles]
- What?
[instrumental Christmas music]
- Knives and Spoon.
Hmm.
"Became clear that the actual quality and artistry... "
[huffs]
[keys tapping]
[alert dings]
"Hello, Theo1800,
what are you, a Victorian robot?
I, as a loyal customer of Empire Pâtisserie,
just wanted to reply and defend this quality..."
No. "Exceptional establishment.
They've been open only a little over a week,
so it seems unnecessarily cruel
to attack the skill and the artistry
of the baker her...
the baker themselves.
And my first question would be,
what do you even know about it?"
- Look, I uh, I realize I may have been insensitive
about your feelings recently.
I want to open up the floor to discuss your break-up,
if you'd like.
- Is this now my one chance?
- Yeah, 'cause afterwards, there are logistics to discuss.
- Oh. - Like, if Marla meets you
at the airport, or she joins you at the party.
- I can't believe you're bringing
your engagement party into this. - Really?
- Does this not bother Diane? - Are you kidding?
She loves it. I mean, it makes the party more of an event.
And come on, Diane loves my dedication to my work.
- You two are ridiculously meant to be.
[laughing] - Yeah, well,
Diane's planning the heck outta this thing and loving it.
- Good.
- Well, until this morning.
The dessert caterer just flaked out.
Playing hero, I volunteered to jump in
and take over finding a new one. - Oh...
- Yeah. I was sure she'd say no. She said yes.
So, now I gotta figure that out.
Man, there is gonna be no way I can do it up to her standards.
- Well, why don't I just do it? - What? Why?
- You put in so much work for me.
Let me do something for you.
But I would want it to be a surprise, so no hovering.
[chuckles] - What do you got planned?
You just trying to keep me at a distance?
- No, that's just a perk. [laughs]
- "In conclusion, Theo1800,
I'm sorry you missed your calling
as a celebrated food critic.
It sounds like perhaps the element
that was most wrong with your experience
at Empire Pâtisserie, dot, dot, dot, was you."
- Okay, okay, that's pretty good.
- I mean, nicely put, right? I wonder who this is.
[curious music]
- We had another website reach out to us
hoping to include us on a "best of" list.
And they were also interested in a sit-down with you.
- Is that required to be on the list?
- Maybe.
- Well, I wish they'd just come check the food.
You know what? Just let them know
we'll get back to them... in a year.
- Will do. - Thank you.
- Also, just checking,
you really still wanna keep using E. L. Michaels
for all press and publicity instead of Elizabeth or Libby?
- No, I do. I think it sounds more professional.
And keeps them guessing.
- Okay. Well, speaking of pseudonyms,
you're not gonna fess up? Winter H!
[pen clicks]
- How did you figure out it was me?
- I just know your voice. - I couldn't say nothing.
- Libby, it made me proud.
Seriously. I wish you'd do more stuff like this.
[inhales and exhales deeply]
- Okay, how are the finances?
- Uh, investors are all good, but things are more wobbly
than I'd like. We may need to look
at leaning back on catering.
- Well, I suppose that's doable in the new year.
- Well, I only bring it up because there was a worthwhile
looking posting for the 19th.
- The 19th.
Wait, the 19th of December?
- Mm-hmm. - Um, are you crazy?
- No. - No?
- No. We can do that.
- You know, I was thinking this would be the perfect task
for one of Diane's aunts. - Just let me do it.
I wanna do it for you and Diane, okay?
- Okay. Well, maybe it'll keep you occupied
and out of trouble, Theo1800.
- Wait, what? - Yeah, I was referring
to the uncharacteristically mean review you wrote.
- Uh, the one time I complain out loud.
- And I knew it was you because I know you.
And we were right around the corner that day.
And Theo? Your next role?
No one wants to picture Hollywood's most charming
leading man yelling at a small business owner.
You should take it down.
And don't tell anyone you wrote it.
- Okay, fine, I won't.
I will take it down, but not because
you told me to, but because I was gonna anyways, so...
- Okay, well, as long as it comes down.
Well, do you want me to stick around for the interviews?
And do you at least get to try a bunch
of chocolate and cheesecake and stuff?
- Uh, no, I think I'm gonna whittle down the list first.
- Okay, all right. - Remember,
I told you, no hovering.
Taken on an Italian rickshaw fish trawler
from the Sicilian sea.
What is a crust oyster?
Crusty oyster? - Crusted oyster.
- Oh, yeah. [items clatter]
- Yes. We keep them
in a particularly unfriendly environment.
[phone buzzes]
I let them soak in the ocean water itself
until it's just starting to go rancid.
- Okay, um, well, this is looking great.
Okay.
- I think of new love as celestial, atmospheric.
My quest is to reflect that. - Mm-hmm.
- Integrate domes, smoke, effervescence.
- That's, uh, really cool.
Um, and thank you so much for your time, Sebastian.
Um, Gary's assistant will be in touch
before your flight back to Milan.
- Ah, thank you. - Oh, you!
- You. Huh. Hi.
[chuckles] Selfie guy.
- Yeah. [laughs]
- Hi. - Oh, good luck.
- Oh, thanks. You, you too.
- Except I don't really wish you good luck.
Because this...
this would be the pinnacle of my existence
as a culinary artist.
- Well, stay warm out there, Sebastian.
And uh, we will be in touch.
- Oh, yep. Sorry.
- Hi. - Hey, okay.
- Thank you so much for taking the time to see me.
- Yeah, I am excited. Very much so.
- Here you go.
Are you a... a silent owner here or--
- No, I just really like it, and they're letting me use it
for non-public meetings, so... - Well, I'm Libby.
I'm the L in L&N.
- Nice to meet you. Peter.
You didn't need to bring samples.
So, is this a proposed concept or...?
- Oh, uh, no,
it's just it's, uh, it's Christmastime, and I...
I baked them this morning, so I figured why not?
[nervous chuckles]
There is a bit of a ginger bite to them.
- Is that so? - Uh, my, my approach
is I like to come in open,
and I take care to avoid any preconceived notions
about my clients.
- Well, that might be a challenge this time.
- Congratulations, by the way, on your engagement.
- Oh, it's not me. Definitely not me.
Uh, not that I am not in a relationship.
I am... as you may know, with Marla Benson.
- As I may know?
- So, this is an engagement party for my brother.
- Oh, okay. - Um, so this is kind of like
a, a Christmas gift, engagement gift,
all rolled into one. We wanna go big.
So, uh, why don't you tell me about
the "coming in open" process
that you used for the UN luncheon?
- The... I'm sorry, the what? The U...
- Uh, I did some research on your company.
I saw that you catered that event?
- That sounds amazing, but I think that maybe
there was a bit of a mix-up.
- L&N Catering?
- Oh no, I'm so sorry. No, L...
This has happened before.
We're, we're L&N Confections.
- Oh, yeah. - Libby and Nicole.
- Oh. - L&N Catering is...
quite the establishment
based out of LA.
We should probably reconsider our name choice.
But I do hear amazing things about the other Ellen and...
Catering, and it does sound like they're maybe
more of the scale that you're looking for.
So... - Oh.
- Sorry. - Uh, oh, okay.
- But...
I, I really wouldn't go with the whole
celestial atmosphere guy.
He seemed to have zero curiosity and not...
Well, was pretty full of it.
[chuckles] But I, I wish you all the best.
I hope you find the right company
and the best to you and Carla.
- Marla. - Marla. Sorry.
- You don't know who I am, do you?
- Peter? - Yep. I will be in touch.
- Amazing.
Well, I shall await your call with bated breath.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
[music builds]
- Mmm.
[phone buzzes]
[message pings]
[sighs]
[soft Christmas music]
[Libby]: What do you even know about artistry?
Are you better trained than their head baker
and pastry chef? And if so, by all means, let us know.
But it sounds like, perhaps,
the thing that was most wrong with your experience
at the Empire Patisserie was you.
[scoffs]
[phone buzzes]
[Peter]: Dear Winter H, first off,
don't tell me what I know or don't know.
You know nothing about me.
Maybe I am a Michelin star chef.
Maybe I'm an Olympic skier. A movie star.
A car salesman.
Either way, I'm the person that had
this abysmal experience, which you know nothing about.
So butt out.
My review stays my review.
Also, Victorian robot?
[scoffs] Grow up, Winter H.
- Grow up? You grow up.
- In the evening when the sun sets that is a strange...
[phone buzzes]
...script.
[Libby]: Let's say there was one mistake
on the part of the restaurant,
which led to your bad experience.
Have you never made mistakes?
It's my belief that sometimes mistakes can land us
in a realm of opportunity we never would have
dreamt up ourselves. [scoffs]
[Peter]: Oh wow, that's fantastic
pseudo-Zen whatever, perspective on mistakes.
- I get it now, Theo. You're one of those people
that considers themselves discerning
and goes around being dissatisfied with everything,
all the time. - No!
Empire Patisserie just brought that out in me.
- I bet you're the kind of person
who never roots for the underdog.
- Actually not true, but for the sake of argument...
Well, why would I?
- Wow. [sniffs]
[sizzling]
No, no, no, no, no.
No. No!
[inhales and exhales deeply]
Oh, Victorian robot.
[keys clacking]
- "E. L. worked in New York's most renowned kitchens
and bakeries, bringing heart and skill back to Denver.
Opening up Empire." Blah.
Well, I don't know what to say, E. L. Go back to school?
[phone buttons beeping]
[phone rings, buzzes]
- Hello? - Is this L&N Confections?
- Uh, yeah. Hi.
Yes, this is Libby speaking.
- Hey, this is Peter Holloway. We met earlier today
regarding your company catering dessert
for my brother's engagement party.
- Yeah, yeah. Hi.
- Hi. I'm actually calling you
to offer you the job, if you're still interested.
- Oh, uh. Um...
I think we, we might have another little...
little mix-up on our hands. We're the L&N Confections.
Not L&N Catering. We're the more...
modest establishment.
- Yep, I, I know. Even though the selection process
was technically a mistake,
I feel like you might be a good fit.
Someone told me recently that mistakes
can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
And I know it sounds cheesy, but--
- No, I, I actually believe exactly that.
You, you don't want a tasting interview or anything?
- Oh no, the gingerbread men were great.
You were right, a nice ginger zing.
- Huh, yeah.
- So, I'm gonna go with my gut.
My manager's assistant will be in contact with you
regarding the paperwork. Okay?
- Amazing. Bye-- [phone beeps off]
[phone beeping]
Manager's assistant?
[Christmas music building]
- "As Theo1800 and Winter H
feistily hash out the conversation
the world has been needing to have
about the service industry, entitlement, art..."
This is kind of brilliant.
We've received a ton of new orders.
I'm guessing they're all Team Winter.
- Team Winter? Well, I'm already
regretting this decision. This is not...
how I wanted us to earn our notoriety.
- Are you kidding me? It'll drive foot traffic in
to see how good we actually are.
- Hmm. Did I tell you
that Theo1800 made me burn my souffle?
- No, your "everything's going to be okay" souffle?
I'm sorry. - I totally forgot, though.
I actually have really good news.
Uh, we... somehow got the catering gig.
[sighs] - Okay, thank goodness.
I didn't want to admit how much we need it.
What's the name again?
- Yeah, I can never seem to remember this.
Uh, it's for the guy's brother.
But his name is Peter...
Uh, yeah, Peter Holloway.
[coughs] - Peter Holloway?
- Mm-hmm. Yeah, do you know him?
- Uh, the world knows him.
He's a movie star.
You really don't get out, do you?
This totally makes sense.
There's been sightings around town,
it's been posted on socials.
Okay, you're right, the Theo-Winter sensation
may pass, but catering for Peter Holloway,
that'll be career making!
[crowd chattering loudly]
- Oh, uh...
Yep, I should probably maintain my distance.
- Libby, you've gotta start helping me out here.
We should lean into this.
- E. L. Michaels has no idea who this Winter H character is
and just wants to get back to her... quality work.
And uh, as the dessert caterer for a high-profile event,
should probably maintain her distance
from all this internet chatter. [banging on glass]
- Um, okay. I am already confused,
but you may have a point about the last thing.
[overlapping chatter]
- Oh, yeah. Yep.
Yep. He does look famous.
- Hi, welcome. [camera shutters clicking]
- Are you Winter?
[instrumental "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"]
- Oh, you drawing a bunch of pictures?
- Hi. Peter Holloway. [laughs]
- Oh, you know who I am now.
- Yeah, yeah. Uh, sorry,
I, I don't get to see many movies.
I did watch a trailer for one of your movies, though.
Uh, "All Paths Lead to Love,"
and I read that your on-screen romance
turned to an off-screen romance.
And now you're throwing this incredible party
for your brother, Gary.
- You know, one of the big reasons I hired you
was because you didn't know who I was.
- Oh. - Which is okay.
Uh, I just really appreciated the no-nonsense person
who wasn't pushing things like atmosphere and celestial.
It was very refreshing. - Totally.
- So, think of us as colleagues.
- Colleagues. Okay. - Yes.
- We are colleagues, got it.
Do I need... I don't need to write that down.
Um... okay. [both chuckle]
So...
this is the venue.
It's, no, it's actually beautiful.
And I was noticing all the décor. It's magical.
- Yeah. - And these, I'd, I'd totally
forgotten about these little snowflakes.
Great choice. Love it.
Is there gonna be a centerpiece,
like, like a cake and um,
is that, is that something that I... is my department?
- No, I'm gonna have one over-nighted from Paris
so you don't have to worry about that.
- I love that. Do you have a theme
or, or any particular desserts
that the happy couple enjoy?
- In all honestly, I just really liked your look book.
So, we can just pick something from there,
but make it red and green.
- We need to get you inspired. I have an idea.
[pen clicks]
- Um, where are we going?
- So, I figure since I won't be speaking
to the bride or groom directly. - Yeah.
- That the next best thing is to figure out
what inspires you.
So, I guess my first question would be,
do you like Christmas?
- Uh, yeah. - Oh, good.
- Actually, I love Christmas. - That's a relief.
Actually, um, that'll get us a long way.
- Good, 'cause honestly, I really do trust you.
So, anything that's Christmassy, tasty, and visually upscale.
- But I guess I should ask first,
are you thinking desserts like mille-feuille
that necessitate a plate and sitting down at a table,
or would you be open to a...
- Um... - Come over here, a funnel cake.
Something more whimsical, like a funnel cake.
Can I have two please? Thank you.
- Sure. - Now, don't forget,
these desserts can be... - There you go.
- ...experiences, not just decorations on a table.
- Okay. Um, this...
- Yeah? - Isn't really, uh,
visually upscale, though. - Oh, don't worry,
I can make it that way. - What is this?
[Libby laughs] What?
- You've got a little...
- Do you have a napkin?
- Sorry, do you have a napkin? - I don't need one.
- Well, hot chocolate's definitely a Christmas staple.
- Yeah, actually, Gary would love that.
When we were young, he was crazy about those, uh,
those hot cocoa packets with the little marshmallows.
- Oh yeah. - And all the different
flavors, yeah. - Well, you know what?
We could totally do that. But we could,
we could elevate it. We could add new flavors.
- What? - We could, we could actually
even have a little, a little station
and then the guests can come and...
put on their own garnishes?
Don't know if it's too casual. but...
- I like it. - Oh.
- That's good. - Okay.
- Wow, that, that is really good.
- Right? - Wow.
And perfect timing. Geez, I forgot to eat.
I had, uh, remote chemistry auditions all afternoon.
- Oh, for your, like, your next movie?
- Mm-hmm. - What's it about?
- It's called Fathoms.
Um, it's, uh,
one of those franchise things. - Okay.
- I'm a superhero slash sea captain.
[laughs] For CGI sequels, you know.
- No, that sounds amazing. Congrats.
I will go and I will watch your movie.
- Thank you. So, what inspired you
to be a caterer of confections?
- My great-grandma, she had a bakery
back when that just wasn't a thing.
And then my grandmother took over
and added her pastry expertise.
And as soon as I was old enough to wield a cookie cutter,
I'd like, hop on my little stool
and get in there and help her.
And I loved it, Idid that pretty much until
I left for college.
I never seem to get tired of...
creating something that's really beautiful and tactile.
- Hmm. - Like...
Like rolling out the perfectly layered dough
to a Kouign-Amann. I just, I love, I love it.
- Wait, I don't even know what that is. A...
A King Armand? That's like,
that's like one of the roles I didn't get.
- No, kouign-amann, it's um, it's a laminated pastry.
It's like, like croissants' quirky,
caramelized cousin.
It actually literally translates to "butter" and "cake".
[laughs]
- That's really cool. - So, yeah.
- So, so do you, uh...
bake out of a...
uh, a shop or something, or...?
- Yeah. Yeah, well, I just kinda here and there.
- Oh. - Mm-hmm.
[women whispering indistinctly]
I think you might have been spotted.
[woman]: He's amazing, he's so beautiful.
- Yeah, he's so cute. - Oh, yeah.
- Oh. - Maybe you should, um...
go ask them if they want a selfie.
- Well, my manager says I have to get better at that.
Please hold my hot chocolate.
- Okay. [chuckles]
- Hey, do, do you guys want a selfie?
- Yes! Yes, please.
[giggling]
Thank you. - Thank you!
- Well, I-I don't know, I just uh, I froze.
He asked where I work out of,
and I didn't want him Googling the patisserie
and the first thing that he sees is that terrible review by Theo.
- That's smart.
But how cool could it be if Peter Holloway
could publicly come to our defense?
- It can't be terrible hanging out all day with that hottie.
- Oh. Oh, hottie?
You know what? I had not noticed.
I've just been too busy...
trying to do the best job I can.
And in case you didn't know,
he actually is dating a movie star who's stunning.
So, there's that, too. - He can still be handsome.
It's just a standalone fact.
You're really putting like, 375 percent into this.
- Nicole, if there was ever a time for me to do that,
it's now. I really just,
I wanna knock this outta the park for us.
- Well, guys, that is our biggest day on record.
And on a Tuesday. - Nice.
- Thanks. - I wish we knew who Winter was
so we could send her a bottle of wine.
- I wonder if that Winter-Theo conversation
will pick back up again? It was sort of
left on a cliffhanger.
Like, who takes pride in not rooting for the underdog?
- Yeah, but guys, you really wanna hear from this,
this Theo character again?
- I mean, yeah, kind of.
If anything, to hear what else Winter has to say back.
- I hope the conversation keeps going.
It's win-win. People will come for the buzz
but return because Libby is so good at what she does.
[jazzy Christmas music]
[Libby]: Hello, Theo. Sorry I dropped off.
I had to go on living my life.
[keys clacking]
Hello, Theo, how was your day?
Did you find any new small businesses to malign?
[keys clacking]
Dear Theo, I don't believe you.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt
that you're a.... a much better person
than you've presented here sometimes.
Internet chatter can bring out the worst in people.
So, it's Christmastime.
What if we were to use the Christmas spirit
as a way to start over?
I said I bet you're one of those types
that's dissatisfied all the time.
Prove me wrong. Tell me your favorite
Christmas tradition or memory. Something that brings you joy.
- What? I have homework now?
Fine, Winter, but only if you do the same.
And only because I refuse to let you have the last word.
Maybe it's immature. I don't care.
Okay, memory from when I was a kid.
Where I grew up, it snowed a lot, but it was flat.
No hills. Me and my brother felt left out
seeing all the hills and sledding on TV,
so we dragged our swing set slide around
and got another one from our neighbor.
- Okay, I'm listening.
Maybe.
- We got planks and cardboard,
then packed snow on top of it.
And then we got my mom's old sheet pans and voila,
sledding for the kids on the street.
- Very industrious, but maybe dangerous?
- Are you critiquing my joy, Winter H?
Miraculously, nobody got hurt.
- Fine, that's maybe adorable.
- I'm glad you approve. Your turn.
[scoffs] - Okay.
Mine is current, but similar.
Do you remember those paper snowflakes
you'd make as a kid by folding up the paper in half,
and then in half again, and so on?
- I do.
- I just made a whole bunch, and I'm hanging them up.
Why don't we make them anymore?
- That's so funny. Those came up recently.
What else? Okay, bear with me.
I read A Christmas Carol every year.
The Dickens novella. It's actually kinda heavy.
- It is, isn't it?
- Christmas coming at the end of the year,
it's a good time to try to remember what's important.
So, I read it outside, people watching,
because it's easy to forget that everyone
has their own story,
their own ghosts of the past, present, and future.
That probably sounds sappy.
- Well...
[sighs]
Actually, it doesn't, but I'm definitely
not going to tell you that.
Fine, I suppose you passed the test. For now.
It's getting late and I should turn in.
I still think your review was mean and unnecessary.
Good night. [laughs]
- Okay. Sleep well?
- Don't tell me how to sleep, Victorian robot.
[chuckles]
[upbeat Christmas music]
- Well, how's the catering going?
- Really well. I'm actually having
a lot of fun getting into it.
- So...
I noticed you kept that conversation going.
I was kinda hoping if I didn't say anything,
you'd get bored of rebelling against my advice.
- Well, maybe this isn't all about you.
And I don't see what it's hurting,
and no one knows it's me, so...
- Well, yeah, no one knows it's you
until they know it's you.
If I may also suggest,
maybe avoid holding your one-on-one meetings
with your attractive caterer in a crowded Christmas market.
- Really? - Yeah.
- Okay, attractive or not, there is no message.
It's... she's our dessert caterer.
- Yeah. - That is all.
[message pings]
[Peter]: Good morning, Winter.
Have you made any perfect paper snowflakes today?
- I did. I made a few for work.
- Oh, work. Dare we broach the subject?
[knock on door]
- Hey. - Hey.
- Wow, huh. - Uh, well, thanks for coming.
It's uh, much easier to concentrate here
without having to worry about the public or selfies, so...
- Oh, yeah, you've gotta watch out for those selfies.
[chuckles] So...
Wow, this is not bad.
- Yeah, yeah, I'm, I'm very lucky.
Um, here, let me take that.
Yeah. - Thank you.
- Oh, what's this? - Mm, it's a Kouign-Amann.
- A "King Armand" for the party.
- A "King Armand". But no, it's, it's for you.
You mentioned you didn't know what they were,
and now you will.
- Nice.
- Oh, my God, that's... that is really good.
- Right?
So, uh,
which kitchen do you want me to set up in?
- Oh. Oh, yeah, yeah. 'Kay. - And can I use a few pots?
- Of course, 'kay. 'Kay, follow me.
- Okay.
[jazzy Christmas music] - Wow, déjà vu.
These little uh, paper snowflakes keep coming up.
- I mean, probably 'cause they were
at the event space the other day.
- Oh no, it's from this other... never mind.
It's not important. - Okay.
Uh, so, this is our base flavor,
which is delicious on its own, but I've got three
additional flavors that you can add.
We've got crème de cassis, an amaretto,
and then, well, of course, I couldn't not do peppermint.
- Ooh. - Try them.
- Okay.
I know that look.
- No, you don't. - Yeah, how do you know
what look I know and don't know? - Just focus and answer the--
Why does it... Do you like it?
- Uh, this is great. Without a doubt,
let's include this for sure.
- Okay. Are you sure?
'Cause I, like, I really want this to be
meaningful and special.
- You don't have to overachieve on every last crumb.
- I do.
- I have to pick something up.
Do you wanna come with me so we can keep
brainstorming and stuff? I can call my driver.
- Why not.
[snow crunching under foot]
Oh, okay. Wow.
- Mm-hmm. - So...
How many sleds did you end up buying?
- Eight. - Eight.
- I might get more. Uh...
They're gonna be gifts and...
I was inspired recently, so... - And we're here to...?
- To test them out.
- Yeah, I think that might be
a little outside of my department.
- Oh, having fun in the snow
is outside of your department?
- No, I just...
it kinda feels like you might...
be procrastinating a little bit?
- But why can't we just call this
looking for inspiration like the Christmas market?
- You don't get to use my own logic against me.
- And why not? - That's not how this works.
- Okay.
- Um...
What do I do if I'm going straight for a tree?
- You just bail and roll into a ball.
- Okay.
[exhales]
All right, let's do it. You're up.
[grunts]
[upbeat instrumental "O Christmas Tree"]
Okay.
Woo-hoo! [laughing]
- Okay. - All right.
- Wait, wait, wait.
No, not, no! [laughing]
No! Wait, that's it!
- What? How did that happen?
Oh, I stopped.
Why are you still going?
[laughing]
- Is there a special someone that you bake for or...?
- Uh, you know what? There's uh,
there's a lot of special people that I actually,
I bake for. - Oh, nice. Good.
- Um...
I was seeing someone.
Until recently but it, it ended.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- No, you know what? It's probably for the best.
Work's been really all-consuming,
and...
you know, he kind of always saw my work
as an inconvenience or beside the point.
And maybe he's right, maybe I do need to shift things
or do something different.
- You just need to find a better fit.
- Okay. - Yeah.
- Like you. Whoa!
- Oh, what? Are you, are you okay?
- Um, yeah. No, I'm fine. Um, yeah, like,
like you and um, you and Marla.
You're uh, you're a perfect fit.
- Yeah. But uh...
Sure.
- Well, did it work? Do you feel inspired?
- No, I just actually really wanted to go sledding.
Yeah, I haven't gone since I was a kid,
so, thanks for humoring me.
- No problem. I guess, you know,
sometimes you just gotta do what you wanna do.
- Which should be a lot easier to do in life than it is.
Don't you think?
- Actually, you just kind of inspired me.
[laughing] Without thinking,
what is, um, a favorite treat growing up? Go.
- Wait, so this did work.
- Just answer the question.
- Okay, this definitely isn't sophisticated,
but my town's supermarket chain, Lenny's,
they had these, uh, these Christmas sugar cookies
with the jelly in the middle.
And it was supposedly cherry, but it wasn't actually cherry.
- Yeah. - You know what I mean?
Uh, yeah, they always made me feel like a kid at Christmas.
I don't even know if that store exists anymore.
But I wish I could find those.
[soft music]
- Okay, let me know as soon as you can.
- Hey. Hey, it is really cold in here.
What, what's going on with the lights?
- Bill says power's out in the building,
and there's little chance of it getting resolved today.
- What? - Probably not tomorrow either.
- Oh, well, that's great.
- Yeah. Maybe since this will free up
a little of your time, might be a good opportunity
to put yourself out there. You know,
take the next step with Theo.
- Oh. [chuckles]
Oh, with Theo. Nicole, I, I'm just
conversing for the sake of the patisserie.
- Oh.
- Okay, so say I indulge this, this idea of yours.
Uh, you do realize that Theo could be absolutely anybody.
He could be 105 years old.
He could be a basement dweller.
He could be a bot.
- I love how you talk yourself out of things.
Here's what I see happening.
You let yourself like someone but from this safe,
online distance.
But I think this could be something.
And you can and should take a leap.
- Fine.
I will keep this in mind for the future.
But right now, I think the most important thing
is just focusing on making this catering gig
100 percent. Right?
- Okay. - Okay.
[chuckles] Fine.
[gentle music]
[music builds]
[bright music]
- Well, thank goodness for the battery powered
Christmas lights.
I have something important to--
- I have an idea.
[chuckles] - You go.
- I have a plan to harness this Theo-Winter chatter
and keep momentum going while the power's out.
- Okay. - We are going to make
a lot of your special sugar cookies
and give them out for free.
We'll advertise on social media.
Free cookies as a vote,
pink boxes for Team Winter,
blue boxes for Team Theo.
We'll rent that commercial kitchen
and get them all boxed up and ready to go.
We'll open up the front of the shop,
a festive grab and go.
There'll be a tip jar for Christmas contributions
and we'll see what comes of it.
- Hmm. [sighs]
- I know you don't like social media.
- No, I, I actually think this is a really good idea.
- Great. I'll look for some kitchen space now.
- You know what? Why don't we just...
have a big baking party at my place?
- That could work.
Wait, what was your news?
- Oh. Uh, yeah,
I, I think I've decided that I...
I wanna give this Theo1800 IRL thing...
a shot.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
- What changed?
- Well, I was thinking about what you said and...
how maybe I do need to put myself out there,
and maybe you're right, maybe I'd miss out on something.
And...
honestly, I, I need a bit of a distraction.
- Good. Because I think
I may have a good plan for that, too.
[jazzy "Jingle Bells"]
- Excuse me. What are you doing?
- You still haven't slid into Theo's DMs?
- No. - Well, you're gonna need to.
It's time for Theo to give Empire another try.
And Winter has the inside scoop.
A secret pass phrase for a special treat
for limited customers.
But there will actually only be one.
- Oh. [laughs]
Okay. That's, that's how we're gonna reel him in.
What if he doesn't take the bait, though?
- Oh, he will. Because he likes you.
- Oh, stop it. - Because he likes you.
- Get, go away! [laughs]
- Ooh, what flavor?
- It is raspberry pistachio.
- Mm. So, what's the secret passcode?
- "Who doesn't root for the underdog?"
[laugh]
[indistinct spirited chatter]
- What do you think he'll look like?
Or what do you hope he'll look like?
- I don't know, I, I kinda hope he's that non-intimidating
handsome where one day, you just look over
and you're like, woo,
you actually have a beautiful smile.
- Why short yourself, Libby?
Oh, what if he's as handsome as Peter?
- Why do you keep bringing Peter into this?
- Um, as a handsome barometer.
- Mm-hmm. - Why are you being so touchy
about Peter?
- I'm not being touchy about Peter.
- Hi. - Hey.
- I'm supposed to ask about...
cheering for underdogs?
- Oh um, who doesn't root for the underdog?
- Sure. - Why would you ask that?
- I don't know. That's what the guy told me to say.
- Oh, okay.
- I'm just a Zip Eats driver.
If I could just get the thing. - Oh yeah, yeah.
I'm sorry, here you go.
Just uh, make sure you, you hold it upright
and don't... don't tip it.
- Okay.
- Don't, don't jostle it. - Okay.
- Upright.
- Sorry, Libby. [sighs]
We'll think of another strategy.
- I can't tell if Winter or Theo won,
but I think we might have surpassed our normal sales.
[laughs] - Nice.
[soft music]
[lock clicks]
[message pings]
[music brightens]
- He's coming.
Nicole. - Oh, my God.
- He's coming. He's coming.
- Who's coming?
[giggle]
- Okay.
Okay, so, so he loved the cake,
he like, really loved it. And he goes on and on about it
and how the pistachio flavor is just the right amount.
- Fast forward to the part where he's coming.
- Okay. So he wraps it up by saying
he owes Empire Patisserie a big apology
and he's gonna come in right away to apologize
to the baker E. L. Michaels, in person.
[gasps] - I have an idea.
- No, this is a bad idea. - It's sweet.
- Bad idea. Bad idea. - It'll be so perfect.
- No, trust me. - Okay, bad choice.
- You said you needed some makeup?
- Yes, yes. Because...
I'm gonna swear you to secrecy.
Chef Libby is Winter H.
And Theo1800 is on his way
to apologize to the chef for his negative review.
- It's a meet cute.
- Guys, guys, you realize this person could still be
an absolute weirdo. Total weirdo.
- I just have this gut feeling he's not.
But if he is, then you're just E. L. Michaels.
You thank him for his time
and then I guess Theo and Winter's conversation
can just naturally fizzle out.
- Yeah. - What? It's a good plan.
- Oh, no, no, yeah, it's a, it is a good plan.
I just, uh,
oh, I just realized that I might actually
be a little sad about the idea of the conversation
fizzling out.
- Okay, we better go be on lookout.
You stay here. And when the time comes,
you can make your entrance.
- Get out of here. Go.
Oh...
[upbeat music]
- Just keep an eye, okay?
[clears throat]
[tender music]
[gasps] Tell Libby not to come out.
Tell her to stay back.
- Uh, okay.
Libby!
- Hey.
- Stay here. Don't come out.
[footsteps run away]
[door clicks open]
- Hey. - Hey.
- Welcome to Empire Patisserie. We're actually, uh--
- I know you guys are closed but I was wondering
if I could speak to the head baker or pastry chef,
E. L. Michaels.
I brought this bottle of wine for them.
I have an apology.
- Are you Theo1800?
- Yes, I am, that's why the apology.
- Wow, uh what timing.
Our chef actually just left for the evening.
- Oh. - And is going on a vacation.
A cruise. A long cruise.
- Well, I guess do you think you could give them
this bottle of wine?
And tell them that Theo1800 is sorry?
- Of course.
This is really sweet. We will pass this on.
- Thank you. And I would really appreciate it
if you kept the fact that I'm Theo1800 on the down low.
It'd just be really bad for me if that got out.
- Absolutely.
- Awesome. Thank you.
- So wait, what else am I missing here?
- So, crazy, huh? You doing okay?
- Yeah. Sure.
- So, what are you gonna do? You gonna tell him?
- Hmm. Nope.
No, I mean, to what end?
Theo's Peter, and Peter is in a relationship
with a beautiful, force of nature movie star.
- He just doesn't seem like someone who's in a relationship.
- Yeah, I know, which is the ultimate red flag.
What is he even doing flirting with this online
Winter H character anyways?
Yeah, I think the best thing to do is just, you know,
pretend it never happened.
And focus on making the catering gig
as perfect as we can,
'cause our livelihoods depend on it.
- I know you had real feelings, Libby.
For Theo.
And maybe even Peter.
And I know that doesn't come often for you. I'm sorry.
- I'm really okay. Honestly.
I mean, when it comes down to it,
it was all make-believe, wasn't it?
Theo and Winter are... fiction.
It's kind of a relief, actually.
And uh, yeah, as far as Peter,
well, there is just no Peter in anything.
Um...
And I'm not someone who's gonna break up
somebody else's relationship.
Well, at least there's that.
[chuckles softly]
[message pings] [Peter]: Dear Winter,
just a follow-up. I went into Empire Patisserie
to apologize in person, but the chef had already left.
Anticlimactic, right?
I'm back on the main thread here so everyone can hear.
I know we stayed willfully ignorant of all the chatter,
but I hope the attention the patisserie received
helped more than it hurt.
Who knows, maybe in the end I'm a hero.
It's time I said it, you were right, Winter H.
I'd simply had a bad day and I stuck to my guns
because I was stubborn, but maybe also
I wanted to keep the conversation going.
Of course, the next move is to take the review down.
But then that ends our conversation,
so I thought I'd leave it up.
Just for now.
[oven dings]
[jazzy Christmas music]
[exhales heavily]
- So, a lot of these you've seen before,
but just so you could get a picture of the whole spread.
I've got the funnel cake, which I've made into a cupcake,
to make it more visually upscale.
And then your favorite, the kouign-amann.
And I gave it a bit of a... a Christmas touch.
- Can we call it the King Armand on the little cards?
- Sure, whatever you want.
And um, this is the surprise that I've been working on.
[tender music]
Yeah. There you go.
- The cookies. - Yep.
Yeah, I, I had some flown in so I could try and figure out
the jelly, and you're right, they're cherry,
but they're not cherry at all.
And I know you have the Parisian cake,
but maybe you could have two.
Or you could have mini cakes. Or, I don't know,
you could just take it home. [chuckles nervously]
And enjoy it yourself.
Because honestly, I...
I made it for you after your Lenny's story.
- It's perfect. And I, I know that I said lately
I've been far away from myself, you know, detached,
but I just want you to know that I don't feel that way now.
- Well, that's amazing. - Good.
- That means I've done my job
and that the desserts are a success.
- They are.
There's something that I've been keeping from you,
or from everyone, really,
and I feel like I-I have to get it out.
And I don't know why, but I feel like I need
to tell you specifically.
But uh, Marla and I --
- Wait, you don't need to tell me.
Don't worry about it.
I'm just the dessert caterer.
[chuckles]
[mutters] I know you've been
going through a patch of feeling detached
and maybe a little unmoored,
but the day after tomorrow, Marla's gonna be here
and you guys get to celebrate your brother's engagement,
and then you're gonna be off in New York at your premiere.
And I just...
I have a feeling it's just all gonna
click back into place for you.
Don't you think?
- You sound like my brother.
- Then I sound like someone who wants the best for you.
[sighs heavily]
- Dear Winter, if I'm honest with myself,
this conversation has been something special and...
Dear Winter, I just wanted to say that I wish
great things for you but...
[soft Christmas music]
- This is going to be an amazing spread.
But you're not going to attend?
What about your usual standard of presentation?
- No. No.
There was a moment earlier when I was talking with Peter.
I don't even actually know if he knew that...
it was a moment, but...
probably what he's going through has absolutely
nothing to do with me. I don't know.
But I-I started to picture myself at the engagement party.
I'd be smiling at this, this perfect,
Hollywood couple and uh,
at best, I just don't fit in.
And at worst, I might actually be...
[sniffles] ...somehow interfering.
But I did think of a silver lining to everything.
Because I won't be there, I can easily double
a lot of these recipes, and we can have
a special Christmas menu.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
- We can keep the café open late.
We can blast it on social media.
It can be like an impromptu neighborhood Christmas party.
- Yeah, exactly. - Yeah.
We can use the snowflake doilies too.
[chuckles softly]
You put too much love into this menu
for it to disappear with one event.
- I think I'm going to have Skip oversee the engagement party.
And I just realized I'm going to have to brief him
on the fact that he doesn't work for the Patisserie,
he works for L&N Confections,
so that will be fun. - Mmm.
The web of lies. - The web of lies.
- Uh-huh.
[guests laugh]
- We work in an industry where we control and shape
narratives with a specific aim in mind.
Usually financial. [guests laugh]
But when real life love comes along,
it's a force of nature.
It's undeniable,
which is what I would use to describe Diane.
[guests]: Aw...
- And as you all settle in, don't forget to grab
some of the confections provided by
my soon-to-be brother-in-law, Peter Holloway.
[guests]: Ooh! - You may have heard of him.
- But uh, just remember, it's our party.
It's not his, okay?
[guests laugh]
[upbeat music]
- Oh. - Sorry I'm late. That airport.
- Okay.
[indistinct chatter]
[instrumental "Joy to the World"]
[laughing, chattering]
There you go. - Okay, I admit
that when they were still casting the role of Charlie,
I may have nudged them in Peter's direction.
Besides his good looks,
he's incredibly talented.
- What can I say? She's got good taste.
[laughing]
[camera shutter clicking]
- Who are you looking for?
- Oh, I'm just checking out the dessert situation.
- Huh.
- Look what I got. - Oh.
- Hey? - How's things going with Marla?
- Oh, amazing. We are epically in love.
- Great. What's this? Your Paris cake?
- No. Try it.
- Hmm?
No way!
- Yes way. - The Lenny's cookies?
- Yep, yep. - Haha!
I'm eight years old again. - Yeah, good, good, good.
- Oh man. [laughing]
- I uh, I would highly recommend
finishing that off with the peppermint crumble.
- Hmm. Thanks for the tip.
Oh, yeah, that's the stuff. [laughing]
You know, I'm glad my brother chose your company.
It's funny it all worked out, because he interviewed
the wrong L&N by mistake.
- You know, actually, um, my boss, Chef Libby,
has this whole saying, uh,
sometimes mistakes can be good.
Sometimes they land you in realm of opportunities
that we never would have thought for ourselves.
- Well, in this case, it landed me
in a realm of deliciousness.
- Well, now you enjoy. - Cheers.
Wait a second.
That sounds familiar.
[exhales]
- So, I think we did a good job back there.
- Yeah.
- We're staying in the same building.
Do you think we should ride back together or can I go home early?
- Well, I wouldn't mind catching up a bit.
Uh, not like that, though. Uh...
I'm just having to lie
and all this pretending. How do you feel about it?
- It's been awful. - See?
You think so too, and you are so much
better at this stuff than I am.
- Yeah, but it doesn't mean I like it.
- I think, can we please stop doing it?
- Really? - Yeah, I mean if it hurts
the publicity of the movie or the premiere, so be it.
I mean, it's a good movie, we killed it,
so who cares, right? - We did kill it.
- Yeah. - Which is why
we got swept away. - Yeah, maybe a little bit.
[chuckles]
- Well, we should wait until after this party.
- Yeah. - For Gary's sake.
- Mm-hmm. Um,
and then maybe I'll release a statement.
- Yeah.
One more thing.
I think you shouldn't give up on Winter H... Theo!
- How did you know that?
- Well, I couldn't tell at first, but in later posts,
it started to all kind of sound familiar.
Putting two and two together, it was that day
that you were upset and wanting to say something.
- Oh. - Mm-hmm.
- Yeah. - Well, I think it's worth
noting that Winter H seemed to bring out something in you
that I wasn't quite able to.
- Well, unfortunately, Winter might be gone.
- I'm sorry.
- It's okay. Thanks, though. - But...
now maybe you know what's possible for next time.
- Yeah. Yeah. [laughing]
[sighs]
[gentle music]
- Um, I was looking for you. I kind of just figured out
something that you should probably know.
Wait, where's Marla?
- Uh, she left. Jet lag. Um, listen, I...
- You're quitting pretending to still be together, aren't you?
- Yeah. Um...
we don't have to talk about it right now.
- It's fine. It's actually a relief.
- Wait, what?
- Well, it brings me to what I had to say. Uh,
I have good reason to believe that Libby, your dessert gal,
is also Winter H.
So, this kid from her catering company
just used a quote about mistakes that Libby told him.
It was word for word what Winter said.
I don't know, might be a stretch but--
- No. No, it's not. That actually makes sense.
- Look, I don't know if it's the dancing with Diane
all night, or the cookie cake,
but... I am so, so sorry.
Uh, I was being myopic and pushy.
I really thought it was helping you.
- No, no, you're good, man. Like...
- You should go get the girl. Online. IRL. Both.
- You.
- Yeah, it's uh, it's me.
- You work for Libby, too.
- Yeah, I work with uh, Chef Libby.
- She's not coming tonight, is she.
- Uh... no. I'm-I'm sorry.
She sends you know, her apologies and uh, you know,
wishes the best for the couple and for you and Marla, so...
- Do you know where I could find her?
- I-I suppose she's at the patisserie.
- The patisserie. Like the Empire Patisserie?
- Uh. Um...
[stammering] - What?
Is... [blows out breath]
What?
* Maybe I should be okay *
* Let the year just fall away *
* Look at what I have, I let you go *
* But it's not Christmas *
* Without you here *
* It can't be Christmas *
* Without you near *
* It can't be Christmas *
[indistinct chatter]
- Um...
* Witout you here *
- Libby, uh, baker and pastry chef extraordinaire,
E. L. Michaels.
I missed you so much at my brother's
engagement party tonight, and I want you to know
that your magical, thoughtful, and delicious creations
were loved by all.
And I also want you to know that Marla and I,
we're not together, and we haven't been for weeks.
[patrons murmur] It-It was amicable,
everything's... fine.
We were together for publicity reasons.
And I don't wanna do that anymore, because of you.
I-I know that you're Winter H and I'm Theo1800.
[patrons murmuring] - See? Winter. Theo.
- Um... yeah. Uh...
- I know.
- You...
- Peter, what are you doing here?
- Uh, well when I was coming over here, I realized something.
That you didn't show up, which is very unlike you.
- Actually, you don't really know me well enough
to determine whether that's like me or not like me.
- I mean, I disagree, I think I do.
And I think you didn't show up tonight
because you like me, too.
- No, I mean, I can just tell
you're going through a lot and, and your life is, is very
complicated right now, and I just thought
it was best to Marla or no Marla to just keep my distance.
- Okay, what about Theo?
- Theo's fiction.
- No, Theo... is me, and Winter is you.
And our connection was so real that I fell for you, twice.
You made me feeling something, Libby,
for the first time in a long time.
And I know that sounds simple and silly, but it's not.
I haven't felt like that in a very long time.
And when I realized that, all I wanted to do
was come and find you and kiss you.
- Yeah, I, I think you're just mistaking me for Winter H. I...
I totally get. I mean, it's a safe fantasy,
like Theo was for me. And I mean,
if you'd had real feelings for me,
I feel like you probably would have told me sooner.
- Okay, you did this the other day
when you were packing up and when you were telling me
what my feelings were and what they weren't.
What do you feel?
- I feel like it's been a very short time
and we don't know each other very well.
- I feel like we were playing it safe on Knives and Spoons,
both of us, and this is me not playing it safe anymore.
Because I don't wanna wonder what it might have been like.
And I want you.
- That, that's incredibly bold and it's sweeping and romantic,
thank you, truly. Uh...
But Peter, I'm really sorry to say this, the truth is,
it's what the internet says and this was all
just a-a massive publicity stunt.
- I don't believe you. - It is.
And I didn't tell you when I found out that you
were Theo in real life, because I was just trying
to keep the prestigious catering job.
You have to understand, we're in completely
different worlds. - Okay, okay.
- You can go out the back door if you want.
They're all watching out there.
- No, that's fine.
[door creaks open]
- "And owner and pastry chef E. L. Michaels, in parentheses
Libby Michaels, brings us artful patisserie,
reverent to tradition but with a twist and full of love.
Take, for example the perfectly flaky pastry
that tasted like Christmas joy was tucked in its layers.
Or the red-jeweled sugar cookie with its unique jelly center.
The most surprising of all.
Yes, there has been viral chatter about the restaurant,
but Michaels' artful cuisine will speak for itself
for years to come."
Amid all the noise,
The Times gave us a glowing review.
And it's your dream review. We have to print and frame this.
- Well, yeah. It's amazing. [chuckles]
And you know this review is for you too, right?
- I know.
And while I know it might be a fool's errand,
I forwarded you more interview queries.
Might be a good time to change the narrative.
Merry Christmas Eve.
- Merry Christmas Eve.
- Why aren't you more excited?
- I am. I'm really excited.
[scoffs] I-I am. I'm just really tired.
- Well, you better come over tomorrow for Christmas breakfast
and my inferior biscuits and gravy.
[laughing] - Nicole, I'm okay.
I, I actually am. I'm fine.
- Libby, it's not about you.
It's about me. This is selfish.
I know, we spend a million hours working together,
but I miss our normal, everyday friendship.
I need you to laugh at my stupid jokes.
[laughing]
Your attendance is required.
- Oh, is it? Oh, okay.
I shall be there.
Now, really, I love you. Thank you.
- Love you.
- I've been tempted to say our original approach was wrong,
but I mean, there's no way
we could have strategized for this.
- Yeah. - Public confession
to being Theo1800, the bold and mysterious absence
from the movie premiere.
Like, it is the most bizarre publicity cocktail.
- Yep. - All paths don't lead to love.
- Yeah, well, you can say that again.
- And somehow, the public adores you even more
for being sweet on a mere mortal,
instead of Marla Benson.
[stammers] Like, you might be invincible.
Look, I, I'm sorry, Peter. If I'm being honest,
I feel like Theo and Winter had a connection.
I know this 'cause it was giving me heartburn constantly.
Just give it a bit of time.
[sighs]
I don't know if this is the right time to tell you this,
but um, starting the first of the year,
I'm gonna be booked for a couple weeks.
Hey, don't worry, I'm not dropping you,
I'm just, I'm just expanding.
- Well, I lucked out with this publicity,
so I think I'm gonna use it to take things
in a different direction this time.
- Huh. - So, I'm gonna be passing
on a lot of stuff that you don't want me to.
[exhales] - Yeah, I can tell.
The heartburn's returning already.
[laughing] But the truth is,
I mean, we both know you barely need me.
- I don't. But I do.
- So now, you've become a little bit of a star chef,
but you're known for not playing the social media game.
Is that intentional on your part?
- Uh yeah, it... it is.
I, ideally, would like my work to speak for itself,
but I, I also understand that people have to find you.
So, I'm... I'm working on it.
- You don't want to end up intentionally hiding.
- Right.
- Well, you may have predicted we couldn't not ask you
about the dreamy Peter Holloway.
The internet has been going bonkers with the idea
that all of this could have been
the smartest publicity stunt ever.
Do you have any response to this?
- I do, yes. No, it wasn't a publicity stunt.
That's not how I want to earn my notoriety.
I want to let all those involved know that...
that wasn't what it was, at all.
Even if I, I might have said that it was.
- Hmm. What was it like working as a caterer for Peter Holloway?
- It was great. It was wonderful. We...
It was really fun coming up with ideas.
We even went sledding at one point.
- And he confessed to having feelings for you.
The world was flabbergasted that you would actually
turn this heartthrob down, especially after
such a heartfelt confession.
Is he not your type or something? You felt nothing?
- No, it's not... it's not that I felt nothing. I...
I really cared about him and he's, he's wonderful.
But...
how likely is it to work? We're in two very
different universes, and he's on the rebound,
and he's likely already recovered.
[chuckles nervously] - So you talked yourself
out of it so you would never have to know.
This reminds me about what we were talking about
here up top.
Didn't you ever wonder what it would have been like
to just go for it?
To be Peter Holloway's girlfriend, you know?
Hold his hand while you're walking down the street.
- Yeah, see this is why I don't like interviews.
[chuckles] - Yet, if I may remind you,
you called me two hours ago to meet now, on Christmas Eve.
You're trying to reach somebody urgently.
"Michaels chose not to answer."
Okay, last question.
Someone spotted Peter, so he's still in town.
If you saw him down the street,
what would you want to say to him?
[tender music]
- Wait, he's still in town?
- Mm-hmm.
- Uh, can we pick this up another time?
[music intensifies]
- Oh. - Oh, excuse me.
[breathing heavily]
- Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey, hey.
What are you... What are you doing?
[panting]
- Well, this is, um...
a place where you, you do the things you wanna do.
And I thought it'd be a good place to start.
And I'm, I'm so glad that you're here.
I am so sorry...
that I lied to you. And...
and that I didn't come clean when I found out you were Theo.
It was never a ploy. It was really, really real,
and it's been real longer than I'd probably like to admit.
I'm just really good at talking myself out of things.
- I'm... so sorry.
- That's a lot. Um...
- Yeah.
- I did think about what happened.
And I missed you.
[tearfully]: I really missed you too.
- So? - Where do we start?
- I think you owe me a Christmas Eve date.
- Oh, do I? [laughs]
- You do. Mm-hmm.
- Okay.
And maybe since you're in this place where...
you do things that you really wanna do.
- Mm-hmm.
- There's some things you might want to...
- There is.
[instrumental "Joy to the World"]
[light music]
Subtitling: difuze