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* I'm the next big thing *
* I don't even gotta flex *
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* All eyes on me *
There's a spot on this glass. Straighten your tie.
Who's been eating chips?!
People, I need you at your tip-top shape.
It is not every day we get a jeweler of this caliber
showcasing in our room.
Oh, she's here. Stand up straight.
I am honored, thrilled, and so proud
to introduce you to one of the most sought-after jewelers in,
well, anywhere, the inimitable Miss Abby Vandenbrink.
Abby? Abby?
- Woman: Abby! - (gasping)
- Abby! - What? What?
I have been calling your name.
My gosh, I fell asleep!
Okay, Nadia needs that watch like ASAP.
The Duchess is here to pick it out.
I was up all night, making these.
Ooh.
Finally saved up enough for the gems.
You have to show Nadia. She's in a, uh,
marginally average mood today,
and that's really the best that we can ask for.
You are going to show her what you can do beyond repairs.
All right?
- Okay, yeah. - Yeah.
- I'm going. - Okay, you're going.
- I'm going. I'm doing this. - You're doing this.
- I'm going. - Now, go!
Just exquisite work.
Thank you. May I?
Good as new.
Lovely earrings, darling.
Oh, thank you. I made them, actually.
Huh.
Thank you.
Your grace.
Abby, when someone compliments your jewelry,
you say you got it here...
even if it's from the mall.
Right.
Um, actually, I was wondering, if you have time,
I'd love to show you some of my other designs.
(sighing) Fine,
but only because Rosie won't stop talking about you.
And if I didn't value her opinion,
she wouldn't be my assistant anymore.
Hmm.
So--
Nope. Focusing.
Hmm...
I see.
Your designs are lovely,
but I can't put sketches in a display case.
No, of course. I was just-- I mean,
I was hoping that, maybe, if you liked something,
that you might want to commission it
and I could take some time and and fabricate it.
Oh, Abby, that's not the way any of this works.
Well, you've done it for others in the past.
Those designers already had a body of work to display.
You have one pair of earrings and a dozen unrealized designs.
Unrealized for now.
You must make a name for yourself first,
and then we'll display your designs
and your beautiful jewelry.
Not the other way around. We are Davidsons.
But good job on the Duchess' watch.
Keep it up.
How do you make a name for yourself
if no one will give you a chance?
Oh, well, I'm glad you asked.
It is a matter of buzz.
Now, you see, nobody wants you until everybody wants you.
Trust me, I have been working for Nadia for a very long time
and this is the way you get her to take notice.
You make it sound so easy.
All you have to do is jump right in.
You know, take some of your PTO days
and make some of those sketches a reality.
Yeah, because diamonds and emeralds
are so accessible with my salary.
Right.
You couldn't use, like, the cheaper stuff?
Okay.
I'd be disowned in my family.
Besides, I want to make jewelry that makes a statement.
Ah, yes, like, "Look how rich I am.
"Don't you wish you were me?"
Okay, I was thinking more like
classy, demure, mindful.
Mindful. Mm-hmm, yes.
- (phone ringing) - Oh, hang on.
(phone ringing)
It's Belgium.
- Your grandpa? - (phone ringing)
Not his number.
Hello?
Abby Vandenbrink?
This is Jules Peeters from Belfius Bank of Antwerp.
Hi. How can I help you?
Jules: We are having an issue
with your grandfather's shop, and your name
was added to the trust after your grandmother passed.
It was?
The shop has been in arrears for several months.
We were hoping you could help to remedy the situation,
so we wouldn't have to take any...
drastic action.
Yes, my grandmother used to handle the finances,
so I'm sure something just fell through the cracks.
Yes, that is what we believe, as well.
Okay, well, thank you for calling,
and I will take care of it, Mr. Peeters.
(phone beeping)
He always said he would leave the shop to me,
but I thought it was just talk.
I mean, he knows how you feel about it.
He taught me everything I know.
I hope it's okay.
He seems fine when we talk.
He says he's just preparing for the Antwerp Diamond Festival.
Obviously, there's something he's not telling me.
Do you think he's struggling without your grandma?
I mean, it hasn't even been a year yet.
You know what? I think I am going to take those PTO days
and go and check on him.
I mean, it's not like I'm doing anything here
for Valentine's Day.
I told you not to leave Keith until after Valentine's Day.
(laughing) I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
I think this trip is a great idea.
You know, maybe he'll have some gems hanging around
that he can spare, you know?
Find some inspiration there. What are we creating?
- Buzz. - That's right.
- Buzz. - That's what I'm talking about.
(music playing)
* You know we got the good life *
* You know we got the good, you know we got the good *
* Got the good life *
* Got it going through the night *
* Colors glowing in my eyes *
* We can fly into the sky *
* Ay-ay-ay-ay *
* I think we should take a flight *
* Seeing all the pretty sights *
* You and me we go in style *
* Ay-ay-ay-ay *
* It's amazing, living in a daydream *
* All the colors like you've never seen *
* You know we got the good life *
* Living all the highlights *
* Colors, they're looking so bright *
* You know we got the good life *
Wow.
(muttering in Flemish)
(sighing, speaking Flemish)
(knocking)
(speaking Flemish)
Oh, sorry. (speaking halting Flemish)
You speak English?
Yes.
They're closed.
Um, I can-- I can fix that for you.
Let's see.
Oh, yeah.
The prongs aren't broken; they're just loose. Let's see.
What are you doing?
The store wasn't open and she was concerned, so...
Five minutes, we open.
Actually, you know what? Can you hold this?
By all means.
You know, diamonds can be heirlooms
and I, you know--
I get why she's concerned when you lose them.
You're American?
Yeah. Yes, but I, um...
I spent a lot of time here as a child.
What, in Antwerp or the diamond district?
Both, my family's from here. This place has sure changed.
Yeah, well, we just renovated it
with the latest technology and electronic displays.
And I thought the appeal of this neighborhood
was the old-world charm.
Well, I guess the thought is
we must attract the interest of the next generation.
Of course, but I mean, it's a little much.
Woman: You're very good, huh?
Oh, thank you.
- Woman: Oh, my... - Abby: It's a passion.
Okay.
There you go. Good as new.
Voila.
Merci.
My pleasure. It's a beautiful ring.
Where do I find you?
Oh, um, Vandenbrink's, around the corner.
You've got skills.
Must be the spirit of the neighborhood, I guess.
So, it is.
Thank you.
Have a good day.
Yeah, you, too.
What was that?
I'm afraid we just lost Mrs. Reynaert as a customer.
That's unfortunate.
Vandenbrink's strikes again.
(speaking indistinctly)
Bompa.
Abbytje. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?
Surprise.
Wonderful surprise for me.
The bank didn't need to bother you.
You have a job and a life in the States.
And I... I'm fine.
Bompa, it's not fine.
You can tell me the truth.
You know how much I love this place.
I'm... I'm here to help you.
One day she wasn't well...
And the next week,
she was... gone.
She did everything for me.
I know.
She was the best part of me.
Hmm. You were the best part of each other.
I tried to get your mother interested in this--
in this life here.
Yeah, she had to marry a Navy man and move to the States.
At least you have a love for it.
You guys built something incredible together.
One day, it will be yours.
But it's yours now, so I want to help you preserve it.
Yeah.
I suppose it's a bit of a backlog.
Um. Yeah, what happened to Luca?
Is he not working for you anymore?
He was too much money.
I'm perfectly capable.
Okay, but you're only one person.
You need some help in the shop.
I don't know how I let it come to this point.
Okay, so, we're going to finish the repairs and get you current,
and then you can get back to doing what you do best,
designing.
Okay,
I have two weeks. We're gonna get it all done.
And the fact that my visit coincides with the festival
is just an added bonus.
I don't think I've attended since I was in middle school.
It hasn't changed much.
Well, the neighborhood sure has.
Remy and Sons did a complete overhaul of their shop.
It's like the old world charm, gone.
We don't need gimmicks like Peter Remy.
And I know that your piece for the competition
is going to pull out a win, and with that prize money,
we're going to get settled up with the bank,
and show Peter Remy what's what.
What?
I'm not entering.
It's too much.
Trying to keep up has taken all my attention.
This is all repairs.
Designing is what you love.
I could say the same about you.
Are you designing your custom pieces?
I'm trying.
But you instilled in me a very expensive aesthetic.
Sometimes, repair must pay the bills.
I used to love watching you compete and win,
year after year.
It's one of the greatest joys of my childhood.
I try again next year, when there is more time.
After all, my Abbytje is here to save the day.
- Hmm? - Yeah.
Oh, I forgot the lobster clasps for the necklace.
Fine, I'm here to help.
I will go to the mart and get some.
Are you sure?
The mart is not always so welcoming to outsiders.
Bompa, come on, I've been there a dozen times.
How hard can it be?
Oh. (speaking Flemish)
Excuse me?
Welcome.
(speaking Flemish)
Okay. Ik ben Abby Vandenbrink.
From Vandenbrink Jewelers?
Jewelry Mart here is a bit different than in the States.
It's okay. (speaking Flemish)
- Ja. - Okay.
He says you can come in,
but only with me.
Excellent.
Thank you.
Thank you for this.
So, do you do that often?
What? Do what?
Swoop in on a damsel in distress,
get to be the hero, save the day.
Oh, if I was trying to be a hero, I would go much bigger
than lobster clasp. Clasps.
Fair.
You were quite the hero yourself earlier on the street corner,
with your skills of an expert.
Mm. All in a day's work.
But thank you for this. I do appreciate it.
Yeah, you better, after stealing away one of our customers.
What do you mean?
I guess we weren't introduced properly earlier.
I'm Alexander Remy.
You're the "and Sons" part of the name.
I am, and from the moment you said "Vandenbrink",
I knew you were a force to be reckoned with.
I wasn't trying to poach anyone.
She needed help and you weren't open.
That's what superheroes do.
We met once, when I was like 12.
I was here for the competition.
It was between your dad and my Bompa
and we were cheering them on.
That was you.
You had quite the spirit back then.
Mm. I still do.
Vandenbrink's take great pride in our work.
As do we Remys.
And, as I recall...
I believe we took the victory...
that year, and the year before,
and the year before, and the year before.
This year will be no different.
Don't underestimate us.
Okay, we might not be cutting-edge,
but our work speaks for itself.
And yet, we'll still emerge victorious next week.
You seem pretty sure of yourself.
Well, I understood that
your grandfather is sitting out of the competition this year.
No.
So, the rumors aren't true?
No.
Well, he's not entered the competition yet, so...
That's because he's not competing.
I am.
I'm a Vandenbrink,
I'm a designer, and so, here I am.
Represent.
Wow.
This contest is taking an interesting turn.
Yeah, I'd say so.
- You better get going. - Really?
Because the registration is closing tonight.
Yeah, that's where I was headed.
Of course, you were.
Good luck to you, mister.
Yeah, good luck to you, uh, Vandenbrink.
Laurent: I think it's a wonderful idea.
It's like my mind had a mouth of its own.
I just...
It just blurted it out before I could stop it.
It was fate.
No, no, Bompa, it's not.
I've never done anything like this before.
So, there's that.
Every journey has a first step.
You're more than capable of not only entering, but winning.
I taught you well. I know your talent.
And with this, your boss will know, too.
I wish I had your confidence.
I help as much as I can.
You have eight days and you will be ready.
Yeah.
I'll be ready.
(phone ringing)
Rosie.
Rosie: Hey, I got your text.
Sorry I couldn't call before my lunch break.
I can't believe you entered the competition.
Okay, tell me everything, so I can relay it to Nadia.
She watches it religiously on the trades.
Okay, so, there's this guy.
Ooh, okay, guy, do tell.
No, it's not that kind of guy.
That's too bad.
I mean, how amazing would it be
if you ran off to Europe and fell in love?
Okay, slow your roll, Rosie.
He's a jeweler. It's Remy and Sons.
There's this kind of rivalry
between his Dad and my grandfather.
They ping-pong back and forth.
One year my Bompa will win,
and then the next year, Remy and Sons.
Oh, okay, hold up. "And Sons" is cute.
His name is Alexander and yes, he's not terrible looking,
but I felt like he was kind of baiting me
and I couldn't let him get away with it.
So, now, I am going to humiliate myself
in front of the entire Antwerp Diamond District.
Uh-uh, uh-uh, no.
No, you are not.
You are going to do amazing.
Aah! Maddie is going to flip when she hears this.
This is exactly what she wants to hear.
I hope so. Thanks, Rosie.
Any time. Keep me posted on your progress.
I will.
Ooh! Ooh! Wait!
And if "and Sons", you know, asks you out for, like,
a coffee or something, say yes.
It's almost Valentine's Day.
Okay, yes. Bye.
(phone beeping)
Hello. (speaking Flemish)
...fritter, please.
Oh, the pronunciation.
Een frituur.
Yeah, I think I found your greatest skill.
What? I only have one?
I don't know.
But you're real good at sneaking up on people.
(American accent:) Oh, if the bad guys don't see you coming,
they can't run.
Wait. Am I the bad guy in this scenario?
(regular voice:) Absolutely not.
So, you're working on your designs?
I'll never tell. You're not getting my secrets.
I wouldn't dare ask.
But I thought you're new to this,
so maybe I could give you some tips.
Well, why would my competition want to help me?
I'm not your competition. My Dad is.
Right, well, maybe you're fishing for information for him.
Okay, well, maybe it's not about the contest at all.
Maybe I just find you intriguing
and I want to know more about you.
Oh.
An American who likes fries with mayo.
The plot thickens.
The people in the States don't get it,
but I was trained right by my grandparents.
It really is the only way to do it.
So, your parents, aren't they in the diamond business?
My Dad was a Navy man,
and he met my Mom here while he was stationed,
and now he's the captain of a cruise ship,
and she's the pastry chef on board.
I moved around a lot when I was a kid, the military way.
But you came here to visit.
It's my favorite place in the world.
Watching my grandparents create something exquisite
out of nothing but imagination.
It's a beautiful thought, but it's a slow process.
Because we live in the instant gratification generation,
people want things now;
they don't want to wait months for fabrication,
And I find that so sad.
Prefabricated can still be beautiful.
Like my dad says, we have to do whatever it takes to stay alive
in this shrinking marketplace.
But it's missing passion, the craftsmanship,
the attention to detail.
Also missing the profits.
It's never been about the money for me.
It's just-- it's about the love of it.
Can we not have both?
Fashion, beauty, everything a heart could possibly desire.
Well, I guess this competition's
the first step towards finding out.
Oh, there's a check on the desk for you to sign.
I'm gonna make the first payment to the bank today.
Will you come with me
to the festival opening today?
It's the first meeting of the contestants and...
(sighing)
...I feel a bit like a fish out of water here.
Of course.
You're representing Vandenbrink's.
I happily make a showing.
Thank you, Bompa.
Um, what do you know about Alexander Remy?
Nice boy, nothing like his father.
Not a creative bone in his body.
Ah, but his business sense is fantastic.
He knows how to create buzz.
But there are other ways,
like this competition.
It's the equivalent of a Michelin star for jewelers.
Not to mention the 100,000 euro prize.
Yes, which would get us squared up with the bank
and some leftover.
Home is where the heart is,
that's the theme for this year.
And what are you thinking?
I don't even know.
Moving around so much, when Dad was on active duty,
no place ever really felt like home to me.
Sometimes, home is like a feeling.
For me, it was your grandmother.
Wherever she was, that was home.
You must dig deep, Abbytje,
and find out...
what home means to you.
This is exactly like I remember it.
I was so mad when Mom and Dad
wouldn't let me miss school for this every year.
I always wished it took place in the summer.
We should do this every year.
My job isn't so generous with time off.
It took me three years to accrue enough days for this visit.
After competition,
your boss will be begging you to design for her.
You always know just the right thing to say.
I'm so happy to be here with you.
I'd say we're all happy you're here.
- Peter. - Peter: Laurent.
I understand you're giving your slot to the next generation.
It is risky utilizing an amateur, I'll give you that.
Dad...
The next generation just might surprise you.
I doubt that very much,
but I can't wait to see.
She makes original pieces, beautiful ones.
None of these 3D, mass-produced,
and knock-off design you sell.
Bompa...
We may sell those things,
but we do not cheat
with anything mass-produced for a competition.
An original piece is being fabricated
in our shop as we speak.
Is that so?
It is, by my son, in fact.
I'm sorry. What?
Like you have done, Alexander is following
in my very capable footsteps.
He's the future of Remy and Sons, you know.
But you're the one who's already been entered
in the competition.
Ah, Remy and Sons is entered,
and Alexander is a part of that team.
Yeah, we were going to announce that... today.
It was suppose d to be a surprise, so...
surprise.
Well, then... good luck to us all.
Indeed.
Let's go.
What was that?
Remember,
any press is good press and we need to stay relevant.
And now, the rivalry lives on with the next generation.
I get all that,
but we don't need to take such extreme measures.
I'm not my brother, Dad.
Just be careful with that girl.
This is your future,
so don't let her get in your head.
You remember what happened the last time.
Welcome.
The competition takes place in two stages.
The sketch phase accounts for 25% of the score.
The execution phase will receive the other 75%.
Please remember that all entries must be anonymous.
You may pick up your official envelope
here at the front table.
Please have your sketches in by Thursday at 9 a.m.
And we hope to see you all here that night
for the Carats and Cupids dance.
Now, go design,
make our community proud.
(audience applauding)
(phone ringing)
- Hello? - Miss Vandenbrink,
This is Jules Peeters again from Belfius Bank of Antwerp.
Oh, hi, Mr. Peeters. I'm actually in Antwerp.
Thank you for sending the first payment,
but we really do need to get this account current
as soon as possible.
Yes, we have a couple more billings coming in
and I should be able to get you a check in the next few weeks.
Weeks? Miss Vandenbrink, this account,
it's five months past due.
Oh, um... I'm sorry.
I haven't had a chance
to go through my grandfather's paperwork yet.
I didn't-- I didn't know it was that serious.
Okay, I promise to, uh--
I promise get this sorted. I will, um...
I just-- I just need a little bit more time.
I'll try, but I can only hold off for so long.
Thank you. Yes, I understand, and I appreciate the help.
(phone beeping)
(music playing)
Hey, looks like we had the same idea.
Look who's doing the sneaking up.
(chuckling)
I figured turnabout was fair play.
For the competition?
Yeah.
Just seem to be having a bit of a block.
Happens to the best of us. Keep going. You'll push through.
My father has been begging me
to takeover the competition from him.
But design is just not my strong suit, as they say.
Can I ask you something?
Of course.
It's "Remy and Sons", but you're only one son.
Why the plural?
There were three of us,
Mathias, my father, and I.
It's always been his dream to work alongside his sons,
as he did with his father.
I'm-- I'm so sorry. Did Mathias...?
Oh, no. He's alive and well.
He just fell in love with a woman, moved to Cleveland,
leaving a Matthias-shaped hole in my father's heart.
Well, I'm glad he's okay at least.
Okay? Matthias is perfect.
He just didn't go into the business,
wasting his talent on selling insurances.
And now, Father is...
trying everything he can to put me into his shoes,
mold me into a man that I can never be.
Well, according to my grandfather,
it's all thanks to you that the business is thriving,
and that's no small feat, trust me.
Well, my father doesn't see it that way.
He says I've got the mind for business,
but creative skills of a six-year-old.
Hey, I know some pretty talented six-year-olds,
so don't sell yourself short.
I just don't operate that way.
I just... can sell and market a piece, but...
We all have our strengths.
And this is clearly not it.
Here's an unorthodox thought.
Vandenbrink's is struggling. Bank's on our backs.
It's hard to compete in online stores.
But I have a proposition.
You help me whip Vandenbrink's into shape,
and I will help you get in touch with your creative side,
which I know is there; it's just lying dormant.
Our families can never know.
Well, I'm sure that my grandfather would not be pleased
if I was speaking to a Remy.
He's very proud.
Okay. Well, I can keep a secret.
What a coincidence. So can I.
Okay, then, let's do it.
Let's do it.
How is your design going?
Oh, I've been working on it all day.
I'm just taking a little break.
The creative juices weren't exactly flowing.
Plus, this backlog is just staring me down.
Oh, um,
I made another payment to the bank
because another billing came in.
So much pressure off, thanks to your help.
I could maybe begin making original pieces again.
- (phone chiming) - Hmm?
If you could get the word out.
My customers only think of me
for repairs lately.
I'm working on outreach.
I'm coming up with a marketing plan
to bring more business in here.
I cannot wait to hear it.
We can discuss it over an early dinner.
Um, I was gonna-- um,
I was gonna go out for dinner, actually,
for, um, inspiration for the competition.
My sketches are due soon.
But I made made pâté gaumais.
My first time cooking without Bomma.
It was always your favorite.
Still is.
You two used to make it together
while I played with that uncut diamond over there...
which I used to think was rock salt.
I can't believe you still haven't cut it.
It was the first stone Bomma and I acquired together
when we opened the shop,
and we called it our good luck charm.
We wanted to keep it intact.
So, you let a six-year-old play with it?
(chuckling) Not that it could break.
And it made you happy.
It's so complex, isn't it?
The way a diamond is formed, it's-- it's from this rock.
It becomes brilliant.
I like to think we all experience this,
a similar evolution.
Well, being with you makes me happy,
and I would love nothing more
than to have 'pate gaumais' with you.
'Pâté gaumais'.
- Okay. - (chuckling)
I'm just going to finish this up and I'll be right over.
Laurent: Okay.
(music playing)
Oh. Hi.
Hi. Hope I didn't keep you waiting.
Uh, no.
I was just taking in the beauty of this place.
Me too.
This is actually where my grandparents got engaged.
It's a very popular site
for romance and engagements.
Their love was... kind of forbidden.
- Is that so? - Mm-hmm.
I always used to make them tell me the story.
You can't leave me hanging here.
Okay, so, she came from money
and her parents did not approve of him.
He was an aspiring jeweler and an apprentice
for a diamond cutter. So, for a year,
they would sneak away and meet here.
Kind of what we're doing right now,
without all the real romance
and engagements and stuff.
No, without all that... stuff.
So, on the night that they got engaged,
she was actually running away,
and her parents followed her here,
and they saw him propose.
And seeing the love in their eyes,
they had no choice but to give their blessing.
That's so beautiful.
Mm-hmm.
Must have been hard for him to lose her.
Yeah. Yeah.
He says, when you find that person, that's home.
The theme of the contest,
"home is where the heart is", it's a little vague,
if I'm being honest.
I never had a real home growing up, you know?
At least no place I ever felt connected to.
What does home mean to you?
Remy and Sons.
Even though I can never be what it needs me to be,
it will always be that for me.
I get that.
Vandenbrink's felt more like home
than any house I ever lived in.
Maybe your grandfather is right,
home is a who, not a where.
So, um...
I have something for you.
Okay. (chuckling)
Great.
Oh, my gosh, did you do all this in one day?
A couple hours, actually.
A few pictures are placeholders,
and as soon as you give me the photos of the original pieces,
I can adjust them.
This is incredible.
I've been wanting to make a website for him,
but he's so old school.
Thank you for this.
Tomorrow,
the flower market, noon--
we are going to find your hidden talent.
Hmm.
(music playing)
(phone chiming)
Okay, I give. What are we doing here
and what does this place have to do with jewelry design?
What inspires you, Alexander?
Progress, seeing the fruits of our labor,
positive balance sheets.
All good things. It's not exactly what I had in mind.
With creativity, you can't force it.
So, what inspires you?
This! Nature.
Beauty is so unique.
Every petal is different,
like when you hold a magnifying glass against a snowflake.
Here.
Look beyond the surface.
What do you see?
It's like there's a whole other universe
that's not visible to the naked eye.
Now, look at these.
Magnified.
The detail is impeccable,
although not obvious from afar.
That's where I like to find my creativity,
in looking beyond the obvious.
I'm going to consider that tonight, dig deeper.
Seeing as our sketches are due in the morning,
I think you should do the same.
Look beneath the surface of Vandenbrink's,
just put it under a microscope and see what it means to you.
Hm.
You know that tomorrow night is the Carats and Cupids dance.
Yes, it is.
Were you planning on going?
I don't know. I don't have a dance partner.
I might know someone. He has quite the moves.
Matthias?
No. Matthias couldn't quite do this.
May I have this dance, Mevrouw?
I would, but...
But what?
We're not supposed to be seen together in public, remember?
Right. I think I'm starting to hate that part.
(music playing)
(exhaling sharply)
(music playing)
Contest official: Be sure that your sketch is submitted
in an unmarked official contest envelope.
You finished?
I followed your advice: look beneath the surface.
And are you happy with your design?
Not unhappy.
Not sure how I'm going to execute it,
but I do like the idea behind it.
I'm sure it'll be great.
Oh, I sent you some more pictures
of Bompa's designs for the website.
Yeah, yeah. I'll block them in later tonight.
Hey, I have something to show you.
Can you meet me at Grote Markt in an hour?
Yeah, I think I can make that happen. Thank you.
You have some nerve, Mr. Remy.
Do you want to make a wager about this?
Absolutely not.
I couldn't live with myself
taking away your hard-earned money that way.
Oh, that's what someone says
when they know they're going to lose.
(Alexander chuckling)
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Do not mistake my confidence
for false bravado, Miss Vandenbrink.
I'm quite sure of my chances here.
Unlike some contestants, we've been here before.
We prove ourselves with our work,
and it's in the bag, as they say.
See you on the 14th,
Miss Vandenbrink.
I look forward to it.
If I had known we were coming here,
I would have skipped breakfast.
In Antwerp, there's always room for more.
So, why am I here?
How is this going to help me with my family's shop?
Allow me to explain.
You see those two waffle shops?
Mm-hmm.
They sell the exact same product.
I imagine the taste is similar, prices are competitive.
What do you notice?
Um, well, this one has a long line
and this one is a ghost town.
And why do you think that is?
Soggy waffles, runny whipped cream,
bad score from the health inspector.
As you would say...
look closer.
Abby: Well, the waffles in that window look more appealing.
That's because they clean the glass cases
every 20 minutes, so no fingerprints.
Well, and the pictures of the waffles
is making me hungry.
The ivy is nice and the flowers.
Exactly. You gotta make your customers salivate, you know?
Your product can't speak for itself
if your customers don't know it exists.
Okay, so I see what you're saying,
but isn't it enough to have existed for half a century?
Reputation is important, but you still
gotta distinguish yourself from the competition.
Aren't you the competition?
No, Abby.
No matter how this contest is going to turn out,
Remy and Sons will never be able to do what Vandenbrink's does.
Well, I don't know if I agree with that.
I mean, my grandfather is exceptional at what he does,
but...
Oh, I wasn't talking about your grandfather.
Can't you see?
You are the future of Vandenbrink's.
(music playing)
Bompa?
You okay?
Yeah, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.
I just ran up the stairs too quickly.
I'm not as spry as I used to be.
(chuckling)
Ah, yes, what you did to the window, it worked.
I just sold the emerald broach.
Bompa, that's wonderful.
And the woman is here from France
and she asked me to bring some designs to her hotel
after her lunch meeting, and she wants to commission
a graduation gift for her granddaughter.
Yes!
Had I known that you'd have such an impact,
I'd have called you earlier.
I am here to help.
So, does this mean that you are not going to the dance tonight?
Perhaps,
if my meeting doesn't go late,
I make an appearance. But you go.
Yeah.
Um, I, uh...
need to find my old sketches.
Oh, yes.
Ooh, we're cooking now, Bompa,
you and me.
Oh, no.
What?
I volunteered to bake
Bomma's heart-shaped stroopwafels
for Carats and Cupids,
but I completely forgot about it just till now.
I don't know where my head is.
Your head is back in business where it belongs.
Do you know any... pastry chef who wants to work for free?
No, but I happen to be an expert at making Bomma's stroopwafels.
Hey, you got my text. Thanks for coming so quickly.
Any chance you know how to make stroopwafels?
No.
But I know how to follow a recipe... sort of.
Great, that makes one of us.
Um, come on up.
(alarm beeping)
Okay, it's official.
We're an unmitigated disaster.
(alarm beeping)
Um, I don't know why I thought I could tackle a waffle iron.
I can't even make boxed mac and cheese, so...
I know what we need to do.
We'll stop by Elsen's bakery
on our way to Carats and Cupids.
They sell heart-shaped stroopwafels this time of year.
No one will ever know.
We are racking up a lot of secrets here, Mr. Remy.
That's what makes this so much fun, Miss Vandenbrink.
I'm gonna change
and I will swing back by to get you.
Sounds-- sounds like a plan.
Or is it a date?
It's not a date; it's a plan.
A date is strictly forbidden.
Well, your grandparents,
they found a way to make the forbidden work.
Yes, they did.
But I think we should wait until after the competition
before we date or plan or anything.
After the competition, you'll be back in the States.
So, time's not really on my side here.
Hey, how about we just be in the moment tonight?
Not worry about anything.
Just take it from there.
Okay.
(phone ringing)
Hi, Ro. I'm getting ready for Carats and cupids.
Rosie: Hey, that's fun.
I am in a limousine
on my way to pick up Nadia to go to the airport.
Where are you going?
Antwerp!
Nadia literally decided, like, five minutes ago.
Why?
Well, she saw you and some fellow contestants
on the Jewelry Exchange website.
So, all the trades are covering it, so now,
she wants to go down to, quote,
"Maximize the publicity from this for the store."
I'm representing Vandenbrink's in this competition,
not Davidson's.
Rosie: Do you think that would stop her?
One of our very own
at the Antwerp Diamond Festival contest?
The possibilities are endless.
I mean, I'm excited. I just-- I'm surprised.
Yeah, I know. I just wanted to warn you.
We'll be there tomorrow night. So, what's happening
with you and "And Sons"? Are you seeing him at the dance?
Yes.
We are going together, but it's complicated. He...
He wants to live in the moment tonight.
Yes, he's right. I agree with him.
You like him, Abs.
I do.
But geography is not on our side.
Rosie: Okay, so, it's a fun "vacationship".
Just enjoy it while it lasts. I mean, this is the first guy
to even pique your interest since Keith.
But you know what is on your side?
Talent.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay, travel safe.
Bye.
- Rosie: Bye. - (phone beeping)
(music playing)
You shine like a diamond.
You clean up pretty well yourself.
Thanks.
- Shall we? - Mm-hmm.
(string section playing)
(music playing)
(string section playing)
Since we are on our first, um...
whatever this is...
I have to say, you-- in all the time that we spent together,
you've talked a lot about your love of family,
but never relationships.
You didn't ask.
I didn't know you cared.
Well, since you asked,
I almost got married last year.
Ah. See, I should have stopped at the 'almost' part.
(gasping) You went through with it?
A regret that will live in infamy.
But I was very young
and stupid at the time.
Why didn't you go through with it?
Um... I don't know,
You know when you're with someone for a long time
and you don't really know how to live without them? It's...
I can imagine. It becomes quite comfortable.
No, it was, um...
It was uncomfortable, actually,
and I-I didn't know why at the time,
but I just... I realized it wasn't right.
It's a good thing that you
set him free, so that he could find the person
that was right for him.
Yeah. I mean, I hated hurting him,
but it wouldn't have been fair to either of us
if I went through with it, so...
What's your story, young and stupid?
Well, they say 'diamonds are a girl's best friend'.
In my ex's case,
they were her first and only love.
Camille was very good at telling me
exactly what I wanted to hear.
I fell like only a 20-year-old can.
It took a while for me to realize that objects,
especially the one in our shop,
were more important to her than I was.
Ahh. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.
We live and we learn.
Sometimes, it makes us wiser.
Yes, and sometimes it helps you learn what you do want.
(string section playing)
Maybe we should have a dance.
My dad's not coming tonight.
I don't think my Bompa is either,
but I'm sure they have eyes everywhere.
So, let them talk.
We cannot have our first... whatever this is
without at least having one dance.
Right.
Let's live in the moment.
(string section playing)
(music playing)
(string section playing)
(music playing)
(applauding)
(string section playing)
(music playing)
One more.
(exhaling sharply)
I don't know. It's a slippery slope.
First, it's one more, then two, then... ten.
I hope so.
(music playing)
- Peter: Alexander! - Laurent: Abby!
Both: What is this?
You like him, don't you?
I just want you to be cautious.
He's a good person, Bompa.
You don't know. She could be using you.
You want to go down that road again?
Abby is nothing like Camille.
Alexander is nothing like Peter.
You're here for a short time and it's your dream.
It's important to keep focused.
I am focused!
Our business means everything to me!
Just...
What I do know is that you will win.
I didn't ask for you to put me in the competition.
You have a real chance of winning.
I don't know about that.
You're putting way too much pressure on me.
I don't have the confidence and skill like Matthias.
Skill can only get you so far.
If you have a dream,
you can't take your eye off the prize for even one moment.
I know. I know.
The problem is you're not serious.
I am serious!
How could you say that I'm not serious?
Allowing the competition
to get close to you so few days before the finals?
You have to finish strong.
Finish strong, Abbytje, and you can write your own ticket.
If Alexander is your future, so be it.
Okay.
This is our future. You can't let an amateur swoop in
and get into your head and take the limelight away from us.
Laurent: You'll need these for your bracelet.
Bompa,
where did you get those?
They're so expensive.
I have my ways.
You took them out of another design, didn't you?
Thank you. They're exactly what I needed.
How is this coming?
Good. I'm just melting the gold.
And...
...pouring it...
...into the bracelet mold.
Why don't we take a walk while it cools?
We haven't lit a candle for Bompa since you got here.
Okay.
(church bells ringing)
(music playing)
Bomma would love that you decided to make a bracelet.
I saw the photo in your shop and I remembered
how her bracelets used to jingle when she walked.
Most of them made by you.
All of them made by me.
She sees a picture of something she found beautiful
and put in an order.
More like a demand.
"Bring it home." (chuckling)
When I really think of home
and what it means to me,
it's here, it's her, it's you.
The shop was the only constant in my life as a kid.
I would come and visit and everything would be the same,
and I needed that so much.
It will be yours one day.
Okay. What does that mean exactly?
What do you want it to mean?
I don't know.
I have a job and a life in Chicago.
My boss is on her way here right now...
Shh.
...to capitalize on the press and the competition.
Once you win this money,
you can quit your job
and do full-time fabrications on your own terms.
No. This money is for you, for the shop,
so you can get settled up with the bank and find some help.
You don't have to do this alone anymore,
I promise.
The money's for the winner.
Yes, Vandenbrink's, who I'm representing.
I'm not here as an employee of Davidson's.
This is not about me.
Oh, sweet child...
(music playing)
(phone ringing)
- (chuckling) - (phone beeping)
Well, you're up late.
Alexander: I hope I didn't wake you.
Oh, no, no, no.
Sleep is not in the cards tonight.
I was burning the midnight oil, as well,
and it's just about to burn out on me.
Abby: Okay.
What seems to be the problem?
Alexander: I can't seem to get these gems fixed properly.
Well, everyone is gone for the night,
and I just refuse to give my dad the satisfaction
of knowing that I'm struggling.
So, what? You need me to come over there and rescue you?
Is that why you're calling?
Isn't that what superheroes do?
Okay, fine, I'll throw on my magic suit
and I'll be right over.
See you in ten.
(music playing)
(sighing)
Yes, my magic suit is pajamas. Don't judge me.
After you.
Wow.
Check this out.
We use high-color rendering LED bulbs
to accurately represent the colors of the gems.
These glasses
are cleaned every hour and as needed.
These digital screens allow the customers
to view detailed information about the gems,
including craftsmanship and design origin.
So, you guys left no stone unturned.
Well, you gotta spend money to make money.
See, you know, now, that's the part that I have a problem with.
Okay, show me what you got.
Okay, so, you know that this is supposed to be anonymous, right?
I won't say anything if you don't.
Okay, so, you're making a woman's ring.
What's the significance of home?
Well, it's inspired by my mother's engagement ring.
She died when I was six.
I don't remember much,
but I do remember the sparkle that came off of her hand.
It was a big diamond, six carats,
courtesy of my grandfather.
I always thought it was interesting
how these jewels could spark memories.
I think home is not... a place.
I think that home are the people that really see you.
Yeah, I do, too.
Well, if I could only get this diamond to sit.
Okay, so,
I see that you've done a bezel setting,
but it would have been
a little better if you've done modified tension, but okay,
it's fine, we can work with it.
Let's see here.
Like... that.
And that's how it's done.
You're amazing.
It's really just the basics of jewelry fabrication.
That's not what I meant.
I should probably get back to my work.
Yeah.
You should.
(music playing)
(exhaling sharply) Oops.
Now, we're in trouble.
The best kind.
Oh, Abbytje.
Oh... (chuckling)
Gorgeous.
What a design.
Bomma would have loved this.
Thank you.
Are you writing your statement?
Yes, I still have to type it up,
but, um, I think it's pretty good.
Would you read it for me?
Yes.
(clearing throat)
"When we think of home,
we think of four walls and a door;
"we think of a chimney with smoke billowing out.
"But in reality, home is a feeling,
"a knowingness that you belong.
"This bracelet is a reflection
"of the unconditional love that encompassed me
"each time I walked in this one particular door.
"It encircled me
"and gave me a place to develop my passion.
"The jewels represent the unbreakable,
"eternal light of love
"in the eyes of the people who truly see you."
How proud she would be of you,
as am I.
Thank you, Bompa.
Thank you for always believing in me.
Always... and forever.
- Hmm? - (door opening)
Oh! You're here!
You made it!
- Hello. - Hi.
It's so, uh,
quaint -
the history, the... smells.
Oh, but impeccable craftsmanship.
Abby: Yeah, that's my grandfather.
He's, uh...
He's won the competition many times.
Well, let's just hope it runs in the family.
(chuckling)
(door opening)
I guess we're going to check in at the hotel.
Abby: Okay.
But I'll catch you at the festival.
Yes. I'm so glad you're here. Lots to tell.
- Oh, okay. - Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
As we stated,
this is all anonymous.
So, do not point out your design.
Our judges must make pure assessments.
Please, everyone else, come and have a look.
Our judges choose the grand prize,
but we do have the audience favorite award, as well.
So, be sure to vote.
Good luck.
You too.
(music playing)
- Dad. - I'm sorry I'm late.
I had to meet with a vendor. Did I miss it?
Not much has happened yet.
The judges are examining the pieces
and tomorrow, we'll know if it's going to go our way.
It's going to go our way, son.
You can't know that.
I certainly can and I do.
Let's just say
one of the judges owes me a very large favor
and I've called it in.
What?
Keep your voice down.
That's why you were so willing to let me join the competition
because it's fixed.
You make it sound so sinister.
It is sinister, Dad.
For a moment I thought you had let go of the comparisons
to Matthias and just see me for me, but...
I see that I'm wrong.
This is about our future,
your future.
It's all going to be yours.
But our shop needs to exist
for that to happen.
It's cheating.
(Peter scoffing)
We can't do that to...
To her?
To all of them.
It's not right.
Well, it doesn't matter now.
It's done.
And so am I.
Alexander.
Alexander...
Oh, please, Alexander!
So, are you going to introduce me to "And Sons"?
I don't know. I saw him go talk to his Dad
and now, he didn't come back.
Girl, he is coming back.
I saw the way he looked at you on that stage.
We kissed last night.
Shut up.
We're keeping it low-key.
His Dad and my grandfather were not thrilled to see us together.
Um, how romantic.
It's exactly like Romeo and Juliet, if he were Belgian.
I'm so glad you're here.
Me too.
I am going to go take care of Nadia.
An assistant's work is never done.
- Not with my boss. - Mm!
(phone ringing)
- (voicemail beeping) - Hi. It's Abby.
I was looking for you to introduce you to my coworkers,
who are here from Chicago, including my boss.
But maybe you left already?
Uh... call me when you get this.
(phone beeping)
(music playing)
I think I'm being ghosted.
No. "And Sons" is going dark on you?
I don't know what happened.
Everything was fine at the competition this morning,
and he just took off,
and now he's not answering his calls and texts.
Maybe he just didn't get them.
Well, he has read receipts on.
Eee. Yeah. Those are the worst.
You know, it is impossible to ignore to ignore Nadia's texts,
as long as those are in existence.
I don't know what happened. I mean, maybe it was the kiss.
Maybe he got scared.
Or maybe there was an emergency?
If there was an emergency, why doesn't he just tell me?
He's obviously reading his texts.
Okay, all right.
So, I know this isn't the way you want it to go,
but hey, look at the bright side.
Nadia is taking notice, all right?
You are finally getting the press you need
to actually do this thing.
You can write your own ticket once you get home.
Home?
Rosie: Yes. Chicago is where you belong.
Girl, you are finally making your dreams come true.
- Yeah. - Rosie: Yeah.
Yeah. You're right.
(church bells ringing)
(music playing)
(tapping microphone)
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals
of the jewelry design competition
here at the 56th annual Antwerp Diamond Festival.
(audience applauding)
As you may notice,
there are now only nine designs in the cases.
As one of our contestants,
Alexander Remy, has withdrawn from the competition.
Why has he withdrawn?
I-I have no idea.
I haven't heard from him since yesterday.
And now, without any further delay,
I am pleased to announce
the results of the competition.
The moment of truth. Who will emerge victorious?
And the grand prize winner is...
oh, this is a surprise--
Antoine Lemmens from Jewelry Exchange.
(audience applauding)
A long-time entrant, first-time winner.
Just to place in this competition
is an accomplishment.
I wanted this so much for us, Bompa.
Yes, I know,
and you did beautiful work,
something to be proud of, and that's enough.
I love you so much.
Yeah, I love you, too.
Have no regret.
Host: And now, for the Audience Favorite Award.
- Yeah. - And the winner is...
Abby Vandenbrink from Vandenbrink's.
(audience applauding)
What?
What?!
Host: Come on up, Abby.
You have won the Audience Favorite Award.
Thank you.
(audience applauding)
Thank you.
Bravo!
(audience applauding)
Congratulations to all our winners.
(audience applauding)
And we hope to see you all again here next year.
We figured that Alexander would want his piece back.
It was...
very beautiful.
Whatever his reasons for withdrawing,
he truly had a chance at the prize.
(music playing)
- I'll be right back. - Okay.
Uh, Mr. Remy,
can you tell me what happened to Alexander?
Some... mistakes were made
and he's left, Abby.
I don't know where, but he's gone.
Oh.
- Rosie: What's that even mean? - Abby: I don't know.
"Mistakes were made."
I don't know if it was about me
or the contest.
What could I possibly have done?
Nothing! Okay? This is not on you.
I don't even know.
I mean, I didn't win the competition.
I didn't get the guy.
And now, all I have is my mundane repair job
at Davidson's.
Rosie: No, don't say that.
Well, I did it.
I got the winner to show at our store.
Here's the card. Follow-up in the morning.
Will do.
Congratulations again, Abby.
Oh, Nadia, I-I didn't win.
Not the grand prize,
but the Audience Award holds even more weight.
Do you know who attends this festival?
Um, local jewelers and residents of Antwerp.
I imagine they attend, as well, yes.
But only the finest jewelers, designers, vendors, distributors
from all over the world.
That's who voted on your piece.
And my phone has been ringing off the hook about you.
Thank you, by the way,
for mentioning your job at Davidson's on your bio.
Very smart.
I had no idea.
Oh, there's a strong buzz about you,
my friend, and when we get home, we're talking about your future.
Also, I would like to buy
that winning piece of yours.
The Duchess is going to flip for it.
(squealing happily)
It's all happening, Abbs.
(exhaling sharply) Yeah.
It is.
(music playing)
Father.
Alexander, where have you been?
I needed time to think.
I received your message about the ring.
Your mother's ring.
It was... unexpected.
It wasn't an original.
It was just inspired by something
that represented home to me.
I'm...
I'm sorry I underestimated you, son.
I'm used to it.
I know, and I want to apologize for that.
I'm not Matthias.
I need someone who's as passionate
about the work we do here as I am, and that is you.
What you've done for the business,
you've accomplished more than any design
Matthias could ever make.
Things have changed so much in our industry,
but I trust you to bring us to the future.
And you did the right thing,
stepping down from the competition.
And I want to thank you for helping me to see
that I was wrong.
Look, you're a good man.
You made me that way, Dad,
raising us all on your own.
I am who I am because of you.
But she is home to you.
No.
This all is home to me.
Son...
Thank you and have a good day.
- Bye. - Bye.
(door opening, closing)
Another day, another sale.
That should help us with the bank.
But boy, am I wishing I won that prize money.
Ah, it doesn't matter, Abbytje.
If this is the end of Vandenbrink's,
we have had a great run,
and I have had the most wonderful time
having you with me here,
side by side.
But we can't give up.
Oh, Abby...
(sighing) I'm slowing down.
I'm, uh, too old and too tired to do this alone,
and you have this opportunity in Chicago.
So, you have to go back to your life.
Here.
To always remember where your place is.
It's your good luck charm now.
You do with it what you want.
Thank you.
What? Thank you.
You'll figure it out, hmm?
Grandma would be proud.
(door opening)
Mm-hmm. Okay, what was so important
that we had to rush right over?
What would you say that's worth?
Rosie: Whoa.
Uh...
(chuckling)
It's pristine.
Nice quality.
A lot of potential.
It's very impressive, Abby.
How did you come by it?
My grandfather has held onto it for years,
and he gave it to me as a going-away gift.
A rock like this is worth...
$2,500 per carat.
Um, euros or dollars?
Does it matter? It's a gold mine.
Well, it's 30 carats.
Indeed.
Do you want to buy it from me, Nadia?
Very much.
You're going out on your own, aren't you?
Yes.
Mr. Peeters?
It's Abby Vandenbrink.
Miss Vandenbrink, please.
How nice to meet you in person.
And thank you so much for your prior payments.
Well, I have one more.
This should settle up the mortgage on Vandenbrink.
In fact, it does.
And we do so appreciate your attention to this matter.
The shop means a lot to me.
Your grandfather is lucky to have you.
You know, this place has welcomed me
more than anywhere else, actually.
It's the Belgian way.
Yeah.
It is.
I'm sorry. I have to go.
Oh, okay.
Excuse me.
(phone ringing)
Alexander, it's me.
Can you meet me on the bridge? I have to talk to you.
(phone beeping)
(happy classical music playing)
Alexander: I guess we don't need to hide either anymore.
Still sneaking up.
Are you okay? What happened?
Why the radio silence? What?
And you dropped out of the competition...
It's a long story. One day, I'll tell you everything.
I just didn't agree with the decision that my father made,
and I just needed some time for myself
to figure out my next steps.
And did you?
I did.
My father and I spoke and we're okay,
better than ever.
Just him seeing my design felt like he finally saw me,
and I believe that would never have happened had I not met you.
I'm glad.
I know how much Remy and Sons means to you.
And I know how much Vandenbrink means to you,
which is why I think...
you should stay here in Antwerp.
Okay.
Okay?
Okay.
I had already decided to stay.
I have been searching for so long
to find out what home means to me, and it's here,
it's Antwerp, it's Vandenbrink's,
it's everything, and maybe...
...maybe even you.
They say whenever you find that person, that's home.
Yeah, I think that's true.
I have something for you.
(gasping)
Alexander, we've known each other for two weeks,
and you're giving me a ring?
Do you maybe want to try having a second date first?
It's a gift. It's a gift.
So, just wear it, don't wear it.
I just wanted to give it to the woman
that helped me find my way back home.
Well, home is where the heart is.
That's so corny.
That's so corny!
But so true.
(music playing)