All's Fair in Love and Mahjong (2026) Movie Script

1
Mahjong.
From the 19th-century
teahouses of China
to kitchen tables
in small towns today,
family and friends
gather around these tiles
sharing food, laughter,
and the stories of their lives.
When the Chinese
invented mahjong,
they gave us the gift
of community and connection,
reflecting life
through its tiles...
chance, choice,
and, of course, change.
Take the flowers.
Some sources say the flowers
are representative
of the four seasons.
Then there are
the four winds. Direction.
You never know
where it will take you,
but in life and in mahjong,
the hand you're dealt
matters far less
than how you choose to play it.
Ronni?
Come on! It's beautiful!
It's literally perfect.
Honey, you outdid yourself.
Okay? As always.
I'm telling you, your house
is my favorite restaurant.
All right, ladies. Game on.
Ooh!
Good luck, friends.
And I said, "That's fine, Evan,
but if you take
location services
off your phone again,
you can pay the bill
yourself."
Oh!
I bet that ended
the conversation real fast.
Nine bam.
Oh, you know it did! Flower.
I can't believe little
Savannah's going to college.
- Right?
- That's going way too fast.
- I know.
- It still feels like
yesterday
we met at the PTA meeting
where Caroline Bennett
had a fit and quit.
Two dot.
Wait. Do you remember
how dramatic her exit was?
"None of you appreciate
all that I do!"
If I had a dollar
for every time I screamed that
at the top of my lungs,
I would never
have to sell a house again.
Savannah finished packing
last night.
Savannah finished packing,
or you finished packing for her?
I plead the fifth, Shelley.
These kids,
they want to be so independent
until it's time
for the hard labor and then...
Yep.
It's,
"Can you do it for me, Mom?"
Seven bam.
That sounds eerily familiar.
Oh... I see my future in you.
Thankfully, I still have a year.
Take copious notes.
I will.
I'm not here!
I'm just grabbing my yearbook.
We're doing
a signing at Christa's.
Great conversation!
You are so calm, Ronni.
I was a complete wreck
when Alex went off to college.
Oh, you're still a wreck,
Melissa...
and it's been two years.
Sorry! Sorry.
How dare you, Carly?
Okay, in my defense,
I am only a partial wreck now,
not a complete wreck.
Noted. Green dragon.
Savannah is smart,
responsible...
if I did my job right.
Soap.
Are you kidding me?
You did a great job.
Especially after the divorce.
Yes, or, hear me out,
you could start dating again.
I don't want
to fly solo anymore.
West.
I'm out of here. Bye!
I love you!
And just like that, she's gone.
Guess I'll have
to get used to that.
Mm-hmm.
Just like you'll have
to get used to this...
Mahjong!
- No!
- What?
How?
We just started!
Nurse Ronni?
Brandon? Oh, your knee?
Not that pesky swing set again?
Ugh.
Did you hold on real tight,
like we talked about?
And you pumped your legs
real good?
Real good, Nurse Ronni.
Okay, well,
then that is not on you.
I'm gonna go have
a very serious chit-chat
with that swing set.
What do you say?
Yeah.
Yeah?
Got a minute, Ronni?
Yeah, I'll be right there.
All right, let's see.
Oh, I think you're gonna live.
Should I be worried?
No word yet
on next year's budget cuts,
but that's not what
I wanted to see you about.
For the fundraiser this weekend,
Mr. Lee was gonna teach poker,
and now he has
a family emergency in Utah.
Can you step in?
Oh...
Gloria, I have no idea
how to play poker.
Unless it's on a slot machine
in Vegas,
I'm clueless.
But you did give me a refresher
that one time I filled in
with your mahjong group.
It's the perfect replacement.
Oh, you want me
to teach mahjong?
- Yes.
- Uh, I mean...
if you think people would
be open to me teaching...
Are you kidding?
They'd be so open to you.
If anyone can draw them in,
it's Nurse Ronni.
I would be happy to.
Thank you.
No problem.
You know how big dorm rooms
are, right, Savannah?
There's a storage area
you can rent in the building,
if you need to.
I love you, kiddo.
You go get 'em, okay?
I'm not gonna cry.
Neither am I.
I'm not gonna cry more.
Good!
Aww...
Oh, I love you.
You know, it's not too late.
Your father and I
could still drive you.
Mom, we talked about this.
I'm fine.
I know. I know. I know.
I'm so proud of you.
From starting the STEM club
to getting accepted into
the Technology Institute...
Early acceptance.
Early acceptance!
And entry into
the pre-fall STEM program.
There's no one here
to hear you bragging about me.
Oh, well,
then I take it all back.
You promise to text me
as soon as you get there?
Okay.
Love you!
So... Ron.
Mike.
The house.
Right.
I was kind of hoping
you'd forgotten.
Nah, come on,
you knew this was coming.
Yeah, but I thought
you might wait
for her car
to clear the driveway first.
We had a deal...
you two stay in the house
till she's off to college,
and... then we sell.
I remember.
Look, Laura's condo
is too small for us,
and this is...
this is a lot of house.
It's more than
just a house, Mike.
It's my home.
It has been for 15 years,
and it was yours
until five years ago.
It's not gonna be easy
to just walk away.
You're right.
That was insensitive,
and I-I didn't mean
anything by it.
And I-I know we had a deal.
I've already spoken with Melissa
about what we need to do
to get the house ready to sell.
The touch-ups, repairs...
and, of course,
all the old plumbing issues.
Look, I'm not saying
tomorrow, 'kay?
Take some time, fix it up,
but we gotta get
the ball rolling, okay?
I can help.
I've got it.
I do.
'Kay.
I've got it.
Turn them clockwise,
remove the pipe,
and check the washer inside.
If it's cracked,
you'll need to replace it,
but if it looks okay,
clean it off.
It's so easy.
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Ahh...
No need to pay
for an expensive plumber.
Anyone can do it!
And that's
the D.I.Y. Annie way!
Sure. Anybody can do it.
Hey, kiddo.
Your mom said
that she and your dad
are gonna be here real soon.
But you'll still do
the basketball game with me,
right, Uncle Ben?
Are you kidding me?
That's the whole reason I came
was the basketball game.
Do the basketball game?
Oh, one second.
So you want to try some games?
Uh... hey, kiddo.
Show Grandma around the school.
I'll be in in a minute.
Hey, sorry, hi-hi!
Do you need help with that?
No, I-I got it.
Okay. Oh... okay.
Uh, all right.
Then you don't need me
to tell you
about the obstacle
on your right!
Yup...
- Sorry.
- Thanks. Okay. Got it.
- You sure you got that?
- I got it. I got it.
I certainly won't
guide you past...
kids! Kids, yup.
I got it.
I got it! I got...
Oh! Okay.
Uh... sorry.
Sorry about that.
That's okay.
Disaster averted.
No trips to the E.R.
Well, there's still time today.
Yeah. Uh, well, in that case,
are you sure that I can't...
Ronni!
Let me grab that for you.
We're going to set up
in the assembly room.
Okay. Thank you.
Well, uh, thank you
for not helping me.
You're welcome.
It was my... not pleasure.
Well...
I'll probably
not see you in there.
Ladies and gentlemen,
can I have
your attention, please?
Come learn about
the age-old phenomenon
that has been sweeping
the nation...
mahjong!
The American variation.
Mahjong is a game
that requires curiosity
over expertise.
In fact, every mahjong expert
at some point in time
has looked at these tiles
and thought, "Huh?"
Come play!
It's only four tickets!
It's for a good cause!
Yes. We have one victim!
No, I'm kidding.
Four players, one table,
countless memories.
Mahjong is a game
you don't play to win...
well, some of us do...
but it is a game
about belonging,
community...
and mahjong is a game
that is proven
to improve cognitive abilities
and memory.
Come play!
Oh, thank you.
- Mahjong!
- Mm-hmm.
Do you play?
I'm a beginner.
I played a couple of times
with some friends,
but then my son
begged me to move closer.
Boys want to keep an eye on me.
No, boys wanna be nearby
in case you need them.
Hello again.
Hello again.
Do you have a child
here at the school?
A nephew, Brandon North.
Oh... Brandon of
the recurrent skinned knees.
Ahh.
You know, I think
that he is single-handedly
responsible
for keeping the bandage
companies in business.
Wow! You'd think we'd get
some sort of family kickback
for that.
Mm. Well, come. Take a seat.
Oh! Don't mind if I do.
Uh, oh, no, no,
don't mind if I don't.
I'm happy to stand back
and watch.
I gotta do basketball
with Brandon.
That's in an hour.
Um, unless you're afraid,
Mister...?
Ben.
Mr. Ben, and no, I'm not afraid.
I just wouldn't wanna, you know,
show everybody up,
on account of my skills,
which are, uh...
none.
Come on, Mr. Ben,
take a seat.
It's for a good cause.
If only for
the school's bandage budget.
Oh, tickets.
I gotcha. I gotcha.
Let's... mahjong.
- Ooh!
- Mm...
Uh, north.
That was a good play, Birdie.
See, she looked at her tiles,
and then the different
combinations on the card,
and she decided which combo
she was most likely to get.
I got lucky.
I picked another six dot.
Mm... lucky.
Mahjong is 50% skill
and 80% luck.
Mahjong math. It's a thing.
Okay.
A good strategy is to count
how many tiles you have
toward your preferred hand.
Birdie has one, two, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight...
nine out of 14.
It is time for her to commit.
Hmm, read 'em and weep.
Wow... that is just a hot mess.
What are you talking about?
It's not a hot mess.
I got three pairs.
Bim, bam, boom!
That do not go together.
But... if you move
these eights here
over there,
a dragon there...
Mm-hmm?
Bim, bam, bam,
you have the set-up for a great
two-four-six-eight combo.
All right, and what if
I don't want to let go
of my fives yet?
Or my nines?
Do you have a problem
with commitment?
I don't.
- Yes.
- No! What are you doing to me?
Get out of here!
I'm joking.
Well, good, because
you have the set-up
for a great marriage between
these bams and the dragons.
It's time to put a ring on it.
All right, and what happens
if the next tile
sends me in a completely
different direction?
Well, mahjong is like life.
You can't
just straddle the line.
You have to make a choice
and stick with it.
You know? Sometimes it means
you give something up,
but other times, it means
you find something
that you didn't know
you were looking for.
Yes, ma'am.
Oh, yes. That's great.
That's a great one.
Okay, and, yeah, this is
really coming along.
All right. Just...
Ah, ah, ah, ah.
I think I got that.
Let's be honest,
you're a bit of a hazard
with this thing.
Fine, but only
because I'm exhausted
from teaching
four different games.
I can't say
until you send the offer,
then I need to discuss it
with my client.
- Let's go. Hey.
- Hey. Hey, kiddo.
Hey!
Uh, we have to get Brandon
to soccer,
and we promised
we'd take Birdie home,
but Henry's call
is taking forever,
so, uh...?
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, no, I'll-I'll take Mom.
She's on the way.
- Yeah? You don't mind?
- No.
Okay, Ben, thank you.
He told me no work calls today.
- I don't know. I don't know.
- No, it's all right.
We can't be late for soccer,
can we?
Bye, Nurse Ronni. Let's go.
- Bye, buddy!
- Good luck, kid.
Give us at least
48 hours to mull it over.
Well, it looks like
you're stuck with me, Ma.
Uh, I'm gonna help Ronni out...
Oh, good idea.
I'll wait in the car.
Okay.
I still think I should've
stuck with those pairs.
If you like losing.
You're a great teacher.
Do you give a lot of lessons?
Uh, thank you.
No, this is actually
the first time
I've ever done it.
I'm... I'm more just
a passionate player.
Well, you're good.
Thank you.
And thank you for your help.
Well, you know, I had to go
way out of my way here.
Ohh.
True North Construction.
Is that your company?
It is, yeah.
I'm a general contractor.
Could you recommend a handyman?
I-I just... I'm trying to get
my house ready to sell,
and I might've tried
a few repairs
that were a bit
over my pay grade.
Let me guess... D.I.Y. Annie?
How'd you know?
Oh, you mean
"Destroy It Yourself Annie"?
Yeah.
We clean up a lot of her messes.
I knew it!
Yeah. Are you one of these
kinda do-everything-yourself
people?
Ah... it's kind of what happens
when you're the default parent.
Ah, and what about
the, uh, non-default parent?
He can't help?
Oh, my ex? He offered,
but I-I told him
I have it covered,
which clearly, I don't.
Tell you what.
Call Jeff.
Thank you. Is he reasonable?
It's just I have
lots of little repairs
and things that I need to do,
and my-my job might be changing.
He is.
You tell him Ben sent you.
Okay.
Well, it was nice
not meeting you.
It was nice meeting you.
Stay away from D.I.Y. Annie.
I have already unsubscribed.
Good!
Have a great time.
So, they did it.
They reduced my job
down to part-time.
I'm so sorry, Ronni.
I tried.
No, I know you did.
Thank you.
I hope you'll consider
staying on with us,
but I understand the salary cut
might make that untenable.
When do you need to know by?
I wish I could tell you
to take your time, but...
Thanks. I understand.
Ah!
Just the person
I was looking for.
Ben?
Uh, what are you doing here?
Uh, well, um...
here's the deal.
So, my mom has not stopped
talking about mahjong,
or how much she loved
playing again...
or, uh, you.
Well, it's...
it's not me, it's mahjong.
No, no, she-she wouldn't
even have sat down
if not for how welcoming
and-and inviting you were.
I really liked her too.
Good! Um...
she's a little lonely,
and I admit,
I might have begged her
to sell her place
and buy a new place
at Blue Sky West,
the retirement community.
Yeah, yeah, no, I know it.
Is she happy there?
Uh, well, she's not unhappy,
but there is a mahjong club,
and it is only
for seasoned players,
and she's just not
really meeting people.
So as you can imagine,
my guilt level is at, like, ten,
and I generally like
to keep it below a six.
Well, I'd be happy to have her
sub into my group sometime.
Or... maybe...
you could do at Blue Sky West
what you did
so beautifully here?
You know, you could
get people engaged,
and recruit some players,
and maybe...
set up a game for my mom.
And in return,
I would do all of the repairs
on your house...
on the house.
For free.
Y-yeah, no, I know
what "on the house" means,
and that is exactly my budget.
- Really? You'll do it?
- Yeah.
I mean, because, honestly,
that would take my guilt
down to, like, a three...
three-point-five?
Yes.
You, sir, have a deal.
Okay.
Okay.
If I could
review dates on the app,
I would say, "Three strikes,
and you are off."
Hey! I met Chris online.
And I got this blazer online,
and we are very happy.
Hi.
- Mm.
- Sorry to interrupt.
Ben. Uh, ladies, this is Ben.
He's the one
who I told you about
who is helping me
fix up the house.
Uh, Ben, these are my friends,
Carly, Shelley, and Melissa.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Hello!
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Uh, do you have paper towel?
Uh, yeah, in the hall closet.
Okay.
- Okay...
- What?
I'm sorry.
Hold on a moment.
What?
That is the guy
fixing your house?
Yes.
"Yes."
You never said
he was a hot handyman!
Oh, shh!
He is not a hot handyman.
Um, yeah?
Okay, yes, he is hot, okay?
- Mm-hmm.
- But he's not a handyman.
He's a contractor.
Oh. Mm-hmm.
And he is the uncle
of a kid at my school.
- Uncle. Okay.
- Oh, yeah.
He's just helping me
with my house...
- Uh-huh.
- And I barely even know him.
Okay, you know what?
Methinks the lady
doth protest too much.
- Mm-hmm!
- Did I tell you
that I have an interview
at the hospital?
Ah. She also doth deflect.
- Ah, yes, she doth.
- Thank you.
Mm-mm.
Uh, the school said
I could take
as much time as I want,
but I just...
I want to feel settled.
Well, you could just walk right
into the other room for that.
Settle right down.
Oh, God.
You are relentless.
- Ahem.
- Oh!
Uh, sink is fixed.
No more leak.
I'm gonna head out.
Great. Thank you.
No problem.
Hey-hey, uh, Ben?
Can you...
can you just come back here
and help us with something?
Um, dating apps...
yay or nay?
Ooh! Um... nay?
Yeah, no. I tried 'em
after my divorce,
and, uh, I think I prefer things
to happen more organically.
- Okay.
- Ooh.
Let's not interrogate Ben
about his love life.
- Mm-hmm.
- Thank you, Ben.
Mm.
You know, I agree, Ben...
organic is best.
You know, like, at... work.
Or school!
Or both.
- Oh?
- Okay!
Good night. Thank you.
Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.
Ladies.
Bye.
- Bye!
- Bye!
Buh-bye.
Oh, my gosh!
I cannot with you!
Oh, what do you mean?
That was my best behavior.
- Let's be clear. Okay.
- Yeah.
- Oh, you're blushing!
- She's blushing!
- I am not.
- Oh, you are.
- You are!
- It's just... it's hot in here.
Is it hot?
Oh, Ben! You know what?
It's hot in here!
I think she needs
to fix the thermostat too!
And then he's gonna have
to be here for weeks.
Yes!
And so I began
working for the district
when my daughter
started kindergarten,
so I could be there
to tuck her in at night,
but now
that she's off to college,
I'm looking for something
more than just part-time.
Well, you've had
an impressive nursing career,
but it has been 17 years
since you worked in an E.R.
We are looking for someone
with more recent
triage experience,
who can hit the ground running.
I was worried about that.
I'm so sorry we brought you
all the way down here,
but if anything opens up
outside of the E.R.,
I will keep your resume on file.
Thank you.
Oh, is that a mahjong tile?
Do you play?
Every week.
It's kind of my therapy.
Oh! I wish we knew how.
My book club is always looking
for fun new activities
to do at our meetings.
Don't you... read books?
Oh, no. I mean,
we pick a book every month,
but we never read it.
Well, I definitely
recommend mahjong.
It's great for the brain,
much like reading.
We're not reading
Catcher in the Rye this month.
We could use some good
brain power activities.
There's plenty of great
how-to videos online.
I could point you to some.
Oh, we prefer the socializing.
I guess
it's yet another escape room
for the book club.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you.
Let's see what
we're dealing with here.
It's not too bad.
A few bumps.
A few holes
that need to patched.
We can do this.
I assume we'll have
to paint over the accent wall.
Buyers do like
a nice, neutral paint.
Most go for what I call
Resale Gray,
or Back-up Offer Beige.
Occasionally,
they even laugh at my jokes.
Hmm?
Oh, sorry.
It was funny.
You okay?
Yeah.
I'm just adjusting
to my new normal.
I'm not used to clean, silent,
and lack of teenage judgements.
Yes, I hear teenagers
are very good
at reminding you
how uncool you are.
I could be that for you...
if you like?
It's just,
it's all happening so fast.
I knew it was coming, but...
this has been my home
for 15 years,
and I just, I hate the thought
of someone else living here.
It's not just a house.
It's your home.
It just kills me
to have you paint over this.
What if I say
that buyers can have
this whole house,
except for this one wall?
Hey, are you hungry?
What do you say we, uh,
we'll go pick some paint colors,
and I could take you
to my favorite lunch spot?
I'd like that.
Maybe... we'll find
a nice Over-Asking Alabaster.
Oh! See, that's funny.
That's funny.
I can see why this is
your favorite lunch spot.
Yeah, when I have time
to get away for lunch.
What do you think?
Best fries you ever had?
Absolutely.
But I make a casserole
with similar ingredients
that I dare say is better.
Well, that sounds
like a challenge.
You know you're gonna have
to make it for me.
Maybe.
Oh, "maybe"?
Um, can I help you
prep for tomorrow?
Mm? No, I'm over halfway done.
Oh, of course you are.
You think it's being
the default parent
that makes you so independent?
I-I'm only asking
as the, uh, default son.
I learned
pretty early in my marriage
that it was gonna fall on me
if I wanted
to get anything done.
Let me guess.
He had a very important,
very stressful job?
- Yeah, an architect...
- Ahh.
With an assistant
and two interns,
but way more stressful than
an E.R. nurse saving lives.
Oh, I've got one of those.
My brother, actually.
Uh, he's a lawyer,
and he always has some case
that is far more complicated
than you could ever fathom.
Oh, that's rough.
So you understand.
I understand.
I think that's ultimately
one of the reasons
why Mike and I got divorced.
Yeah.
What about you?
Your marriage?
If you don't mind me asking.
No, I don't mind.
We were young,
Victoria and I were 22,
and, uh, yeah, we stuck it out
for a long time,
but I just ultimately realized
that, you know,
no matter what I did,
I couldn't give her
the life she wanted.
I wasn't gonna make her happy,
and so, you know,
we live and learn.
And grow.
Grow, yeah, and then regress...
a little bit, and then,
hopefully, grow a little more.
Lots of books.
Lots of books.
- Podcasts, too.
- Mm-hmm.
And a lot of therapy.
Therapy! Yeah.
Yeah.
You get it.
I get it.
Well... I should get going
to finish prepping
for your mom's tomorrow.
Yeah. Well, I'd love it
if you let me help you.
Mm, when the time's right.
We made it.
Hi! Come one, come all.
I, uh, I got this under my door.
Mahjong and free snacks?
What's the catch?
Uh, there's no catch.
Hmph. You say that,
and then you try to sell me
a timeshare.
No, thank you.
We're just looking for people
who want to learn mahjong
and have fun with Birdie here.
Yeah.
Okay.
But the second
you put on a hard sell
or try to get me to join
some random cult...
I'm out.
Understood.
Have fun.
What do you want to do
with that tile, Alice?
I think it really likes you.
It might wanna...
move in with you?
Nice...
and then...
a little of this...
a little smoosh-up there...
Ooh! Mahjong!
Oh!
See, Alice?
Sometimes...
the tile that you didn't know
you were looking for
falls right in your lap.
Oh!
Next week?
Same time, same place?
Absolutely.
I'll reserve the room.
So, let's go have some snacks.
Oh! Yes.
Seems like
everyone had a great time.
I think your plan is working.
You even won over Alice.
Honestly, I think you could've
sold her a timeshare.
Oh. And I was speaking
with the director,
and apparently, a bunch
of people wanted to join,
but they'd already
signed up for Zumba,
which I've never actually tried,
but I'm pretty certain
would kill me.
Oh! This was
much better, Marsha.
Beginners were welcome here.
Speaking of which,
I was talking to my supervisor.
Would you be interested
in teaching a weekly class?
Teaching a class?
Yeah. You're
a mahjong teacher, right?
I... am.
She is! She's the best...
uh, teacher, actually.
The best?
- Mm-hmm.
- Great!
Uh, so how about next week?
We'll give you a call?
That would be great.
Perfect.
Okay, Teach.
Quite the green thumb.
Thank you.
Buyers love a nice garden.
That's what
Melissa keeps saying,
but I do this for me.
This is my other meditation.
So, I was thinking...
today was so much fun...
Ah, you were incredible!
And...
can I ask you...
when did you realize that...
you could really go for it,
and make your company,
do it full-time?
Oh, uh, well, I was
working for a local builder,
and he fell behind on some jobs,
so I stepped in,
and I guess I did a good job
and got some referrals,
and I was off to the races.
Start small, build a reputation.
You make it sound so easy.
No, it was not,
but, you know,
the first client's the gateway.
You already have that
with Blue Sky West.
Hurdle number one...
accomplished.
True.
Yeah, I mean, people today
were having so much fun,
and at the fundraiser,
people really enjoyed it.
Even when I had my interview
at the hospital,
the personnel manager
was talking about
wanting to learn mahjong.
Call her.
What?
Call her.
No, I can't...
you can't just
call somebody out of the blue!
Of course you can.
You want my phone?
- No! I don't need your phone.
- I'll give you my phone.
No, I have a phone.
Okay. I'll... I'll do it.
You got it.
Okay.
Ellen speaking.
Hi, Ellen, this is Ronni Rice.
I'm the school nurse,
and we talked about mahjong?
Of course I remember.
What can I do for you, Ronni?
Uh, well, I was recently hired
to teach mahjong,
and I've been thinking a lot
about what you said
about your book club,
and wanting to learn, and...
I was wondering
if you would like me to come
and teach a lesson.
Seriously?
That would be amazing.
We'd love that.
Uh, can you send over
your rate sheet?
Rate sheet?
Yeah, absolutely,
I will send one right over.
Great! Wonderful.
Thanks, Ronni.
Thank you.
Bye.
What's a rate sheet?
Oh, I see.
Finally, she needs my help.
Don't get too used to it.
Hi!
Ronni! Come in.
Oh, is, uh, this gonna be
enough for everyone?
Oh, every, uh, set has
enough tiles for four players.
Oh, we're 11 tonight.
Uh, 11?
Oh, I-I...
I thought you said four.
Oh, my goodness.
I can't believe
I forgot to tell you.
Uh, we started at four,
but then
everyone wanted to join,
so we're 11.
I'm so sorry!
What a knucklehead.
No. That's okay.
Uh, you know, uh,
it's just like in the game...
we'll pivot.
I was so excited,
I bought myself a set of tiles,
so we can use that,
if it'll help.
Oh, gosh, that would be great!
Thank you.
Do you happen to have
another table
that we can play with?
Oh, I thought maybe
we could sit around
the dining table?
Oh, okay,
we will figure that out later,
uh, because, um,
two tables
and then, uh, eight players...
so we'll rotate
the other three people in.
And what will they do
while we're playing?
They will watch and learn.
Huh.
Um...
uh, well,
I-I didn't start playing
until my daughter was in school,
and it was
around the mahjong table
that I-I found
my-my friends for life,
so I'm very...
I'm excited to be sharing
that community with all of you.
And I made this for you...
it's gluten-free
and made from almond flour.
I've been told it's delicious.
Yeah, gluten isn't the issue.
We have two nut allergies.
Oh, okay, we're just
gonna put that away.
All clear. No nuts.
So...
let's... let's, uh,
let's sort this out.
Okay.
You are on track
for any like numbers.
Ronni? I really need
some help over here.
Okay.
- Excuse me?
- Ronni?
What's the one bam bird thing?
Ronni, can I talk to you
for a sec?
So, those two are
our more scrutinizing friends...
Can they play soon?
Because if they don't,
I will never hear the end of it.
Yeah, I'm trying to move
the game along
as fast as I can
so I can rotate them in.
I have no idea
what I'm doing here.
Okay.
Hi? Excuse me?
Over here.
Maybe
we should've read the book.
Who is it?
It's Ben.
Oh! Hey, Ben.
Hi.
Wow, you look great.
Thank you.
I... wasn't expecting you.
Yeah, sorry, I realized
I left my compressor here,
and I need it
for a job in the morning.
Where are you off to
looking so nice?
Girls' night.
Turns out my side hustle
was kind of a bust.
No. The book club
that doesn't read?
Yeah, they also
don't communicate well,
they don't do nuts,
and they don't like me.
Oh, I find that hard to believe.
They did like the game,
those who got to play.
I just learned that I had
nothing planned.
No contingencies.
Well, now you know.
You will be prepared
for the next one.
If there is a next one.
So... I'm going out.
It's ladies' night,
we're gonna go
to Tequila Mesa
for some karaoke.
I go there all the time
with my buddy, Gary,
to play pool.
I can't believe
I haven't seen you.
Uh, well, it's been a minute
since I've gone.
You know, this is...
this is a crazy coincidence.
I was actually thinking
about going out tonight
to have a little fun as well...
That is a coincidence.
Maybe to Tequila Mesa.
What are the odds?
Well, maybe I'll see you there.
Maybe that would be fun.
And then one of
the scrutinizing members
stands up and announces,
"This is boring..."
and just storms out!
That's so rude.
So, needless to say,
I will not be invited back.
Next up is Carly!
Come on up!
I'm going to go pick a song.
- Get it!
- You got it!
Do it. Do it!
Hi.
Hey!
Surprise, surprise.
- You made it!
- We did!
Uh, this is Gary.
Gary, Shelley, Melissa,
and uh, this is Ronni.
Hi, Gary.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Hello.
Charmed.
Uh, I'm Shelley.
I am a single mother,
I am a museum curator,
and I like early mornings.
Ah, so you're on the apps too?
Is it that obvious?
You get sort of used
to giving out your rsum
before anything else.
It's ruined me for small talk!
You know what?
I should sue.
We all should.
Well, I'm divorced.
A physician's assistant.
Night owl, but only because
I work in a hospital.
So, Gary, do you rent or own?
Melissa!
Well...
You are gonna love Carly.
Her voice is incredible.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
Are we gonna get you
up there at some point?
If the moment arises.
And now,
here's Carly with her song!
Woo!
Hello, everybody!
The song
I am about to sing is...
for my girl, Ronni,
who is in the midst
of starting a new chapter,
which isn't always easy, right?
But... we believe in her.
This one's for you, Ronni!
I am unwritten
I can't read my mind
I'm undefined
I'm just beginning
The pen's in my hand
Ending unplanned
Staring at
- Woo!
- ...the blank page
Before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate
The words
that you cannot find
Reaching for something
in the distance
So close
you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else
can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else
No one else can speak
the words on your lips
Drench yourself
in words unspoken
Live your life
with arms wide open
Today is...
...where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
The rest
is still unwritten
The rest
is still unwritten
Oh, I love you!
Thank you!
- Yeah!
- Woo!
Gloria?
I don't normally hear from you
over the break.
I wanted to leave you alone
and give you
some time to decide, but...
we've been getting
a lot of calls about you.
What kind of calls?
People heard
about your mahjong lessons
at the end of school fundraiser,
and they're interested.
Oh!
But I don't really know
what to tell them.
I mean,
there've been at least ten.
Seriously?
Well,
I tried telling you, Henry.
I left a message
explaining exactly what
I was planning to do, and...
I'm-I'm not gonna let
Mom's birthday go by the wayside
because of a case.
Okay, yeah. Bye.
Sorry.
Is everything okay?
Oh, yeah, just, you know...
"default son" business.
Do you wanna talk about it?
Oh, there's not too much
to talk about.
You know as well as I...
we do what needs
to get done, right?
We do.
What's going on with you?
Uh, well, since
the school fundraiser,
people have been
calling the school
and asking about
my mahjong lessons.
See? It's not over.
It's a hiccup.
I just...
What?
I don't know.
Uh, before my disastrous lesson,
I was thinking
maybe this could be
less of a side hustle,
and more of a hustle-hustle?
Yeah. Why can't it be?
You got the interest, you know?
It's just gonna grow
the more you do this.
I...
Look, I don't want
to lose my home,
and am I insane to think
that I could teach
mahjong full-time,
get a loan,
and buy Mike's
half of the house?
I think you can do anything
you put your mind to.
You're so positive!
You've got the time.
Do everything you need to do.
Put the plan in place.
Shoot for the stars.
Is that what you did?
It's what I always do.
Okay. I'm gonna go for it.
I'm gonna take
the Ben North approach...
- Uh-huh?
- And I am going to...
I'm gonna go after what I want.
And what I want
is to keep my home.
That's a plan I can get behind.
Okay.
Yeah,
you have two great hands here,
but you're gonna wanna
break up with one of them.
Friends...
sometimes divorces are sad,
but you just gotta do it.
Break up with those tiles.
Seven bam.
Nice, Barbara!
Thank you.
There are over 40
variations of mahjong
stemming from
the original Chinese game.
Number-one rule of mahjong,
a joker can never, never,
never, not even ever,
not even for mahjong,
be played as a single tile
or part of a pair.
You know, you two
live in the same area.
You're halfway to a foursome.
I would love that!
You know, I've been going
to bridge lessons at our club,
but this is way more fun.
What club?
The Windward Country Club.
Oh, it's nice there.
They have a lot of activities,
but they have never done this.
Huh...
- Mahjong!
- Oh...
Savannah!
Sorry I missed your call.
I was in class.
It may be a pre-college program,
but it's enough work
for an entire semester.
Ugh! At least
you're getting credit.
Yeah, and I'm learning a lot.
So, your message said
you needed my help,
which is shocking,
because you've never
asked for my help.
I asked for your help
all the time!
Doing the dishes,
cleaning your room...
You've never asked
for help for you.
Right. Okay. Well, listen.
My first mahjong lesson
at the house went amazing,
so I could really use your help
with designing
the business cards,
the website, flyers...
and my social media is lacking.
I only have four followers,
and they're my best friends
and you.
You need a good name first.
I have one.
"Learn Mahjong with Ronni."
Mom, that's so boring!
You need something
that can go viral,
that makes people go,
"Hmm, cute! Hire her."
Or maybe they'll just say,
"Hmm, I want to learn mahjong.
I hear she's good. Hire her."
You won't get attention
until you figure out
how to stand out.
Come up with a catchy name,
and I'll create a fun logo.
Okay, if that's what
you think it needs.
That's what I know it needs.
Text me the name.
All right.
I'll text you when I have it.
I love you.
Love you.
Okay.
Guest room is painted.
I would leave the windows open
for a couple hours
just so the fumes
don't get to ya.
Will do.
What's all this?
You feeding an army?
Sort of. I have my first
big lesson at the house today,
and I might have
overdone it on the food.
So now I'm playing
fridge Tetris.
You went full Ronni.
I did. I did.
Actually, could you, uh,
help me with something?
I'm sorry.
Could you repeat that?
Could I...?
Could you please help me
eat some of the food?
Pfft... I mean,
it would be rude of me
to say no.
You're... clearly in a crisis.
Clearly.
Yeah, I'd like that.
I'll go wash up.
I love this yard.
Mm.
I love my firepit.
I love my garden.
I love it. I love it.
I love it.
I've thrown
some really great parties here.
Here's to... many more to come.
Hope I make it
on that guest list.
Probably not.
I'm sure I can squeeze you in.
If...
I get to keep the house.
Ah, come on.
You just gotta believe
you can have what you want.
Do you have what you want?
I don't think anyone's
ever asked me that before.
Probably because
you come across so competent
and capable,
and like
you have it all covered.
Mm. That sounds a lot
like somebody else I know.
Well, as someone who might
be a little bit like that...
I get it.
But I have been learning
recently that...
sometimes it's okay
to get a little bit of help,
to not have everything covered.
Thank you...
for all your support.
Mm.
Well, you make it pretty easy.
And, you know, it doesn't
have to be a one-way street.
I'm actually
a really good listener.
About four years ago,
my dad got sick,
and, uh,
Mom needed a ton of help,
and my brother's career
was kind of just
taking off at that time.
And so it was me who stepped up.
Of course you did.
'Cause that's who you are.
I did it willingly.
I think
there's a lot of value to that.
For some of us,
service is our love language.
Mm, and for some people,
their love language is food.
Never forget the food.
I would never forget about food!
I guess I don't know
how to be any other way.
Neither do I.
It's Mike.
I forgot he was, uh, coming by.
Okay, no problem.
I will, uh, get things
cleaned up out here.
Thanks.
Thanks for letting me come by.
Mm-hmm.
I, um, I wanted to talk
to you about this in person...
the house.
I actually wanted
to talk to you too.
I'm working on something,
and I'm gonna try to get a loan
and buy you out.
Oh, that's great.
No, that's great,
I love that for you
if you can make it work, but...
there's this house
that Laura and I have
had our eye on, and...
Mike... you said I had time.
Uh, I know I did,
but it's going
on the market soon, and...
Well, how soon?
I'm gonna need time
to figure things out.
I'm sorry, Ron,
but we're making an offer
as soon as it lists.
And when is that?
You have a month.
Again, I-I'm sorry. I...
I'll see you soon.
I was just not expecting
such an accelerated timeline.
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
What? You, who have raised
more money for the PTA
than any president
before or after you?
You are Ronni!
You can do anything!
Except knit.
That one is not your thing.
That's true.
I mean, what was it?
Was it a potholder, or a scarf?
- I think it was a sweater?
- Was it, though?
I know! Oh!
Oh, Savannah's almost done
with my website.
Oh.
But she says
I need a better name.
Okay.
How about... Tile It Up?
Mm, sounds like
a home improvement show.
How about Ronni's Tile Time?
See, now, that show has Muppets.
The Winning Draw.
Ah, that sounds like
I'm hosting a reality
competition or something.
Yeah.
Ooh! Get Your Mahj On.
- Ooh!
- Yes! Yes?
Uh... no, Savannah says
it needs to pop.
Okay, well, I thought
that popped, but, um,
I guess we'll keep thinking,
because you know what?
We are very brilliant.
And exceptionally clever.
And don't forget gorgeous.
- Mm-hmm.
- All true.
I'm gonna stop by
Windward Country Club tomorrow.
I left a message with
their activities director.
Haven't heard back,
so I'm just gonna show up.
- Oh, that place is chi-chi.
- Mm-hmm!
Yeah, I don't know
if they're gonna let me in.
Do you remember
when I was trying to get
that listing
for that house on Noble Road?
What did you say to me?
"Go for it"?
No! You said, "March down there,
and you tell them why
you are the perfect person
to sell their house...
but don't be pushy about it."
I did say that, didn't I?
But that works for you.
You're a salesperson. I'm not.
I'm afraid
if I go in there like that,
they'll just think I'm weird.
Well, just remember to be you,
and you'll be good.
Right! Be you, you know?
Friendly, school nurse...
can make a beautiful
potholder/sweater/scarf.
You couldn't be weird
if you tried.
Aw... you got this, Ron.
And you know what, I have
a good feeling about Windward.
And I have
a good feeling about you.
Mm! Aw, I love you.
Oh, we love you.
I love you too,
but you know what I love?
This is a great name.
Get Your Mahj On.
- Come on!
- Get Your Mahj On!
I actually like it.
Get Your Mahj On!
Thank you for calling Windward.
Good afternoon.
Are you a member here?
Uh, no.
Are you a guest of a member?
Actually, no.
I'm here to see Lisa,
in your activities department.
Oh, do you have an appointment?
No, but, uh, you see,
I teach mahjong,
and I was hoping to talk to her
about giving lessons
to your members.
This is a private club, ma'am.
We do not allow solicitors.
Oh, I'm not selling anything.
I'm here to offer a service.
For money?
And fun...
and community, uh, brain dev...
No one gets inside
except members
or guests of members.
I just wanted to drop off
some information,
tell her about my classes.
And yet,
our rules remain unchanged.
No one gets inside
except members
or guests of members.
Maybe you could just call her?
Ronni!
Barbara! Hi.
Mrs. Moore?
Good afternoon.
I just came by to see Lisa
in activities, but...
"members only."
Uh, hello, Frederick.
I'm here to pick up my son
from his swim lesson.
Of course, Mrs. Moore. Welcome.
Well, are you coming?
She's my guest, Frederick.
Of course she is, Mrs. Moore.
I've watched her in action.
She is the best teacher
around, you know?
Oh, I have no doubt about that.
I'm sort of
a big shot around here.
I can tell!
Six dot.
- Oh!
- Hi.
I didn't expect
to see you here today.
Oh, I'm just
helping Ronni a little.
Mm. You've been
doing that a lot.
Mm-hmm.
I'm just saying.
Mom...
Mom! Can you not?
Hey, can you not?
Sorry that I can't
make it to your place today.
I've got to finish this job up
on 18th Street.
We had a permit issue, and...
You don't have to apologize.
You have already gone
way above and beyond our deal.
Well, when people
care about each other,
they show up.
Yes, they do.
Ronni?
Are you gonna come
to my birthday brunch?
It's my 70th!
Oh, that's so exciting!
And I'm honored to be invited.
I would love to come,
if that's...?
Oh, I would love to have you.
Well, then count me in.
Yay!
Oh, Ronni?
Um, every lesson,
more fantastic than the last.
Well, that's because
you keep winning.
Exactly!
I have told
everyone on my block.
It really is a marvelous game.
Ha! You're marvelous!
Thank you.
Just marvelous!
I'll see you next week!
Bye!
Such a different Alice
than the first time.
Yeah, this Alice seems to be
a big fan of adjectives.
"You're marvelous!
You're marvelous, darling!"
Oh, that's right...
I'm the marvelous Mrs. Mahj.
That's it!
The Marvelous Mrs. Mahj.
That's the name!
That's the name.
Mm, this is so good!
- Right?
- It's great!
It looks like a real business.
It is a real business!
Have I told you lately
that my daughter is a genius?
Mm, once or twice.
Have I told you lately
that my daughter
has changed her major again?
No!
I'm not worried, though,
because there are so many jobs
in the philosophy sector
of corporate America.
Oh!
Help me!
Okay, Ronni,
when your business takes off,
please hire Alex.
I will, but just hold off
on sending me her rsum.
I have a long road ahead of me.
Okay, so, what's the next step?
Gotta get
these gorgeous flyers out.
- Those are great!
- Oh, pretty!
Marketing starts
the conversation...
Word of mouth keeps it going.
Yes, that will be
your bread and butter.
Which we know
is your favorite food.
They'll tell two friends,
then they'll tell two friends...
Two friends?
We will accept no less than 10!
Okay!
- Mm-hmm!
You know, I don't even know,
do I have ten friends?
- I do!
- Of course you do.
I can give 'em...
No, I don't want... no, I don't
want your second-hand friends.
Okay!
Ladies,
I just heard from Windward.
That woman that
I'm always telling you about?
She vouched for me,
and they want me
to come teach a class.
Word... of... mouth.
Show all that to the bank,
and they will see
you're serious.
Oh, man...
I should've had
Savannah do the posters
for the Chinatown event
that the Cultural Center
took part in.
Mine look like
a fifth-grader did it.
- Oh, honey.
- It's been going on for years.
All the businesses
in Chinatown promote it.
- People know about it.
- That's true. Okay.
Also, um... Gary's coming.
You waited this long
to say that Gary is coming?
Yes! I wanted to build
the tension. Did it work?
- Yes, it did.
- Yes, it worked!
Listen, you need to invite Ben.
Now, that is an idea
I can get behind.
- Mm-hmm.
- Ronni?
It's time.
I agree. Mike moved on,
and I think it's time
for you to do it too.
I guess I can think about it.
Yeah, you can.
He's a pretty great guy...
and I haven't felt this way
about anyone since Mike.
Invite him.
I said I'll think about it.
Invite him!
Did you not just hear me?
Invite him!
Okay. I will.
Yeah. I'm sorry.
I had to go that hard.
Pardon me one second.
Hey, sorry.
I was early.
Um, they're from
the appraisal company.
Appraisers?
Yeah, for the house.
I know what an appraiser is.
We need to know
what the house is worth.
It's been 15 years
since we bought it.
There's a lot of appreciation.
And I told you
that I'm working on something.
I'm teaching mahjong now.
I have clients and...
You can't just decide one day,
"I'm gonna turn my hobby
into my job."
Watch me.
I have a meeting at the bank
on the 26th to get a loan
to buy you out
for your half of the house.
Look, not my business,
but whether we sell it
or you buy me out,
we still need to know
its value, right?
Fine.
Get the appraisal done...
but we are not listing it yet.
You got three weeks, Ronni,
to try your mahjong thing.
And I'm taking it.
Hi, Frederick!
I'm actually on the list today.
Ronni Rice.
I'm here to teach
a mahjong lesson.
It's gonna be fun.
You should come by.
Welcome to Windward.
Thank you.
Barbara! You came?
I reserved a whole table.
My group's already in there.
Oh, it means so much to me.
Thank you.
We're so excited.
Oh, me too!
Ohh.
Hi!
Here's my group.
All ready to play.
Oh... okay.
We just want to get
these kids off their videogames
for a few hours.
Oh, I get it.
Hi.
Guys?
Guys.
Phones down! Heads up.
Hey, guys.
Don't worry.
Mahjong is very similar
to video games...
except in mahjong,
you use tiles instead of ammo,
but... every move you make
affects how the game unfolds,
and the key is to anticipate
the other players' next move
so you can pre-fire
and make the winning hand...
kind of like a Victory Royale.
- Okay.
- Oh, that's cool.
All right, ladies...
and four very intelligent
gentlemen...
Let's play.
All right,
I'll see you guys at the car.
Hey, great job!
Great job.
It was really fun.
The boys said, and I quote...
"That was fire."
And two of the ladies
want to play again,
so now I have a foursome
that started
that day at your house.
Yay!
Can I book you
for a private next week?
- Absolutely!
- Oh, great. I will call you.
Okay.
So, it helped
that Savannah's a gamer,
because I was able
to speak their language
and really get them interested.
Well, you're on a roll!
You won over the teenagers,
now you're gonna win over
the Director of Adult Education.
If I could teach a class
at the community college,
then I could really
show the bank that I'm serious.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
Plus, I'm teaching another class
at my house next week,
and I already have
nine people confirmed.
Boom. My mom's
telling everybody she knows,
and everybody she doesn't know.
So, um...
it's totally last-minute,
but Shelley runs
the Chinese Cultural Center,
and it's part of this event
in Chinatown,
and it happens to be tonight.
It's very dressy,
and special,
and it means a lot to Shelley,
and, uh, I'm gonna be there,
so, um...
So...?
Oh, I see.
I see what's happening here.
You haven't seen me dressed up,
and you can't wait
another minute.
Is that...?
It's like you're in my head.
Good! I thought
I was reading that right.
Uh... I would love
to go on a date with you.
I didn't say anything
about a date.
Well, you didn't have to.
I'm in your head, remember?
And I would love
to go on a date with you.
I mean,
if that's what you're asking.
That is what I'm asking.
Now get in there.
Knock 'em dead!
I'll be at the hardware store
down the street.
What we usually like to try
with our adult education program
is a trial one-day seminar.
I-I would absolutely
be willing to do that.
Then, if
there's enough interest,
we book more,
but it doesn't always
work out that way.
Of course.
You have to have enough students
to make it worth your while.
Exactly.
But mahjong
is very popular right now.
I'd like to try it once.
Great!
How's...
Saturday from nine to one?
Perfect! I will be there.
Hi.
Hey.
You look amazing.
You clean up nicely too.
Shall we?
So make sure you grab
a card from the table outside,
and then you can add
your wish to the wishing tree,
and I can tell you
from personal experience,
that those wishes
often come true.
Originating in
the mid-to late 19th century,
most likely
in a region near Shanghai,
mahjong evolved
from a older card game...
Gary.
To a popular pastime
using bamboo and bone tiles.
She's so good, isn't she?
Spreading internationally
in the 1920s,
it adapted to regional variants,
like Japanese
and American mahjong.
If you take a look around,
we have Chinese games
set up for you,
we have Chinese chess,
Fan Tan, and...
you can take a look
at the bamboo and bone tiles
that I was talking about.
Do you know...
that mahjong means "sparrow"?
For the clicking noise...
of the tiles.
That's one of
my favorite sounds.
Mahjong is a critical part
of Chinese culture...
come with me...
and a pivotal part
of my own childhood.
I still remember falling asleep
under the table
to the sounds
of the clicking tiles
as my grandmother
and my mother played,
and then, when I got older,
I was able to play
with them too.
Some of the best memories
of my childhood.
Oh, wow.
These are stunning.
That's the word
that I would use.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
You know, she's not wrong
about the wishes coming true.
You speak from experience?
Yeah.
Well, last year,
I wished for Savannah to get
into the Technology Institute...
done.
And the year before,
she got accepted into
a very competitive STEM camp.
All right, how about this?
New rule...
this year,
you don't get to wish
for Savannah,
or for anybody else.
This year, you wish for Ronni.
Okay.
But then you have to make a wish
for you, too. Okay?
Okay. Yeah.
I-I can help you...
'cause I know
what I'd wish for you.
Oh, yeah? What's that?
You should wish
for whatever it is
that you want to see happen.
You know,
if you'd said that to me
a couple weeks ago,
I'd probably would have had
a pretty different answer,
but now...
You look frozen.
Thank you.
Well, would you like help
with your wish?
No!
I can't say my wish out loud.
It won't come true.
Says who?
Says the rule of wishes...
since the dawn of time!
Okay. Uh, I guess.
Well, then,
you should just write
whatever's in your heart.
All right.
Give me the pen.
Okay.
You're up.
Did you wish?
Oh, he likes her.
I love this for her.
Oh, I'm happy for him.
He's been looking
for someone for a long time.
Since his divorce, actually.
He hasn't found
someone that was the right fit.
Mm.
I guess when you find
someone so exceptional,
you cannot believe
that they haven't
been snatched up yet,
and you start to feel like
you can't imagine your life
without them.
You'd do anything in your power
to hang onto them.
I agree.
It's... rare to find
what Gary and Shelley have.
Yeah... exactly.
Those two.
Oh... sorry, man.
Ah...
pardon me.
Well, um, would you...
wanna come in for a drink?
I would love that.
Uh...
let me... let me just
get something from my car
real quick.
Okay.
Thank you very much.
Cheers.
Mm.
Ahem. I have something for you.
What?
It's heavy.
What is it?
Oh, I saw it in the shop window.
Thought you might appreciate it.
Oh, wow...
It's beautiful.
Consider it an investment
in your business expansion.
Thank you.
Should we break it in?
Can you play with two people?
Yes.
I'll teach you.
If you're trying
to figure out my tells,
I'll tell you straight up,
I have one...
sheer panic.
Well, do you want me
to help you?
I-I don't know if you know this,
but I'm actually
a mahjong teacher.
- No!
- Yes.
- Well, that's convenient.
- Yeah!
- Please.
- Okay.
Yeah, I don't know.
Um, sorry.
So, this is very much a game
that asks you to trust
what you cannot see.
Well, that sounds scary.
It can be...
but even if
you don't get a good draw...
you stay in the game,
because...
things can turn around
for the better...
in an instant.
So just...
throw caution to the wind?
Trust the journey?
That's what I'm learning to do.
Hmm.
Even more so
when I have
a really special hand.
I think I'm getting
the hang of this...
more so than I ever have.
I think you're doing great.
I'm not talking about the game.
Neither am I.
I didn't know
if there'd be much interest,
but there's more
than was expected.
Wow!
I know.
I'll grab some more supplies
when I head out for the snacks.
Here, hold these?
Oh, sure.
- And this.
- Okay.
And, uh, this.
Okay!
Hey!
Hey.
What are you doing here?
Is that...
the famous casserole
you were talking up
that day on the waterfront?
Maybe.
Aww...
I figured you'd be so busy
you probably
wouldn't take lunch,
so I thought maybe I could
get you to take a break...
for a picnic?
Oh, she's good.
She is good!
I know the perfect spot.
Taking a break.
Mm... all right...
I don't want you to get
a big head about this,
but this might actually be
the best thing I've ever eaten.
Success!
And your timing was perfect.
I don't think
I would've had a chance to eat.
I've gotta finish this project,
and then I'm heading
to the restaurant
to talk to the manager
about my mom's birthday.
Well, ask Henry to help.
I shouldn't have to.
You know... uh...
as I have been
allowing a little bit of help
into my life lately,
I'm realizing that...
things might've been
a little bit easier with Mike
if I had just...
you know, told him
what I needed,
instead of expecting him
to read my mind.
Maybe I would've been
a little less frustrated.
Sometimes it's just easier
to do it yourself.
Is it, though?
It is not. No.
Well...
in the immortal wisdom of you...
Hmm?
Call him.
Do you need my phone?
Do you need my pho...
I got a phone!
- I don't need a...
- Do you need my phone?
- I have a phone!
- I don't need your phone.
He's not gonna make time.
I know him.
Give him a chance
to prove you wrong.
Actually, I do need a phone.
Henry said
he would handle everything,
so hopefully there's flowers
and food, and...
Wow!
Looks great!
It's... yeah.
Aw, there's the birthday girl.
Hi, Mom!
Hi!
He pulled it off.
- This looks great!
- Yeah.
Now you should go tell him.
Happy birthday!
Oh!
Is this a bad time?
No. No, not at all.
Uh... it looks really good.
Almost as good as you could do?
I mean...
might even be better.
Uh, listen.
I-I owe you an apology.
I should've let you
weigh in more with Mom,
after the stroke.
Yeah, you should have.
You know, I want us to be
in it together with Mom,
but y-you gotta show up.
I know.
I know I wasn't always present
with Dad either.
But when I did try,
you didn't seem
to care about my opinion.
I know, I guess I just felt
more comfortable doing it all,
knowing that
it was gonna get done,
but that wasn't fair to you...
and I know that you only want
what's best for Mom.
I'm sorry I shut you out.
It was not my intention.
I'm sorry if I wasn't there.
So... we talk?
We make
any big decision together?
Sure.
Except you're gonna
take the lead with Mom...
for a little while,
because there is
a certain mahjong teacher
that I would like to spend
some time with.
I wouldn't have it
any other way.
Join the party?
Yeah.
Uh, hey...
Yes, I see it here.
These are
my employment documents
from the school...
and this page
has accounts receivable
from recent classes
and private lessons.
You can see here
that I have been teaching
at the retirement community
for over a month now,
and hopefully
that will continue.
This is great,
and we love to support
small business owners,
but for this type of loan,
we'd need more proof of income
from the lessons.
Uh, well, isn't this
proof of income?
We'd need to see
long-term, steady income,
or contracted work too...
but it seems like
you have a great thing going.
Come back in a year
with all of your records,
and that should be
more than sufficient.
I-I don't have a year.
I'm sorry, Ronni,
but it won't be approved
with only the guaranteed income
from your part-time job
with the district.
I'm really sorry.
Thank you.
Hey. What's all this?
What are you doing?
I'm getting a head start
on packing.
What? Why?
What did the...
what did the bank say?
That I show real promise,
that they love supporting
small business owners...
and to come back in a year,
when I have
a proven track record.
Ronni, I'm so sorry.
I mean, there's gotta be
something we can do.
There's not.
She was very clear about that.
And it's not "we,"
Ben, it's me...
this is my problem,
and I will handle it,
like I always do.
Hey, don't do that!
That's not the fighter
that I've come to know.
I'm out of time.
It's done.
Mike said the end of the month.
It's not
the end of the month yet.
We'll... we'll finish
fixing up your house...
Ben! It's not my house anymore.
Okay.
I'll, uh...
I'll give you some space.
Yeah, so...
I decided
I'm gonna throw a party here...
a mahjong party, this weekend.
You know, before the house
belongs to someone else.
Well, don't you worry.
You are in good hands.
We'll list the house
at the high end of the market,
and it should sell very quickly.
Thanks.
I guess,
then I'll, um, buy a condo
with my half of the sale.
Something with a community room,
so I can still
do my mahjong lessons.
Good! You're not
giving up on the business!
No way! I have a wait list.
Thattagirl!
Yeah, I'm-I'm gonna
stay at the school
until I can do it full-time,
but... yeah, I'm in it
for the long haul.
Good, then you can
buy an even bigger house,
with an even better backyard.
- Mm-hmm!
- Oh, hey...
and I happen to know
a fabulous realtor.
- Do you?
- I do!
She is gorgeous,
funny... always gets
the right price.
- I can't wait to meet her!
- Oh! How dare you?
Nice!
So, uh, have you talked to Ben?
Mm-mm.
What happened?
I lashed out at him. I...
he tried to help.
And we all know
how much you love that.
It was a moment.
We all have
those little moments.
I've already had
six of 'em tonight.
Hey there.
How did you know where I was?
I stopped by your worksite,
and your foreman said
you actually took a lunch today,
so... good job.
Yeah. Well, you know,
a friend of mine...
said that I should, uh,
ask for what I want, you know?
Try letting others
take the lead.
Oh, she sounds very smart.
She is all that and more.
I owe you an apology.
All you've ever done
is believe in me, and...
Ah, no.
You had gotten bad news.
I get it.
I should know better
than to try
and fix things for you.
I like when you fix things
with me, not for me.
More of a team.
I like the sound of that.
We've made it through 100%
of our fights,
so it feels like
a pretty good start.
So, any interest in going
to a mahjong party tomorrow?
I could be talked into it.
What is mahjong again?
Just remind me one more time?
- Hi!
- Hi.
Um, I'm Ronni Rice,
and I'm here to pick up a check.
Oh.
You're just the person
I've been wanting to see!
Hey, Tom!
We've had
such spectacular feedback.
Your post-class survey scores
were off the charts.
Wow! I am so flattered.
And we've had way more interest
than we ever anticipated.
That's amazing.
Uh, well, I'm here,
if you want me to teach
any more classes.
I'm very glad to hear you
say that, because...
we have a proposal for you.
I'm listening.
There's some permanent part-time
adult education faculty here,
and we'd like
to offer you a position.
- Seriously?
- Seriously.
Now, we can offer four
ongoing courses per quarter,
beginning and intermediate,
and it would be year-round.
Oh...
that is, uh...
Now, your contract
would be non-exclusive,
so you could still teach
elsewhere, if you want.
I'd be under contract?
Yes. Would that be a problem?
Uh, n... no! Absolutely not!
Uh... count me in.
Great! Okay. Come on.
Come with me.
You've got the pre-approval.
Wh...? Really?
I love it
when these things work out.
Oh!
Ben? Ben!
Hey! I just finished
setting up the tables.
You are never
gonna believe this.
Oakview Community College,
they gave me a contract,
so the bank approved my loan!
I get to keep the house!
You're kidding me!
It's a full house.
- It's so exciting.
- Mom!
Savannah?
What-what are you doing here?
What about your classes?
I'll be back Monday morning,
but I couldn't miss
your last big hurrah
at the house.
Oh, I'm so happy for you.
Hey. How's it going?
- And you are just in time!
- Hmm?
Uh, excuse me, could I have
everyone's attention, please?
Uh... this was supposed to be
the last hurrah for the house,
the last time
I had anyone over for a lesson,
a party, a get-together...
but I am happy to say,
that is no longer the case.
Oakview Community College
has given me
a contract to teach there,
so the bank approved my loan.
I get to keep the house!
Come here.
Ahh!
- Oh!
- I'm so happy for you.
And since
you're gonna be so busy...
we are here to help
You know, I could find you
some commercial space
to rent for hosting tournaments.
I'll cut my commission in half.
You don't even
charge me a commission!
Exactly.
I couldn't have
done this without you.
Aw.
Now, come here.
There's someone
I want you to meet.
Ben, Savannah.
I wanted you two
to finally meet.
It is nice to finally meet you.
It is nice to finally
meet you too.
It's a mess in there!
But it's my mess...
and I can clean it tomorrow.
I have something for you.
What is... that?
Savannah's growth chart.
I made an executive decision.
I knew how hard it was gonna be
for you to part with it,
so...
When did you do that?
Weeks ago...
before I painted the wall.
It's perfect...
for new beginnings...
in my freshly done old house.
I like that.
And with an unexpected hand
and a pivot or two,
I found love,
all while surrounded
by the bestest of friends...
and the best part is
the rest is still unwritten.