Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2025) Movie Script
It's Merry Christmas time
Snow falling from the sky
Everyone warms that ground with fire
[Toot, toot]
This is the greatest time of the year
This is the greatest time of the year
There's only good times
when you're near
[indistinct chatter]
[Maya] Happy holidays.
And don't forget to send me
that meme, OK?
[student] I got you.
[Roxy] OK, spill.
- You bribe them, don't you?
- [chuckles]
What is it? Candy?
Extra credit? Booze?
How do you get them
to actually like your class?
Please. Your students love you, too.
Oh, yeah.
One of them literally told
a freshman to avoid my class
like the zombie apocalypse.
Well, calculus is a little
less fun than women's history
- through pop culture.
- OK, fair point.
But still, your class has
a mile-long wait list,
and you've been here for a semester?
They're just excited by the novelty.
Mm. Doubt it.
But if you ditch us like the last school,
there'll be riots in the quad,
and I'll be the one leading them.
Don't worry, Rox. I've learned my lesson.
Never have a fling with a colleague.
Good news.
There are no hot professors here.
- Except for us, obviously.
- [Maya] Well, thank god.
- Mm-hmm.
- 'Cause I don't wanna leave.
I love Philly.
And me, right?
And you. And this school.
[Roxy] Mm-hmm.
Though it is kind of weird
to be back here as a professor.
I mean, we could still
totally pass as students.
- Right?
- Absolutely.
- We don't look a day over 20.
- [Maya] Whoop!
Mm-hmm.
[Playful, festive melody]
[both hum in agreement]
[Roxy] 26. Grad students, for sure.
[Maya] Yeah.
Oof!
Ooh, that California sunshine
could not come soon enough.
When do you head out
to visit your sister?
Tomorrow night. What about you?
Is your mom coming in for Christmas?
No, she's in Seattle, meeting Mark's kids
- for the first time.
- Mm!
First holiday with the boyfriend's fam.
- That's a big step for Paula.
- Mm-hmm.
You joining in on the fun?
An awkward family Christmas
with complete strangers?
- [Roxy chuckling]
- Hard pass.
And besides, my mom won't last
much longer with Mark anyway.
Which is kind of sad, 'cause I like him.
But I'm sure it will
suddenly become too hard.
She'll bail as usual.
Mm.
What?
- Oh, I am not as bad as my mom.
- I mean, if you say so.
[chuckles]
Wait, does that mean
you're spending Christmas alone?
- Yeah, but I'm excited.
- [groaning] Girl...
I'll finally get to try the new
Pinterest recipes I have saved.
Ooh, there's this new
hot cocoa bomb one
- that I've been wanting to try.
- [Roxy] Mm-hmm.
- Girl, this is tragic.
- What?
No, it's not.
I am going to have a peaceful,
uneventful Christmas for one.
- And that sounds perfect.
- [Roxy] Yeah.
Chocolate chips. Check.
Oops.
And cocoa powder.
Oh, cocoa powder.
Oh, ooh, ah, oh
[suave music playing]
[both chuckle]
- Thank you.
- Don't worry about it.
Enjoy your cocoa.
You too.
You too?
Smooth.
[voice on speaker]
Jerry, clean up cocoa pyramid.
Again.
[soft music playing in the background]
[beeping]
[chuckles]
Thank you.
[phone clattering on floor]
Uh, one sec.
Excuse me.
[suave music playing]
Dropped your phone.
Oh. [Scoffs]
Thank you.
- [Maya screams]
- [loud thud]
[gasps] Oh my gosh,
oh my gosh, oh my gosh.
Are... are you OK? Uh...
[whispering] Oh, no! Uh
[phone unblocks]
[phone dialing]
- [operator] 911, what's your emergency?
- Hello?
Yes, yes, I... I... I need help.
- [whispering] Oh, my gosh!
- [whimpering]
He just... he just fell!
I'm freaking out, Roxy!
Did I just kill a guy?
I mean, technically, the ice did.
But he's probably totally not dead.
- [exhales sharply]
- Most likely.
[whimpers] Why do I always have
to be such a klutz?
- [grunts]
- Oh, sorry!
- [Maya] I...
- [Daniel chuckles]
Daniel?
- Maya?
- Daniel?
Uh, my ex, Daniel.
I'm so sorry about that.
Believe it or not, my lab coat
has seen worse.
Of course, right.
Wow, it's crazy seeing you.
It's been, what, two years?
Three.
Uh...
[Daniel] So...
- What you doing here?
- Uh, I'm teaching up at Voss.
Moved back here in the fall.
No, I mean, what are you doing here?
- In the hospital?
- [chuckles] Oh, right!
Yeah, I'm waiting on someone.
- He, uh... well...
- Oh...
Her boyfriend.
She's here to see her boyfriend.
- [whispering] What?
- Just go with it.
Yes, her boyfriend
had a terrible accident.
He, um, fell. And hit his head.
We're just anxious to see
how he's doing.
Yeah. What she said.
Right. Well, weird coincidence.
Your boyfriend is my patient.
- Oh!
- Wow.
That's... great!
[tense] Of course he is! [Forced chuckle]
Uh, come with me. I'll take you to him.
[chuckles]
[whispering] What the heck, Roxy!
OK, first rule of breakups,
when you get a chance,
- make your ex jealous!
- What?
[Roxy] It's your chance!
I'm gonna go.
- Yeah.
- [Maya] Um... Roxy?
I know you wanna spend
some time with your man.
- No.
- May he recover quickly.
[Mischievous, festive music playing]
[whispering] Boyfriend.
[whimpers]
Hey, Maya.
I'm really sorry you're going
through all this.
We'll take good care of him. Promise.
Thanks.
You can go in.
And I'll come talk to you
when we get his scans back.
It's the last door on the left.
[medical device beeping]
Count to three
Memory's gone
Was wrapped around your finger
Now it's done, done, done
Butterfly flew away
No wings on me maybe I should stay
But I can't be holding on
Too many times you're driving on
[Maya] Keenan Davis.
Nice to meet you, Keenan.
I'm Maya.
I'm really sorry about all this.
Wouldn't be here if I hadn't
dropped my stupid phone.
But, um...
I promise, I'm gonna stay by your side.
Being alone at Christmas sucks.
So...
I am going to keep you company.
Good thing I'm a professor,
so, uh, pretty good
- at one-sided conversation.
- [Eleanor] In here?
[Charles] I think it's this way.
[Eleanor] My baby?
- Is he gonna be all right?
- What happened?
How long has he been like this?
How long will he be like this?
Keenan suffered trauma to the brain.
We're keeping him
in a medically-induced coma
until the swelling goes down.
It's precautionary, but we
expect him to have
- a quick and full recovery.
- Oh, thank god.
Who are you?
Oh... oh! Uh...
[chuckles nervously]
I... I'm Maya. And, um,
and Keenan, right?
Mm-hmm. And then...
- She's his girlfriend.
- [soft nervous laughter]
- Oh.
- [Maya] Exactly.
- I'm his girlfriend.
- [Nadine] Weird.
- Keenan's never mentioned you.
- [Eleanor] But he has.
He said he was bringing home
someone special for Christmas.
Said that he had big news.
You must be it.
- Well, that's wonderful.
- Lovely to meet you, Maya.
I'm Eleanor.
I'm Charles, Keenan's father.
Hi. [Awkward chuckle]
I'm his mother, Grandma Bernice.
[Bernice laughs]
Oh, now, don't believe
everything that he told you
about me. Just the fun parts.
[laughing]
Right, of course. Grandma Bernice.
So nice to meet you all.
Nadine.
So, are you gonna tell us
what happened to my brother?
Oh... well, we were leaving
a store and he slipped
on a patch of ice.
- I'm sorry.
- Honey, it's not your fault.
Accidents happen.
The important thing is
that he's gonna be OK.
Right, doctor?
Based on his scans, that is
what we expect.
Thank goodness.
You don't have to go
through this on your own.
You've got us now. Mm?
[laughing softly]
Put the candles on the cake
Gonna celebrate
Guess Christmas isn't
happening this year.
Of course, it is.
Keenan would want us
to keep our tradition.
- You know that.
- [Maya] Anyone hungry?
There's a cafe across the street, but
thought these could hold us
over for a bit.
Thank you, sweetheart.
- I suppose it is dinner time.
- Mm-hmm.
You all go home. I'll take the first shift.
Us all sitting here is not
gonna wake him up any faster.
Besides, there's a game on.
Keenan and I will have a guy's night.
[Eleanor chuckles softly]
Baby.
Later, bro.
Come on, Maya. You need dinner too.
- No, I couldn't impose.
- Nonsense.
You shouldn't have to do this alone.
Besides, we'd like to get
to know you better.
Yeah, Maya. We really would.
You guys go on. I got this covered.
[Bernice] All right, let's hurry up.
I bet you're coming back
to haunt me in my dreams
Whispering sweet
Hey. Heading out for the night?
Yes. Thank you, doctor.
- Please take care of my boy.
- [Daniel] I will.
- Y'all get some rest.
- [Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
I guess I'll be seeing you around.
Yeah. I guess so.
You can have every bit
that's left of me
- [gentle bell music playing]
- [Maya sighs]
Wow. Your home is beautiful.
Thank you. Make yourself at home.
Gonna drop this in my room.
Be down in a minute.
[delicate string music playing]
[Eleanor] OK.
Let's see what we can whip up quickly.
Maya?
Is there anything you don't eat?
Uh, no. I'm... I'm easy.
OK. You don't have to be
polite with me. [Chuckles]
- No, really, I'll eat whatever.
- OK.
- Can I use your restroom?
- Absolutely.
- Upstairs, on the left.
- Thanks.
- [Eleanor] OK.
- [Maya squeaks softly]
Oh! Why can't I keep track of my phone!
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[Daniel] OK...
All right.
[phone dings]
First time I saw you
I thought I gave myself away
Yeah
And I couldn't hide the way
you made me feel that day
I tried to open my mouth
but I couldn't find
The words to say
Yeah
You make everything easy
I wish I met you yesterday
Oh, in my mind I wanna give you
Everything, yeah, all right
[Nadine] Get lost?
Uh, no, no, I just...
Just wanted to see Keenan's old room.
Yeah, well, it's a lot cleaner
than when he lived here.
He's a huge slob. As you know.
Huh.
He must have changed.
He's not that messy now.
We should go help with dinner.
So tell us about yourself, Maya.
Uh, I kind of grew up all over the place.
My mom moved us around a lot
for jobs, relationships.
Actually, I guess
the longest I've lived anywhere
is in Philly. I went to grad school here.
Oh, Nadine goes to VU.
Oh, wow, I'm actually
a professor there now.
- Wait, what's your last name?
- Montgomery.
I have a friend that took
your class last semester.
She said that you're a cool teacher.
Yeah, I love my students.
She also said you seemed
like a single cat lady.
[Eleanor] Nadine be nice.
Nope, no cats. [Chuckles]
And not single, obviously.
Would you like some bread?
No, thank you.
Nadine, it's too bad that you can't take.
Maya's class next semester.
She'll be in London.
Nadine has been offered
a very competitive internship
- for journalism there.
- Wow, that's incredible!
[Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I guess.
Where'd you move after school?
Um, first, I went to Florida,
then Boston, then New York,
and now I'm back here.
- For good, I hope, this time.
- Yeah, me too.
What you like about my brother?
Goodness, Nadine, Maya isn't
under interrogation.
- It's a normal question to ask.
- No, no, it's... [coughs] that's OK.
I... would love to talk about Keenan.
[forced chuckle] Mm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm?
He, uh...
He has this energy about him.
Like, if he were to smile at a stranger
in a grocery store,
they would just know
he has a kind heart.
That's our Keenan.
[Nadine] Sure, fine.
But what do you guys have in common?
Uh, well, we both like to travel.
And I love that, even though
he comes across as a jock,
deep down, he's a total nerd,
just like me.
I'm into history, and... he's into Legos.
31, and he still asks for Legos
for Christmas.
Well, at least he's easy to shop for.
Oh, speaking of,
we need to pick our Secret Santas.
Yes, now, we do Secret Santas
on the 23rd,
then a big Christmas dinner on the 25th.
And Keenan's favorite is caroling.
- He has a lovely voice.
- Yeah, he really does.
Well, I've already put
your name in, Maya.
- Go ahead.
- Oh, um...
Just make sure you don't pick
your own name.
- All right.
- [Bernice chuckles]
Now, if you pull mine, I love jewelry.
You see?
[Nadine] What about your family, Maya?
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Um, no.
Well, not like yours.
I mean, usually, it's just
me and my mom,
maybe her partner if she has one.
But we've never really had
a big family Christmas.
I always wonder what that would be like.
Well, invite your mom to join us.
The more, the merrier.
Well, that's really kind
of you, but she's celebrating
Christmas in Seattle
with her boyfriend's family.
Well, that's good news for us.
We get you all to ourselves.
[Bernice] Yeah. [Chuckles]
[Eleanor] Mmm. Good, isn't it?
Whipped it up pretty quick, too.
It's lovely to get to know you, Maya,
- despite the circumstances.
- Yeah, it was.
Thank you so much for dinner.
Oh, and Maya, be ready
by 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
I'll pick you up, and we'll go see our guy.
Oh, it's OK. I'm close enough to walk.
Actually, I can pick her up, grandma.
I'd love to see your place.
Can't wait. Good night.
Come here.
- [chuckling nervously]
- [Eleanor] Mm.
Good night.
In a vinyl groove
Soul searching
Gonna make you move
Well
Soul searching everywhere I go
Let this soul take you away
[seasonal jingle playing]
Dan, the man.
[Daniel] Mm-hmm...
[Wally] Hello?
Yo, Earth to Daniel. Is anybody home?
I'm sorry, what?
Dude, you've been spacing out
like all day.
Yeah, it's the tail end of a 20 hour shift.
Didn't even notice my fresh haircut.
[Daniel] Maya.
- Hey.
- [Daniel] Hey.
How's he doing?
Uh, stable.
Can't say the same for his dad, though.
- Eagles lost.
- [Maya scoffs]
Might be a good thing,
Keenan was sedated for that.
Just kidding, sorry. Gallows humor.
[Daniel] Hey, I work in a hospital.
- It's kind of my language.
- [Maya laughs] Right.
I just, uh, left my phone, so...
Oh, uh, yeah, it's on the table.
Thanks.
It's a nice photo on your lock screen.
Yeah. Still one of my favorites.
Same.
- Whoa!
- [Daniel] Hey!
Flirting with your patient's lady?
That was not flirting.
That was just being friendly.
Mm, we are friends.
You never look at me like that.
See, that's how you look at me.
Way different.
Don't you have a catheter
to change, or something?
[Wally chuckles]
OK, OK.
I'll stop implying you're down
bad for your patient's girl.
It's way umprofesh.
[siren wailing in the distance]
Hi.
Oh, that key was for emergencies only.
Well, your message sounded like one.
And I brought you a candle.
Think this is gonna make up
for throwing me into a crisis?
- And it's already half used.
- It's a nice candle.
And I'm sorry, OK? But you know me.
- I act first, think later.
- Mm-hmm.
But you gotta love me, right?
OK, so, um, how's the hot patient?
- Is he OK?
- Uh, not really.
Oh, my god! You really did kill him.
I mean, the ice really did kill him.
No, Roxy! He's
in a medically-induced coma.
- Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.
- He's going to be OK.
Great!
So why do you still look mad at me?
After you left, his family arrived,
and now they think I'm his girlfriend
and are including me in all
their Christmas activities.
Oh, my god! This is...
Oh, you finally get
your big family Christmas!
This is g... This is not good.
- This is bad.
- No, it's not just bad.
It's a disaster!
A... a catastrophe!
The reason I'll be featured on some,
"Things Crazy Girls Did"
podcast one day.
OK, OK, just...
- I have to leave town.
- OK, girl, no, wait...
Now you're acting crazy, OK?
No, the crazy thing would be
pretending to date a stranger
who's in a coma.
The sane thing to do is
leave town forever.
OK, girl, just breathe, OK?
[whispering] Just a minute, come here.
[sighs]
I'm not gonna let you leave Philly
like you did in New York.
Or Boston. Or Florida.
- Those were different.
- Yeah, well,
you couldn't stand the Florida summers.
You hated your landlord in Boston.
Oh, and in New York,
you had a casual fling
that ended, and you couldn't
stand the embarrassment.
Uh... I had to take the long route to class
- just to avoid him.
- Maya, face it.
You just don't like difficult situations.
But in this one, you're
gonna have to handle it,
'cause I'm not gonna let you leave.
The truth will come out sooner or later.
He'll wake up, and everyone will realize
- I've been lying.
- Look.
He is probably not gonna
wake up tomorrow, right?
So, why not, you know, stick it
out a little bit longer?
See how it all plays out.
If you can tell me one way
that this all works out,
I'll stay.
OK. [Giggles]
What if this is all kismet, all right?
What if hot patient is your soulmate?
If you run, you'll always be
wondering, "What if?"
Well, Keenan does seem pretty great.
- Mm-hmm.
- And so is his family.
Uh-huh.
And I think we had a little moment
- in the store.
- [Roxy squeals] See?
Girl, kismet! OK.
Or... OK, hear me out, hear me out.
What if
this is the universe
pushing you back to Daniel?
[scoffs] What?
- No.
- Mm-hmm.
- No? No?
- [Maya] No way.
Uh... Daniel and I are...
- We're done.
- [Roxy] Mm-hmm.
Dead, over.
I felt the tension between you two.
And that was just regular old tension.
That is very common between exes.
Girl, it was hot. It's what it was.
And that's my cue to go.
Look, girl.
Love you! OK?
Try the candle, it smells just
like a Christmas tree.
OK?
Everybody sing 'round the fire
Toodle!
The things we've been missing
Together at Christmas
We got everybody closer than ever
No matter the distance
together at Christmas, yeah
- [sighs]
- [soft music playing]
- [indistinct voice on speaker]
- [phone ringing]
[phone buzzing]
[soft groaning]
- [Paula] Morning, girlfriend!
- Mom.
[Paula] Wait, is that last night's makeup?
[Paula laughs]
Looks like the first night
of winter break was wild.
Uh, wild is definitely one word for it.
Uh, how's everything going over there?
Great. I spent all day yesterday
decorating the house.
I want the kids to have
the most perfect Christmas.
Ma, they're adults. Just be yourself.
- They'll love you.
- Yeah, sure,
it's just a lot, you know?
I mean, when it's usually
just been me and you?
A big family Christmas,
it's a little intimidating.
[Maya] Yeah, tell me about it.
But it could also be, kind of nice.
Yeah.
[knocking on door]
Oh, shoot! Uh, mom, I gotta go.
- I love you.
- I love you, baby.
[tense music playing]
- [whines softly]
- [exhales sharply]
[sighs]
Nadine! [Chuckles softly]
Uh...
Come in!
You weren't lying.
No cats.
There's like
nothing in here.
Candle's nice, though.
Well, I grew up moving around a lot, so...
Learned it's easier to pack
when you don't have much stuff.
If you need packing tips
for London, just let me know.
Probably won't. [Sighs]
- I'm not going.
- Why?
You wouldn't get it.
You move all the time.
Change is easy for you.
My whole life is here.
I do get it. [Chuckles softly]
And if you don't go,
you'll always be wondering,
"What if?"
Well, what if I go and I hate it?
Then you'll come back in six months
calling cookies, "Biscuits"
and sweaters, "Jumpers."
But you'll know for the rest of your life
that you can put yourself out there.
Take a risk.
You're wearing that?
Again?
Oh... was..., I ju... 'cause I was tired.
[chuckles nervously]
Just give me a second.
- Coming in?
- No.
I gotta go shopping
for my Secret Santa gift.
You like moo moos, right?
- You look like a moo moo girl.
- [Maya scoffs]
Ha-ha, very funny.
Just like your brother.
How long have you two
been together again?
- [cheeky music playing]
- Oh, uh, I'm...
I'm bad with time, uh...
It... it... it's been a few months, yeah.
Uh, it's... it's new-ish,
um, but we are very serious.
And, you know, we're just
taking things slow
in a fast way.
[cheeky music stops]
You have a great time shopping.
[cheeky music continues]
What's your deal, Montgomery?
[phone unlocks]
Wow. [Chuckles]
Oh, good, you're here.
We're gonna deck this place out.
Christmas is three days away,
and we can't let Keenan wake up
to a boring old hospital room.
Absolutely not.
I'll take the stockings.
It's a - it's a very
Merry Christmas, baby
Come and ride the sleigh
Have a happy holidays
- And sing a merry...
- Wow.
I got a couple presents
Do you wanna come and see
Get inside the sleigh
and see how merry I can be
It's a - it's a very
merry Christmas, baby
- [Bernice] Yeah.
- [both chuckle]
And sing a merry ay
Oh. Who's this for?
Get inside the sleigh
and see how merry I could be
[Bernice] Yes.
OK.
Oh.
I'm gonna find a place to put this.
[Maya chuckles softly] All right.
[holiday bells playing softly]
- What are you doing?
- [gasp]
[Daniel chuckles softly]
Are you OK?
- Uh...
- [Bernice] Hey, doc!
Like what we've done to the place?
Wow!
You two really went all out.
Mm-hmm.
Uh... Seriously?
- [chuckles]
- Oh, don't be a Scrooge.
That is Keenan's favorite Santa hat.
Can I trust you two to behave
while I go grab lunch?
Please. We got things under control.
I'm gonna go to the cafe
across the street.
Can I get either of you anything?
Uh, actually, yeah, if... you don't mind.
I'm starving. [Soft chuckle]
Then, Maya, get some food,
and I'll stay with our guy.
- Uh... no, I... [chuckles]
- Go.
We'll be fine here.
[laughs nervously] OK.
- [hisses briefly]
- [whines softly]
[soft music in the background]
So, how's your family?
Good.
They're spending Christmas in Jamaica.
Why aren't you there? You love Jamaica.
I have to work.
- Right.
- [Daniel exhales]
Always working.
Lucky for anyone who needs
emergency medical care,
like your boyfriend.
Touch.
[traffic noises]
You seeing anyone?
Uh, no.
Like you said,
always working.
[softly] Mm.
[sighs]
[Daniel] Uh...
[Maya] Thanks.
Ooh, paninis!
There are two problems
with sandwiches.
They're cold, and the bread is too thick.
Yes, but paninis solve
both of those problems.
[Daniel chuckles softly] I remember.
[phone buzzing] Oh.
I've got to get back.
Oh, uh...
Well, I... I'll get you something.
A BLT with extra tomato
with ranch instead of mayo?
Yeah.
- Thanks.
- [Maya] Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
What are your thoughts on eggnog?
Agreed. Gross, right?
[chuckles]
But sticky toffee pudding?
Now that's something I can get behind.
[playful tense music playing]
Oh.
- [Roxy] Hey, girl!
- [gasps] Oh!
Roxy! Oh, girl!
My nerves can't handle
any surprises right now.
- Uh...
- [whispering] I swear he just moved!
What if he randomly wakes up?
Uh, he looks pretty sedated to me.
I think you're OK. For now.
Anyway, I just wanted
to drop off an unused gift
before I leave tonight. It's wine.
And I want to apologize for all of this.
Really.
I know it's my fault, and my stupid mouth
does stupid things sometimes.
Sorry.
It's OK.
It's really my fault
for getting all swept up in it.
I mean, I'd be swept up in all of it too.
He is fine! [Chuckles softly]
[mischievous music playing]
But so is he. Girl, your life is
like a telenovela right now.
So many hot men everywhere.
Yeah, but neither of them are mine.
Maybe one of them could be.
When they learn the truth,
they won't want anything
to do with me.
I don't know what to do, Roxy.
There's no way I can keep
this secret much longer.
[Nadine] Oh, it's not a secret.
I know everything.
[softly] Oh, girl, I'm... so sorry.
[dramatic music playing]
Uh...
Nadine, wait. Just hear me out.
- I... I was...
- I knew you were being
shady about something.
So I did a little digging.
And I discovered your big secret.
- Oh!
- Oh!
- That... that.
- [Nadine] Yeah.
Did you really think we wouldn't find out?
That you and the doctor used to date?
Oh... [exhales loudly]
- I could just come back later.
- No.
You stay. I want answers.
- [stressed sighing]
- I should go, though.
Right?
Or should I stay?
You know, for emotional suppo...
No? OK.
I think I'm gonna... Excuse me.
Make way...
Sorry. [Clears throat]
How long were you two together?
- A year, give or take.
- Almost two.
Sure, if you're counting the time
before we were official.
- We were just kids, though.
- [Daniel] I mean...
I was a resident and you were
still in grad school,
so technically we weren't really kids.
And what about now?
Are you sneaking
behind my brother's back?
- Huh?
- What?
No, no! Of course not!
I didn't even know he worked
here until yesterday.
Same. I thought she left town
for good. It's kind of her thing.
Yeah, well, things ended
between us for a reason.
He's not really one for spontaneity or fun.
He's married to his job.
And she probably won't ever get married.
Too afraid to lay down her roots.
Sorry.
It was a different time.
Clearly, things have changed.
As we were saying,
there is nothing between us.
Right.
Nothing.
[Nadine] Fine.
I'm not gonna tell everyone.
I don't wanna make it a big deal,
and that's on you to tell Keenan
when he wakes up.
But are there any other secrets
I need to know about?
No.
No other secrets.
[Nadine] Good.
Now get outta here.
It's my shift, Mom wants
you back at the house.
She made mulled wine,
and apparently it's
- her best yet.
- [fakes a soft chuckle]
And now that your love is gone
[exhales loudly]
Love don't differ from hell
- [Charles] You're really wild.
- [Maya] Mm-hmm.
[Charles] With nutmeg and cinnamon.
[Eleanor] Here you go, sweetheart.
- Thank you.
- [Eleanor] You're welcome.
Mmm.
Mmm! This tastes amazing!
I think it's my best batch. [Chuckles]
Ooh!
- Come on.
- What?
This is our song.
[chuckling softly]
["Don't Matter", by Ashley Clark playing]
You two move like it's
the most natural thing
- in the world.
- I hope so.
We've been dancing together
since the first day we met.
[Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
I would love to hear the story.
It was, um, a friend's party.
He was playing the ukulele for everyone.
I love that thing.
I learned how to play
when I was stationed in Hawaii.
Mm. And he was pretty good, too.
I couldn't help but sing and dance along.
I knew she was the one
right from the start.
[whispering] And I knew much later.
That's a really sweet meet-cute.
Your turn, Maya.
Tell us how you and Keenan met.
Uh, well, I accidentally
knocked over a bunch
of cocoa powder
at the grocery store, and
he helped me pick 'em up.
How wonderful!
That simple thing
of dropped cocoa could bring
two people together.
Yeah. Kismet, almost.
Mm-hmm.
- Don't matter why
- [phone buzzing]
Oh, excuse me. It's... it's just my mom.
OK.
Don't matter what it takes
- [Maya] Hey, mom.
- Hey, girlfriend, question.
Is this a good meet-the-kids look?
Yeah. I love the color.
Yeah? OK. Good.
Good. I just wanna make
the best first impression.
I've never met a man's children before,
let alone at Christmas!
- It's all so complicated.
- Mom, it's going to be fine.
Mark loves you, and his kids will too.
I know. It is so weird
for us not to be together for the holidays.
I miss you.
I miss you too.
But I know this is a big step
for you and Mark,
and I want you to be happy.
I want you to be happy too, baby.
I hope you have some good
people to spend Christmas with.
- Yeah, I do.
- [Paula] Good.
I'll make it this time
[soft music playing]
[Nadine] If you were awake,
you'd tell me to go to London.
But you're the risk taker
in the family, not me.
I pretend I'm fearless, but
we both know.
I only take risks
when you're there to catch me.
Why are you here?
It's my shift.
Figured I'd take over
so you could go home.
You've already been here all night.
OK, fine by me.
I'll go catch up
on "The Rich & the Restless".
Oh, the last episode was so good.
- You watch it?
- [Maya] Oh, yeah.
It's my go-to when my brain
won't shut off at night.
So, I've seen every episode.
Hey.
Don't tell my family about London, OK?
They don't know I've been
officially accepted yet.
Your secret's safe with me.
- When's the deadline?
- [scoffs] Christmas Eve.
[Maya] It's a big decision.
Could also be the best one of your life.
And you won't know
unless you take the leap.
[Nadine] Yeah.
Maybe.
Thanks for covering.
Well, babe... [sighs]
It's just you and me now.
Nah, mm-mm. No.
That was weird. Sorry.
Uh... this whole thing is weird.
I mean, you don't even know me.
Which is unfair, 'cause I feel
like I kind of know you.
All right, here's the highlights.
I was raised by my mom.
Didn't really know my dad.
Definitely didn't have the big,
fun family Christmases
that you did.
You're really lucky.
Not that my mom isn't awesome, I mean,
she definitely is.
Every Christmas, when I was
a kid, we'd snuggle by the fire
and read stories together.
Like...
[sighs]
[softly] Like this one.
Mm-hmm.
Thought I could read it to you
like she used to do for me.
Singing carols I've known
forever, this year
"'Twas the night before Christmas,
"when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
"not even a mouse.
"The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
"in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.
The children were nestled
all snug in their beds..."
I'll be there
Maybe this year
I'll make it home for Christmas
[Keenan] Hey.
Keenan.
You're awake.
You can't do this forever.
What?
You can't keep lying to them.
I... I know.
[mysterious music playing]
Hey.
[Maya] I wanted to tell the truth,
but they felt like family.
[Daniel] Hey.
- Hey.
- [soft gasp]
- Oh...
- Thought you could use this.
Thank you.
Hazelnut latte.
Your favorite.
Still drinking it black?
[meh-like sigh]
Might not enjoy it as much,
but it's healthier
- and does the same job.
- Yeah, why enjoy life?
All I'm saying is you don't
have to drink black coffee
every day.
There's this thing called balance.
Hmm. [Tongue click]
Not familiar.
Oh, I know.
[Eleanor] Good morning!
- Good morning.
- Hi, Miss Davis.
Good morning, baby.
He's looking better, isn't he?
Yeah, he's doing great.
The swelling is going down nicely.
I have a feeling he'll be
ready to wake up by Christmas.
Mother's intuition.
Plus, Keenan wouldn't wanna
miss his first Christmas
with his lovely new girlfriend.
Well, my shift is ending.
But Dr. Stevens is taking over.
And as always, you can call me
when you need me.
Thank you, Dr. Barton. [Soft chuckle]
You should go too, Maya.
Get some fresh air, get some food,
and your Secret Santa gift,
if you haven't already.
Oh! [Chuckles] Right.
- Secret Santa.
- Is tonight.
Yes, it is tonight. And I remembered that.
I know you did.
Yeah, I'm gonna take care of that.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
- [indistinct voice on speaker]
- [phone ringing]
Hey, did you see where Daniel just went?
He's in the break room.
Just down the hall on the left.
- You can just go right in.
- Thanks.
[playful music playing]
Oh! Wow.
Sorry. Uh...
[Daniel] Don't make it weird.
This is nothing you haven't seen before.
[Maya] Right. Yeah, I mean,
it's... it's just a torso.
I mean, everybody got a torso.
You got a torso.
- I got a torso...
- You're making it weird.
Sorry.
So, were you looking for me?
[Maya] Yeah, um...
I need to get a gift for Keenan's dad, but
never really shopped for a father before.
When in doubt, there's always
the classic tie.
How dare you?
I am a thoughtful gift giver.
I will not accept defeat and buy a tie.
Hey, you got me a tie one year.
Yeah, to wear to the orchestra,
- which was the real gift.
- [Daniel] You're right.
It was the best gift I've ever gotten.
Except for what happened
later that night.
[soft chuckle] Daniel, just stop.
[chuckles] OK, OK, sorry.
Back to Keenan's dad.
What does he love?
He loves his wife,
his family, loves dancing,
playing the ukul... [soft gasp]
Wait, is... is that music store
still open in the mall?
I think so. I haven't been there in years.
- You wanna come with?
- Oh, no.
I gotta get back home.
Gotta get some sleep.
- Got a shift tonight.
- [Maya] Right, um...
Well, I'll... I'll see you later.
Wait.
Who am I kidding?
After all that black coffee, I just drank,
- I can't go back to sleep anyway.
- OK.
Well, I'm just going to freshen up and, uh
meet outside in five?
[Daniel] Sure.
- [door closes]
- [holiday bell music playing]
Mmmm this Christmas
[Maya] This place hasn't changed a bit.
Even smells the same.
Which I don't think is a good thing.
[Maya chuckles]
Man, we used to come
in here all the time.
I know.
Sorry, I was too cheap
to take you on any real dates.
I mean, we were both poor.
Crushing school debt and all.
Honestly, mall food court dates
are highly underrated.
- [chuckles]
- True, that.
Still play your piano?
Uh, no. I sold it.
What? Why?
- You were so good.
- [Daniel] Just didn't have time.
Was just gathering up dust
in my apartment.
It's not fair, you know.
You spend so much time saving
other people's lives,
which is incredible.
But you don't make any time
to have a life of your own.
Look, I know your life is
perfect right now,
- but...
- [Maya] It's not perfect.
You have no idea how not perfect it is.
[Daniel] You're right.
I'm sorry.
Your loved one just had
a terrible accident.
I know what you're going through.
I know you do.
Well...
What are you waiting for?
- Play something.
- No.
- Oh, come on.
- I know.
- I'm rusty.
- Are you really gonna make me
subject the people in here to my playing?
Because I will do it.
[whispering] Maya. Come here.
[scoffs] Oh, god.
[Maya starts playing
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"]
[Maya chuckles]
Actually, I sound incredible.
Yeah, you definitely don't
wanna follow me.
See? Look.
Oh. My bad.
[whispering] Just go!
- [soft piano music playing]
- [both chuckling softly]
- You were better.
- I know, right?
You, uh...
You think Charles will like it?
Absolutely.
It's a really thoughtful gift.
Keenan's a really lucky guy.
- What?
- He's lucky to have you.
I'm happy for you, Maya.
That you're happy with someone.
You deserve that.
Maya, you're one
of the best people I know.
No, I'm not.
[sighs]
Daniel, I...
I need to tell you something.
Maya, I already know
what you're about to say.
- I doubt that.
- Really, it's OK.
We both messed up our relationship.
You needed me to prioritize
a life outside of work
to prioritize you.
And I didn't.
And I needed you to stay.
But you didn't.
Sometimes things just don't work out.
Yeah.
That's not what you were
about to say, was it?
No, no. It... it was, more or less.
OK.
Uh, thanks for dragging me out
into the real world for a bit.
[chuckles softly]
But, uh, I'm gonna catch up
on some sleep, though.
Wanna share a ride?
I'm good.
I'm a 15 minute walk anyway.
Plus, I could use some fresh air.
Guess I'll see you later.
Yeah. See ya.
- [soft piano music continues]
- [indistinct chattering]
[groans softly]
[holiday bell music playing]
Ho, ho, ho! [Chuckles]
I heard that there are some people
on the nice list in here. [Chuckles]
And normally, keeping secrets
would land you
on the naughty list.
But we only make one exception.
Secret Santa.
Come on now. Let's get started.
All right.
First up, we have...
- Charles.
- [Charles] Oh.
[Charles cackles]
Whoa!
I can't believe it.
A ukulele.
Just like the one I used to have.
[laughing]
[laughing continues]
[Bernice] All right.
Now, this one is for...
Miss Maya.
Oh! Oh, it's heavy.
- OK.
- [paper tearing]
[whispering] What? [Gasp]
A panini press? How did you know?
Oh, hey! Doc, hold up.
Santa brought you something too.
- Really?
- [Bernice] Mm-hmm.
- She shouldn't have.
- Oh, she insists.
To say thank you
for treating our Keenan so well.
[Daniel] That's my job!
Thank you, Santa.
[cackling]
What does that say? Hot Doc?
Grandma, no, that is so inappropriate.
What? I'm old, not blind.
He's hot!
I'm flattered. Truly.
Go ahead.
- Try it on.
- No, I'm sorry, Miss Bernice.
- I have to go back.
- No, no, no. Come on, humor me.
I'm not getting any younger.
[Daniel] OK. Just for you, Miss Bernice.
[Bernice] Mm!
[teasing music playing]
Huh?
Huh?
- What do you think?
- [cackling]
I think I'm developing chest pains.
- I... I might need CPR, doc.
- I am so sorry about her.
Please, you're all thinking it.
Right, Maya?
Mm? [Whispering] Back me up.
Uh... um, yeah, he's attractive.
[Bernice] Amen.
I, um...
I got a little something for you.
[soft piano music playing]
It's pretty rainy in London.
Just in case you decide to go.
[Nadine] Thanks.
You ever regret a risk?
Mm, so far?
Only the ones I didn't take.
You wanna come back to the house
and watch "The Rich &
the Restless" finale?
You wanna watch it, like, with me?
[scoffs] Relax. It's just trashy TV.
- Don't make it a whole thing.
- Mm-hmm.
I'd love to.
[Nadine] All right, place your bets.
Cat fight or shocking pregnancy reveal?
You know, people love
to knock these shows,
but they've shaped the way
women are portrayed in media.
OK, professor Montgomery.
No, look, I'm just saying,
sure, it's a trope,
but these women are turning it
into multi-million dollar brands.
In a way, it's kind of feminist.
Maybe I shouldn't take the internship.
Stay and take your class instead.
No, London is way more interesting.
Does sound like a pretty cool city.
Yeah it's one of my all-time favorites.
- Listen.
- [soft piano music playing]
I'm sorry I was kind of awful
to you before.
I'm just protective of my brother.
I get it.
But it turns out you're kind of cool.
I hope it works out with you guys.
Not just for him, but also for me.
I've always wanted a sister.
Me too.
[Nadine] OK, enough with the feelings.
Time to watch some people
throw martinis at each other.
- Yeah.
- [chuckles]
[TV show theme music playing]
[Bernice] Hey, doc!
How's he looking?
Better by the hour.
Oh. [Chuckles] We're lucky to have you.
Thanks. Means a lot.
Also, I'm sorry for, um...
Maybe going too far earlier.
You know, with the shirt.
[chuckles]
You're trouble, miss Bernice.
We gotta have fun while we're here,
because it all goes by so fast.
Besides...
Why don't you tell your girlfriend
that a foxy lady gave you that shirt?
Make her jealous. [Giggles]
No girlfriend, I'm afraid.
Not even someone
that you're interested in?
Well... maybe there is someone.
- Tell me about her.
- [Daniel] Well, she's fun,
funny,
- and smart.
- Oh.
[Daniel] Used to date.
And if I'm honest,
it was the happiest days of my life.
So why don't you tell her how you feel?
It's... not that simple.
You have to make time for what you love,
and especially for who you love.
I meant what I said.
Life goes by fast. Hear?
Thanks for the wisdom, Miss Bernice.
I'mma let you get back to your shows.
- Oh.
- I don't want you to miss
- any more cat fights.
- [chuckling]
[Bernice] Bye, doc.
[woman] Oh! You wanna throw shade?
Well, you should have brought
a bigger umbrella!
Oh, here they go.
He's strong. Just like his mother.
That's how I knew he was gonna be OK.
Oh, Maya. Come on in.
Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.
Not at all.
Come and have a drink.
Pass me that, would you?
[dishes clinking]
- Thank you.
- [Eleanor] Mm.
So, Maya, we're having a hard-day drink.
Mm-hmm.
It's a little tradition that we have.
We've had a hard day, we sit
and have a drink,
and we work it through.
We've had a lot of hard-day
drinks over the years.
But there's no one I'd rather
do it with than you, my love.
[both chuckle]
- You two seem perfect together.
- Oh, sweetie.
We aren't perfect. Far from it.
A great relationship isn't
something you find.
It's something you have to build.
- And rebuild, again and again.
- Mm-hmm.
We're here today because we stayed
and worked through things. Every time.
This is why I'm so glad
that Keenan has you.
Standing by someone
when things are hard.
That's what real love is.
[soft music playing]
- [chill music playing]
- [typing on phone]
- [notification]
- [typing stops]
[notification]
[Maya] Morning.
- Morning.
- No "Hot Doc" scrubs today?
All of my colleagues
would roast me alive.
It was nice of Miss Bernice
to think of me, though.
Yeah. Davises are good people.
They're grateful you're taking
such good care of him.
[Daniel] Well, he's a champ.
The swelling has nearly gone down.
He did really well on his breathing trials.
- He can breathe all on his own.
- That's great news.
Uh, I got you some coffee.
Figured you haven't been
sleeping as much lately.
Oh, thank you.
You have no idea how bad I need this.
Actually, it's... that's... mine.
Wait a minute. [Chuckles softly]
This is not black coffee.
Daniel Barton, did you get
a hazelnut latte?
I figured I can enjoy life
a little, add some balance.
- Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
- Just don't get too crazy, OK?
Well,
actually, I think I might.
I'm off as of, uh
several hours ago.
But my next shift is tonight.
And I was thinking I'd do
something a little spontaneous.
- [Maya chuckles softly]
- Care to join?
[tsks softly]
Uh...
[Daniel] The nurses are keeping
a close eye on him.
He's still lightly sedated.
He won't be waking up just yet.
All right,
surprise me.
What are we doing?
So...
Shopping?
This is your big spontaneous idea?
Not exactly.
Just wanted to do something for me.
And I'm really happy you're here for it.
[Santa laughing in the background]
You wanna sit on Santa's lap, don't you?
Tell him what you want for Christmas.
I don't even think Santa
could give me what I want.
No, uh, don't make fun of me too much.
I may have reserved a time slot.
[gasps]
- Ah!
- [chuckling]
- OK.
- All right, watch out now.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
[exhales loudly]
["Silent Night" playing on the piano]
[people clapping softly]
- Well, was that total garbage?
- No.
- A little garbage?
- No.
- [Daniel] Are you OK?
- No!
It's hard being around you like this.
[Daniel] I know.
It's hard for me, too.
It just feels so unfair.
Just the timing of it all.
Timing?
Yeah. I mean, you're finally ready
to really be with someone,
and I'm finally ready to try
this whole balance thing.
And here we are.
Bad timing.
Is it?
Bad timing?
[Maya] Daniel...
I can't.
I'm sorry.
- [Maya exhales sharply]
- [melancholic music playing]
[Daniel sighs]
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
It's never really over
Hey.
You're looking better.
Great, actually.
Keenan, I'm really sorry
for all of this.
For this stupid lie, for,
for dragging you and your family into it.
For dragging Daniel into it.
I just made this huge mess
out of everything.
[whispering] So I think
it's better if I just leave.
I hope you have a beautiful life.
Merry Christmas Eve.
- Catch!
- Oh!
Come on! It's time to go caroling.
W... what?
We always carol on Christmas Eve,
but since it's Keenan's favorite tradition,
we're bringing the music to him this year.
N... Nadine, I need to tell you something.
[Nadine] Me first.
I took the internship.
- I fly to London in two weeks.
- Really?
- That's amazing!
- [Nadine] Yeah!
[Maya] Oh!
I know.
Figured you were right.
I just had to take the leap.
You have to visit, though.
It'll make me less homesick.
I'll even go to some
boring museums with you.
Now, sweater up.
We've got some songs to sing!
[sighs]
Bells on, bob tails ring,
making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
[singing fades in distance]
Jingle all the way
[Keenan] Jingle bells...
Jingle bells...
[clears throat]
- Jingle bells...
- [Keenan]...all the way...
- Was that...
- My baby?
[Charles] Is that Keenan?
Keenan? Baby?
Oh! [Chuckling]
I just knew that you'd wake up
before Christmas.
I just knew it.
We've been gradually
reducing his sedatives.
Seems like he wanted to join us
for some Christmas fun.
What happened?
You've been in hospital about four days.
Yeah. The good thing is that you're OK.
[Bernice] Mm-hmm.
And tomorrow's Christmas.
You woke up just in time. [Chuckles]
Bad news is I didn't get you a gift.
Kind of banked on you not waking up.
I'll let it slide just this once.
[soft music playing]
You.
[Eleanor] Maya wouldn't leave
your side unless we dragged her
out of here.
She's been such a good girlfriend.
[chuckles softly]
- Girlfriend?
- Mm-hmm.
- You chose a good one.
- She already feels like family.
[Nadine] Even I have to admit,
she's kind of awesome.
And you know I don't like most people.
I... I don't know her.
Doc, you said that his memory
was gonna be OK.
Let's give him a moment.
He just woke up.
[Eleanor] Yeah...
[Maya] He's telling the truth.
[whispering] I'm not his girlfriend.
What?
[Maya] He doesn't know me.
I'm sorry. [Voice breaking]
I... I don't know why I lied, I just...
I couldn't bring myself
to tell you all the truth
because you made me feel like I was
really a part of the family.
[exhales sharply]
And with my mom being away,
this Christmas was gonna feel
lonelier than ever, so.
I know I was wrong, I just...
You were all so welcoming.
[voice shaking] And
that felt really good...
I'm so sorry.
[sobbing]
[exhales sharply]
Maya, wait!
Daniel...
I made a mistake.
I got caught up in a lie,
and it just spiraled, and...
And I didn't know how to get out of it,
but I never meant to hurt anyone.
Ju... just help me understand.
You were never
in a relationship with him?
No.
Are you in a relationship
with anyone now?
No.
[Daniel] I don't get it!
You'd rather be in a fake relationship
with someone who doesn't know
who you are
than be in a real one with me.
Daniel, that is not what this is.
[Daniel] This is exactly what it is!
'Cause a fake relationship
doesn't scare you, does it?
No commitment, no real work.
You just get up and leave
whenever you want.
[softly] I'm sorry.
Maya, stop.
Are you really about to run
away right now?
Again?
Maya!
- I was bringing someone home.
- Mm-hmm.
Uh, my boyfriend.
This isn't how I planned to tell you,
- but...
- [Eleanor] Honey,
I don't care who you love.
- I just love you so much.
- Ow, ow.
Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
[Bernice] What your mom said.
We love you more than anything.
Duh.
Honestly, I think I always
knew this about you.
Maybe that's why the Maya thing
felt so weird!
We, um
we just want you to be, um...
to be happy.
I am, Dad. [Eleanor chuckles]
- I'm really happy.
- [Charles] Mm-hmm.
So, who's the lucky guy?
Oh, no...
He's probably freaking out right now.
He hasn't heard from me in days.
I have to call him.
You have a phone, huh?
[exhales sharply]
[typing]
- [phone dialing]
- [phone ringing]
I'm sorry to interrupt, but is this, uh...
Leo?
[softly] Oh, my god, you're OK?
You're OK.
- Sorry, excuse me.
- [Keenan chuckles]
I was so worried!
When I landed, I hadn't heard
from you, I... I knew
something was wrong, I...
I called every hospital
I could in the city, I
just... [inhales deeply]
You are OK, right?
[chuckles softly]
[Nadine] OK, yeah.
This makes way more sense
than you and Maya.
[scoffs]
Who's Maya?
Honestly...
I don't even know.
[soft music playing]
[Bernice] You know, Maya
probably needed a sister
more than you did this Christmas.
That wasn't her only secret.
She and the doctor used to date.
Dr. Barton?
Oh.
Maya is the girl.
[Nadine] What girl?
[Bernice] The one he's still in love with.
[Roxy on recording] It's Roxy!
I can't answer because I'm alive.
Leave a message and I'll get back to you.
Maybe. [Beep]
Roxy, it's me.
Uh... [sobbing]
I'm gonna... I'm booking
a flight to San Diego tomorrow.
I gotta get out of Philly.
Maybe for good.
[Nadine] It's gonna be a good one.
I'm waiting. I'm excited.
- Oh, hey, doc.
- [chuckling]
Now, just because everything
was good enough
to send you home doesn't mean
you should push it.
No shoveling snow. I got it.
I'll see you in two days for your checkup.
Thank you.
- For everything.
- You're welcome.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
[Daniel] See you.
[nostalgic music playing]
[phone buzzing]
Oh. [Clears throat]
- Hey, ma.
- [Paula] Merry Christmas, baby!
Merry Christmas.
- Wait, where are you?
- Oh, I'm at the airport.
I'm coming to see you. Surprise!
What? I... I thought you were
meeting Mark's kids today.
Oh, that's too much.
Christmas is always easiest
when it's just you and I.
And what did Mark say
when you told him
you were leaving?
Ma.
Mom! You didn't tell him, did you?
[exhales sharply]
It's for the best, really.
Things are not gonna work out
between me and him.
He's got his kids. I've got you.
Juggling our different
lives, it's too much!
[whispering] What? Ma, you...
You love Mark. He's a great guy.
If you want love in your life,
you gotta stop running
every time things get hard.
I don't think I know how to do that.
Start by staying.
[Paula] You're right.
I've always hated... [scoffs]
Feeling like I was losing control.
And I think my running is
a false way of keeping control.
You know, the only thing
that I've never run from?
Is you.
And boy, was it worth it.
OK.
I think I'm gonna stay and work this out.
Or at least, I'm gonna try.
Same.
OK. [Sighs]
You spend Christmas
with Mark and his family,
and then come visit me
in Philly for New Year's.
[gasp] I would love that!
[giggles]
I love you, Maya.
Merry Christmas.
I love you too, mommy. Merry Christmas.
[exhales loudly]
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
Merry Christmas, Bud.
Got you a little something.
- You really didn't have to.
- No, I really did.
[Daniel] Oh... [scoffs]
Good one. [Soft chuckle]
[phone buzzing]
Could that be a certain attractive lady
whose name rhymes with shmaya?
Well... really doesn't matter.
As your friend, I have
to respectfully disagree.
That girl can put a smile on your face
like no one else can.
Yeah, well, she can also break
my heart like no one else can.
Thanks for the gift, Wally.
Merry Christmas.
[exhales loudly]
[sighs]
Hey, oh!
Wait a second, wait a minute
City covered with the snow
To the family, Merry Christmas
Happy New Year to my folks
Bells are ringing, children singing
All together, young and old
How you like that? Ooh
[phone buzzing]
Oh...
- Hey.
- [Roxy] Merry Christmas, babe!
- [Maya chuckles softly]
- [Roxy] So, when should I
- expect you in San Diego?
- [Maya] Uh, about that...
I'm not coming.
[Roxy] OK? What you doing instead?
I'm staying in Philly.
And I am currently making
hot cocoa bombs.
[Paula] You. Baking.
That's adorable! Be honest.
How many batches
have you tried so far?
[loud sigh]
Three.
[Roxy] Lucky number four. You got this.
Oh. And Maya?
- Proud of you, girl.
- [sigh]
Holidays
Happy holidays
Hey
We wish you a Merry Christmas
[ding dong]
Maya.
Hi.
Hi.
Uh, don't worry.
I'm not here to try to win
you back, or anything.
Not a crazy ex girlfriend.
Just a crazy... ex not-girlfriend.
I... [clears throat]
I brought these for your family
and for you
as an apology.
I'm sorry for roping you
into this ridiculous lie.
For roping you all into it.
[door closes]
[Keenan] I...
I heard the whole story.
It's pretty wild.
But I bet you had your reasons.
If I'm being honest,
I didn't wanna be alone on Christmas.
You all are such a big, loving family,
and I've never had that.
I know it was wrong,
but I couldn't bring myself
to ruin the fantasy.
So...
Here are some hot cocoa bombs!
Just drop them in some warm milk,
and voil, hot cocoa.
Hopefully.
I... I didn't get a
chance to... to test them.
Um, it's my fourth batch...
OK. [Giggles awkwardly]
Thanks.
- And Merry Christmas.
- [Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
Merry Christmas.
Maya.
Wanna have dinner with us?
- No, I couldn't.
- Yes, you could.
Come on, get yourself out of the cold.
It's Christmas time.
Thank you, really, but, um...
There's something that I gotta do first.
What could be more important
than family dinner
on Christmas Day?
I have to tell someone that...
I love him.
Hmm. Wonder who that could be.
That sounds like a very good idea, hon.
And then, after that.
Please come in and join us for dinner.
[Maya] Daniel...
What are you doing here?
The Davises invited me
for Christmas dinner.
And you took the holiday off?
Who are you?
Well, a smart woman told me
that I need to start
living my life.
And she was right.
Can't be all-work, no-play forever.
- So here I am.
- That's great.
For the record, I'm pretty sure
that same woman would say
that the world is very lucky
to have a doctor
who's as passionate as you.
So, I heard you were gonna tell
someone you love him?
Yeah, I found another
unconscious hospital patient.
- I think he's the one!
- [both chuckle]
[Maya sighs] Daniel...
This past week has made it
so clear to me
that I still love you.
And I think I love you more
now than I ever have.
Maya...
I can't go through that again.
I can't let myself love you
the way I know I can
and watch you leave.
Won't have anything left to give.
Daniel, I'm done running
when things get hard.
I wanna build something that lasts,
sticking it out through the tough times.
So even if you don't take me back,
I'm staying in Philly.
This is where I wanna put down roots.
And I really, really hope
that I can put them down with you.
So...
You're really staying?
[Maya] Yeah.
I'm really staying.
I honestly, honestly
Oh, oh, whoa
Do everything better when
Oh, honestly, I...
[chuckling]
I'm not the same, I have to...
[laughing softly]
- [Nadine] That's rude.
- [Keenan] Too soon.
- [Maya] So delicious.
- [happy chattering]
[Leo] So it's funny how it works.
If I hadn't forgotten my wallet,
I wouldn't have missed
the first train, and...
I wouldn't have sat right down
next to this guy.
Sounds kismet.
- [voices overlapping].
- Thank you for everything.
- [Leo] Oh, right.
- Pass the cornbread.
Here, Maya, pass
your boyfriend the cornbread.
Here you go, babe.
- [Nadine] Girl!
- Just kidding!
[laughing]
OK, great!
So we all can laugh about it already.
I won't just be the crazy girl
you all talk about
- at future family dinners?
- [Nadine] Oh, no.
You're definitely the crazy girl
we'll be talking about at family dinners.
But you'll be there,
so it won't be that weird.
[Eleanor] Leo, tell me how
you like that, uh, hot sauce.
- [Leo] Did you make this?
- Oh, yeah.
[voices overlapping]
I'll do it with you. I'll do it with you.
- Come on, ready?
- Drum roll, drum roll!
- [Eleanor] Mm?
- [Leo] Mm-hmm, is that jalapeo?
Snow falling from the sky
Everyone warms that ground with fire
[Toot, toot]
This is the greatest time of the year
This is the greatest time of the year
There's only good times
when you're near
[indistinct chatter]
[Maya] Happy holidays.
And don't forget to send me
that meme, OK?
[student] I got you.
[Roxy] OK, spill.
- You bribe them, don't you?
- [chuckles]
What is it? Candy?
Extra credit? Booze?
How do you get them
to actually like your class?
Please. Your students love you, too.
Oh, yeah.
One of them literally told
a freshman to avoid my class
like the zombie apocalypse.
Well, calculus is a little
less fun than women's history
- through pop culture.
- OK, fair point.
But still, your class has
a mile-long wait list,
and you've been here for a semester?
They're just excited by the novelty.
Mm. Doubt it.
But if you ditch us like the last school,
there'll be riots in the quad,
and I'll be the one leading them.
Don't worry, Rox. I've learned my lesson.
Never have a fling with a colleague.
Good news.
There are no hot professors here.
- Except for us, obviously.
- [Maya] Well, thank god.
- Mm-hmm.
- 'Cause I don't wanna leave.
I love Philly.
And me, right?
And you. And this school.
[Roxy] Mm-hmm.
Though it is kind of weird
to be back here as a professor.
I mean, we could still
totally pass as students.
- Right?
- Absolutely.
- We don't look a day over 20.
- [Maya] Whoop!
Mm-hmm.
[Playful, festive melody]
[both hum in agreement]
[Roxy] 26. Grad students, for sure.
[Maya] Yeah.
Oof!
Ooh, that California sunshine
could not come soon enough.
When do you head out
to visit your sister?
Tomorrow night. What about you?
Is your mom coming in for Christmas?
No, she's in Seattle, meeting Mark's kids
- for the first time.
- Mm!
First holiday with the boyfriend's fam.
- That's a big step for Paula.
- Mm-hmm.
You joining in on the fun?
An awkward family Christmas
with complete strangers?
- [Roxy chuckling]
- Hard pass.
And besides, my mom won't last
much longer with Mark anyway.
Which is kind of sad, 'cause I like him.
But I'm sure it will
suddenly become too hard.
She'll bail as usual.
Mm.
What?
- Oh, I am not as bad as my mom.
- I mean, if you say so.
[chuckles]
Wait, does that mean
you're spending Christmas alone?
- Yeah, but I'm excited.
- [groaning] Girl...
I'll finally get to try the new
Pinterest recipes I have saved.
Ooh, there's this new
hot cocoa bomb one
- that I've been wanting to try.
- [Roxy] Mm-hmm.
- Girl, this is tragic.
- What?
No, it's not.
I am going to have a peaceful,
uneventful Christmas for one.
- And that sounds perfect.
- [Roxy] Yeah.
Chocolate chips. Check.
Oops.
And cocoa powder.
Oh, cocoa powder.
Oh, ooh, ah, oh
[suave music playing]
[both chuckle]
- Thank you.
- Don't worry about it.
Enjoy your cocoa.
You too.
You too?
Smooth.
[voice on speaker]
Jerry, clean up cocoa pyramid.
Again.
[soft music playing in the background]
[beeping]
[chuckles]
Thank you.
[phone clattering on floor]
Uh, one sec.
Excuse me.
[suave music playing]
Dropped your phone.
Oh. [Scoffs]
Thank you.
- [Maya screams]
- [loud thud]
[gasps] Oh my gosh,
oh my gosh, oh my gosh.
Are... are you OK? Uh...
[whispering] Oh, no! Uh
[phone unblocks]
[phone dialing]
- [operator] 911, what's your emergency?
- Hello?
Yes, yes, I... I... I need help.
- [whispering] Oh, my gosh!
- [whimpering]
He just... he just fell!
I'm freaking out, Roxy!
Did I just kill a guy?
I mean, technically, the ice did.
But he's probably totally not dead.
- [exhales sharply]
- Most likely.
[whimpers] Why do I always have
to be such a klutz?
- [grunts]
- Oh, sorry!
- [Maya] I...
- [Daniel chuckles]
Daniel?
- Maya?
- Daniel?
Uh, my ex, Daniel.
I'm so sorry about that.
Believe it or not, my lab coat
has seen worse.
Of course, right.
Wow, it's crazy seeing you.
It's been, what, two years?
Three.
Uh...
[Daniel] So...
- What you doing here?
- Uh, I'm teaching up at Voss.
Moved back here in the fall.
No, I mean, what are you doing here?
- In the hospital?
- [chuckles] Oh, right!
Yeah, I'm waiting on someone.
- He, uh... well...
- Oh...
Her boyfriend.
She's here to see her boyfriend.
- [whispering] What?
- Just go with it.
Yes, her boyfriend
had a terrible accident.
He, um, fell. And hit his head.
We're just anxious to see
how he's doing.
Yeah. What she said.
Right. Well, weird coincidence.
Your boyfriend is my patient.
- Oh!
- Wow.
That's... great!
[tense] Of course he is! [Forced chuckle]
Uh, come with me. I'll take you to him.
[chuckles]
[whispering] What the heck, Roxy!
OK, first rule of breakups,
when you get a chance,
- make your ex jealous!
- What?
[Roxy] It's your chance!
I'm gonna go.
- Yeah.
- [Maya] Um... Roxy?
I know you wanna spend
some time with your man.
- No.
- May he recover quickly.
[Mischievous, festive music playing]
[whispering] Boyfriend.
[whimpers]
Hey, Maya.
I'm really sorry you're going
through all this.
We'll take good care of him. Promise.
Thanks.
You can go in.
And I'll come talk to you
when we get his scans back.
It's the last door on the left.
[medical device beeping]
Count to three
Memory's gone
Was wrapped around your finger
Now it's done, done, done
Butterfly flew away
No wings on me maybe I should stay
But I can't be holding on
Too many times you're driving on
[Maya] Keenan Davis.
Nice to meet you, Keenan.
I'm Maya.
I'm really sorry about all this.
Wouldn't be here if I hadn't
dropped my stupid phone.
But, um...
I promise, I'm gonna stay by your side.
Being alone at Christmas sucks.
So...
I am going to keep you company.
Good thing I'm a professor,
so, uh, pretty good
- at one-sided conversation.
- [Eleanor] In here?
[Charles] I think it's this way.
[Eleanor] My baby?
- Is he gonna be all right?
- What happened?
How long has he been like this?
How long will he be like this?
Keenan suffered trauma to the brain.
We're keeping him
in a medically-induced coma
until the swelling goes down.
It's precautionary, but we
expect him to have
- a quick and full recovery.
- Oh, thank god.
Who are you?
Oh... oh! Uh...
[chuckles nervously]
I... I'm Maya. And, um,
and Keenan, right?
Mm-hmm. And then...
- She's his girlfriend.
- [soft nervous laughter]
- Oh.
- [Maya] Exactly.
- I'm his girlfriend.
- [Nadine] Weird.
- Keenan's never mentioned you.
- [Eleanor] But he has.
He said he was bringing home
someone special for Christmas.
Said that he had big news.
You must be it.
- Well, that's wonderful.
- Lovely to meet you, Maya.
I'm Eleanor.
I'm Charles, Keenan's father.
Hi. [Awkward chuckle]
I'm his mother, Grandma Bernice.
[Bernice laughs]
Oh, now, don't believe
everything that he told you
about me. Just the fun parts.
[laughing]
Right, of course. Grandma Bernice.
So nice to meet you all.
Nadine.
So, are you gonna tell us
what happened to my brother?
Oh... well, we were leaving
a store and he slipped
on a patch of ice.
- I'm sorry.
- Honey, it's not your fault.
Accidents happen.
The important thing is
that he's gonna be OK.
Right, doctor?
Based on his scans, that is
what we expect.
Thank goodness.
You don't have to go
through this on your own.
You've got us now. Mm?
[laughing softly]
Put the candles on the cake
Gonna celebrate
Guess Christmas isn't
happening this year.
Of course, it is.
Keenan would want us
to keep our tradition.
- You know that.
- [Maya] Anyone hungry?
There's a cafe across the street, but
thought these could hold us
over for a bit.
Thank you, sweetheart.
- I suppose it is dinner time.
- Mm-hmm.
You all go home. I'll take the first shift.
Us all sitting here is not
gonna wake him up any faster.
Besides, there's a game on.
Keenan and I will have a guy's night.
[Eleanor chuckles softly]
Baby.
Later, bro.
Come on, Maya. You need dinner too.
- No, I couldn't impose.
- Nonsense.
You shouldn't have to do this alone.
Besides, we'd like to get
to know you better.
Yeah, Maya. We really would.
You guys go on. I got this covered.
[Bernice] All right, let's hurry up.
I bet you're coming back
to haunt me in my dreams
Whispering sweet
Hey. Heading out for the night?
Yes. Thank you, doctor.
- Please take care of my boy.
- [Daniel] I will.
- Y'all get some rest.
- [Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
I guess I'll be seeing you around.
Yeah. I guess so.
You can have every bit
that's left of me
- [gentle bell music playing]
- [Maya sighs]
Wow. Your home is beautiful.
Thank you. Make yourself at home.
Gonna drop this in my room.
Be down in a minute.
[delicate string music playing]
[Eleanor] OK.
Let's see what we can whip up quickly.
Maya?
Is there anything you don't eat?
Uh, no. I'm... I'm easy.
OK. You don't have to be
polite with me. [Chuckles]
- No, really, I'll eat whatever.
- OK.
- Can I use your restroom?
- Absolutely.
- Upstairs, on the left.
- Thanks.
- [Eleanor] OK.
- [Maya squeaks softly]
Oh! Why can't I keep track of my phone!
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[Daniel] OK...
All right.
[phone dings]
First time I saw you
I thought I gave myself away
Yeah
And I couldn't hide the way
you made me feel that day
I tried to open my mouth
but I couldn't find
The words to say
Yeah
You make everything easy
I wish I met you yesterday
Oh, in my mind I wanna give you
Everything, yeah, all right
[Nadine] Get lost?
Uh, no, no, I just...
Just wanted to see Keenan's old room.
Yeah, well, it's a lot cleaner
than when he lived here.
He's a huge slob. As you know.
Huh.
He must have changed.
He's not that messy now.
We should go help with dinner.
So tell us about yourself, Maya.
Uh, I kind of grew up all over the place.
My mom moved us around a lot
for jobs, relationships.
Actually, I guess
the longest I've lived anywhere
is in Philly. I went to grad school here.
Oh, Nadine goes to VU.
Oh, wow, I'm actually
a professor there now.
- Wait, what's your last name?
- Montgomery.
I have a friend that took
your class last semester.
She said that you're a cool teacher.
Yeah, I love my students.
She also said you seemed
like a single cat lady.
[Eleanor] Nadine be nice.
Nope, no cats. [Chuckles]
And not single, obviously.
Would you like some bread?
No, thank you.
Nadine, it's too bad that you can't take.
Maya's class next semester.
She'll be in London.
Nadine has been offered
a very competitive internship
- for journalism there.
- Wow, that's incredible!
[Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I guess.
Where'd you move after school?
Um, first, I went to Florida,
then Boston, then New York,
and now I'm back here.
- For good, I hope, this time.
- Yeah, me too.
What you like about my brother?
Goodness, Nadine, Maya isn't
under interrogation.
- It's a normal question to ask.
- No, no, it's... [coughs] that's OK.
I... would love to talk about Keenan.
[forced chuckle] Mm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm?
He, uh...
He has this energy about him.
Like, if he were to smile at a stranger
in a grocery store,
they would just know
he has a kind heart.
That's our Keenan.
[Nadine] Sure, fine.
But what do you guys have in common?
Uh, well, we both like to travel.
And I love that, even though
he comes across as a jock,
deep down, he's a total nerd,
just like me.
I'm into history, and... he's into Legos.
31, and he still asks for Legos
for Christmas.
Well, at least he's easy to shop for.
Oh, speaking of,
we need to pick our Secret Santas.
Yes, now, we do Secret Santas
on the 23rd,
then a big Christmas dinner on the 25th.
And Keenan's favorite is caroling.
- He has a lovely voice.
- Yeah, he really does.
Well, I've already put
your name in, Maya.
- Go ahead.
- Oh, um...
Just make sure you don't pick
your own name.
- All right.
- [Bernice chuckles]
Now, if you pull mine, I love jewelry.
You see?
[Nadine] What about your family, Maya?
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
Um, no.
Well, not like yours.
I mean, usually, it's just
me and my mom,
maybe her partner if she has one.
But we've never really had
a big family Christmas.
I always wonder what that would be like.
Well, invite your mom to join us.
The more, the merrier.
Well, that's really kind
of you, but she's celebrating
Christmas in Seattle
with her boyfriend's family.
Well, that's good news for us.
We get you all to ourselves.
[Bernice] Yeah. [Chuckles]
[Eleanor] Mmm. Good, isn't it?
Whipped it up pretty quick, too.
It's lovely to get to know you, Maya,
- despite the circumstances.
- Yeah, it was.
Thank you so much for dinner.
Oh, and Maya, be ready
by 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
I'll pick you up, and we'll go see our guy.
Oh, it's OK. I'm close enough to walk.
Actually, I can pick her up, grandma.
I'd love to see your place.
Can't wait. Good night.
Come here.
- [chuckling nervously]
- [Eleanor] Mm.
Good night.
In a vinyl groove
Soul searching
Gonna make you move
Well
Soul searching everywhere I go
Let this soul take you away
[seasonal jingle playing]
Dan, the man.
[Daniel] Mm-hmm...
[Wally] Hello?
Yo, Earth to Daniel. Is anybody home?
I'm sorry, what?
Dude, you've been spacing out
like all day.
Yeah, it's the tail end of a 20 hour shift.
Didn't even notice my fresh haircut.
[Daniel] Maya.
- Hey.
- [Daniel] Hey.
How's he doing?
Uh, stable.
Can't say the same for his dad, though.
- Eagles lost.
- [Maya scoffs]
Might be a good thing,
Keenan was sedated for that.
Just kidding, sorry. Gallows humor.
[Daniel] Hey, I work in a hospital.
- It's kind of my language.
- [Maya laughs] Right.
I just, uh, left my phone, so...
Oh, uh, yeah, it's on the table.
Thanks.
It's a nice photo on your lock screen.
Yeah. Still one of my favorites.
Same.
- Whoa!
- [Daniel] Hey!
Flirting with your patient's lady?
That was not flirting.
That was just being friendly.
Mm, we are friends.
You never look at me like that.
See, that's how you look at me.
Way different.
Don't you have a catheter
to change, or something?
[Wally chuckles]
OK, OK.
I'll stop implying you're down
bad for your patient's girl.
It's way umprofesh.
[siren wailing in the distance]
Hi.
Oh, that key was for emergencies only.
Well, your message sounded like one.
And I brought you a candle.
Think this is gonna make up
for throwing me into a crisis?
- And it's already half used.
- It's a nice candle.
And I'm sorry, OK? But you know me.
- I act first, think later.
- Mm-hmm.
But you gotta love me, right?
OK, so, um, how's the hot patient?
- Is he OK?
- Uh, not really.
Oh, my god! You really did kill him.
I mean, the ice really did kill him.
No, Roxy! He's
in a medically-induced coma.
- Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.
- He's going to be OK.
Great!
So why do you still look mad at me?
After you left, his family arrived,
and now they think I'm his girlfriend
and are including me in all
their Christmas activities.
Oh, my god! This is...
Oh, you finally get
your big family Christmas!
This is g... This is not good.
- This is bad.
- No, it's not just bad.
It's a disaster!
A... a catastrophe!
The reason I'll be featured on some,
"Things Crazy Girls Did"
podcast one day.
OK, OK, just...
- I have to leave town.
- OK, girl, no, wait...
Now you're acting crazy, OK?
No, the crazy thing would be
pretending to date a stranger
who's in a coma.
The sane thing to do is
leave town forever.
OK, girl, just breathe, OK?
[whispering] Just a minute, come here.
[sighs]
I'm not gonna let you leave Philly
like you did in New York.
Or Boston. Or Florida.
- Those were different.
- Yeah, well,
you couldn't stand the Florida summers.
You hated your landlord in Boston.
Oh, and in New York,
you had a casual fling
that ended, and you couldn't
stand the embarrassment.
Uh... I had to take the long route to class
- just to avoid him.
- Maya, face it.
You just don't like difficult situations.
But in this one, you're
gonna have to handle it,
'cause I'm not gonna let you leave.
The truth will come out sooner or later.
He'll wake up, and everyone will realize
- I've been lying.
- Look.
He is probably not gonna
wake up tomorrow, right?
So, why not, you know, stick it
out a little bit longer?
See how it all plays out.
If you can tell me one way
that this all works out,
I'll stay.
OK. [Giggles]
What if this is all kismet, all right?
What if hot patient is your soulmate?
If you run, you'll always be
wondering, "What if?"
Well, Keenan does seem pretty great.
- Mm-hmm.
- And so is his family.
Uh-huh.
And I think we had a little moment
- in the store.
- [Roxy squeals] See?
Girl, kismet! OK.
Or... OK, hear me out, hear me out.
What if
this is the universe
pushing you back to Daniel?
[scoffs] What?
- No.
- Mm-hmm.
- No? No?
- [Maya] No way.
Uh... Daniel and I are...
- We're done.
- [Roxy] Mm-hmm.
Dead, over.
I felt the tension between you two.
And that was just regular old tension.
That is very common between exes.
Girl, it was hot. It's what it was.
And that's my cue to go.
Look, girl.
Love you! OK?
Try the candle, it smells just
like a Christmas tree.
OK?
Everybody sing 'round the fire
Toodle!
The things we've been missing
Together at Christmas
We got everybody closer than ever
No matter the distance
together at Christmas, yeah
- [sighs]
- [soft music playing]
- [indistinct voice on speaker]
- [phone ringing]
[phone buzzing]
[soft groaning]
- [Paula] Morning, girlfriend!
- Mom.
[Paula] Wait, is that last night's makeup?
[Paula laughs]
Looks like the first night
of winter break was wild.
Uh, wild is definitely one word for it.
Uh, how's everything going over there?
Great. I spent all day yesterday
decorating the house.
I want the kids to have
the most perfect Christmas.
Ma, they're adults. Just be yourself.
- They'll love you.
- Yeah, sure,
it's just a lot, you know?
I mean, when it's usually
just been me and you?
A big family Christmas,
it's a little intimidating.
[Maya] Yeah, tell me about it.
But it could also be, kind of nice.
Yeah.
[knocking on door]
Oh, shoot! Uh, mom, I gotta go.
- I love you.
- I love you, baby.
[tense music playing]
- [whines softly]
- [exhales sharply]
[sighs]
Nadine! [Chuckles softly]
Uh...
Come in!
You weren't lying.
No cats.
There's like
nothing in here.
Candle's nice, though.
Well, I grew up moving around a lot, so...
Learned it's easier to pack
when you don't have much stuff.
If you need packing tips
for London, just let me know.
Probably won't. [Sighs]
- I'm not going.
- Why?
You wouldn't get it.
You move all the time.
Change is easy for you.
My whole life is here.
I do get it. [Chuckles softly]
And if you don't go,
you'll always be wondering,
"What if?"
Well, what if I go and I hate it?
Then you'll come back in six months
calling cookies, "Biscuits"
and sweaters, "Jumpers."
But you'll know for the rest of your life
that you can put yourself out there.
Take a risk.
You're wearing that?
Again?
Oh... was..., I ju... 'cause I was tired.
[chuckles nervously]
Just give me a second.
- Coming in?
- No.
I gotta go shopping
for my Secret Santa gift.
You like moo moos, right?
- You look like a moo moo girl.
- [Maya scoffs]
Ha-ha, very funny.
Just like your brother.
How long have you two
been together again?
- [cheeky music playing]
- Oh, uh, I'm...
I'm bad with time, uh...
It... it... it's been a few months, yeah.
Uh, it's... it's new-ish,
um, but we are very serious.
And, you know, we're just
taking things slow
in a fast way.
[cheeky music stops]
You have a great time shopping.
[cheeky music continues]
What's your deal, Montgomery?
[phone unlocks]
Wow. [Chuckles]
Oh, good, you're here.
We're gonna deck this place out.
Christmas is three days away,
and we can't let Keenan wake up
to a boring old hospital room.
Absolutely not.
I'll take the stockings.
It's a - it's a very
Merry Christmas, baby
Come and ride the sleigh
Have a happy holidays
- And sing a merry...
- Wow.
I got a couple presents
Do you wanna come and see
Get inside the sleigh
and see how merry I can be
It's a - it's a very
merry Christmas, baby
- [Bernice] Yeah.
- [both chuckle]
And sing a merry ay
Oh. Who's this for?
Get inside the sleigh
and see how merry I could be
[Bernice] Yes.
OK.
Oh.
I'm gonna find a place to put this.
[Maya chuckles softly] All right.
[holiday bells playing softly]
- What are you doing?
- [gasp]
[Daniel chuckles softly]
Are you OK?
- Uh...
- [Bernice] Hey, doc!
Like what we've done to the place?
Wow!
You two really went all out.
Mm-hmm.
Uh... Seriously?
- [chuckles]
- Oh, don't be a Scrooge.
That is Keenan's favorite Santa hat.
Can I trust you two to behave
while I go grab lunch?
Please. We got things under control.
I'm gonna go to the cafe
across the street.
Can I get either of you anything?
Uh, actually, yeah, if... you don't mind.
I'm starving. [Soft chuckle]
Then, Maya, get some food,
and I'll stay with our guy.
- Uh... no, I... [chuckles]
- Go.
We'll be fine here.
[laughs nervously] OK.
- [hisses briefly]
- [whines softly]
[soft music in the background]
So, how's your family?
Good.
They're spending Christmas in Jamaica.
Why aren't you there? You love Jamaica.
I have to work.
- Right.
- [Daniel exhales]
Always working.
Lucky for anyone who needs
emergency medical care,
like your boyfriend.
Touch.
[traffic noises]
You seeing anyone?
Uh, no.
Like you said,
always working.
[softly] Mm.
[sighs]
[Daniel] Uh...
[Maya] Thanks.
Ooh, paninis!
There are two problems
with sandwiches.
They're cold, and the bread is too thick.
Yes, but paninis solve
both of those problems.
[Daniel chuckles softly] I remember.
[phone buzzing] Oh.
I've got to get back.
Oh, uh...
Well, I... I'll get you something.
A BLT with extra tomato
with ranch instead of mayo?
Yeah.
- Thanks.
- [Maya] Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
What are your thoughts on eggnog?
Agreed. Gross, right?
[chuckles]
But sticky toffee pudding?
Now that's something I can get behind.
[playful tense music playing]
Oh.
- [Roxy] Hey, girl!
- [gasps] Oh!
Roxy! Oh, girl!
My nerves can't handle
any surprises right now.
- Uh...
- [whispering] I swear he just moved!
What if he randomly wakes up?
Uh, he looks pretty sedated to me.
I think you're OK. For now.
Anyway, I just wanted
to drop off an unused gift
before I leave tonight. It's wine.
And I want to apologize for all of this.
Really.
I know it's my fault, and my stupid mouth
does stupid things sometimes.
Sorry.
It's OK.
It's really my fault
for getting all swept up in it.
I mean, I'd be swept up in all of it too.
He is fine! [Chuckles softly]
[mischievous music playing]
But so is he. Girl, your life is
like a telenovela right now.
So many hot men everywhere.
Yeah, but neither of them are mine.
Maybe one of them could be.
When they learn the truth,
they won't want anything
to do with me.
I don't know what to do, Roxy.
There's no way I can keep
this secret much longer.
[Nadine] Oh, it's not a secret.
I know everything.
[softly] Oh, girl, I'm... so sorry.
[dramatic music playing]
Uh...
Nadine, wait. Just hear me out.
- I... I was...
- I knew you were being
shady about something.
So I did a little digging.
And I discovered your big secret.
- Oh!
- Oh!
- That... that.
- [Nadine] Yeah.
Did you really think we wouldn't find out?
That you and the doctor used to date?
Oh... [exhales loudly]
- I could just come back later.
- No.
You stay. I want answers.
- [stressed sighing]
- I should go, though.
Right?
Or should I stay?
You know, for emotional suppo...
No? OK.
I think I'm gonna... Excuse me.
Make way...
Sorry. [Clears throat]
How long were you two together?
- A year, give or take.
- Almost two.
Sure, if you're counting the time
before we were official.
- We were just kids, though.
- [Daniel] I mean...
I was a resident and you were
still in grad school,
so technically we weren't really kids.
And what about now?
Are you sneaking
behind my brother's back?
- Huh?
- What?
No, no! Of course not!
I didn't even know he worked
here until yesterday.
Same. I thought she left town
for good. It's kind of her thing.
Yeah, well, things ended
between us for a reason.
He's not really one for spontaneity or fun.
He's married to his job.
And she probably won't ever get married.
Too afraid to lay down her roots.
Sorry.
It was a different time.
Clearly, things have changed.
As we were saying,
there is nothing between us.
Right.
Nothing.
[Nadine] Fine.
I'm not gonna tell everyone.
I don't wanna make it a big deal,
and that's on you to tell Keenan
when he wakes up.
But are there any other secrets
I need to know about?
No.
No other secrets.
[Nadine] Good.
Now get outta here.
It's my shift, Mom wants
you back at the house.
She made mulled wine,
and apparently it's
- her best yet.
- [fakes a soft chuckle]
And now that your love is gone
[exhales loudly]
Love don't differ from hell
- [Charles] You're really wild.
- [Maya] Mm-hmm.
[Charles] With nutmeg and cinnamon.
[Eleanor] Here you go, sweetheart.
- Thank you.
- [Eleanor] You're welcome.
Mmm.
Mmm! This tastes amazing!
I think it's my best batch. [Chuckles]
Ooh!
- Come on.
- What?
This is our song.
[chuckling softly]
["Don't Matter", by Ashley Clark playing]
You two move like it's
the most natural thing
- in the world.
- I hope so.
We've been dancing together
since the first day we met.
[Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
I would love to hear the story.
It was, um, a friend's party.
He was playing the ukulele for everyone.
I love that thing.
I learned how to play
when I was stationed in Hawaii.
Mm. And he was pretty good, too.
I couldn't help but sing and dance along.
I knew she was the one
right from the start.
[whispering] And I knew much later.
That's a really sweet meet-cute.
Your turn, Maya.
Tell us how you and Keenan met.
Uh, well, I accidentally
knocked over a bunch
of cocoa powder
at the grocery store, and
he helped me pick 'em up.
How wonderful!
That simple thing
of dropped cocoa could bring
two people together.
Yeah. Kismet, almost.
Mm-hmm.
- Don't matter why
- [phone buzzing]
Oh, excuse me. It's... it's just my mom.
OK.
Don't matter what it takes
- [Maya] Hey, mom.
- Hey, girlfriend, question.
Is this a good meet-the-kids look?
Yeah. I love the color.
Yeah? OK. Good.
Good. I just wanna make
the best first impression.
I've never met a man's children before,
let alone at Christmas!
- It's all so complicated.
- Mom, it's going to be fine.
Mark loves you, and his kids will too.
I know. It is so weird
for us not to be together for the holidays.
I miss you.
I miss you too.
But I know this is a big step
for you and Mark,
and I want you to be happy.
I want you to be happy too, baby.
I hope you have some good
people to spend Christmas with.
- Yeah, I do.
- [Paula] Good.
I'll make it this time
[soft music playing]
[Nadine] If you were awake,
you'd tell me to go to London.
But you're the risk taker
in the family, not me.
I pretend I'm fearless, but
we both know.
I only take risks
when you're there to catch me.
Why are you here?
It's my shift.
Figured I'd take over
so you could go home.
You've already been here all night.
OK, fine by me.
I'll go catch up
on "The Rich & the Restless".
Oh, the last episode was so good.
- You watch it?
- [Maya] Oh, yeah.
It's my go-to when my brain
won't shut off at night.
So, I've seen every episode.
Hey.
Don't tell my family about London, OK?
They don't know I've been
officially accepted yet.
Your secret's safe with me.
- When's the deadline?
- [scoffs] Christmas Eve.
[Maya] It's a big decision.
Could also be the best one of your life.
And you won't know
unless you take the leap.
[Nadine] Yeah.
Maybe.
Thanks for covering.
Well, babe... [sighs]
It's just you and me now.
Nah, mm-mm. No.
That was weird. Sorry.
Uh... this whole thing is weird.
I mean, you don't even know me.
Which is unfair, 'cause I feel
like I kind of know you.
All right, here's the highlights.
I was raised by my mom.
Didn't really know my dad.
Definitely didn't have the big,
fun family Christmases
that you did.
You're really lucky.
Not that my mom isn't awesome, I mean,
she definitely is.
Every Christmas, when I was
a kid, we'd snuggle by the fire
and read stories together.
Like...
[sighs]
[softly] Like this one.
Mm-hmm.
Thought I could read it to you
like she used to do for me.
Singing carols I've known
forever, this year
"'Twas the night before Christmas,
"when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
"not even a mouse.
"The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
"in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.
The children were nestled
all snug in their beds..."
I'll be there
Maybe this year
I'll make it home for Christmas
[Keenan] Hey.
Keenan.
You're awake.
You can't do this forever.
What?
You can't keep lying to them.
I... I know.
[mysterious music playing]
Hey.
[Maya] I wanted to tell the truth,
but they felt like family.
[Daniel] Hey.
- Hey.
- [soft gasp]
- Oh...
- Thought you could use this.
Thank you.
Hazelnut latte.
Your favorite.
Still drinking it black?
[meh-like sigh]
Might not enjoy it as much,
but it's healthier
- and does the same job.
- Yeah, why enjoy life?
All I'm saying is you don't
have to drink black coffee
every day.
There's this thing called balance.
Hmm. [Tongue click]
Not familiar.
Oh, I know.
[Eleanor] Good morning!
- Good morning.
- Hi, Miss Davis.
Good morning, baby.
He's looking better, isn't he?
Yeah, he's doing great.
The swelling is going down nicely.
I have a feeling he'll be
ready to wake up by Christmas.
Mother's intuition.
Plus, Keenan wouldn't wanna
miss his first Christmas
with his lovely new girlfriend.
Well, my shift is ending.
But Dr. Stevens is taking over.
And as always, you can call me
when you need me.
Thank you, Dr. Barton. [Soft chuckle]
You should go too, Maya.
Get some fresh air, get some food,
and your Secret Santa gift,
if you haven't already.
Oh! [Chuckles] Right.
- Secret Santa.
- Is tonight.
Yes, it is tonight. And I remembered that.
I know you did.
Yeah, I'm gonna take care of that.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
- [indistinct voice on speaker]
- [phone ringing]
Hey, did you see where Daniel just went?
He's in the break room.
Just down the hall on the left.
- You can just go right in.
- Thanks.
[playful music playing]
Oh! Wow.
Sorry. Uh...
[Daniel] Don't make it weird.
This is nothing you haven't seen before.
[Maya] Right. Yeah, I mean,
it's... it's just a torso.
I mean, everybody got a torso.
You got a torso.
- I got a torso...
- You're making it weird.
Sorry.
So, were you looking for me?
[Maya] Yeah, um...
I need to get a gift for Keenan's dad, but
never really shopped for a father before.
When in doubt, there's always
the classic tie.
How dare you?
I am a thoughtful gift giver.
I will not accept defeat and buy a tie.
Hey, you got me a tie one year.
Yeah, to wear to the orchestra,
- which was the real gift.
- [Daniel] You're right.
It was the best gift I've ever gotten.
Except for what happened
later that night.
[soft chuckle] Daniel, just stop.
[chuckles] OK, OK, sorry.
Back to Keenan's dad.
What does he love?
He loves his wife,
his family, loves dancing,
playing the ukul... [soft gasp]
Wait, is... is that music store
still open in the mall?
I think so. I haven't been there in years.
- You wanna come with?
- Oh, no.
I gotta get back home.
Gotta get some sleep.
- Got a shift tonight.
- [Maya] Right, um...
Well, I'll... I'll see you later.
Wait.
Who am I kidding?
After all that black coffee, I just drank,
- I can't go back to sleep anyway.
- OK.
Well, I'm just going to freshen up and, uh
meet outside in five?
[Daniel] Sure.
- [door closes]
- [holiday bell music playing]
Mmmm this Christmas
[Maya] This place hasn't changed a bit.
Even smells the same.
Which I don't think is a good thing.
[Maya chuckles]
Man, we used to come
in here all the time.
I know.
Sorry, I was too cheap
to take you on any real dates.
I mean, we were both poor.
Crushing school debt and all.
Honestly, mall food court dates
are highly underrated.
- [chuckles]
- True, that.
Still play your piano?
Uh, no. I sold it.
What? Why?
- You were so good.
- [Daniel] Just didn't have time.
Was just gathering up dust
in my apartment.
It's not fair, you know.
You spend so much time saving
other people's lives,
which is incredible.
But you don't make any time
to have a life of your own.
Look, I know your life is
perfect right now,
- but...
- [Maya] It's not perfect.
You have no idea how not perfect it is.
[Daniel] You're right.
I'm sorry.
Your loved one just had
a terrible accident.
I know what you're going through.
I know you do.
Well...
What are you waiting for?
- Play something.
- No.
- Oh, come on.
- I know.
- I'm rusty.
- Are you really gonna make me
subject the people in here to my playing?
Because I will do it.
[whispering] Maya. Come here.
[scoffs] Oh, god.
[Maya starts playing
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"]
[Maya chuckles]
Actually, I sound incredible.
Yeah, you definitely don't
wanna follow me.
See? Look.
Oh. My bad.
[whispering] Just go!
- [soft piano music playing]
- [both chuckling softly]
- You were better.
- I know, right?
You, uh...
You think Charles will like it?
Absolutely.
It's a really thoughtful gift.
Keenan's a really lucky guy.
- What?
- He's lucky to have you.
I'm happy for you, Maya.
That you're happy with someone.
You deserve that.
Maya, you're one
of the best people I know.
No, I'm not.
[sighs]
Daniel, I...
I need to tell you something.
Maya, I already know
what you're about to say.
- I doubt that.
- Really, it's OK.
We both messed up our relationship.
You needed me to prioritize
a life outside of work
to prioritize you.
And I didn't.
And I needed you to stay.
But you didn't.
Sometimes things just don't work out.
Yeah.
That's not what you were
about to say, was it?
No, no. It... it was, more or less.
OK.
Uh, thanks for dragging me out
into the real world for a bit.
[chuckles softly]
But, uh, I'm gonna catch up
on some sleep, though.
Wanna share a ride?
I'm good.
I'm a 15 minute walk anyway.
Plus, I could use some fresh air.
Guess I'll see you later.
Yeah. See ya.
- [soft piano music continues]
- [indistinct chattering]
[groans softly]
[holiday bell music playing]
Ho, ho, ho! [Chuckles]
I heard that there are some people
on the nice list in here. [Chuckles]
And normally, keeping secrets
would land you
on the naughty list.
But we only make one exception.
Secret Santa.
Come on now. Let's get started.
All right.
First up, we have...
- Charles.
- [Charles] Oh.
[Charles cackles]
Whoa!
I can't believe it.
A ukulele.
Just like the one I used to have.
[laughing]
[laughing continues]
[Bernice] All right.
Now, this one is for...
Miss Maya.
Oh! Oh, it's heavy.
- OK.
- [paper tearing]
[whispering] What? [Gasp]
A panini press? How did you know?
Oh, hey! Doc, hold up.
Santa brought you something too.
- Really?
- [Bernice] Mm-hmm.
- She shouldn't have.
- Oh, she insists.
To say thank you
for treating our Keenan so well.
[Daniel] That's my job!
Thank you, Santa.
[cackling]
What does that say? Hot Doc?
Grandma, no, that is so inappropriate.
What? I'm old, not blind.
He's hot!
I'm flattered. Truly.
Go ahead.
- Try it on.
- No, I'm sorry, Miss Bernice.
- I have to go back.
- No, no, no. Come on, humor me.
I'm not getting any younger.
[Daniel] OK. Just for you, Miss Bernice.
[Bernice] Mm!
[teasing music playing]
Huh?
Huh?
- What do you think?
- [cackling]
I think I'm developing chest pains.
- I... I might need CPR, doc.
- I am so sorry about her.
Please, you're all thinking it.
Right, Maya?
Mm? [Whispering] Back me up.
Uh... um, yeah, he's attractive.
[Bernice] Amen.
I, um...
I got a little something for you.
[soft piano music playing]
It's pretty rainy in London.
Just in case you decide to go.
[Nadine] Thanks.
You ever regret a risk?
Mm, so far?
Only the ones I didn't take.
You wanna come back to the house
and watch "The Rich &
the Restless" finale?
You wanna watch it, like, with me?
[scoffs] Relax. It's just trashy TV.
- Don't make it a whole thing.
- Mm-hmm.
I'd love to.
[Nadine] All right, place your bets.
Cat fight or shocking pregnancy reveal?
You know, people love
to knock these shows,
but they've shaped the way
women are portrayed in media.
OK, professor Montgomery.
No, look, I'm just saying,
sure, it's a trope,
but these women are turning it
into multi-million dollar brands.
In a way, it's kind of feminist.
Maybe I shouldn't take the internship.
Stay and take your class instead.
No, London is way more interesting.
Does sound like a pretty cool city.
Yeah it's one of my all-time favorites.
- Listen.
- [soft piano music playing]
I'm sorry I was kind of awful
to you before.
I'm just protective of my brother.
I get it.
But it turns out you're kind of cool.
I hope it works out with you guys.
Not just for him, but also for me.
I've always wanted a sister.
Me too.
[Nadine] OK, enough with the feelings.
Time to watch some people
throw martinis at each other.
- Yeah.
- [chuckles]
[TV show theme music playing]
[Bernice] Hey, doc!
How's he looking?
Better by the hour.
Oh. [Chuckles] We're lucky to have you.
Thanks. Means a lot.
Also, I'm sorry for, um...
Maybe going too far earlier.
You know, with the shirt.
[chuckles]
You're trouble, miss Bernice.
We gotta have fun while we're here,
because it all goes by so fast.
Besides...
Why don't you tell your girlfriend
that a foxy lady gave you that shirt?
Make her jealous. [Giggles]
No girlfriend, I'm afraid.
Not even someone
that you're interested in?
Well... maybe there is someone.
- Tell me about her.
- [Daniel] Well, she's fun,
funny,
- and smart.
- Oh.
[Daniel] Used to date.
And if I'm honest,
it was the happiest days of my life.
So why don't you tell her how you feel?
It's... not that simple.
You have to make time for what you love,
and especially for who you love.
I meant what I said.
Life goes by fast. Hear?
Thanks for the wisdom, Miss Bernice.
I'mma let you get back to your shows.
- Oh.
- I don't want you to miss
- any more cat fights.
- [chuckling]
[Bernice] Bye, doc.
[woman] Oh! You wanna throw shade?
Well, you should have brought
a bigger umbrella!
Oh, here they go.
He's strong. Just like his mother.
That's how I knew he was gonna be OK.
Oh, Maya. Come on in.
Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.
Not at all.
Come and have a drink.
Pass me that, would you?
[dishes clinking]
- Thank you.
- [Eleanor] Mm.
So, Maya, we're having a hard-day drink.
Mm-hmm.
It's a little tradition that we have.
We've had a hard day, we sit
and have a drink,
and we work it through.
We've had a lot of hard-day
drinks over the years.
But there's no one I'd rather
do it with than you, my love.
[both chuckle]
- You two seem perfect together.
- Oh, sweetie.
We aren't perfect. Far from it.
A great relationship isn't
something you find.
It's something you have to build.
- And rebuild, again and again.
- Mm-hmm.
We're here today because we stayed
and worked through things. Every time.
This is why I'm so glad
that Keenan has you.
Standing by someone
when things are hard.
That's what real love is.
[soft music playing]
- [chill music playing]
- [typing on phone]
- [notification]
- [typing stops]
[notification]
[Maya] Morning.
- Morning.
- No "Hot Doc" scrubs today?
All of my colleagues
would roast me alive.
It was nice of Miss Bernice
to think of me, though.
Yeah. Davises are good people.
They're grateful you're taking
such good care of him.
[Daniel] Well, he's a champ.
The swelling has nearly gone down.
He did really well on his breathing trials.
- He can breathe all on his own.
- That's great news.
Uh, I got you some coffee.
Figured you haven't been
sleeping as much lately.
Oh, thank you.
You have no idea how bad I need this.
Actually, it's... that's... mine.
Wait a minute. [Chuckles softly]
This is not black coffee.
Daniel Barton, did you get
a hazelnut latte?
I figured I can enjoy life
a little, add some balance.
- Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
- Just don't get too crazy, OK?
Well,
actually, I think I might.
I'm off as of, uh
several hours ago.
But my next shift is tonight.
And I was thinking I'd do
something a little spontaneous.
- [Maya chuckles softly]
- Care to join?
[tsks softly]
Uh...
[Daniel] The nurses are keeping
a close eye on him.
He's still lightly sedated.
He won't be waking up just yet.
All right,
surprise me.
What are we doing?
So...
Shopping?
This is your big spontaneous idea?
Not exactly.
Just wanted to do something for me.
And I'm really happy you're here for it.
[Santa laughing in the background]
You wanna sit on Santa's lap, don't you?
Tell him what you want for Christmas.
I don't even think Santa
could give me what I want.
No, uh, don't make fun of me too much.
I may have reserved a time slot.
[gasps]
- Ah!
- [chuckling]
- OK.
- All right, watch out now.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
[exhales loudly]
["Silent Night" playing on the piano]
[people clapping softly]
- Well, was that total garbage?
- No.
- A little garbage?
- No.
- [Daniel] Are you OK?
- No!
It's hard being around you like this.
[Daniel] I know.
It's hard for me, too.
It just feels so unfair.
Just the timing of it all.
Timing?
Yeah. I mean, you're finally ready
to really be with someone,
and I'm finally ready to try
this whole balance thing.
And here we are.
Bad timing.
Is it?
Bad timing?
[Maya] Daniel...
I can't.
I'm sorry.
- [Maya exhales sharply]
- [melancholic music playing]
[Daniel sighs]
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
Is it really over?
It's never really over
Hey.
You're looking better.
Great, actually.
Keenan, I'm really sorry
for all of this.
For this stupid lie, for,
for dragging you and your family into it.
For dragging Daniel into it.
I just made this huge mess
out of everything.
[whispering] So I think
it's better if I just leave.
I hope you have a beautiful life.
Merry Christmas Eve.
- Catch!
- Oh!
Come on! It's time to go caroling.
W... what?
We always carol on Christmas Eve,
but since it's Keenan's favorite tradition,
we're bringing the music to him this year.
N... Nadine, I need to tell you something.
[Nadine] Me first.
I took the internship.
- I fly to London in two weeks.
- Really?
- That's amazing!
- [Nadine] Yeah!
[Maya] Oh!
I know.
Figured you were right.
I just had to take the leap.
You have to visit, though.
It'll make me less homesick.
I'll even go to some
boring museums with you.
Now, sweater up.
We've got some songs to sing!
[sighs]
Bells on, bob tails ring,
making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
[singing fades in distance]
Jingle all the way
[Keenan] Jingle bells...
Jingle bells...
[clears throat]
- Jingle bells...
- [Keenan]...all the way...
- Was that...
- My baby?
[Charles] Is that Keenan?
Keenan? Baby?
Oh! [Chuckling]
I just knew that you'd wake up
before Christmas.
I just knew it.
We've been gradually
reducing his sedatives.
Seems like he wanted to join us
for some Christmas fun.
What happened?
You've been in hospital about four days.
Yeah. The good thing is that you're OK.
[Bernice] Mm-hmm.
And tomorrow's Christmas.
You woke up just in time. [Chuckles]
Bad news is I didn't get you a gift.
Kind of banked on you not waking up.
I'll let it slide just this once.
[soft music playing]
You.
[Eleanor] Maya wouldn't leave
your side unless we dragged her
out of here.
She's been such a good girlfriend.
[chuckles softly]
- Girlfriend?
- Mm-hmm.
- You chose a good one.
- She already feels like family.
[Nadine] Even I have to admit,
she's kind of awesome.
And you know I don't like most people.
I... I don't know her.
Doc, you said that his memory
was gonna be OK.
Let's give him a moment.
He just woke up.
[Eleanor] Yeah...
[Maya] He's telling the truth.
[whispering] I'm not his girlfriend.
What?
[Maya] He doesn't know me.
I'm sorry. [Voice breaking]
I... I don't know why I lied, I just...
I couldn't bring myself
to tell you all the truth
because you made me feel like I was
really a part of the family.
[exhales sharply]
And with my mom being away,
this Christmas was gonna feel
lonelier than ever, so.
I know I was wrong, I just...
You were all so welcoming.
[voice shaking] And
that felt really good...
I'm so sorry.
[sobbing]
[exhales sharply]
Maya, wait!
Daniel...
I made a mistake.
I got caught up in a lie,
and it just spiraled, and...
And I didn't know how to get out of it,
but I never meant to hurt anyone.
Ju... just help me understand.
You were never
in a relationship with him?
No.
Are you in a relationship
with anyone now?
No.
[Daniel] I don't get it!
You'd rather be in a fake relationship
with someone who doesn't know
who you are
than be in a real one with me.
Daniel, that is not what this is.
[Daniel] This is exactly what it is!
'Cause a fake relationship
doesn't scare you, does it?
No commitment, no real work.
You just get up and leave
whenever you want.
[softly] I'm sorry.
Maya, stop.
Are you really about to run
away right now?
Again?
Maya!
- I was bringing someone home.
- Mm-hmm.
Uh, my boyfriend.
This isn't how I planned to tell you,
- but...
- [Eleanor] Honey,
I don't care who you love.
- I just love you so much.
- Ow, ow.
Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
[Bernice] What your mom said.
We love you more than anything.
Duh.
Honestly, I think I always
knew this about you.
Maybe that's why the Maya thing
felt so weird!
We, um
we just want you to be, um...
to be happy.
I am, Dad. [Eleanor chuckles]
- I'm really happy.
- [Charles] Mm-hmm.
So, who's the lucky guy?
Oh, no...
He's probably freaking out right now.
He hasn't heard from me in days.
I have to call him.
You have a phone, huh?
[exhales sharply]
[typing]
- [phone dialing]
- [phone ringing]
I'm sorry to interrupt, but is this, uh...
Leo?
[softly] Oh, my god, you're OK?
You're OK.
- Sorry, excuse me.
- [Keenan chuckles]
I was so worried!
When I landed, I hadn't heard
from you, I... I knew
something was wrong, I...
I called every hospital
I could in the city, I
just... [inhales deeply]
You are OK, right?
[chuckles softly]
[Nadine] OK, yeah.
This makes way more sense
than you and Maya.
[scoffs]
Who's Maya?
Honestly...
I don't even know.
[soft music playing]
[Bernice] You know, Maya
probably needed a sister
more than you did this Christmas.
That wasn't her only secret.
She and the doctor used to date.
Dr. Barton?
Oh.
Maya is the girl.
[Nadine] What girl?
[Bernice] The one he's still in love with.
[Roxy on recording] It's Roxy!
I can't answer because I'm alive.
Leave a message and I'll get back to you.
Maybe. [Beep]
Roxy, it's me.
Uh... [sobbing]
I'm gonna... I'm booking
a flight to San Diego tomorrow.
I gotta get out of Philly.
Maybe for good.
[Nadine] It's gonna be a good one.
I'm waiting. I'm excited.
- Oh, hey, doc.
- [chuckling]
Now, just because everything
was good enough
to send you home doesn't mean
you should push it.
No shoveling snow. I got it.
I'll see you in two days for your checkup.
Thank you.
- For everything.
- You're welcome.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
[Daniel] See you.
[nostalgic music playing]
[phone buzzing]
Oh. [Clears throat]
- Hey, ma.
- [Paula] Merry Christmas, baby!
Merry Christmas.
- Wait, where are you?
- Oh, I'm at the airport.
I'm coming to see you. Surprise!
What? I... I thought you were
meeting Mark's kids today.
Oh, that's too much.
Christmas is always easiest
when it's just you and I.
And what did Mark say
when you told him
you were leaving?
Ma.
Mom! You didn't tell him, did you?
[exhales sharply]
It's for the best, really.
Things are not gonna work out
between me and him.
He's got his kids. I've got you.
Juggling our different
lives, it's too much!
[whispering] What? Ma, you...
You love Mark. He's a great guy.
If you want love in your life,
you gotta stop running
every time things get hard.
I don't think I know how to do that.
Start by staying.
[Paula] You're right.
I've always hated... [scoffs]
Feeling like I was losing control.
And I think my running is
a false way of keeping control.
You know, the only thing
that I've never run from?
Is you.
And boy, was it worth it.
OK.
I think I'm gonna stay and work this out.
Or at least, I'm gonna try.
Same.
OK. [Sighs]
You spend Christmas
with Mark and his family,
and then come visit me
in Philly for New Year's.
[gasp] I would love that!
[giggles]
I love you, Maya.
Merry Christmas.
I love you too, mommy. Merry Christmas.
[exhales loudly]
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
Merry Christmas, Bud.
Got you a little something.
- You really didn't have to.
- No, I really did.
[Daniel] Oh... [scoffs]
Good one. [Soft chuckle]
[phone buzzing]
Could that be a certain attractive lady
whose name rhymes with shmaya?
Well... really doesn't matter.
As your friend, I have
to respectfully disagree.
That girl can put a smile on your face
like no one else can.
Yeah, well, she can also break
my heart like no one else can.
Thanks for the gift, Wally.
Merry Christmas.
[exhales loudly]
[sighs]
Hey, oh!
Wait a second, wait a minute
City covered with the snow
To the family, Merry Christmas
Happy New Year to my folks
Bells are ringing, children singing
All together, young and old
How you like that? Ooh
[phone buzzing]
Oh...
- Hey.
- [Roxy] Merry Christmas, babe!
- [Maya chuckles softly]
- [Roxy] So, when should I
- expect you in San Diego?
- [Maya] Uh, about that...
I'm not coming.
[Roxy] OK? What you doing instead?
I'm staying in Philly.
And I am currently making
hot cocoa bombs.
[Paula] You. Baking.
That's adorable! Be honest.
How many batches
have you tried so far?
[loud sigh]
Three.
[Roxy] Lucky number four. You got this.
Oh. And Maya?
- Proud of you, girl.
- [sigh]
Holidays
Happy holidays
Hey
We wish you a Merry Christmas
[ding dong]
Maya.
Hi.
Hi.
Uh, don't worry.
I'm not here to try to win
you back, or anything.
Not a crazy ex girlfriend.
Just a crazy... ex not-girlfriend.
I... [clears throat]
I brought these for your family
and for you
as an apology.
I'm sorry for roping you
into this ridiculous lie.
For roping you all into it.
[door closes]
[Keenan] I...
I heard the whole story.
It's pretty wild.
But I bet you had your reasons.
If I'm being honest,
I didn't wanna be alone on Christmas.
You all are such a big, loving family,
and I've never had that.
I know it was wrong,
but I couldn't bring myself
to ruin the fantasy.
So...
Here are some hot cocoa bombs!
Just drop them in some warm milk,
and voil, hot cocoa.
Hopefully.
I... I didn't get a
chance to... to test them.
Um, it's my fourth batch...
OK. [Giggles awkwardly]
Thanks.
- And Merry Christmas.
- [Eleanor] Mm-hmm.
Merry Christmas.
Maya.
Wanna have dinner with us?
- No, I couldn't.
- Yes, you could.
Come on, get yourself out of the cold.
It's Christmas time.
Thank you, really, but, um...
There's something that I gotta do first.
What could be more important
than family dinner
on Christmas Day?
I have to tell someone that...
I love him.
Hmm. Wonder who that could be.
That sounds like a very good idea, hon.
And then, after that.
Please come in and join us for dinner.
[Maya] Daniel...
What are you doing here?
The Davises invited me
for Christmas dinner.
And you took the holiday off?
Who are you?
Well, a smart woman told me
that I need to start
living my life.
And she was right.
Can't be all-work, no-play forever.
- So here I am.
- That's great.
For the record, I'm pretty sure
that same woman would say
that the world is very lucky
to have a doctor
who's as passionate as you.
So, I heard you were gonna tell
someone you love him?
Yeah, I found another
unconscious hospital patient.
- I think he's the one!
- [both chuckle]
[Maya sighs] Daniel...
This past week has made it
so clear to me
that I still love you.
And I think I love you more
now than I ever have.
Maya...
I can't go through that again.
I can't let myself love you
the way I know I can
and watch you leave.
Won't have anything left to give.
Daniel, I'm done running
when things get hard.
I wanna build something that lasts,
sticking it out through the tough times.
So even if you don't take me back,
I'm staying in Philly.
This is where I wanna put down roots.
And I really, really hope
that I can put them down with you.
So...
You're really staying?
[Maya] Yeah.
I'm really staying.
I honestly, honestly
Oh, oh, whoa
Do everything better when
Oh, honestly, I...
[chuckling]
I'm not the same, I have to...
[laughing softly]
- [Nadine] That's rude.
- [Keenan] Too soon.
- [Maya] So delicious.
- [happy chattering]
[Leo] So it's funny how it works.
If I hadn't forgotten my wallet,
I wouldn't have missed
the first train, and...
I wouldn't have sat right down
next to this guy.
Sounds kismet.
- [voices overlapping].
- Thank you for everything.
- [Leo] Oh, right.
- Pass the cornbread.
Here, Maya, pass
your boyfriend the cornbread.
Here you go, babe.
- [Nadine] Girl!
- Just kidding!
[laughing]
OK, great!
So we all can laugh about it already.
I won't just be the crazy girl
you all talk about
- at future family dinners?
- [Nadine] Oh, no.
You're definitely the crazy girl
we'll be talking about at family dinners.
But you'll be there,
so it won't be that weird.
[Eleanor] Leo, tell me how
you like that, uh, hot sauce.
- [Leo] Did you make this?
- Oh, yeah.
[voices overlapping]
I'll do it with you. I'll do it with you.
- Come on, ready?
- Drum roll, drum roll!
- [Eleanor] Mm?
- [Leo] Mm-hmm, is that jalapeo?