Food for the Heart (2023) Movie Script
Today's gonna be a great day.
And now for the best part.
Salt water taffy for Mr. Row.
Jackson is on times tables,
so flash cards
for the Prescotts.
And Gina Everette
loves lavender.
Oh, hey, it's one floor up,
first on the left.
- Perfect.
- Thanks, Patrick.
Good morning, neighbour.
Good morning.
Elves.
It's the only way
you could possibly
get so much done by 8 AM.
You must have elves.
I was excited
to get started early.
Look, I found these
animal-shaped
gluten-free pasta.
Isn't it awesome?
Can I start packaging
it all up?
Um, no.
Some people didn't order
gluten-free,
and then there's the different
sauces.
And Hector Rawlins requested
a double order
- for his date tonight.
- Hmm.
Lions and tigers and bears
don't exactly say romance...
Wait, I can barely remember
to brush my hair in the morning.
How can you possibly know
an entire meal service's
client roster by heart?
Mm, I have a system.
So you've mentioned.
I'll go set up the cafe.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
The Loving Spoonful.
We put the adore
in pasta cadore.
I think they finally rented
the apartment upstairs.
I saw the new guy
moving in today.
Should bring him a flyer,
he can be a new client.
You're already here
a million hours a week.
And I can't work more
with my university classes.
One more client might cause
a nervous collapse
- for both of us.
- I'm not that bad.
When was the last time
you went on a vacation
or went on a date,
or a coffee break?
Have you thought more about
what we talked about,
about expanding just...
beyond just us?
I like it just us.
What am I, Ridge way Foods?
I'm not here
to take over the world.
Hey, can you bring some
yellow table cloths
from the back?
I think it's time
for a change for summer.
Okay. But if you don't
get more sleep and work less,
then you're going
to be seeing those lions
and tigers and bears
in more places than your food.
See bears...
Oh no, no, no, I was supposed
to have more time.
Um...
Excuse me, this is gonna
sound crazy
but did you just see
a bear walk by here?
- Brow? Black button eyes?
- So big?
Um, yeah. You too?
That's Jolene.
Hey, Jolene,
you wanna come out here
and say hello
to our new neighbour?
You too, Ivy.
Hi, Ivy. I'm Lia,
this is my meal
service business,
the Loving Spoonful.
We put the care in carrot cake.
Anyways, it was nice
to meet you.
I really like your bear.
Jolene's a pretty name.
Did you name it yourself?
Nice to meet you, Jolene.
- And your dad?
- Uncle Eli.
I mean, just Eli.
That's what most people call me.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, just Eli.
We'll see you around?
Sounds good.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
But I was supposed
to be eligible
for a fourth extension
for my taxes.
No, no, no,
I want to pay my taxes,
it's just that at the moment
I... I can't.
What do you mean
seize my assets?
What, you mean my pots
and my pans and my stove?
Do you promise
about the stove part?
No, no.
I take this very seriously,
Mr. Herrara.
What's my final, final deadline?
I will have the money to you
by then, I promise.
Thank you.
Somehow...
You are a cook
with no way to cook.
Tell me how your stove
going out is not a problem.
I already adjusted
the next menu.
Fruit and yoghurt parfaits,
avocado Greek salad,
and charcuterie boards.
That's brilliant,
but not a permanent solution
like, say, a new stove.
But I know mine so well.
Yes, that it's unreliable.
I'm gonna get the other bags.
May, hi.
Calling to see how
the moving went?
You know it, cuz.
Well, I'm happy to report
I'm on the last box.
Last time we moved,
it took me weeks to unpack.
Nothing like a project manager
for a smooth move,
especially a freelance one
between jobs.
I let them know I was available
to stay on
if they needed more help.
They didn't.
Well, you'll find
something else.
So, how's the search going
for Ivy's new summer day camp?
I got a recommendation
for a camp
we're checking out tomorrow.
Ivy's not excited
about the idea, though.
You know how shy she can be
in new situations.
Speaking of Ivy,
I had a little housewarming gift
delivered to you.
It should be at the door.
- Dare I ask?
- Why ask when you can open?
Right.
Uh, there must have been
a mistake on the delivery.
This appears to be some sort
of cooking device.
Now, if my favourite cousin
knows me well enough
to understand my cooking skills
are...
Non-existent.
It's more for Ivy
than it is for you,
she loves pancakes.
- She does?
- She asked for them every day
the last time she came to visit.
I guess I was lucky to get by
with fruit and cereal
for breakfast every day
the last couple of years.
Why do things have to change?
Because little girls
don't stay little forever.
Mine sure didn't.
Every day Ivy's more
of a mystery to me
than even this strange,
alien apparatus.
It's pancakes, Eli.
Try. Learn. Grow.
I just want to make sure
I'm raising Ivy the right way.
The way you are with your girls,
the way my sister would have.
You'll figure it out
as you go,
the same way every parent does.
And you know we're always
happy to help.
You can call any time.
Thanks. I will.
- Bye for now, May.
- Bye, cuz.
Okay...
Who knew this city
had so many walk-ups.
But we already got our cardio
in for the day.
What else do you
have to do today?
Aw, there's a new recipe
I want to try
and placing the orders
for next week...
No, no, no,
I know that you have
study group tonight.
Off with you.
But promise me you'll sleep in
at least tomorrow
since we open late?
I'll be fine. I have...
A system.
I know, I know.
Hey, Ivy.
You know, I was thinking
we could hit that park
around the corner and try
out the swings,
- what do you say?
- Okay!
Oh, you're bringing Jolene?
I want to bring her.
Okay. Hey, you know,
maybe we can call
your friend Samantha
and see if she can meet us
at the park to play too.
- No, it's okay.
- I've got Jolene.
I'll go put my shoes on.
Okay! Okay!
Oh, wait.
That's not my smoke alarm.
Finally.
You okay?
Good.
Oh...
Ah!
Try, she said. Learn, she said.
Grow, she said.
I know, I'm sorry
about the alarm,
it won't happen again.
- Lia, hi.
- Hi.
It sounded like you were having
trouble with your new stove
so... came prepared.
- Meal delivery.
- Mm-hmm.
Does that include breakfast?
Best in the city.
Or, at least in this
neighbourhood anyway.
Come with me.
Let me just grab Ivy.
- Okay.
- Hey, Ivy.
What's this, Miss Lia?
It is a paper fortune finder.
"Your smile lights up
the room."
Ooh, that's one smart cookie.
What's yours, Uncle Eli?
Miss Lia?
Oh, um...
"Listen with your heart
and think on your feet."
And if you get them mixed up,
you can still keep an ear
to the ground.
Ah!
"A bud is not a rose."
I'm not sure I ever aspired
to be a flower.
Oh, every dogwood has his day.
Oh, you better believe it.
But why paper
fortune cookies, Miss Lia?
Well, I always like to include
a little extra into my meals.
It's not always fortunes,
it's just
something to bring
people together
or make them think,
or just brighten their day.
Hmm, that's brilliant,
though I'm sure this sandwich
was enough to brighten
my day all by itself.
How soon can we start
your service?
Oh, um...
Well, I'm actually not
accepting any more clients
right now.
Um, just for right now, I'm
upgrading my staffing
systems
prior to an asset overhaul
and capital expansion.
Oh, what's your current
strategy for maintaining synergy
between management, accounting,
lab our, and sales?
I'm a project manager.
Business systems
are my expertise.
Uh...
My strategy is, um,
by keeping it all... me.
- You do all that yourself?
- Mm-hmm.
No wonder you're turning
down clients.
You're critically understaffed.
You need help. Badly.
I... I don't need help,
I have a system.
That's what every business
owner thinks,
but it's my job to show them
the right way.
Who crowned you the king
of the know-it-alls?
I know you can't take on new
clients, what else is there?
Uncle Eli,
are we still going to look
at the new day camp today?
Yeah, Ivy, we are.
Miss Lia and I just got
a little distracted with...
A spirited discussion.
Do we have to?
- You know what?
- Day camp can be a lot of fun.
I loved it when I was your age.
We're just
checking it out, Ivy,
to see if you like it.
Actually, we should leave soon.
So, thank you for breakfast.
Otherwise, Ivy and I would have
been eating
- our breakfast blackened.
- You're welcome.
It was nice to see you again,
Ivy. And Jolene.
Just Eli...
Coming?
Uncle Eli!
Look what I just made? See?
It says "Best friends."
That's great. But, uh...
I thought Samantha
was your best friend?
I've had Jolene forever.
This place is the best!
Can I spend all summer here?
- You like it that much?
- You weren't so sure before.
- I love it!
- Oh!
Then this is where
you'll spend the summer.
Okay.
As soon as I find
the price tag.
I know the coffee's not great
but I didn't think
it was that awful.
Thanks, yeah. Not great.
I mean, you'd think a place
this expensive
would have better food.
Someone should say something
to the camp director.
You just did.
Oh, I'm sorry,
I didn't realize.
- I feel...
- As bad as that coffee?
No, you're not wrong.
Our food vendor just quit,
and with camp starting
on Monday,
I haven't had time
to find another.
That sounds like a task
you can outsource
to a project manager. Like me.
Is that something
a project manager does?
Spotting talent
and dedication is a big part
of managing projects
I have someone in mind already.
Here is my resume.
I'll even sweeten the deal by
letting you pay my finder's fee
and my niece's camp tuition.
Oh, will you, now?
As long as the vendor
you find us lasts the season.
If they quit before
the end of the summer,
you'll have to pay your niece's
fees out of pocket.
Deal.
Ivy seems to really be
enjoying herself.
Why doesn't she stay
for a couple of hours today?
Oh, actually, I do have some
running around to do.
That sounds great. Thanks.
Strategy for synergy, huh?
Show me the right way, will you?
Ha! My way works just fine,
thank you very much.
Wrench!
Don't you think
he has a point, though?
You do need more help.
No.
See?
Okay, sure. Yeah, maybe one day.
But right now,
I can just work on
my meal breaks.
Something tells me
you already do that.
What does it say
to your customers
that you don't take time
to enjoy your own food?
Okay, well, why don't you
tell me the right way
to get more done?
Scalability.
So your idea is
to have me hire you
to get hired
to deliver meals
to Camp Fernway?
Exactly. I get paid
when and only if
you get the contract.
Camp Fernway gets
a reliable food vendor
with healthy, delicious food
and you can expand your business
with the boxed lunches
you already provide.
Uh, I just don't know.
I thought you might say that.
Try this.
Oh, ew.
Oh, what is this?
That is what you would doom
a bunch of sweet,
innocent children to
if you don't get this contract.
Well, that is a sneaky tactic.
Did it work?
Do you think that they would
be willing to give
an advance up front?
So you can hire more help?
Among other things.
Um, how many meals
are we talking about?
Uh, let's see...
Ah, here it is, Camp Fernway
session one enrollment
about 50 kids.
That's a lot of apple slices.
Getting you an advance
should be no problem.
So you'll try for it?
You're actually taking
someone's advice
and applying for that camp job?
You don't think
I should do it?
Yes, you definitely
should do it,
it's a fantastic opportunity.
But?
I mean,
I saw you and that Eli guy
together for like two seconds
and the words that came to mind
were oil and water.
Can you really work with him?
He'll just be helping me
with the written
application part.
How long can that be?
I'll get it.
You get started
on the application.
Thank you.
Welcome to
the Loving Spoonful,
where we put the laugh
in rice pilaf.
- Hi, Mrs. Lee.
- Hello, dear.
- Is my weekly order ready yet?
- All ready.
You know, we do deliver too
if you'd prefer.
Oh, thank you, but it makes
a nice addition
to our walkies.
Oh, I can't wait to see
what surprises Lia
added this week.
Well, she's always on
the lookout for something new.
Finding Lia
was such a piece of luck.
I was hoping to be able
to tell her myself
how much I appreciate her.
She's in the back, I can...
Ah! The application
is 76 pages?! Ugh!
I can get her the message.
Thank you, dear.
Ugh...
I can't do this.
76 pages.
The application is 76 pages,
this will take forever,
- I don't have time for this.
- Well, it's okay,
I can fill most of it out
based on your business records.
Please don't tell me you keep
all your business records
stored in a giant shoe box.
Of course not.
One of those big crates
bananas come in
with the open sides
for papers to fall out?
It is all on here.
Good.
For a moment there I was scared
this was gonna be a real
mess.
Okay.
So, what question
should I answer first?
Okay, this should be
an easy one.
Who are your major suppliers?
I don't know,
all those apple slices
means I'm gonna have
to find some new ones.
Well, we can put down
one of the wholesalers.
You'll have to go
through them anyway,
that's what all the big
companies
- like Ridge way Foods do.
- Oh, no, I need to know
who I'm really working with.
The application
is due right away.
I know, but can't you offer
some solutions
and not just problems?
I offered you a solution
- and you just sat there.
- Uncle Eli.
I heard you guys having, um,
a spirited discussion.
I am sorry,
I didn't realize we woke you.
Me too. We didn't mean
to be so... spirited.
Come on,
I'll tuck you back in.
And Lia,
I'll try to think
of some solutions.
- Me too.
- Say good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Okay. Solutions, solutions.
Who's my ideal supplier?
Eli, I think...
Good night, sweetheart.
What is it?
I know where
we can find my suppliers.
And all of them in one place.
Genius. Okay.
The right strategy now
is to create a grid,
visiting each stall,
in turn making...
Blackberries!
Uh, no, I was going to say...
Wow. But we really need
to focus and...
Ooh. Honey!
Oh!
- Yeah.
- I love this stuff.
Okay, put that down
on the list.
Feel it.
What you want to do
is one on the side, then
- you just...
- Oh!
Thank you.
Why, thank you.
Last one,
sure you don't want it?
Ooh. Well, if you're
gonna twist my arm.
This was a great idea.
And super cool of May
to invite Ivy to the movies.
It's been really tricky
for me to find new ways
to keep Ivy entertained.
So, how will you ever remember
what you got from which vendor?
I even made notes of who
I want to try for what.
Maybe you should let me?
I'll start a supplier
database for you.
Cards are fine for me.
Yeah, but when
you have a team,
you'll need an organized system
for whoever does
the ordering and invoices
and taxes and...
Okay, okay.
But if someone else is doing
the ordering
and the invoicing and the taxes,
then what am I supposed to do?
All the stuff only you can do.
Creating new recipes,
dreaming up new extras,
getting to know your clients.
That's all the fun stuff.
This is supposed to be work.
Who told you work
couldn't be fun?
You know, no one ever did.
And speaking of the fun stuff,
have you decided
what the extras
will be for the kids?
It needs to be something
appropriate for the kids,
also special. Most importantly...
Scalable.
I'm gonna have to think
of something soon
because the application
is due right away.
Yeah.
Quantify and optimize
gross and operating margins
with narrative projective
differentials
over the next financial
interval.
Okay...
The only word I understood there
was gross,
and I doubt they
think what I mean.
No wonder they're having
trouble finding vendors.
Maybe you can project manage
an overhaul of their vendor
application next.
Maybe. What they're asking
is...
Hey!
What are you doing here?
You're supposed to be in class.
It got moved.
To this afternoon.
I thought we were supposed to do
deliveries this afternoon,
it's a two-person job.
Meal prep in the late morning,
deliveries in the afternoon,
that's the way we always do it.
I have... A system.
We know.
Can you switch the deliveries
and the meal prep around?
No.
The coconut rice pudding
and the pumpkin quinoa
will need time to set.
Ugh, so sorry, Lia.
Maybe I can miss this one class.
No! I don't want you
to miss out because of me.
Actually, this could be
really good.
- Good?
- I mean, this is where
having the right system
can come in handy.
Fay, could you handle the meal
prep if the recipes
were written down somewhere
other than inside Lia's head?
Sure.
Seen her do it enough times.
Great! Which means Lia and I
can handle the deliveries
this morning.
Ha! It's not that I don't
think you can do it, Fay,
it's just that I've never done
it this way before and...
She'll be able to call you
with any questions
and I'll be able to see more
of how your business works.
And if it's okay with them,
we can even take
pictures of you with your
satisfied customers
for the job application.
Please, Lia.
I'd hate to leave you
in the lurch.
Okay. I'll go write
out the recipes.
What?
Oh, I'm just wondering
where you keep
your magic wand.
It's the only thing I can
imagine that would
make Lia let go of her...
Iron grip on the kitchen.
Okay, here we go!
- Last stop.
- And this one is my favourite.
Oh, don't speak too soon.
Mr. Ryder, top floor,
no elevator.
Lia.
I had to check the clock
to make sure I hadn't
lost track of time.
- You're early.
- We had a slight
scheduling snafu. Is that okay?
Sure. I was just about
to leave for my book club.
How about them stairs?
Quite a workout. Keeps me young.
Since I retired, I need
all the help I can get.
Well, I bet they do
if they don't kill you first.
Mr. Ryder was my high school
science teacher.
He was the first one to explain
emulsification to me.
And I've been reaping
the benefits in Hollandaise
ever since.
I miss being around
young people,
to tell you the truth.
Uh, Mr. Ryder, would you mind
if I got a photo of us?
It's for an application
to deliver meals
for a summer camp program.
- Happy to.
- Okay.
I was also Lia's
first customer.
Oh, well you were smart
to get in while you could.
I'm still on the waiting list.
- If you can just squeeze it...
- Allow me.
I've been working
on my selfie skills
for that online dating thing.
- Oh.
- Come on, young fella.
Oh, thanks,
but I'm not really...
- Get in the picture.
- Okay.
Yes, you are.
- Oh, just your hair.
- What?
All right now,
say Hollandaise.
Hollandaise.
Oh.
Oh, excuse me,
I should take this.
- Hello?
- Good to see you finally
hired on more help, Lia.
Oh, no, he's just
helping me with the application.
- Just helping?
- It's like that, is it?
About time, if you ask me.
No, no, no,
it's not like that.
It's really not like that.
If you say so. I better get
these in the ice box.
- Okay, sounds good.
- Thank you, Mr. Ryder.
Thank you.
Bye.
Really appreciate everything
that you're doing.
Thanks, Lia.
- Sorry, Lia...
- Oh.
Forgot to give you
back your phone.
Could not resist taking pictures
of such a good-looking couple.
Oh, Mr. Ryder!
If you send me those pictures,
I can add them to
the application tonight.
Yeah. Okay, will do.
Oh, hey.
What's Mr. Ryder's extra
with his meals?
Well, can't you guess?
Online dating tips.
Okay, the application
is complete.
Vendors listed,
documents included,
pictures of happy
customers attached.
We're ready to go.
Would you like to do
the honours?
Oh. Okay.
Um...
Here
we
go! And it's off!
Just like I should be
or I'm gonna be late for class.
Good luck, Lia.
Bye, Fay.
Everything okay?
Yeah!
I'm just being silly.
But I kind of wanted a
big congratulations,
or fireworks,
or even just a smiling
hedgehog meme.
Well,
maybe they saved the memes
for when you actually
get the job.
No, I'm just being silly.
It's just even getting
the application done
is so hard.
It's not that you don't think
you can do the job, is it?
If you don't think you can,
you should've said
something earlier.
No. No. I'll figure it out.
I always do. I told you,
I'm just being silly.
Okay.
- Uh, talk soon.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You know what, Uncle Eli?
I think I'm gonna
really like camp.
They have swimming every day.
Really? That's awesome.
- And they have crafts.
- And games.
- Great.
- And I'll get to see Miss Lia
from downstairs for lunch
every day too.
- You like Miss Lia, huh?
- She's nice.
It's too bad you can't
be friends.
What makes you think
we can't be friends?
You're always having
spirited discussions.
Just because we don't
always agree,
doesn't mean
we can't be friends.
And she doesn't have
the job yet.
So let's keep our fingers
crossed, okay?
Does that mean you won't
be around as much?
It might mean our schedules
have to change.
- Change a little?
- Maybe even a lot,
I just don't know yet, okay?
Okay. Can I see my hair now?
Uh, well, okay...
Yeah, I'm sorry.
Braiding hair isn't
something uncles
generally have a lot
of experience with.
But hey, maybe we can call
your friend Samantha or her mom
to show us how it's done?
She wears braids in her hair
all the time, right?
- It's okay, Uncle Eli.
- I bet Cousin May can do it
for me next time I see her.
Hi.
Miss Lia!
Ivy!
- So nice to see you.
- And Jolene?
- And Jolene too and Uncle Eli.
- Hi.
Hi. So you guys are
back here again too?
Oh yes, Ivy insisted after
she heard about her trip.
- Oh.
- And we found a new
- booth for you!
- A booth? For me?
- I'll show you where it is.
- Okay.
- It's this way.
- Okay.
Let's go.
Is Ivy excited
for summer camp?
Yes. But her going is still
a bit up in the air.
Oh, how?
Oh, just waiting on some final
details to work themselves out.
I hope. Otherwise, I might have
to work and parent full-time.
Ooh.
Well, I'm sure
you'll figure it out.
You're a great dad.
Uh, uncle. Unc-dad?
- Duncle?
- Duncle it is.
Here we are. This is what
we wanted to show you.
Oh, this is perfect!
I've been so busy,
I've been running low.
Thank you, Ivy.
Thank you.
Uh, do you want to help me
pick out which ones?
- Sure.
- Okay.
Perfect. This one looks
almost like Mrs. Lee's
little dog, Henry.
- Wanna help too, Uncle Eli?
- Sure.
Yeah, come help.
Oh, I just got a call...
Hello, this is Lia Thompson
of the Loving Spoonful.
Anne, hi.
I'm so glad you liked
my application.
Yes, I am absolutely available
to come in and interview
and bring some sample meals.
When works for you?
That would be the day
after tomorrow?
No, I absolutely understand
your time crunch,
I am happy to do it.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Okay, I'll see you then.
Camp Fernway wants
to interview me!
Thought they would.
Oh my gosh,
there's so much to do.
I have to make the sample meals
and review the interview
questions.
I should get back to the store
and get started
on this right away.
- Thank you, Ivy.
- No problem.
You too. Thank you
so much for everything.
- Okay, bye!
- Bye.
Uncle Eli...
- Can I get these?
- Sure. What are they for?
It's a surprise.
Okay.
Those two, please.
That's not really
special enough.
That's not really for kids.
There has to be something...
I got everything on the list
for your sample meals.
How is the quest
for the extras coming?
Not great, actually.
Maybe this will
change your mind.
Ivy?! Eli? Hi.
I ran into them on the way in.
Go on.
I made it for you so we could
be at day camp together.
- Oh, Ivy, come here.
- It's so sweet.
Thank you.
Oh, Ivy, this really
is just what I needed.
Do you think you could make
more of these?
Yes? Okay.
This could be the extras
for the summer camp,
cards of encouragement
and support.
It's certainly special enough.
And kid friendly.
But is it scalable?
I'm not sure about turning Ivy
into a cottage industry.
No, of course not.
It won't be just Ivy,
it would be all of the kids
making them for each other.
It could be part
of the craft time?
And it goes along with
the camp's focus
on community. Brilliant.
All right, now I just need
the meals and interview
to match.
Then let's get to work.
Yeah, Uncle Eli,
let's get to work!
Well, hey, I thought cards
were your department?
- Yeah, but spelling's yours.
- I'm only nine.
- She got me.
- Let's go.
Ah, I thought I saw the lights
still on in here.
- Eli. What are you doing here?
- What about Ivy?
Oh, I thought you could
use some more help, so,
I dug out that.
I just have the parfaits left.
Well, that sounds about right
for my cooking skills.
- Can I help?
- Sure.
I'm surprised you still
have that,
Ivy's a bit big
for a baby monitor.
Oh, she was too old
for it when I bought it.
She was already six
when she came to live with me
after her mom passed away.
Sorry about your sister.
Thanks.
She was my older sister.
You know, we used to joke
that she was such a good mom
because she had me
to practise on first.
I was so scared I was really
gonna screw everything up.
Ivy almost didn't come
to live with me.
Who else would she go to?
My cousin, May.
She was already raising two
great kids with her husband
but now they live a couple
hours outside the city
and at the time,
it seemed like too big a change
for Ivy and she was already
more comfortable with me.
And now?
Now, I am not so sure.
I just don't know if I can
raise her the right way.
- She's a great kid.
- You are doing a great job.
You know, there's not just
one right way to do anything.
- Yeah.
- But really, you could...
It's like these parfaits.
You could do yoghurt, mango,
yoghurt, mango, granola
the traditional way.
Aw, bet it wears a little suit
and tie to work and everything.
But then, you could do
blueberries, yoghurt, mango,
granola strawberries.
What? That's pure madness.
Well, pure deliciousness.
And then if you're getting
really crazy,
you could do chocolate chips,
mango, granola, strawberries,
coconut... puffed rice
and apple sauce.
Where does the yoghurt go?
Oh. Right here.
Oh, not bad. Mm!
Mm, not bad at all.
Actually, I think I have
one more improvement for this.
Oh, no, I don't think
that's a good idea.
Oh, I think
it's a very good idea.
Okay, not the nose, not the...
- Mm! That is good.
- Right?
Oh, you have a little
something here.
- Where?
- Just, um...
It's right...
- Oh, is she...
- Talking in her sleep?
I think.
I should probably
check on her just in case.
- Will you still be here?
- Um...
I'll be fine, I've just got
the parfaits to finish up.
- You saw how easy that is.
- Right!
There's no wrong way
to do those.
Well, um...
- Good night, Lia.
- Good night.
- See you tomorrow.
- Tomorrow it is.
- See you tomorrow.
- Yes. Tomorrow.
- Sleep tight.
- Okay.
Hey. How are you,
are you ready?
Uh, yep.
Okay, just like you practised.
You're gonna do great.
And if you need me,
I'll be right here.
Thank you.
- Okay. Let's do this.
- Okay.
Hi I am Lia Thompson
of the Loving Spoonful.
We put the keen in zucchini.
I started the Loving Spoonful
because I wanted to create
delicious meals that bring
people together
or just brighten their day.
Today, we have some charcuterie
boxes for you to sample.
All of our suppliers
are locally sourced.
And what's this?
That would be
my signature feature.
I like to include
a little extra.
For the summer camp,
I thought that the kids
could make cards like these
for each other.
These cards are actually made
by one of your future campers.
It says, "Have a grape day."
It's cute.
So, how do you think it's going?
Well, they seem to be
too busy eating to talk,
so that's always good.
Lia, we're ready for you now.
Your sample meals were
delicious and camper-friendly.
And the cards were
an inspired idea.
Well, I'm so glad you enjoyed
them and the meals.
- We do have a few questions.
- We're a nut-free camp
due to some camper's allergies,
will that be a problem?
Our kitchen
is already nut-free.
Excellent. The only other
real concern we have
is Camp Fernway
would significantly
increase the size
of your business overnight.
What's your strategy for such
a sudden and large expansion?
My strategy to deal with
a large and sudden shift is, um,
scalability. That's right,
that's one of the best things
about my company,
is it's scalability... ness.
Um... What I'm really saying
is that I have a system.
I have spent a lot of time
figuring out what works
and what doesn't work.
I only need to do more
of the same in order to expand.
Excellent.
I think that answers
all our questions?
- Yes.
- Lia,
we would be happy to offer you
the contract for Camp Fernway.
Okay, thank you so much!
I won't let you
or the kids down.
- Can you start today?
- Uh...
Uh, Lia would love to start
right away,
she just needs a deposit.
I do?
Oh, yes, I do.
- Great.
- We'll see you for lunch.
Okay. Bye.
- You did it!
- You were so great.
You were so great!
I can't believe that camp
starts so soon.
Yeah, what a surprise.
At least now I can tell Ivy
she really will be here
every day
seeing you at lunch time.
Great thing
for the advance, huh?
Oh, yeah,
it'll be a life saver.
Um, well, why don't you
stop by the store later
and I'll have
your payment ready?
- I'll see you later.
- Okay.
What's got Eli so down?
What's got you so down?
Oh, no, I'm not down, I'm...
I'm excited, I'm... so excited.
So unconvincing.
Mr. Herrara, hi.
I just wanted to let
you know that I just
made my payment to my taxes
and my account is now up to date
so you won't be coming to get
my pots and my pans and my stove
because I'm really quite fond
of them now and...
I'm just so glad that everything
is under control again.
Thank you.
Ugh.
Well, almost everything.
Okay... um...
Okay.
Oh.
Ow!
Whoa!
Was that a 21-gun salute or
are you just happy to see me?
- Eli!
- Hi.
Hi! What are you doing here?
You, uh... told me I could
come by for my cheque,
but I can come back later
if this is a bad time.
Oh. No, it's not as bad
as it looks.
Is it worse?
Oh! Uh...
Oh!
- Ooh! Uh, oven mitts!
- Oven mitts!
Oh... Oh, thank you!
Oh, boy.
Ooh, I think
I'm having deja pastry.
Lia, you're not trying
to do this all alone, are you?
I just haven't had time
to interview other people.
- I have to say that...
- Eli! I'm sorry,
I don't have time for
one of your lectures right now.
I've got 50 boxed lunches
and three new batches,
of cookies, and a mountain
of dishes and...
Uh, what? What are you doing?
As your project manager,
I should at least make sure
you survive your first day.
Ha! You don't have to do that.
It's all part of the service.
And besides,
Ivy is really looking forward
to seeing you at lunch today.
Let's start with the cleanup!
Thank you.
Be right back.
Lia!
I got back here as fast
as I could. How much time
do we have to...
Are these all the lunches?
Ahead of time.
Just how did
this miracle happen?
I may have had some help.
I think this
is the last of them.
Hey.
I should have known.
You got those?
Yeah, I'm good. Oh!
- You got 'em.
- Oh, thank you.
Okay.
Lia! You're right on time.
Wonderful.
I've got the first batch
of cards from the campers.
They had so much
fun making them.
Well, that's so great to hear.
Eli, I didn't expect you here.
Oh. I thought I'd check
to see how Ivy's doing.
- She's having a wonderful time.
- Great.
Uh, though we do
have some concerns
with the stuffed animal.
By the time kids are old enough
to come to camp,
they're usually okay leaving
their security friends at home.
You know, before our move,
she only needed Jolene at night,
but ever since,
she's taken her everywhere.
Ivy's a great kid.
And Jolene is always
welcome here.
But you might want
to bring it up with Ivy,
for Jolene's sake.
Camp can be really tough
on stuffed animals.
You know,
all the mud and sports.
There's lots of chances
for them to get lost.
Thanks, I'll...
I'll try to speak
to her about it.
Uncle Eli!
- Hey!
- What are you doing here?
Well, I stopped by to see
how your first day was going.
- Great.
- Well, that's awesome.
Maybe Jolene is
a little bit tired.
Maybe she'd be safer at home.
Or you can keep her
for the rest of the day.
Think about it, okay?
Okay.
Really? Uh-huh.
Yeah!
Maybe there's something else
you can help me out with.
Could you point me
in the direction
of the arts and crafts table?
Yeah? Should we?
One, two, three, go!
Is there room for one
more under this tree?
There's plenty of trunk
for everyone.
Even leftovers too.
What's this?
It's a smiling hedgehog,
of course.
- Oh.
- Okay, my...
You did this?
Yeah, my glitter pen work
could use a little practise.
I just figured you always
go above and beyond
to make other people smile.
I thought it was time someone
did a little something
extra for you.
Well, I think you've done
way more than
a little extra for me.
Well...
What you do is really
something special.
The Loving Spoonful
deserved the...
Excuse me, deserved the help.
Sorry.
Don't take this the wrong way,
but you seem almost
as tired as I feel.
Just haven't had much sleep.
I guess your worries about Ivy
aren't really helping much either.
Mm.
I mean, look at her.
She's happy and healthy.
Maybe you can just relax,
just for a little bit.
Maybe a good idea.
Yeah.
Yeah, just for a moment.
Rise and shine, campers!
Oh, sorry. I'm sorry,
sorry about that.
No, no, it was my fault. I...
- Ivy, what...
- what are you doing here?
You're supposed to be at lunch.
Lunch is over. And so is camp!
What? Oh no!
I slept through clean up!
Fay's going to be
furious with me.
She's going to be livid.
She's going to be...
"Happy to have handled
clean up and went back
to the kitchen
to finish meal prep."
Fay's a good employee
and a great friend.
She really is.
Oh, she also said it's obvious
that we should've slept to...
- Hm?
- Uh...
Rest up. Rest up together
at the same time.
- Yes. Very astute of her.
- Yes.
- Well, Ivy.
- I guess we should be on our way.
Can we stop at the swings
on the way home?
And can Miss Lia come, too?
Please? Please? Please?!
- Okay, sure, we can.
- But Lia is very busy
and she needs to...
- Actually, you know what?
- I'm not.
Fay's got it all
under control so a round
of swings sounds great.
Hey!
Yeah!
Now help me up.
- Oh, thank you!
- Please.
You know what? I can't
remember the last time
she actually took a nap.
She's had a long day.
Yeah, well, she'll probably
just sleep for an hour
and then wake up ravenous.
Mm...
I'll teach you how to make
one of my specialties.
That's incredibly generous,
but you should rest
on your afternoon off.
I already did!
Besides, it'll be fun
and fun is as good as sleep.
So... now what to make?
Ah!
If you up your
pancake game, I'll be sure
to get more sleep.
No more smoke alarm
wake up calls.
Uh...
No one said this
is an advanced class.
- Don't worry.
- We'll start with the basics
and work our way up.
- And the first step is always...
- Order delivery?
Precautions!
I can't tell you
how many of my clothes
have ended up looking like
Jackson Pollock originals.
Are you sure you don't need
this for your staff?
This is a cooking class,
not business admin.
You know, I think I know
what's going on here.
You've never had
to delegate before.
Ha! Yeah. Right. Delegate.
Now's a good time to practice!
You tell me what to do
and I'll do it.
Okay. Just let me just get
the batter together and...
Is "delegate" another word
we have different meanings for?
Sit.
Come on!
It's not gonna kill you.
There you go,
that wasn't so hard.
Now
try, learn, grow.
And you'll do the same?
Mm-hmm.
Okay, let's see how this goes!
Okay.
Where do we begin?
Um, hey Fay, what's up?
We have a problem.
Anne just dropped off the roster
for the camp's second sessions
starting in two weeks,
and it's
longer.
I just sent you a schedule.
They probably pick up more
kids as the summer goes on.
Schools get out at different
times, and parents sign up kids
after vacations.
But...
This is twice as many kids!
Twice as many lunches!
You'll just have to stop
putting it off
and hire more help.
No. No, I can make this work.
I just caught off today,
I forgot about Fay's
evening classes.
And you know, your semester
ends soon and with the three
of us working together...
Lia, you know I'd love
to help, but I have other work.
And semester break is only
a few weeks before
summer session starts.
I can put you in contact
with some employment agencies.
- I can just work harder and I...
- Lia!
- And I can figure it out...
- Lia!
Why are you resisting what
you know has to happen?
Because...
Um...
Because I can't...
I can't afford
to hire more staff.
What about the advance
from the camp?
It went to pay
my overdue taxes.
I had to do it,
otherwise the city would
seize my stove and everything
else not nailed down!
I'm gonna come down there,
I'll call you.
I'll just, I'll talk
to you in a minute.
I finally had everything
worked out.
Ivy could go to camp
and I could work during the day.
What does this
have to do with Ivy?
Instead of paying
me to find them a vendor,
the camp waived Ivy's fees
for the summer,
but only as long
as the vendor I found them
actually kept up their
end of the deal.
Well, why didn't you
tell me any of this?
It was between
me and the camp,
it's none of your concern!
Why didn't you tell me
about the taxes?
Why didn't you tell me
about the numbers going up?
I didn't know!
Why didn't you tell me
you knew you couldn't hire
more staff to begin with?
Because it's my business,
it's my problem!
No, no, no, it's my business
and my problem now, too.
I can't take care of Ivy
all day and do the work
I need to support us.
And if I can't support us...
I can't keep Ivy.
Eli. I'm sorry, I...
Yeah.
Well, if we can't figure out
a solution,
we're both going to be sorry.
You should have said something
about the taxes sooner.
But it's none of his
business! It's my taxes!
My business! My concern!
You know?
I didn't mean you should have
said something to Eli.
I meant you should have
said something to me.
Oh.
Oh, Fay, I'm sorry, I...
- I'm not just your employee.
- I'm your friend.
You could have said something.
I would have helped.
- I know you would have.
- I don't know why...
Then figure it out.
Lia, you're about to lose
everything here.
I can't! The Loving
Spoonful means...
I'm not just talking
about the business, Lia.
It's obvious to anyone with eyes
that there's something
going on between you and Eli.
Neither one of you can bring
yourself to admit
what everybody knows.
Well, maybe it's
for the best then.
Yeah.
Because not admitting the truth
is really working
for you so far, huh?
- Hi, you've reached May.
- Leave a message.
Hey, May. It's Eli.
I've been thinking...
Maybe it would be a good idea
if Ivy came to live with you.
Permanently, I mean.
I can't parent full-time
with my new gig.
And it's not just childcare
that's the problem.
I'm not sure I can
give Ivy everything she needs
as a little girl growing up.
It's not even about
what I don't know.
It's about what
I don't know I don't know.
I mean, look, I know it's a big
decision and we'll have
to talk it out.
Oh!
May, May, I'll have
to call you back.
Mr. Ryder, thank you.
I didn't even see him coming.
You were pretty deep
in that conversation.
Yeah.
You know, I'm a pretty
good listener if you need
to talk about something.
Nothing I have to be doing
and, well, nowhere I have to be.
Let me guess,
about a woman?
- Yes. No, no.
- More of a work problem.
Is everything okay with Lia?
Maybe it could be.
Mr. Ryder. I need
to make some calls right away,
but thank you for the talk.
It was a lot of help.
Always happy to help.
Oh!
And if you have the time,
there is one thing
you could do to help Lia.
Well, name it.
Actually, two to three months
for a business loan approval
doesn't work for me.
I'm looking for more
in the two to three-day range.
I'm so glad I could brighten
your day.
Yes, I hope your coworkers
find it just as funny.
Um... welcome to the Loving
Spoonful. We put the "holla"
in jalape
no.
You want me to go?
Come on in.
Good,
because I have
a proposal for you.
Oh, because the last one
worked so well?
Well, I figured we got into
this mess together so we'll
have to get out the same way.
Okay.
What do you propose?
Ridge way is one of the biggest
food service companies
in the country.
They administer and supply
food services for hospitals,
airlines, government agencies
and more.
Now, a friend from
my last job landed
in their acquisitions
department.
They're very interested
in the Loving Spoonful.
What does a big company
like Ridge way care about
what I'm doing over here?
I told them all about you.
Your food, your clients,
your extras.
They want to partner with you.
How so?
They want to expand
the Loving Spoonful.
So from spoonful
to a ladleful?
You'll develop the recipes
and meals, which Ridge way
will produce and ship
anywhere in the country,
all with your charming extras.
And what does Ridge way want
for all this partnership?
Well, it is supposed
to be a partnership.
What do they want?
A share in the company,
a significant one.
And an agreement you'll only
use their products.
Like this?
This is what you want me
serving the kids, Eli?
Ridge way has lots
of trained nutritionists
on staff and you can make sure
the lunches are balanced
and healthy.
I can't believe you would
even suggest this.
You could go nationwide!
No, I can't!
I can't do that
and do what I do.
Eli, you have to meet people
where they are to understand
what they really need.
Otherwise all the extras
and whatever, it's just junk!
I'm trying to save
your business.
By what, destroying it?
This isn't about me.
This is about you.
You don't care about me
or my business.
All you care about is Ivy
getting to camp.
Lia, no matter what happens
with The Loving Spoonful,
Ivy is most likely not going
to stay at camp.
Why? Eli, what's going on?
I'm...
I'm pretty sure
it would be best
if she went to live with May.
Eli.
Why would you even think that?
That...
That little girl loves you.
- I love her, too.
- But that's not the issue.
May can give her what she needs
better than I can.
Well, have you talked
to Ivy about this?
You don't let a nine-year-old
make decisions about
things like this.
Well, you can talk to her
and you can find out
what she needs
instead of just what you
imagine is important. You can...
I'm sorry if I offended you.
I really am.
But I was trying to help in
the only way I could think of.
Everybody I've ever worked with
got to the point where they had
to let go to grow,
or even survive, as a business.
Everybody.
But you're so scared.
You'd rather run this place
into the ground
than give up any control.
And that's too bad.
Because this place...
It really is something
special, Lia.
Eli, I...
Okay...
Cutting it a little
close today, huh?
Yes, we are right on time.
We are running like a precision
machine. Just like that!
Anyway, you get the idea.
Must have gotten some hummus
on there or something.
Okay, great. Just, uh
not any more precise,
if you please.
You do not want to see these
kids when they're really hungry.
That's right...
Just precise enough.
Not too precise.
You know I can't
take Eli's deal.
It's just...
Hey, honey.
Can I talk to you
about something?
Sure.
Oh. Sorry.
What are you doing, Uncle Eli?
Uh, well, Lia said...
Ah... I, uh
should meet you
where you are, so here I am.
Ivy, do you want to tell me
what happened with you
and your friend Samantha?
Samantha and me got into a
spirited discussion.
Mm-hmm, I see.
She got mad at me that we're
moving out of the building
and said we'd never
see each other again.
Then she said she'd have
to get a new best friend.
And then I got really mad
and said I didn't even want
her as a friend at all!
And then what happened?
We moved away and I never
saw her again.
You know,
I just got off the phone
with Samantha's mom
and Sam is going
to go to Camp Fernway
for the next session, too.
Would you like
to be friends again?
Maybe.
But I don't know how.
I bet if you started
something,
the two of you could
figure it out together.
Maybe if I made her
a card, like we do at camp?
Thanks, Uncle Eli!
You're the best!
You know, I should have
realized something was wrong
between you two girls sooner.
It's okay!
Well, actually, Ivy,
I don't think it is.
What would you think about
going to Cousin May's?
Like for another visit?
No, I mean
to live there.
Why would I do that?
Well, you'd live in
a house with a big yard.
And Cousin May's girls
could be like your sisters.
I guess.
And Cousin May knows about
lots of stuff I don't.
Like braiding hair
and what to do when you might be
having a fight with a friend.
But we can figure
that stuff out too!
We're smart cookies!
We are.
But also, Ivy,
there's my schedule.
I might have to work more hours,
or sometimes even travel.
Uncle Eli
are you trying to get rid of me?
Oh, Ivy, no.
Good, because
I belong with you.
Um, welcome to The Loving
Spoonful. We put the, um
in the...
Ah. Sorry, I'm fresh
out of puns today.
Uh, "fond" in fondue?
That is a good one.
But what are you doing here,
Mr. Ryder?
I usually deliver to you.
That's what I'm here about.
I ran into that young man
of yours, and...
Oh, he's not...
And he mentioned that, well,
maybe you're having the teeniest
bit of trouble with staffing,
and that if I had the time,
well, maybe I could pick up my
meals and certainly have a...
He mentioned that? Did he?
Did he also tell you about
the trouble with my taxes?
And the trouble with
my camp contract,
and trouble with keeping
my business from being
completely and totally ruined?
Um...
No. Didn't mention any of that.
But maybe you should tell me
about it yourself.
That's when Eli told
me that The Loving Spoonful
is really special.
And then he walked out,
and I haven't heard
from him since.
I can't say I know much
about being in business.
Here's what I do know.
I was married
to the same amazing lady
for 40 wonderful years.
- I didn't know that.
- That's awesome.
And the only time
we ever got in real trouble
was when one of us needed to...
Well, needed to grow
in some way.
One of us wanted to hold back.
I resisted going back
for my advanced teacher
credits like the stubbornest
mule you ever met.
Because I meet
so many of those.
It made Laura Jane so mad.
I half-expected
to come home some night
and find the locks changed.
Well, mules are notoriously
bad lock pickers.
Hooves, you know?
But once I finally
got over myself and did
what I knew I needed to,
Laura Jane was there backing
me up one thousand percent.
Well,
that's a really
beautiful story, Mr. Ryder.
And completely besides
the point!
I'm not in a relationship
with Eli. Or a business!
Well, if not one,
maybe the other?
At least figuring it out
will keep you busy.
I don't mind saying I...
I envy you that.
I thought you were excited
about going into retirement.
I was!
I thought I'd have time
to look around me
and maybe meet someone new.
But it turns out you can't
keep dating all the time.
Makes you look like a player.
You are too much of
a gentleman to ever
look like a player.
True that!
But all play and no work
makes Jack a dull boy.
You know I think that
what you said about business
and relationships
is true...
For us!
Don't you go falling
for my charms, missy.
You're too young for me.
If not one,
then maybe the other?
And maybe some of your friends
from the book club, too?
Come on, Ivy.
Cousin May is waiting.
Wait!
Oh.
Oh, I'll miss you.
I'll miss you too.
I still can't believe
what a brilliant solution
you came up with.
I've had a lot of help.
I know, but
now you can honour
the contract with the camp,
you can keep all
of our old clients
and finally take on
some new ones.
Let's make sure
we can walk before we run.
I've made a lot of changes,
and probably a few more to come.
Oh, and I still have
to figure out how to...
What?
Nothing.
Just a teddy bear
walking by with
a lady and a suitcase.
A suitcase?! Oh no, he didn't!
What are you...
Ivy?
Lia?
Eli! You don't have
to do this.
I'm going to keep
the summer camp contract,
I promise.
You don't have to send Ivy away
to live with your cousin!
It's okay.
Ivy's just gone to visit May
and her family for the weekend.
Ah! Oh, she is? I'm so glad!
Well, since
I have a free weekend,
maybe we could get together?
And find a way to solve your
staffing problem for the camp.
For the sake of your business.
Of course! And for Ivy!
I see how much she loves
being at summer camp.
That too.
Eli, I, um...
Morning deliveries went great!
Heading out with
the second load.
See ya later, partner.
That's what I was
trying to tell you.
I solved my staffing problem.
Oh! That's great!
That's really great.
Hey, I know I was way
off base with Ridge way.
Even when I was telling
you about it,
I knew it was all wrong.
But a partnership
was the only solution
I could come up with.
Eli, you
were right.
Partnership was the solution.
Okay, maybe not with
Ridge way Foods,
but it worked.
I sold small shares
of my company to Mr. Ryder
and a couple of his friends
from the retired teachers'
book club in exchange
for part-time work.
They love the opportunity
to get out and interact
with kids again.
And they can get a share
of the profits at
the end of the season.
And you're okay with selling
off shares of the company?
More than letting down
the kids and shutting down
the business for good.
Well, it seems like you've
got everything under control.
I have to thank you
for the idea.
I never would have
thought of it.
And for telling Mr. Ryder
to come by and pick up
his deliveries.
Uh, and I have
to thank you, too.
What you said about
meeting Ivy where she was,
it helped.
A lot.
Oh, good. I'm glad.
Well, I now seem
to have a free weekend
with nothing to do.
So I guess I better, um...
Go find something.
Oh, okay.
- Okay!
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye!
Uh, enjoy your something.
Yep, thanks.
So this is what the inside
of your mind looks like.
Seems like a pretty nice
place to be.
It's a start.
But I feel like
I'm missing something.
How can you know
if you can't remember it?
- I don't know.
- It just doesn't feel quite...
Right?
Okay.
- Can we see?
- Sure!
Eli!
I wanted to thank you
again for connecting us with
Lia and The Loving Spoonful.
We never had a better
food vendor.
Oh, well I can't take
the credit for any of that,
but I'm happy
it worked out so well.
Mm.
Here's your phone back,
Uncle Eli.
Oh, thanks.
Oh, hey, you forgot Jolene.
I really liked the photos
of you and Miss Lia!
Huh?
I was wondering
how you found Lia.
Oh, that's not...
Hm.
Still working
on the command centre?
Oh, yeah.
I'm sure I'll
figure it out soon.
You've already spent two weeks
rearranging push pins
and paper clips.
You could save yourself
a century and consult an expert
on business systems
and procedures.
Yeah, our budget's
still pretty tight.
Uh-uh.
That's not an excuse anymore.
We've already solved
that problem.
So, what's the real problem?
I just don't know
how to start.
With Eli?
Of course with Eli!
I know.
I just wanted to make
you finally say his name again.
If you don't know
how to start with Eli,
just ask yourself
what advice he would
give you about that.
Try...
Learn...
Grow.
Left to the middle,
right to the middle,
this is the way
our braid grows a little.
So, uh, where's Jolene?
I think she's in my bedroom.
Oh, my goodness.
What do you think?
I think we finally
figured it out!
High-five? Nice!
Can we eat pancakes
for dinner?
Have I created
a pancake monster?
Guess I better feed you then.
Did you and Miss Lia
get into another
spirited discussion?
Well...
Something like that.
You should try
to be friends again.
That's what you told me to do.
I know.
I'm just
not sure Lia wants
to be friends with me again.
You should try
to figure that out.
Uh-huh.
But you don't know how to.
You should take her advice.
I mean, it worked for me.
Just what advice
would that be?
Go meet her where she is
and find out what she wants.
You really are a smart cookie.
I know.
Smart enough to stay out
of trouble for a few minutes
while I go talk to Miss Lia?
Uncle Eli, I'm not a baby.
I'm nine years old!
That's what I thought.
Fay, I'll be right back
as soon as I give this to...
Eli!
- Hi.
- Hi.
Is, uh... Is now a good time?
- No, no, no.
- If you're rushing out, I can...
- No, now's a great time.
- Great.
Well, I just wanted to...
I... Actually, can I say
my piece first?
Yes, of course. Please, go on.
Thank you.
My instinct here
is to say "you're welcome",
but I'm not sure what for.
For pushing me to grow.
Now I want to grow more!
And only better this time,
and with a plan.
Which is
this.
"Mixed greens and quinoa
with salmon and lime
vinaigrette"?
Your plan for growing is
salad?
No, it's the extras. See?
It's a share in my company
in exchange for your
project management expertise.
So
that would make it
"our" system?
Yes.
Are you just offering me
a share of your business,
or a share of your
heart as well?
Because if you are offering me
a share of your heart too
it's the perfect start
to "our" way.
You already have
a share of mine.
Uncle Eli! Miss Lia!
What took you guys so long?!
That's what I want to know!
And now for the best part.
Salt water taffy for Mr. Row.
Jackson is on times tables,
so flash cards
for the Prescotts.
And Gina Everette
loves lavender.
Oh, hey, it's one floor up,
first on the left.
- Perfect.
- Thanks, Patrick.
Good morning, neighbour.
Good morning.
Elves.
It's the only way
you could possibly
get so much done by 8 AM.
You must have elves.
I was excited
to get started early.
Look, I found these
animal-shaped
gluten-free pasta.
Isn't it awesome?
Can I start packaging
it all up?
Um, no.
Some people didn't order
gluten-free,
and then there's the different
sauces.
And Hector Rawlins requested
a double order
- for his date tonight.
- Hmm.
Lions and tigers and bears
don't exactly say romance...
Wait, I can barely remember
to brush my hair in the morning.
How can you possibly know
an entire meal service's
client roster by heart?
Mm, I have a system.
So you've mentioned.
I'll go set up the cafe.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
The Loving Spoonful.
We put the adore
in pasta cadore.
I think they finally rented
the apartment upstairs.
I saw the new guy
moving in today.
Should bring him a flyer,
he can be a new client.
You're already here
a million hours a week.
And I can't work more
with my university classes.
One more client might cause
a nervous collapse
- for both of us.
- I'm not that bad.
When was the last time
you went on a vacation
or went on a date,
or a coffee break?
Have you thought more about
what we talked about,
about expanding just...
beyond just us?
I like it just us.
What am I, Ridge way Foods?
I'm not here
to take over the world.
Hey, can you bring some
yellow table cloths
from the back?
I think it's time
for a change for summer.
Okay. But if you don't
get more sleep and work less,
then you're going
to be seeing those lions
and tigers and bears
in more places than your food.
See bears...
Oh no, no, no, I was supposed
to have more time.
Um...
Excuse me, this is gonna
sound crazy
but did you just see
a bear walk by here?
- Brow? Black button eyes?
- So big?
Um, yeah. You too?
That's Jolene.
Hey, Jolene,
you wanna come out here
and say hello
to our new neighbour?
You too, Ivy.
Hi, Ivy. I'm Lia,
this is my meal
service business,
the Loving Spoonful.
We put the care in carrot cake.
Anyways, it was nice
to meet you.
I really like your bear.
Jolene's a pretty name.
Did you name it yourself?
Nice to meet you, Jolene.
- And your dad?
- Uncle Eli.
I mean, just Eli.
That's what most people call me.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, just Eli.
We'll see you around?
Sounds good.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
But I was supposed
to be eligible
for a fourth extension
for my taxes.
No, no, no,
I want to pay my taxes,
it's just that at the moment
I... I can't.
What do you mean
seize my assets?
What, you mean my pots
and my pans and my stove?
Do you promise
about the stove part?
No, no.
I take this very seriously,
Mr. Herrara.
What's my final, final deadline?
I will have the money to you
by then, I promise.
Thank you.
Somehow...
You are a cook
with no way to cook.
Tell me how your stove
going out is not a problem.
I already adjusted
the next menu.
Fruit and yoghurt parfaits,
avocado Greek salad,
and charcuterie boards.
That's brilliant,
but not a permanent solution
like, say, a new stove.
But I know mine so well.
Yes, that it's unreliable.
I'm gonna get the other bags.
May, hi.
Calling to see how
the moving went?
You know it, cuz.
Well, I'm happy to report
I'm on the last box.
Last time we moved,
it took me weeks to unpack.
Nothing like a project manager
for a smooth move,
especially a freelance one
between jobs.
I let them know I was available
to stay on
if they needed more help.
They didn't.
Well, you'll find
something else.
So, how's the search going
for Ivy's new summer day camp?
I got a recommendation
for a camp
we're checking out tomorrow.
Ivy's not excited
about the idea, though.
You know how shy she can be
in new situations.
Speaking of Ivy,
I had a little housewarming gift
delivered to you.
It should be at the door.
- Dare I ask?
- Why ask when you can open?
Right.
Uh, there must have been
a mistake on the delivery.
This appears to be some sort
of cooking device.
Now, if my favourite cousin
knows me well enough
to understand my cooking skills
are...
Non-existent.
It's more for Ivy
than it is for you,
she loves pancakes.
- She does?
- She asked for them every day
the last time she came to visit.
I guess I was lucky to get by
with fruit and cereal
for breakfast every day
the last couple of years.
Why do things have to change?
Because little girls
don't stay little forever.
Mine sure didn't.
Every day Ivy's more
of a mystery to me
than even this strange,
alien apparatus.
It's pancakes, Eli.
Try. Learn. Grow.
I just want to make sure
I'm raising Ivy the right way.
The way you are with your girls,
the way my sister would have.
You'll figure it out
as you go,
the same way every parent does.
And you know we're always
happy to help.
You can call any time.
Thanks. I will.
- Bye for now, May.
- Bye, cuz.
Okay...
Who knew this city
had so many walk-ups.
But we already got our cardio
in for the day.
What else do you
have to do today?
Aw, there's a new recipe
I want to try
and placing the orders
for next week...
No, no, no,
I know that you have
study group tonight.
Off with you.
But promise me you'll sleep in
at least tomorrow
since we open late?
I'll be fine. I have...
A system.
I know, I know.
Hey, Ivy.
You know, I was thinking
we could hit that park
around the corner and try
out the swings,
- what do you say?
- Okay!
Oh, you're bringing Jolene?
I want to bring her.
Okay. Hey, you know,
maybe we can call
your friend Samantha
and see if she can meet us
at the park to play too.
- No, it's okay.
- I've got Jolene.
I'll go put my shoes on.
Okay! Okay!
Oh, wait.
That's not my smoke alarm.
Finally.
You okay?
Good.
Oh...
Ah!
Try, she said. Learn, she said.
Grow, she said.
I know, I'm sorry
about the alarm,
it won't happen again.
- Lia, hi.
- Hi.
It sounded like you were having
trouble with your new stove
so... came prepared.
- Meal delivery.
- Mm-hmm.
Does that include breakfast?
Best in the city.
Or, at least in this
neighbourhood anyway.
Come with me.
Let me just grab Ivy.
- Okay.
- Hey, Ivy.
What's this, Miss Lia?
It is a paper fortune finder.
"Your smile lights up
the room."
Ooh, that's one smart cookie.
What's yours, Uncle Eli?
Miss Lia?
Oh, um...
"Listen with your heart
and think on your feet."
And if you get them mixed up,
you can still keep an ear
to the ground.
Ah!
"A bud is not a rose."
I'm not sure I ever aspired
to be a flower.
Oh, every dogwood has his day.
Oh, you better believe it.
But why paper
fortune cookies, Miss Lia?
Well, I always like to include
a little extra into my meals.
It's not always fortunes,
it's just
something to bring
people together
or make them think,
or just brighten their day.
Hmm, that's brilliant,
though I'm sure this sandwich
was enough to brighten
my day all by itself.
How soon can we start
your service?
Oh, um...
Well, I'm actually not
accepting any more clients
right now.
Um, just for right now, I'm
upgrading my staffing
systems
prior to an asset overhaul
and capital expansion.
Oh, what's your current
strategy for maintaining synergy
between management, accounting,
lab our, and sales?
I'm a project manager.
Business systems
are my expertise.
Uh...
My strategy is, um,
by keeping it all... me.
- You do all that yourself?
- Mm-hmm.
No wonder you're turning
down clients.
You're critically understaffed.
You need help. Badly.
I... I don't need help,
I have a system.
That's what every business
owner thinks,
but it's my job to show them
the right way.
Who crowned you the king
of the know-it-alls?
I know you can't take on new
clients, what else is there?
Uncle Eli,
are we still going to look
at the new day camp today?
Yeah, Ivy, we are.
Miss Lia and I just got
a little distracted with...
A spirited discussion.
Do we have to?
- You know what?
- Day camp can be a lot of fun.
I loved it when I was your age.
We're just
checking it out, Ivy,
to see if you like it.
Actually, we should leave soon.
So, thank you for breakfast.
Otherwise, Ivy and I would have
been eating
- our breakfast blackened.
- You're welcome.
It was nice to see you again,
Ivy. And Jolene.
Just Eli...
Coming?
Uncle Eli!
Look what I just made? See?
It says "Best friends."
That's great. But, uh...
I thought Samantha
was your best friend?
I've had Jolene forever.
This place is the best!
Can I spend all summer here?
- You like it that much?
- You weren't so sure before.
- I love it!
- Oh!
Then this is where
you'll spend the summer.
Okay.
As soon as I find
the price tag.
I know the coffee's not great
but I didn't think
it was that awful.
Thanks, yeah. Not great.
I mean, you'd think a place
this expensive
would have better food.
Someone should say something
to the camp director.
You just did.
Oh, I'm sorry,
I didn't realize.
- I feel...
- As bad as that coffee?
No, you're not wrong.
Our food vendor just quit,
and with camp starting
on Monday,
I haven't had time
to find another.
That sounds like a task
you can outsource
to a project manager. Like me.
Is that something
a project manager does?
Spotting talent
and dedication is a big part
of managing projects
I have someone in mind already.
Here is my resume.
I'll even sweeten the deal by
letting you pay my finder's fee
and my niece's camp tuition.
Oh, will you, now?
As long as the vendor
you find us lasts the season.
If they quit before
the end of the summer,
you'll have to pay your niece's
fees out of pocket.
Deal.
Ivy seems to really be
enjoying herself.
Why doesn't she stay
for a couple of hours today?
Oh, actually, I do have some
running around to do.
That sounds great. Thanks.
Strategy for synergy, huh?
Show me the right way, will you?
Ha! My way works just fine,
thank you very much.
Wrench!
Don't you think
he has a point, though?
You do need more help.
No.
See?
Okay, sure. Yeah, maybe one day.
But right now,
I can just work on
my meal breaks.
Something tells me
you already do that.
What does it say
to your customers
that you don't take time
to enjoy your own food?
Okay, well, why don't you
tell me the right way
to get more done?
Scalability.
So your idea is
to have me hire you
to get hired
to deliver meals
to Camp Fernway?
Exactly. I get paid
when and only if
you get the contract.
Camp Fernway gets
a reliable food vendor
with healthy, delicious food
and you can expand your business
with the boxed lunches
you already provide.
Uh, I just don't know.
I thought you might say that.
Try this.
Oh, ew.
Oh, what is this?
That is what you would doom
a bunch of sweet,
innocent children to
if you don't get this contract.
Well, that is a sneaky tactic.
Did it work?
Do you think that they would
be willing to give
an advance up front?
So you can hire more help?
Among other things.
Um, how many meals
are we talking about?
Uh, let's see...
Ah, here it is, Camp Fernway
session one enrollment
about 50 kids.
That's a lot of apple slices.
Getting you an advance
should be no problem.
So you'll try for it?
You're actually taking
someone's advice
and applying for that camp job?
You don't think
I should do it?
Yes, you definitely
should do it,
it's a fantastic opportunity.
But?
I mean,
I saw you and that Eli guy
together for like two seconds
and the words that came to mind
were oil and water.
Can you really work with him?
He'll just be helping me
with the written
application part.
How long can that be?
I'll get it.
You get started
on the application.
Thank you.
Welcome to
the Loving Spoonful,
where we put the laugh
in rice pilaf.
- Hi, Mrs. Lee.
- Hello, dear.
- Is my weekly order ready yet?
- All ready.
You know, we do deliver too
if you'd prefer.
Oh, thank you, but it makes
a nice addition
to our walkies.
Oh, I can't wait to see
what surprises Lia
added this week.
Well, she's always on
the lookout for something new.
Finding Lia
was such a piece of luck.
I was hoping to be able
to tell her myself
how much I appreciate her.
She's in the back, I can...
Ah! The application
is 76 pages?! Ugh!
I can get her the message.
Thank you, dear.
Ugh...
I can't do this.
76 pages.
The application is 76 pages,
this will take forever,
- I don't have time for this.
- Well, it's okay,
I can fill most of it out
based on your business records.
Please don't tell me you keep
all your business records
stored in a giant shoe box.
Of course not.
One of those big crates
bananas come in
with the open sides
for papers to fall out?
It is all on here.
Good.
For a moment there I was scared
this was gonna be a real
mess.
Okay.
So, what question
should I answer first?
Okay, this should be
an easy one.
Who are your major suppliers?
I don't know,
all those apple slices
means I'm gonna have
to find some new ones.
Well, we can put down
one of the wholesalers.
You'll have to go
through them anyway,
that's what all the big
companies
- like Ridge way Foods do.
- Oh, no, I need to know
who I'm really working with.
The application
is due right away.
I know, but can't you offer
some solutions
and not just problems?
I offered you a solution
- and you just sat there.
- Uncle Eli.
I heard you guys having, um,
a spirited discussion.
I am sorry,
I didn't realize we woke you.
Me too. We didn't mean
to be so... spirited.
Come on,
I'll tuck you back in.
And Lia,
I'll try to think
of some solutions.
- Me too.
- Say good night.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Okay. Solutions, solutions.
Who's my ideal supplier?
Eli, I think...
Good night, sweetheart.
What is it?
I know where
we can find my suppliers.
And all of them in one place.
Genius. Okay.
The right strategy now
is to create a grid,
visiting each stall,
in turn making...
Blackberries!
Uh, no, I was going to say...
Wow. But we really need
to focus and...
Ooh. Honey!
Oh!
- Yeah.
- I love this stuff.
Okay, put that down
on the list.
Feel it.
What you want to do
is one on the side, then
- you just...
- Oh!
Thank you.
Why, thank you.
Last one,
sure you don't want it?
Ooh. Well, if you're
gonna twist my arm.
This was a great idea.
And super cool of May
to invite Ivy to the movies.
It's been really tricky
for me to find new ways
to keep Ivy entertained.
So, how will you ever remember
what you got from which vendor?
I even made notes of who
I want to try for what.
Maybe you should let me?
I'll start a supplier
database for you.
Cards are fine for me.
Yeah, but when
you have a team,
you'll need an organized system
for whoever does
the ordering and invoices
and taxes and...
Okay, okay.
But if someone else is doing
the ordering
and the invoicing and the taxes,
then what am I supposed to do?
All the stuff only you can do.
Creating new recipes,
dreaming up new extras,
getting to know your clients.
That's all the fun stuff.
This is supposed to be work.
Who told you work
couldn't be fun?
You know, no one ever did.
And speaking of the fun stuff,
have you decided
what the extras
will be for the kids?
It needs to be something
appropriate for the kids,
also special. Most importantly...
Scalable.
I'm gonna have to think
of something soon
because the application
is due right away.
Yeah.
Quantify and optimize
gross and operating margins
with narrative projective
differentials
over the next financial
interval.
Okay...
The only word I understood there
was gross,
and I doubt they
think what I mean.
No wonder they're having
trouble finding vendors.
Maybe you can project manage
an overhaul of their vendor
application next.
Maybe. What they're asking
is...
Hey!
What are you doing here?
You're supposed to be in class.
It got moved.
To this afternoon.
I thought we were supposed to do
deliveries this afternoon,
it's a two-person job.
Meal prep in the late morning,
deliveries in the afternoon,
that's the way we always do it.
I have... A system.
We know.
Can you switch the deliveries
and the meal prep around?
No.
The coconut rice pudding
and the pumpkin quinoa
will need time to set.
Ugh, so sorry, Lia.
Maybe I can miss this one class.
No! I don't want you
to miss out because of me.
Actually, this could be
really good.
- Good?
- I mean, this is where
having the right system
can come in handy.
Fay, could you handle the meal
prep if the recipes
were written down somewhere
other than inside Lia's head?
Sure.
Seen her do it enough times.
Great! Which means Lia and I
can handle the deliveries
this morning.
Ha! It's not that I don't
think you can do it, Fay,
it's just that I've never done
it this way before and...
She'll be able to call you
with any questions
and I'll be able to see more
of how your business works.
And if it's okay with them,
we can even take
pictures of you with your
satisfied customers
for the job application.
Please, Lia.
I'd hate to leave you
in the lurch.
Okay. I'll go write
out the recipes.
What?
Oh, I'm just wondering
where you keep
your magic wand.
It's the only thing I can
imagine that would
make Lia let go of her...
Iron grip on the kitchen.
Okay, here we go!
- Last stop.
- And this one is my favourite.
Oh, don't speak too soon.
Mr. Ryder, top floor,
no elevator.
Lia.
I had to check the clock
to make sure I hadn't
lost track of time.
- You're early.
- We had a slight
scheduling snafu. Is that okay?
Sure. I was just about
to leave for my book club.
How about them stairs?
Quite a workout. Keeps me young.
Since I retired, I need
all the help I can get.
Well, I bet they do
if they don't kill you first.
Mr. Ryder was my high school
science teacher.
He was the first one to explain
emulsification to me.
And I've been reaping
the benefits in Hollandaise
ever since.
I miss being around
young people,
to tell you the truth.
Uh, Mr. Ryder, would you mind
if I got a photo of us?
It's for an application
to deliver meals
for a summer camp program.
- Happy to.
- Okay.
I was also Lia's
first customer.
Oh, well you were smart
to get in while you could.
I'm still on the waiting list.
- If you can just squeeze it...
- Allow me.
I've been working
on my selfie skills
for that online dating thing.
- Oh.
- Come on, young fella.
Oh, thanks,
but I'm not really...
- Get in the picture.
- Okay.
Yes, you are.
- Oh, just your hair.
- What?
All right now,
say Hollandaise.
Hollandaise.
Oh.
Oh, excuse me,
I should take this.
- Hello?
- Good to see you finally
hired on more help, Lia.
Oh, no, he's just
helping me with the application.
- Just helping?
- It's like that, is it?
About time, if you ask me.
No, no, no,
it's not like that.
It's really not like that.
If you say so. I better get
these in the ice box.
- Okay, sounds good.
- Thank you, Mr. Ryder.
Thank you.
Bye.
Really appreciate everything
that you're doing.
Thanks, Lia.
- Sorry, Lia...
- Oh.
Forgot to give you
back your phone.
Could not resist taking pictures
of such a good-looking couple.
Oh, Mr. Ryder!
If you send me those pictures,
I can add them to
the application tonight.
Yeah. Okay, will do.
Oh, hey.
What's Mr. Ryder's extra
with his meals?
Well, can't you guess?
Online dating tips.
Okay, the application
is complete.
Vendors listed,
documents included,
pictures of happy
customers attached.
We're ready to go.
Would you like to do
the honours?
Oh. Okay.
Um...
Here
we
go! And it's off!
Just like I should be
or I'm gonna be late for class.
Good luck, Lia.
Bye, Fay.
Everything okay?
Yeah!
I'm just being silly.
But I kind of wanted a
big congratulations,
or fireworks,
or even just a smiling
hedgehog meme.
Well,
maybe they saved the memes
for when you actually
get the job.
No, I'm just being silly.
It's just even getting
the application done
is so hard.
It's not that you don't think
you can do the job, is it?
If you don't think you can,
you should've said
something earlier.
No. No. I'll figure it out.
I always do. I told you,
I'm just being silly.
Okay.
- Uh, talk soon.
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You know what, Uncle Eli?
I think I'm gonna
really like camp.
They have swimming every day.
Really? That's awesome.
- And they have crafts.
- And games.
- Great.
- And I'll get to see Miss Lia
from downstairs for lunch
every day too.
- You like Miss Lia, huh?
- She's nice.
It's too bad you can't
be friends.
What makes you think
we can't be friends?
You're always having
spirited discussions.
Just because we don't
always agree,
doesn't mean
we can't be friends.
And she doesn't have
the job yet.
So let's keep our fingers
crossed, okay?
Does that mean you won't
be around as much?
It might mean our schedules
have to change.
- Change a little?
- Maybe even a lot,
I just don't know yet, okay?
Okay. Can I see my hair now?
Uh, well, okay...
Yeah, I'm sorry.
Braiding hair isn't
something uncles
generally have a lot
of experience with.
But hey, maybe we can call
your friend Samantha or her mom
to show us how it's done?
She wears braids in her hair
all the time, right?
- It's okay, Uncle Eli.
- I bet Cousin May can do it
for me next time I see her.
Hi.
Miss Lia!
Ivy!
- So nice to see you.
- And Jolene?
- And Jolene too and Uncle Eli.
- Hi.
Hi. So you guys are
back here again too?
Oh yes, Ivy insisted after
she heard about her trip.
- Oh.
- And we found a new
- booth for you!
- A booth? For me?
- I'll show you where it is.
- Okay.
- It's this way.
- Okay.
Let's go.
Is Ivy excited
for summer camp?
Yes. But her going is still
a bit up in the air.
Oh, how?
Oh, just waiting on some final
details to work themselves out.
I hope. Otherwise, I might have
to work and parent full-time.
Ooh.
Well, I'm sure
you'll figure it out.
You're a great dad.
Uh, uncle. Unc-dad?
- Duncle?
- Duncle it is.
Here we are. This is what
we wanted to show you.
Oh, this is perfect!
I've been so busy,
I've been running low.
Thank you, Ivy.
Thank you.
Uh, do you want to help me
pick out which ones?
- Sure.
- Okay.
Perfect. This one looks
almost like Mrs. Lee's
little dog, Henry.
- Wanna help too, Uncle Eli?
- Sure.
Yeah, come help.
Oh, I just got a call...
Hello, this is Lia Thompson
of the Loving Spoonful.
Anne, hi.
I'm so glad you liked
my application.
Yes, I am absolutely available
to come in and interview
and bring some sample meals.
When works for you?
That would be the day
after tomorrow?
No, I absolutely understand
your time crunch,
I am happy to do it.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Okay, I'll see you then.
Camp Fernway wants
to interview me!
Thought they would.
Oh my gosh,
there's so much to do.
I have to make the sample meals
and review the interview
questions.
I should get back to the store
and get started
on this right away.
- Thank you, Ivy.
- No problem.
You too. Thank you
so much for everything.
- Okay, bye!
- Bye.
Uncle Eli...
- Can I get these?
- Sure. What are they for?
It's a surprise.
Okay.
Those two, please.
That's not really
special enough.
That's not really for kids.
There has to be something...
I got everything on the list
for your sample meals.
How is the quest
for the extras coming?
Not great, actually.
Maybe this will
change your mind.
Ivy?! Eli? Hi.
I ran into them on the way in.
Go on.
I made it for you so we could
be at day camp together.
- Oh, Ivy, come here.
- It's so sweet.
Thank you.
Oh, Ivy, this really
is just what I needed.
Do you think you could make
more of these?
Yes? Okay.
This could be the extras
for the summer camp,
cards of encouragement
and support.
It's certainly special enough.
And kid friendly.
But is it scalable?
I'm not sure about turning Ivy
into a cottage industry.
No, of course not.
It won't be just Ivy,
it would be all of the kids
making them for each other.
It could be part
of the craft time?
And it goes along with
the camp's focus
on community. Brilliant.
All right, now I just need
the meals and interview
to match.
Then let's get to work.
Yeah, Uncle Eli,
let's get to work!
Well, hey, I thought cards
were your department?
- Yeah, but spelling's yours.
- I'm only nine.
- She got me.
- Let's go.
Ah, I thought I saw the lights
still on in here.
- Eli. What are you doing here?
- What about Ivy?
Oh, I thought you could
use some more help, so,
I dug out that.
I just have the parfaits left.
Well, that sounds about right
for my cooking skills.
- Can I help?
- Sure.
I'm surprised you still
have that,
Ivy's a bit big
for a baby monitor.
Oh, she was too old
for it when I bought it.
She was already six
when she came to live with me
after her mom passed away.
Sorry about your sister.
Thanks.
She was my older sister.
You know, we used to joke
that she was such a good mom
because she had me
to practise on first.
I was so scared I was really
gonna screw everything up.
Ivy almost didn't come
to live with me.
Who else would she go to?
My cousin, May.
She was already raising two
great kids with her husband
but now they live a couple
hours outside the city
and at the time,
it seemed like too big a change
for Ivy and she was already
more comfortable with me.
And now?
Now, I am not so sure.
I just don't know if I can
raise her the right way.
- She's a great kid.
- You are doing a great job.
You know, there's not just
one right way to do anything.
- Yeah.
- But really, you could...
It's like these parfaits.
You could do yoghurt, mango,
yoghurt, mango, granola
the traditional way.
Aw, bet it wears a little suit
and tie to work and everything.
But then, you could do
blueberries, yoghurt, mango,
granola strawberries.
What? That's pure madness.
Well, pure deliciousness.
And then if you're getting
really crazy,
you could do chocolate chips,
mango, granola, strawberries,
coconut... puffed rice
and apple sauce.
Where does the yoghurt go?
Oh. Right here.
Oh, not bad. Mm!
Mm, not bad at all.
Actually, I think I have
one more improvement for this.
Oh, no, I don't think
that's a good idea.
Oh, I think
it's a very good idea.
Okay, not the nose, not the...
- Mm! That is good.
- Right?
Oh, you have a little
something here.
- Where?
- Just, um...
It's right...
- Oh, is she...
- Talking in her sleep?
I think.
I should probably
check on her just in case.
- Will you still be here?
- Um...
I'll be fine, I've just got
the parfaits to finish up.
- You saw how easy that is.
- Right!
There's no wrong way
to do those.
Well, um...
- Good night, Lia.
- Good night.
- See you tomorrow.
- Tomorrow it is.
- See you tomorrow.
- Yes. Tomorrow.
- Sleep tight.
- Okay.
Hey. How are you,
are you ready?
Uh, yep.
Okay, just like you practised.
You're gonna do great.
And if you need me,
I'll be right here.
Thank you.
- Okay. Let's do this.
- Okay.
Hi I am Lia Thompson
of the Loving Spoonful.
We put the keen in zucchini.
I started the Loving Spoonful
because I wanted to create
delicious meals that bring
people together
or just brighten their day.
Today, we have some charcuterie
boxes for you to sample.
All of our suppliers
are locally sourced.
And what's this?
That would be
my signature feature.
I like to include
a little extra.
For the summer camp,
I thought that the kids
could make cards like these
for each other.
These cards are actually made
by one of your future campers.
It says, "Have a grape day."
It's cute.
So, how do you think it's going?
Well, they seem to be
too busy eating to talk,
so that's always good.
Lia, we're ready for you now.
Your sample meals were
delicious and camper-friendly.
And the cards were
an inspired idea.
Well, I'm so glad you enjoyed
them and the meals.
- We do have a few questions.
- We're a nut-free camp
due to some camper's allergies,
will that be a problem?
Our kitchen
is already nut-free.
Excellent. The only other
real concern we have
is Camp Fernway
would significantly
increase the size
of your business overnight.
What's your strategy for such
a sudden and large expansion?
My strategy to deal with
a large and sudden shift is, um,
scalability. That's right,
that's one of the best things
about my company,
is it's scalability... ness.
Um... What I'm really saying
is that I have a system.
I have spent a lot of time
figuring out what works
and what doesn't work.
I only need to do more
of the same in order to expand.
Excellent.
I think that answers
all our questions?
- Yes.
- Lia,
we would be happy to offer you
the contract for Camp Fernway.
Okay, thank you so much!
I won't let you
or the kids down.
- Can you start today?
- Uh...
Uh, Lia would love to start
right away,
she just needs a deposit.
I do?
Oh, yes, I do.
- Great.
- We'll see you for lunch.
Okay. Bye.
- You did it!
- You were so great.
You were so great!
I can't believe that camp
starts so soon.
Yeah, what a surprise.
At least now I can tell Ivy
she really will be here
every day
seeing you at lunch time.
Great thing
for the advance, huh?
Oh, yeah,
it'll be a life saver.
Um, well, why don't you
stop by the store later
and I'll have
your payment ready?
- I'll see you later.
- Okay.
What's got Eli so down?
What's got you so down?
Oh, no, I'm not down, I'm...
I'm excited, I'm... so excited.
So unconvincing.
Mr. Herrara, hi.
I just wanted to let
you know that I just
made my payment to my taxes
and my account is now up to date
so you won't be coming to get
my pots and my pans and my stove
because I'm really quite fond
of them now and...
I'm just so glad that everything
is under control again.
Thank you.
Ugh.
Well, almost everything.
Okay... um...
Okay.
Oh.
Ow!
Whoa!
Was that a 21-gun salute or
are you just happy to see me?
- Eli!
- Hi.
Hi! What are you doing here?
You, uh... told me I could
come by for my cheque,
but I can come back later
if this is a bad time.
Oh. No, it's not as bad
as it looks.
Is it worse?
Oh! Uh...
Oh!
- Ooh! Uh, oven mitts!
- Oven mitts!
Oh... Oh, thank you!
Oh, boy.
Ooh, I think
I'm having deja pastry.
Lia, you're not trying
to do this all alone, are you?
I just haven't had time
to interview other people.
- I have to say that...
- Eli! I'm sorry,
I don't have time for
one of your lectures right now.
I've got 50 boxed lunches
and three new batches,
of cookies, and a mountain
of dishes and...
Uh, what? What are you doing?
As your project manager,
I should at least make sure
you survive your first day.
Ha! You don't have to do that.
It's all part of the service.
And besides,
Ivy is really looking forward
to seeing you at lunch today.
Let's start with the cleanup!
Thank you.
Be right back.
Lia!
I got back here as fast
as I could. How much time
do we have to...
Are these all the lunches?
Ahead of time.
Just how did
this miracle happen?
I may have had some help.
I think this
is the last of them.
Hey.
I should have known.
You got those?
Yeah, I'm good. Oh!
- You got 'em.
- Oh, thank you.
Okay.
Lia! You're right on time.
Wonderful.
I've got the first batch
of cards from the campers.
They had so much
fun making them.
Well, that's so great to hear.
Eli, I didn't expect you here.
Oh. I thought I'd check
to see how Ivy's doing.
- She's having a wonderful time.
- Great.
Uh, though we do
have some concerns
with the stuffed animal.
By the time kids are old enough
to come to camp,
they're usually okay leaving
their security friends at home.
You know, before our move,
she only needed Jolene at night,
but ever since,
she's taken her everywhere.
Ivy's a great kid.
And Jolene is always
welcome here.
But you might want
to bring it up with Ivy,
for Jolene's sake.
Camp can be really tough
on stuffed animals.
You know,
all the mud and sports.
There's lots of chances
for them to get lost.
Thanks, I'll...
I'll try to speak
to her about it.
Uncle Eli!
- Hey!
- What are you doing here?
Well, I stopped by to see
how your first day was going.
- Great.
- Well, that's awesome.
Maybe Jolene is
a little bit tired.
Maybe she'd be safer at home.
Or you can keep her
for the rest of the day.
Think about it, okay?
Okay.
Really? Uh-huh.
Yeah!
Maybe there's something else
you can help me out with.
Could you point me
in the direction
of the arts and crafts table?
Yeah? Should we?
One, two, three, go!
Is there room for one
more under this tree?
There's plenty of trunk
for everyone.
Even leftovers too.
What's this?
It's a smiling hedgehog,
of course.
- Oh.
- Okay, my...
You did this?
Yeah, my glitter pen work
could use a little practise.
I just figured you always
go above and beyond
to make other people smile.
I thought it was time someone
did a little something
extra for you.
Well, I think you've done
way more than
a little extra for me.
Well...
What you do is really
something special.
The Loving Spoonful
deserved the...
Excuse me, deserved the help.
Sorry.
Don't take this the wrong way,
but you seem almost
as tired as I feel.
Just haven't had much sleep.
I guess your worries about Ivy
aren't really helping much either.
Mm.
I mean, look at her.
She's happy and healthy.
Maybe you can just relax,
just for a little bit.
Maybe a good idea.
Yeah.
Yeah, just for a moment.
Rise and shine, campers!
Oh, sorry. I'm sorry,
sorry about that.
No, no, it was my fault. I...
- Ivy, what...
- what are you doing here?
You're supposed to be at lunch.
Lunch is over. And so is camp!
What? Oh no!
I slept through clean up!
Fay's going to be
furious with me.
She's going to be livid.
She's going to be...
"Happy to have handled
clean up and went back
to the kitchen
to finish meal prep."
Fay's a good employee
and a great friend.
She really is.
Oh, she also said it's obvious
that we should've slept to...
- Hm?
- Uh...
Rest up. Rest up together
at the same time.
- Yes. Very astute of her.
- Yes.
- Well, Ivy.
- I guess we should be on our way.
Can we stop at the swings
on the way home?
And can Miss Lia come, too?
Please? Please? Please?!
- Okay, sure, we can.
- But Lia is very busy
and she needs to...
- Actually, you know what?
- I'm not.
Fay's got it all
under control so a round
of swings sounds great.
Hey!
Yeah!
Now help me up.
- Oh, thank you!
- Please.
You know what? I can't
remember the last time
she actually took a nap.
She's had a long day.
Yeah, well, she'll probably
just sleep for an hour
and then wake up ravenous.
Mm...
I'll teach you how to make
one of my specialties.
That's incredibly generous,
but you should rest
on your afternoon off.
I already did!
Besides, it'll be fun
and fun is as good as sleep.
So... now what to make?
Ah!
If you up your
pancake game, I'll be sure
to get more sleep.
No more smoke alarm
wake up calls.
Uh...
No one said this
is an advanced class.
- Don't worry.
- We'll start with the basics
and work our way up.
- And the first step is always...
- Order delivery?
Precautions!
I can't tell you
how many of my clothes
have ended up looking like
Jackson Pollock originals.
Are you sure you don't need
this for your staff?
This is a cooking class,
not business admin.
You know, I think I know
what's going on here.
You've never had
to delegate before.
Ha! Yeah. Right. Delegate.
Now's a good time to practice!
You tell me what to do
and I'll do it.
Okay. Just let me just get
the batter together and...
Is "delegate" another word
we have different meanings for?
Sit.
Come on!
It's not gonna kill you.
There you go,
that wasn't so hard.
Now
try, learn, grow.
And you'll do the same?
Mm-hmm.
Okay, let's see how this goes!
Okay.
Where do we begin?
Um, hey Fay, what's up?
We have a problem.
Anne just dropped off the roster
for the camp's second sessions
starting in two weeks,
and it's
longer.
I just sent you a schedule.
They probably pick up more
kids as the summer goes on.
Schools get out at different
times, and parents sign up kids
after vacations.
But...
This is twice as many kids!
Twice as many lunches!
You'll just have to stop
putting it off
and hire more help.
No. No, I can make this work.
I just caught off today,
I forgot about Fay's
evening classes.
And you know, your semester
ends soon and with the three
of us working together...
Lia, you know I'd love
to help, but I have other work.
And semester break is only
a few weeks before
summer session starts.
I can put you in contact
with some employment agencies.
- I can just work harder and I...
- Lia!
- And I can figure it out...
- Lia!
Why are you resisting what
you know has to happen?
Because...
Um...
Because I can't...
I can't afford
to hire more staff.
What about the advance
from the camp?
It went to pay
my overdue taxes.
I had to do it,
otherwise the city would
seize my stove and everything
else not nailed down!
I'm gonna come down there,
I'll call you.
I'll just, I'll talk
to you in a minute.
I finally had everything
worked out.
Ivy could go to camp
and I could work during the day.
What does this
have to do with Ivy?
Instead of paying
me to find them a vendor,
the camp waived Ivy's fees
for the summer,
but only as long
as the vendor I found them
actually kept up their
end of the deal.
Well, why didn't you
tell me any of this?
It was between
me and the camp,
it's none of your concern!
Why didn't you tell me
about the taxes?
Why didn't you tell me
about the numbers going up?
I didn't know!
Why didn't you tell me
you knew you couldn't hire
more staff to begin with?
Because it's my business,
it's my problem!
No, no, no, it's my business
and my problem now, too.
I can't take care of Ivy
all day and do the work
I need to support us.
And if I can't support us...
I can't keep Ivy.
Eli. I'm sorry, I...
Yeah.
Well, if we can't figure out
a solution,
we're both going to be sorry.
You should have said something
about the taxes sooner.
But it's none of his
business! It's my taxes!
My business! My concern!
You know?
I didn't mean you should have
said something to Eli.
I meant you should have
said something to me.
Oh.
Oh, Fay, I'm sorry, I...
- I'm not just your employee.
- I'm your friend.
You could have said something.
I would have helped.
- I know you would have.
- I don't know why...
Then figure it out.
Lia, you're about to lose
everything here.
I can't! The Loving
Spoonful means...
I'm not just talking
about the business, Lia.
It's obvious to anyone with eyes
that there's something
going on between you and Eli.
Neither one of you can bring
yourself to admit
what everybody knows.
Well, maybe it's
for the best then.
Yeah.
Because not admitting the truth
is really working
for you so far, huh?
- Hi, you've reached May.
- Leave a message.
Hey, May. It's Eli.
I've been thinking...
Maybe it would be a good idea
if Ivy came to live with you.
Permanently, I mean.
I can't parent full-time
with my new gig.
And it's not just childcare
that's the problem.
I'm not sure I can
give Ivy everything she needs
as a little girl growing up.
It's not even about
what I don't know.
It's about what
I don't know I don't know.
I mean, look, I know it's a big
decision and we'll have
to talk it out.
Oh!
May, May, I'll have
to call you back.
Mr. Ryder, thank you.
I didn't even see him coming.
You were pretty deep
in that conversation.
Yeah.
You know, I'm a pretty
good listener if you need
to talk about something.
Nothing I have to be doing
and, well, nowhere I have to be.
Let me guess,
about a woman?
- Yes. No, no.
- More of a work problem.
Is everything okay with Lia?
Maybe it could be.
Mr. Ryder. I need
to make some calls right away,
but thank you for the talk.
It was a lot of help.
Always happy to help.
Oh!
And if you have the time,
there is one thing
you could do to help Lia.
Well, name it.
Actually, two to three months
for a business loan approval
doesn't work for me.
I'm looking for more
in the two to three-day range.
I'm so glad I could brighten
your day.
Yes, I hope your coworkers
find it just as funny.
Um... welcome to the Loving
Spoonful. We put the "holla"
in jalape
no.
You want me to go?
Come on in.
Good,
because I have
a proposal for you.
Oh, because the last one
worked so well?
Well, I figured we got into
this mess together so we'll
have to get out the same way.
Okay.
What do you propose?
Ridge way is one of the biggest
food service companies
in the country.
They administer and supply
food services for hospitals,
airlines, government agencies
and more.
Now, a friend from
my last job landed
in their acquisitions
department.
They're very interested
in the Loving Spoonful.
What does a big company
like Ridge way care about
what I'm doing over here?
I told them all about you.
Your food, your clients,
your extras.
They want to partner with you.
How so?
They want to expand
the Loving Spoonful.
So from spoonful
to a ladleful?
You'll develop the recipes
and meals, which Ridge way
will produce and ship
anywhere in the country,
all with your charming extras.
And what does Ridge way want
for all this partnership?
Well, it is supposed
to be a partnership.
What do they want?
A share in the company,
a significant one.
And an agreement you'll only
use their products.
Like this?
This is what you want me
serving the kids, Eli?
Ridge way has lots
of trained nutritionists
on staff and you can make sure
the lunches are balanced
and healthy.
I can't believe you would
even suggest this.
You could go nationwide!
No, I can't!
I can't do that
and do what I do.
Eli, you have to meet people
where they are to understand
what they really need.
Otherwise all the extras
and whatever, it's just junk!
I'm trying to save
your business.
By what, destroying it?
This isn't about me.
This is about you.
You don't care about me
or my business.
All you care about is Ivy
getting to camp.
Lia, no matter what happens
with The Loving Spoonful,
Ivy is most likely not going
to stay at camp.
Why? Eli, what's going on?
I'm...
I'm pretty sure
it would be best
if she went to live with May.
Eli.
Why would you even think that?
That...
That little girl loves you.
- I love her, too.
- But that's not the issue.
May can give her what she needs
better than I can.
Well, have you talked
to Ivy about this?
You don't let a nine-year-old
make decisions about
things like this.
Well, you can talk to her
and you can find out
what she needs
instead of just what you
imagine is important. You can...
I'm sorry if I offended you.
I really am.
But I was trying to help in
the only way I could think of.
Everybody I've ever worked with
got to the point where they had
to let go to grow,
or even survive, as a business.
Everybody.
But you're so scared.
You'd rather run this place
into the ground
than give up any control.
And that's too bad.
Because this place...
It really is something
special, Lia.
Eli, I...
Okay...
Cutting it a little
close today, huh?
Yes, we are right on time.
We are running like a precision
machine. Just like that!
Anyway, you get the idea.
Must have gotten some hummus
on there or something.
Okay, great. Just, uh
not any more precise,
if you please.
You do not want to see these
kids when they're really hungry.
That's right...
Just precise enough.
Not too precise.
You know I can't
take Eli's deal.
It's just...
Hey, honey.
Can I talk to you
about something?
Sure.
Oh. Sorry.
What are you doing, Uncle Eli?
Uh, well, Lia said...
Ah... I, uh
should meet you
where you are, so here I am.
Ivy, do you want to tell me
what happened with you
and your friend Samantha?
Samantha and me got into a
spirited discussion.
Mm-hmm, I see.
She got mad at me that we're
moving out of the building
and said we'd never
see each other again.
Then she said she'd have
to get a new best friend.
And then I got really mad
and said I didn't even want
her as a friend at all!
And then what happened?
We moved away and I never
saw her again.
You know,
I just got off the phone
with Samantha's mom
and Sam is going
to go to Camp Fernway
for the next session, too.
Would you like
to be friends again?
Maybe.
But I don't know how.
I bet if you started
something,
the two of you could
figure it out together.
Maybe if I made her
a card, like we do at camp?
Thanks, Uncle Eli!
You're the best!
You know, I should have
realized something was wrong
between you two girls sooner.
It's okay!
Well, actually, Ivy,
I don't think it is.
What would you think about
going to Cousin May's?
Like for another visit?
No, I mean
to live there.
Why would I do that?
Well, you'd live in
a house with a big yard.
And Cousin May's girls
could be like your sisters.
I guess.
And Cousin May knows about
lots of stuff I don't.
Like braiding hair
and what to do when you might be
having a fight with a friend.
But we can figure
that stuff out too!
We're smart cookies!
We are.
But also, Ivy,
there's my schedule.
I might have to work more hours,
or sometimes even travel.
Uncle Eli
are you trying to get rid of me?
Oh, Ivy, no.
Good, because
I belong with you.
Um, welcome to The Loving
Spoonful. We put the, um
in the...
Ah. Sorry, I'm fresh
out of puns today.
Uh, "fond" in fondue?
That is a good one.
But what are you doing here,
Mr. Ryder?
I usually deliver to you.
That's what I'm here about.
I ran into that young man
of yours, and...
Oh, he's not...
And he mentioned that, well,
maybe you're having the teeniest
bit of trouble with staffing,
and that if I had the time,
well, maybe I could pick up my
meals and certainly have a...
He mentioned that? Did he?
Did he also tell you about
the trouble with my taxes?
And the trouble with
my camp contract,
and trouble with keeping
my business from being
completely and totally ruined?
Um...
No. Didn't mention any of that.
But maybe you should tell me
about it yourself.
That's when Eli told
me that The Loving Spoonful
is really special.
And then he walked out,
and I haven't heard
from him since.
I can't say I know much
about being in business.
Here's what I do know.
I was married
to the same amazing lady
for 40 wonderful years.
- I didn't know that.
- That's awesome.
And the only time
we ever got in real trouble
was when one of us needed to...
Well, needed to grow
in some way.
One of us wanted to hold back.
I resisted going back
for my advanced teacher
credits like the stubbornest
mule you ever met.
Because I meet
so many of those.
It made Laura Jane so mad.
I half-expected
to come home some night
and find the locks changed.
Well, mules are notoriously
bad lock pickers.
Hooves, you know?
But once I finally
got over myself and did
what I knew I needed to,
Laura Jane was there backing
me up one thousand percent.
Well,
that's a really
beautiful story, Mr. Ryder.
And completely besides
the point!
I'm not in a relationship
with Eli. Or a business!
Well, if not one,
maybe the other?
At least figuring it out
will keep you busy.
I don't mind saying I...
I envy you that.
I thought you were excited
about going into retirement.
I was!
I thought I'd have time
to look around me
and maybe meet someone new.
But it turns out you can't
keep dating all the time.
Makes you look like a player.
You are too much of
a gentleman to ever
look like a player.
True that!
But all play and no work
makes Jack a dull boy.
You know I think that
what you said about business
and relationships
is true...
For us!
Don't you go falling
for my charms, missy.
You're too young for me.
If not one,
then maybe the other?
And maybe some of your friends
from the book club, too?
Come on, Ivy.
Cousin May is waiting.
Wait!
Oh.
Oh, I'll miss you.
I'll miss you too.
I still can't believe
what a brilliant solution
you came up with.
I've had a lot of help.
I know, but
now you can honour
the contract with the camp,
you can keep all
of our old clients
and finally take on
some new ones.
Let's make sure
we can walk before we run.
I've made a lot of changes,
and probably a few more to come.
Oh, and I still have
to figure out how to...
What?
Nothing.
Just a teddy bear
walking by with
a lady and a suitcase.
A suitcase?! Oh no, he didn't!
What are you...
Ivy?
Lia?
Eli! You don't have
to do this.
I'm going to keep
the summer camp contract,
I promise.
You don't have to send Ivy away
to live with your cousin!
It's okay.
Ivy's just gone to visit May
and her family for the weekend.
Ah! Oh, she is? I'm so glad!
Well, since
I have a free weekend,
maybe we could get together?
And find a way to solve your
staffing problem for the camp.
For the sake of your business.
Of course! And for Ivy!
I see how much she loves
being at summer camp.
That too.
Eli, I, um...
Morning deliveries went great!
Heading out with
the second load.
See ya later, partner.
That's what I was
trying to tell you.
I solved my staffing problem.
Oh! That's great!
That's really great.
Hey, I know I was way
off base with Ridge way.
Even when I was telling
you about it,
I knew it was all wrong.
But a partnership
was the only solution
I could come up with.
Eli, you
were right.
Partnership was the solution.
Okay, maybe not with
Ridge way Foods,
but it worked.
I sold small shares
of my company to Mr. Ryder
and a couple of his friends
from the retired teachers'
book club in exchange
for part-time work.
They love the opportunity
to get out and interact
with kids again.
And they can get a share
of the profits at
the end of the season.
And you're okay with selling
off shares of the company?
More than letting down
the kids and shutting down
the business for good.
Well, it seems like you've
got everything under control.
I have to thank you
for the idea.
I never would have
thought of it.
And for telling Mr. Ryder
to come by and pick up
his deliveries.
Uh, and I have
to thank you, too.
What you said about
meeting Ivy where she was,
it helped.
A lot.
Oh, good. I'm glad.
Well, I now seem
to have a free weekend
with nothing to do.
So I guess I better, um...
Go find something.
Oh, okay.
- Okay!
- Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye!
Uh, enjoy your something.
Yep, thanks.
So this is what the inside
of your mind looks like.
Seems like a pretty nice
place to be.
It's a start.
But I feel like
I'm missing something.
How can you know
if you can't remember it?
- I don't know.
- It just doesn't feel quite...
Right?
Okay.
- Can we see?
- Sure!
Eli!
I wanted to thank you
again for connecting us with
Lia and The Loving Spoonful.
We never had a better
food vendor.
Oh, well I can't take
the credit for any of that,
but I'm happy
it worked out so well.
Mm.
Here's your phone back,
Uncle Eli.
Oh, thanks.
Oh, hey, you forgot Jolene.
I really liked the photos
of you and Miss Lia!
Huh?
I was wondering
how you found Lia.
Oh, that's not...
Hm.
Still working
on the command centre?
Oh, yeah.
I'm sure I'll
figure it out soon.
You've already spent two weeks
rearranging push pins
and paper clips.
You could save yourself
a century and consult an expert
on business systems
and procedures.
Yeah, our budget's
still pretty tight.
Uh-uh.
That's not an excuse anymore.
We've already solved
that problem.
So, what's the real problem?
I just don't know
how to start.
With Eli?
Of course with Eli!
I know.
I just wanted to make
you finally say his name again.
If you don't know
how to start with Eli,
just ask yourself
what advice he would
give you about that.
Try...
Learn...
Grow.
Left to the middle,
right to the middle,
this is the way
our braid grows a little.
So, uh, where's Jolene?
I think she's in my bedroom.
Oh, my goodness.
What do you think?
I think we finally
figured it out!
High-five? Nice!
Can we eat pancakes
for dinner?
Have I created
a pancake monster?
Guess I better feed you then.
Did you and Miss Lia
get into another
spirited discussion?
Well...
Something like that.
You should try
to be friends again.
That's what you told me to do.
I know.
I'm just
not sure Lia wants
to be friends with me again.
You should try
to figure that out.
Uh-huh.
But you don't know how to.
You should take her advice.
I mean, it worked for me.
Just what advice
would that be?
Go meet her where she is
and find out what she wants.
You really are a smart cookie.
I know.
Smart enough to stay out
of trouble for a few minutes
while I go talk to Miss Lia?
Uncle Eli, I'm not a baby.
I'm nine years old!
That's what I thought.
Fay, I'll be right back
as soon as I give this to...
Eli!
- Hi.
- Hi.
Is, uh... Is now a good time?
- No, no, no.
- If you're rushing out, I can...
- No, now's a great time.
- Great.
Well, I just wanted to...
I... Actually, can I say
my piece first?
Yes, of course. Please, go on.
Thank you.
My instinct here
is to say "you're welcome",
but I'm not sure what for.
For pushing me to grow.
Now I want to grow more!
And only better this time,
and with a plan.
Which is
this.
"Mixed greens and quinoa
with salmon and lime
vinaigrette"?
Your plan for growing is
salad?
No, it's the extras. See?
It's a share in my company
in exchange for your
project management expertise.
So
that would make it
"our" system?
Yes.
Are you just offering me
a share of your business,
or a share of your
heart as well?
Because if you are offering me
a share of your heart too
it's the perfect start
to "our" way.
You already have
a share of mine.
Uncle Eli! Miss Lia!
What took you guys so long?!
That's what I want to know!