That's me. Jane Quimby.
My life is a little complicated right now.
I landed my fashion dream job working for her,
Gray Chandler Murray.
The only problem, they think I'm an adult.
Now I am juggling two secret lives,
one in high school and one in high fashion.
Just to be clear. Are you asking me on another fake date?
Signups for the school play have finally begun.
Looks like it's you and me, Fadden.
Cindy and Charming.
Guess so.
Ben, where did that come from?
She's gonna be all fun and charming
and then she's just gonna leave.
I will not let you down.
I would like you to stay.
Forget what I said before.
Ben Quimby is mine, so back off.
Will you marry me, Kate?
Okay. Your flight for Paris leaves in three hours.
And you're all checked in.
our boarding pass is in your itinerary.
And your town car is waiting
outside and that takes care of everything.
Not everything. I've got
some major damage control to do with Donovan
after the Jeremy-Harrods debacle.
And with Eli trying to revamp the collection,
there's something important
I need you to handle while I'm away.
Of course.
Is it here?
Not until tomorrow.
- But it's officially on its way. - Good.
Donovan is good friends with Nina Garcia.
Nina Garcia of Project Runway.
Fashion director at Marie Claire!
Yes. Yes. As I was saying,
Donovan is designing a one-of-a-kind dress for Nina
which is arriving tomorrow.
But Nina hasn't bought off the rack
since a "Who Wore It Best" Debacle back in 2002.
And Nina wore it best, of course, right?
Obviously.
But a close call is a close call.
And now she's afraid to be caught dead
wearing the same dress as someone else ever again.
Nina has an important event tomorrow night.
I need you to make sure that she gets that dress.
No screw ups, understood?
Yes. Thank you.
Get the dress. No screw ups. I can do it.
Have a safe flight, Gray.
You look like someone who doesn't have plans tomorrow night.
That's kind of insulting.
Yeah, that came out wrong. Sorry. Uh...
You're forgiven. And also correct. I do not have plans.
Well, would you like to?
Because I just made dinner reservations for our first date.
You did?
Yeah, I figured Gray's out of town
So why not take a chance.
What do you say?
A risk taker. I like it. I'm in.
Good.
Oh, and, uh, wear something nice.
Again, kind of insulting.
Sorry. You always look nice.
It's just that we're going to Le Petit Bordelais.
Wow. That's fancy.
How'd you get us in there?
- I'm a very important person. - Oh.
And my buddy works in the kitchen.
Sounds like fun.
It's about time.
Janey?
I'm in here.
Hurry up. We got to go.
So, what do you think?
You look amazing.
- Really? - Yeah.
New dress?
Yes, I have been working on it for weeks.
And now I finally have the perfect place to wear it.
It's a little fancy for the halls of Whitemarsh High,
don't you think?
No, silly. I...
I have a date tonight.
Oh. So that...
That Eli guy must have finally asked you out then, huh?
And he's taking me to, like,
one of the fanciest restaurants in New York. So...
I just really hope he likes it.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that he will.
Can you help unhook me?
Oh. Yeah.
By the way...
Why is Ben sleeping on the couch?
Oh, well, ever since Dakota proposed to my mom,
he's been camped out here waiting for an answer
and they've taken over Ben's room in the meantime.
Do you think she's gonna say yes?
She said she'll think about it.
Ouch. That's got to hurt.
I mean, things must be pretty icy between them right now, huh?
Oh! Morning, darlings!
How long is this gonna go on?
Probably until he gets an answer.
Seriously?
Do you mind if Dakota and I take a shower before you, honey?
Only if you promise to stop talking about it.
You should probably get ready for school.
I can't go into my room.
Better you than me. See you later.
Hey. Can I show you something?
I'm kind of busy.
I'm not.
I framed my yearbook photo for Ben,
and I just wanted your thoughts.
Be honest.
And I got your yearbook photo framed for him, too.
Why would you do that?
Oh, just so he knows what he's getting,
and what he's dodging.
No offense.
Look. This whole competing for a guy thing between us,
it's all getting a bit high school.
Well, duh. We're in high school, Jaw.
You're right.
We are. And just like back in high school,
you win! Congratulations, Amanda.
So, Ben is...
All yours, Amanda.
I knew that it was only a matter of time,
but I have to say that your concession
is both honorable and really humbling.
Guess I don't need this now, right?
Here you go. I'll just leave it there.
Little memento for you.
Should I even ask?
That's completely up to you.
Okay. What is with the yoga ball?
Our couch is destroying my spine.
I'm sorry they took your bed.
Hopefully it'll be over soon.
She just has to give him an answer.
Then we'll be done with it.
What do you mean?
I mean, if she says no, then he'll leave.
If she says yes, then they'll both leave.
Win-win. Either way, I get my bed back.
Do you think she'll say yes?
I don't know.
Ben, I don't want her to leave.
I don't want her to disappear again.
I don't want her to disappear again either.
I thought you wanted her to go.
I do. And then I don't.
- I'm confused. - I guess...
It's easier to push someone away first
before they can push you away.
Keeping Mom at arm's length, that's my way of
protecting you.
And myself.
So you think she's gonna leave?
Actually, I don't.
I got to be honest,
I'm starting to think
things might be different this time.
She seems better.
Really?
Really.
What?
I just cannot get used to you volunteering for the drama club.
Well, then that makes two of us.
But Zoe said it would give us more time to hang out.
And how's that working out?
Honestly, I kind of feel like a stalker.
What about you? How are the costumes coming along?
Well, funny enough, my mom signed us up
So that we could spend more time together.
And how's that one working out for you?
Well, she usually sleeps in late, rolls in about 11.
And I have to leave for work at 11:30.
But that half hour is really something.
All right, so what's the deal with the dress?
I had to bring it to school
because I don't have enough time to go home
and change after work before my date.
Would you look at that?
At what?
Hot and hotter.
- It's nothing. - Nothing? Please.
Oh, here we go, guys.
Just wait for it.
Here it comes.
Now that is a kiss.
Oh, my gosh. You can't fake chemistry like that.
- It's just acting. - Trust me.
Chemistry on stage is chemistry off stage.
These two Gonna be Whitemarsh's very own Brangelina by next week.
Hey, it really is nothing.
Oh, hi, Mom.
You're here already?
Yeah, I had to get out of the house.
All that love is a little much sometimes, you know what I mean?
I guess so.
Oh, thank goodness you're here.
This waistband is kind of a mess.
Oh. Here, let me.
My girl. So talented.
Thanks, Mom.
So have you given any thought to Dakota's proposal?
Oh. I try not to give too much thought to that sort of thing.
Forever is a long time.
But you guys seem happy.
He seems like a really good guy.
He is the best.
So, if you were to say yes,
hypothetically, of course,
that would mean you're moving back to Colorado, right?
Like I said,
I haven't given it a lot of thought.
Besides,
I've been too swamped designing
all of these costumes to think about anything else.
I'm sorry.
I know I've been too busy to help you lately.
It's okay.
I did hope we could do this together.
I promise I will be around more.
Thanks, baby.
That is, if you are still here.
- Yo! - Steve!
Hey. I didn't know you were dropping by today.
I guess you heard about Nick Fadden's shoulder.
Yeah. Yeah, I did. And it's a shame.
But I'm not here to talk about Nick Fadden.
New York's Double-A Club lost their closer this week.
- He got the call. - The majors?
Good for him.
Good for you.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about that pitch you threw a few weeks ago.
Come here.
You know how fast that pitch was?
No.
Fast enough to get you a try out.
A what?
Come on, Steve!
I can't just drop everything.
Nobody asked you to just drop everything.
This is just a try out.
Today. One hour. That's it.
Now the "Dropping everything" Part,
that happens after the tryouts.
You know I take care of my sister.
I know, I know.
And I admire that.
But, if things were to work out, I was hoping
there might be someone who could take care of her.
Just for a little while.
Is there?
A relative?
Ben. This could be your second chance.
Hello, Ben.
Amanda.
What is all this?
Hmm. It's a little mood lighting.
Ben, you're killing the mood.
That would be because I'm trying to kill the mood.
I've kind of got a lot on my mind right now.
Well, maybe later on?
How about tonight? You, me, my place?
I'll bring the coconut sandalwood.
Look, I am flattered
that you've created this fire hazard for me,
and back in high school this would have...
Okay, it was a total fantasy of mine.
Okay, yeah, I like where this is going.
But the truth is
I'm not over Rita.
You're not over Shaw the Jaw?
No. I'm not.
And Amanda... Don't call her that again.
- What's wrong? - Nothing.
- Billy. - It's nothing, okay, Jane?
It was the kiss.
- Nope, don't care. It was no big deal. - Seriously?
This is me here,
Jane Quimby,
best friend since kindergarten.
You really think you're gonna get away with that?
Fine. It bugs me, okay?
And I hate that it does,
but seeing Zoe and Nick kiss like that,
it just brings back the whole Nick and Lulu thing.
And I know it's ridiculous, but...
Hey. Your feelings are not ridiculous.
Besides, this is different.
Zoe is different.
- And it's... - Please.
Please don't say it's just acting.
- It is. - No.
No, it's not, okay?
Zoe and Nick have chemistry.
You and I both saw it.
I'm telling you there's nothing going on with them.
They are just friends.
Guys and girls can be just friends, you know,
without it automatically leading to some deep, dark romance.
- Yeah, whatever. - Well, what about us?
We're just friends. You said so yourself.
That's different.
Why is it different?
Because you're not like a girl-girl.
You're just...
I'm just what?
You're just Jane.
Thanks a lot.
I have to go to work.
Jane, I didn't mean it like that.
What happened here?
Amanda.
Well, she certainly moved fast, didn't she?
Hey, Rita. You ever think about second chances?
What do you mean?
I've got a second chance at something.
Something I've
always wanted.
Clearly.
Look,
I had my chance back in high school,
but it didn't happen for me. Not in the way I'd hoped.
Life got in the way.
But now it's an option again.
And I've just wanted this for so long
so I'm excited, obviously.
It could be so much fun
but I'm nervous at the same time 'cause,
you know, I'm not...
I'm not a teenager anymore.
What if I...
What if I can't perform like I used to?
You know what, Ben?
If that's what you want to do, just do it.
Don't ask for my permission.
So are you ready for tonight?
Yeah.
Got my shoes shined.
Really?
No.
But I did call and confirm our reservation three times.
I think I'm starting to annoy them.
You? Annoy? I can't picture it.
Look, I'm just a little bit excited, okay?
It's our first date and it's Le Petit Bordelais.
Well, I'm excited, too.
And I have something new to wear.
Details, please.
It is the perfect dress.
It's fun and it's fancy
and it's...
Gone.
I'm sorry?
Um, nothing. I've got to call you back.
Oh, no, no, no.
Has anybody seen
my... dress?
Oh, Jane!
Doesn't Cinderella look amazing?
Yes, she does, but...
I had to take it up a few inches.
Inches?
But other than that,
the dress was absolutely perfect.
It was,
wasn't it?
Oh, you really had me fooled, kiddo.
Acting like you were too busy to help
while you worked on this gorgeous Cinderella costume all by yourself.
And just to surprise me.
Oh, to think that you would do that for me,
it just means so much.
Thank you, Jane.
You're welcome, Mom.
Ben! Ben.
Glad you made it.
Hey, like you said, it's just a try out, right?
Exactly. So how are you feeling?
Actually, I'm feeling pretty...
Old, suddenly.
Well, don't.
As long as you're comfortable on the mound, that's what counts.
How many guys trying out for the spot?
Eight.
Oh. Okay. So I shouldn't be too nervous, right?
I would be. There's a lot on the line here.
I'm just saying my chances are pretty slim.
Oh, yeah. Yeah. You know what? You're right.
Why even try?
You should probably just go back home.
I just don't want to get my hopes up for nothing.
Ben. You're here because I think you got a real shot.
So just go on out there, meet some of the guys,
throw a few pitches and whatever happens, happens.
What's this?
Hmm. Gold.
They're rewrites.
And I need you to know them all by heart, by tomorrow.
Again?
I can't help when inspiration strikes. It just does.
It's a gift. That's great,
but do you think that your inspiration could hit tomorrow?
Yeah, I'm starting to fall behind on my homework.
Me too.
Okay. Listen, people.
Do you think that anybody made it big in Hollywood
by actually doing their homework?
Probably.
Well, I didn't.
Did you make it in Hollywood?
Just learn those lines.
Hi.
What's with you?
Nothing.
Okay, so I had, past tense, mind you,
the perfect dress that I made to wear on my date with Eli tonight, and I...
With Eli?
Oh, gosh. Please don't tell Gray.
It's just new and I don't want to jinx it yet.
My lips are sealed.
So, what happened to this perfect dress of yours that's got you all sad?
It's gone. Don't ask.
Well, now what are you gonna wear?
Well, I was thinking I could wear this.
Yeah. Um...
It looks very...
- Please don't say nice. - Nice.
You know what? You'll be fine.
Okay? You, Jane, you look great in anything.
Thanks, Carter.
Now, are you ready for a little "Perfect dress" Pick me up?
So ready.
This just arrived today.
You and I are the very first people to see it.
It's so beautiful. Is that for me?
Nina Garcia.
Now, you'll be handing it off to her assistant in a few minutes.
Don't touch.
Hi. How's the scenery coming?
Great. Yeah.
Oh, and can I just say
it's been awesome spending so much time with you.
I'm sorry.
This whole acting thing's kind of taken over my life.
That's okay. What do you say we get out of here,
do something fun tonight? Just you and me?
I can't tonight.
It's okay.
See you tomorrow?
Right. Tomorrow.
Looks like it's just you and me, baby.
Amanda!
Just the person I was looking for.
Hello, Jenkins.
We need to talk.
And let me preface this by saying this really isn't about you.
There've been some last minute budget cuts
and, unfortunately,
the new position of drama teacher is now on the chopping block.
Oh, wait. I didn't know Whitemarsh
was hiring another drama teacher.
We aren't.
I'm talking about you.
But you just said that you weren't.
What I meant was, this isn't your fault.
But, unfortunately, your job is in jeopardy.
I, of course, have lobbied heavily to keep you on,
but the vote has to be unanimous.
And why is that a problem?
Well, there's one person on the budget committee
whose mind i just can't seem to change.
Just one? That's so easy. Who is it?
If you can win over Rita Shaw,
you get to keep your job.
Good luck, Amanda.
Thank you.
Donovan has outdone himself again.
I thought so, too.
Wait. What is this?
That is the back up dress.
Donovan always makes two of every custom dress he designs for Nina.
But why?
I don't know. In case something tragic were to happen.
Well, I should probably get this over to Nina.
You can keep that one.
In the 10 years Donovan has been designing Nina's dresses,
she has never needed the backup.
Not once.
But, you have to take it.
What if something tragic were to happen to the dress?
Trust me. It won't.
Look. Jane. If it makes you feel any better,
give me your cell number. I'll give it to Nina. Okay?
- Okay. If you insist. - I do.
And if I were you, Jane, I wouldn't wait by the phone.
The real tragedy is letting such a beautiful dress go to waste.
Wow, look at this place.
I can't stop looking at you.
You weren't kidding, were you?
That is the absolute perfect dress.
I feel a little under-dressed now.
I think you look pretty perfect.
Can I tell you something?
Sure.
I, uh... I feel like we're playing grown up.
Me, too.
I kind of like it.
Did I mention how beautiful you look in that dress?
Yes, you did.
Do you mind if I tell you again?
Amanda?
Please, have a seat.
I've come to bury the hatchet.
Awesome.
So I've been doing a lot of thinking...
Can't wait to hear this.
The brightest stars burn out the fastest.
Huh. I think they've already got that one down.
There is no denying that Ben and I would have had a fiery,
whirlwind relationship, just raw, unbridled passion.
Are we still burying the hatchet?
What I am trying to say is that
Ben and I, we wouldn't last.
Our star would burn out too quickly.
But you and Ben, on the other hand, your star could burn on forever.
Okay.
You and Ben are soul mates.
And try as I might, I just...
I can't get in the way of that.
You think we're soul mates?
Yes, I do.
And you can't let that get away from you.
Do you want Ben back?
Yes.
Then you have to tell him how you feel.
You need to claim your man.
I don't think I can.
Ugh. Why not?
Because what if I tell Ben that I still like him,
and he says he's not interested anymore?
Well, there's only one way to find out.
Do it, Rita. Do it.
Before it's too late.
You know what?
I think I will.
Amanda, I don't know what to say.
Thank you for this.
You are so welcome.
I'm sure you'll return the favor one day.
Won't you?
Sure.
Good.
Then my work here is done.
Make it stop.
How?
I don't know, maybe tip him?
Or no, don't tip him.
'Cause that could send the wrong message.
Thank you, but we can't hear...
Oh, for Pete's sake.
Nina, I'm so glad you're here.
No! No! No, no, no!
You really don't beat around the bush, do you?
You need a hand there?
Dakota?
I asked you to wait back at the house.
Yeah, seven hours ago.
I figured if I was gonna see you
I should come to you instead.
Little busy right now.
Oh, Kate Quimby...
Please, don't.
You and I...
Can we just talk about this later? Please?
No.
I need an answer.
This isn't a good time.
It's never a good time with you, Kate.
There's always something. There's always some excuse
to put things off and avoid commitment.
It's what you do.
That's not fair.
Maybe not.
But it's true.
I love you.
But I need an answer.
Today.
Yeah, they're playing at the Bowery next month.
I thought we'd go check 'em out.
And the week after that they're gonna be playing on the moon.
We'd have to take a space shuttle to get there.
How does that sound?
Might be a little difficult to get tickets though.
Yeah, we could do that.
Jane, are you okay?
What? No.
Uh, yes. I'm sorry?
Uh, I usually like to put mine on my lap,
but okay.
Oh, I just don't want to spill on my dress.
Spill what?
So, what's going on?
Oh, you know, I just... I wanted to stop playing grown up
and escape the world up there for a minute. That's not true.
This isn't my dress.
This is Nina Garcia's backup dress.
And when her assistant said that she didn't need it
I thought, "Well, what could it hurt to wear it?"
So, what's the problem?
The problem is Nina
just walked in here wearing the exact same dress.
A dress that's supposed to be one of a kind.
Ouch.
I know. I'm sorry. I just... I don't know what to do.
I think I have an idea.
Oh, please let this night end.
Hello?
Is this Jane? It's Nina Garcia.
Oh. Hi. How are you?
Believe it or not, I'm going to need that backup dress.
How quickly can you meet
me in the bathroom at Le Petit Bordelais?
Hmm. Pretty quickly.
Good.
You must be Jane.
You certainly made it here very quickly.
What can I say?
Your backup dress.
Thank you. I must say, I'm impressed.
I'll be sure to tell Gray how helpful you've been.
I don't know.
It's like you just showed up out of nowhere.
I didn't expect to have these feelings for you.
I didn't either.
How're we going to tell him?
I don't know. But we have to.
I feel bad, but, I mean,
you can't help who you fall in love with, right?
Of course not.
But there are a few things that you don't know about me.
And if anyone were to ever found out, I...
Too late!
Oh, hey, Billy. What's going on?
Backstabbing.
What are you talking about?
Oh, come on. Save the performance, Zoe.
All right. I heard everything.
Dude, there are 200 girls at this school.
Why do you keep having to going after mine?
Okay, Billy, I think you have this all wrong.
Man, what a colossal waste of time
you turned out to be, Zoe.
Dude. We were just running lines.
Ms. Clark, she made some last minute revisions to the script.
Check it out.
Ah! I am a total jerk.
And, apparently, I'm a colossal waste of time.
I should probably, um...
Yeah. I'm gonna go. Uh...
Zoe, we'll just finish running these tomorrow.
Okay.
I'm so sorry. I just thought...
Yeah. I know what you thought.
Zoe? Please, can we just talk?
You mean, talk about the fact that you don't trust me?
No, thanks.
Jane, you're a life saver.
I'm so glad I could help.
And by the way, I love what you're wearing.
Everything good now?
Yes. Except I totally ruined our date.
Now, what do you say we get out of here
and go somewhere a little less grown up?
I'd like that.
That's the story you're sticking with?
Absolutely.
This was a successful first date?
Yeah.
Really?
Yeah.
Darn it!
I'm never gonna be able to wear this tablecloth again.
Can I tell you a secret?
Sure.
It's the best first date I've ever gone on.
Really?
Yeah.
Please, don't do this.
I told you, I need an answer.
What's going on?
Well, it looks like I'm heading back to Colorado, Jane.
It was really nice to meet you.
And your brother.
And I hope that we get to spend more time together in the future.
My offer stands, Kate.
The plane leaves in two hours.
And if your answer's yes,
there's a ticket waiting for you.
But, if you don't show up,
well, then I'll know your answer.
Mom, are you okay?
- Mom? - Not now, honey. I'm busy.
But, what are you gonna do?
Oh, I totally botched the sleeve on this costume.
I'm trying to fix it, but it doesn't matter what I do,
it just doesn't look right.
I just...
I don't know what to do.
- Here, let me look at it. - No. Leave it.
- Mom... - What's the point?
I failed. Again.
That's not true.
No, it is.
The only decent costume in the whole play
is the dress that you made for Cinderella.
That's because I had months to work on it.
What? Months?
We've only been doing costumes for a few days.
Yeah...
The thing is, I didn't really make that dress for the play.
I made it for myself.
And I was gonna wear it on my date with Eli,
and so I brought it to school,
and then I guess you found it on the rack and...
Great.
I screwed that up too.
No, everything turned out fine.
Sort of.
Come on, Mom. You're upset,
and we both know it has nothing to do with the costumes.
Dakota's right.
All I ever do is avoid things
and run away from love and commitment.
I did it with your dad.
And you.
And Ben.
And anyone else I ever loved.
Now I'm doing it with Dakota.
And it needs to stop.
Does that mean you're leaving?
If I work this out with Dakota,
if I finally grow up,
I think, in the end,
I can be a better mother to you.
But I have to go to him now
to make that happen.
I get it.
Jane.
Things are different with us now.
We are in each other's lives
and that's not gonna change. Not ever.
I'll come visit.
You come visit.
Will we talk?
Every day. I promise.
And I will not disappear.
Well, then you'd better hurry.
'Cause you have got a plane to catch.
You'll explain it to Ben?
Yeah.
He'll understand.
And I'm sure he'll be very happy to have his bed back.
I love you, Jane.
I love you, too, Mom.
Hey, man.
Well, that was awkward. Sorry.
That's why they call it the drama club.
Actually, I can't blame you for being on edge.
It couldn't have been easy watching me kiss Zoe.
Especially after what I did with Lulu.
Yeah, you did kind of screw me over in that department, didn't you?
We're kind of on the road to getting past that,
which is why I'm gonna quit the play.
What, man? No, you don't have to do that.
I think we both know I do.
That's what I thought.
I'll see you around, Billy.
Jane
I've got big news!
Me, too.
Ben, after I came home from my date...
Yes, Ben?
Can I go first?
Yes, you can go first.
Thanks.
Baseball wants me!
What?
They're signing me to a minor league contract.
I might have a chance to play in the majors.
Shut up!
I know, right?
Ben, this is so amazing,
and are you packing? Why are you packing?
Well, here's the kicker.
If I want to do this,
I've got to get on the team bus which goes to Ohio tonight.
Tonight?
In fact, in an hour.
Where's Mom?
Mom? Why?
Because, and I can't believe I'm actually gonna saying this,
I want to thank her.
This is my second chance,
and if she hadn't come back, it wouldn't be possible.
But she's here, which means I can go!
I mean, if that's okay with you.
Only if it's okay with you.
I get it.
You don't want me to go.
I don't have to go. I won't.
No, no, no. Gosh, no. I'm just... I'm so happy for you.
This is your second chance.
Might not get another.
I knew you'd get how big this is.
I do. I totally do.
Are you sure you're gonna be okay with mom?
Yeah. Yeah, it'll be great.
Just us girls.
So, where is she?
She's out. With Dakota.
It's gonna be a while, but I'll tell her you said goodbye.
Go.
I'm gonna miss you.
I'll miss you, too, Ben.
Break a leg.
You don't say that in sports, but thanks.
Break bats?
Ben!
Hey. Rita? How did you...
I stopped by the house and Jane told me you'd be here.
So you heard the news?
Yeah. I did.
Look, I know I was the one who wanted distance
and I'm sorry.
Look...
It's okay.
Turns out it was a good thing.
It was? Yeah.
It's like the stars aligned.
If my mom hadn't come back,
and if we were still together,
I wouldn't be getting on this bus right now.
That's great.
So, why did you come down here?
I just wanted to say good luck.
Thanks.
That, um,
means a lot.
Bye.
Oh, my God, I'm all alone.
I'm all alone.