The Valentine Competition

- A new era is coming to Great American, gentlemen.

It's an exciting time for our company

and I need you both to step up

and be part of the team.

We understand, Mrs. Shank.

But Ron had no idea that you wanted him to switch out

the ceramic Tiki torches yesterday.

I forgot to tell him-- No, Jack.

Stop!

I'm talking about the future and commitment.

Is that clear?

So I'm not getting fired?

- Honestly, I'm just as surprised.

- We thought this meeting was going very differently.

Oh no, not today.

You're in luck, I'm in a good mood.

You have a new boss who should be arriving,

oh, now.

- Mrs. Shank, so good to see you again.

Likewise.

Peterson, this is your new boss and my daughter.

Your daughter?

Jack Peterson, ordering department manager.

This is my assistant.

- Rob. - Ron.

Hi.

- Mr. Peterson, how long have you been with us?

- Going on eight years now, I guess.

Wow, when you say it out loud, it sounds pretty crazy.

That does sound crazy.

Since I've only been here eight minutes and I've noticed

there's a light burnt out in loading bay two,

a female employee refusing to leave the restroom

and a third of your shelves are improperly stocked.

- It's a wonder we sell anything.

Walk with me, Mr. Peterson.

Sure.

Come on. - Oh, okay.

- Exactly how many items are you tracking

for Valentine's Day stock?

Uh, for all the stores?

Yes, all 16.

A lot to be exact

- 2,601, and that's including the heart-shaped

garden lights being unloaded as we speak.

Yeah, I was right.

2,601 is a lot.

Is everything a joke to you?

Before you leave today I'd like a report

on my desk detailing your inventory systems

and cross-referencing all vendors.

- Lots of things are funny if you give them a chance.

Take you for instance.

You're a lot like your mom.

Hmm.

I'll take that as a compliment, Mr. Peterson.

Having an identical education to my mother helps.

I just graduated.

- Me too, I got my business certificate in 14 weeks.

I have an MBA from Cornell

and a PhD in psychology and human behavior.

Well, I feel great now.

- Having a rounded character is an important quality

for a person in a leadership position.

- Is there anything else I can help you with?

- No tie says you probably can't.

Maybe you should educate yourself

on professional apparel, Mr. Peterson.

I...

Well, looks like we're working late tonight.

Oh, I have that charity thing,

but I can stay if you-- - No, no, no.

Please, please, please.

Thank you, but I'll handle this.

Thank you.

- Oh! - Oh!

Sorry, I thought my mother and I

were the only ones still working.

I was just heading out.

- Oh, I didn't know anyone actually read these.

It so-- - Romantic?

Uh.

I haven't gotten very far.

I keep going back to the start.

I like how these two meet.

That's just wrong.

Don't you want to know how it ends?

- I read the last page, it's a happy ending

as all great love stories are.

- You don't actually believe that, do you?

In love?

In fiction.

There's so much more concrete literature out there.

- But concrete doesn't have the same

emotional impact, does it?

I mean, there's a certain spark to getting lost

in the pages of somebody else's imagination,

especially when it comes to romance.

- Spark? - Yeah.

Something exciting and intangible.

After all, there's nothing more magical

in the whole world than falling in love.

- Well, I just got your inventory report.

Let's hope it's not intangible.

Goodnight, Jack.

Thank you for all of your hard work today.

You know, you're welcome, Cate.

You have wonderful eyes.

Hold the fort, would you?

- Are you going to tell me what's so funny

or must I read your mind?

Oh, it's nothing really.

It's just Mr. Peterson has managed to spell analysis

at least four different ways on this page alone.

It's quite the accomplishment.

- I don't know how he even made it to manager.

Somehow he just snuck his way up without even noticing.

Hmm.

- You know, I can't express how proud I am of you

that you've dedicated your life to this business

and didn't fall for the first man who showed an interest.

- Well, no distractions, as you always say.

At a girl.

- Young man, I wanted oatmeal, these are pancakes.

- Your oatmeal is almost ready.

- I don't have time to wait.

I have to get my wife flowers for Valentine's Day.

- There's time, it's not Valentine's Day just yet, dear.

Where's the waiter?

He's not a waiter, Richard.

That's Jack, our son.

- If he's not the waiter, why is he bringing me oatmeal?

- Maybe 'cause I'm waiting for a tip one of these days, dad.

- Will you be working late tonight?

I hope not.

The store is really busy right now.

So I'll try to get home in time to make dinner.

- Oh, I can cook, you know, I'm not that old.

I know.

I just happen to be a much better cook.

Oh!

Are you working all weekend?

Not if I can help it.

Who made this oatmeal?

I did, Pop.

Is this what I ordered?

Sure is.

Do you like it?

I love it.

Oh, I should get going, guys.

I love you very much.

I love you, son.

That would be amazing.

It's just that way, thank you.

Clean this place up.

Here we go.

I don't want neighbors.

Well, we'll see.

So this is where you hide out?

The office has been paging you.

They have?

They have.

Were you talking to the plants?

- My dad and I used to spend every summer gardening.

And, well, he told me that talking to the plants

helps them to grow faster and stronger

and just healthier overall.

They're not sentient.

They don't know what you're saying.

- Well, I don't know how it works, but it does.

Apparently, they respond to female voices even better.

Really?

Really.

I don't know what to say.

Whatever comes to mind.

I mean, I know it's tough when you're facing off