"Christmas Can't Wait"

By Natalia Chown

Feature

LOGLINE:

A successful publicist who is struggling to get to New York for work before Christmas is helped by a modest and rugged stranger who happens to be her one true love. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" meets "It Happened One Night".

SUMMARY:

Linda Johnson, a 32-year-old assertive publicist is meticulously planning an "unprecedented" Valentine's Day shoot for XY Magazine in New York City. Using her PR prowess, she successfully books the eccentric photographer Cyril St. Cyril, as requested by her boyfriend and boss, Jack Taylor. Despite her professional success, Linda harbors secret hopes for a Christmas engagement ring from Jack. Her anticipation turns to disappointment when Jack's "gift" is an ugly fur coat. Leaving the department store, Linda is attacked by yappy dogs seemingly attracted to her coat who knock her down to a muddy puddle in the middle of the crosswalk. As she tries to clean herself, a limo carrying a modest and handsome businessman, Tyler Thompson, screeches to a halt, splashing water all over the coat and Linda's face. He offers Linda his handkerchief and Linda, initially wary of his "cowboy boots" finds herself drawn to his puppy dog eyes. As Tyler watches her leave, he holds his damp handkerchief, a hint of romance in the air.

A few days later, Linda's Christmas gathering with her family is abruptly cut short by Jack who insists she returns to work to manage the Valentine's Day shoot. As Linda rushes to the airport, a snowstorm causes her flight to be cancelled, leading her to opt for a bus ride. At the airport, Linda collides with Tyler, causing them to accidentally switch phones. With no taxis available, Tyler offers Linda a ride to the bus station. After missing her bus, Linda agrees to have coffee with Tyler, who then offers to drive her to New York. Their journey is filled with mishaps, including getting stuck in a snowbank, losing Linda's luggage, and staying at a rustic motel where they're forced to share a room. As they travel, Linda and Tyler begin to form a connection, sharing personal stories and overcoming obstacles together. They face more challenges, including a flat tire and a near-run-in with the law. When Linda discovers her boyfriend Jack has become engaged to someone else, Tyler arranges for a limousine to take them to Linda's family home. During this trip, they stop at a Japanese restaurant where Tyler's kindness further impresses Linda. Upon arriving at the Johnson family home, Tyler's true identity as the son of a prominent cattle businessman is revealed. Linda helps Tyler with a business dilemma, and he hints at offering her a job. The story concludes with news of Jack's arrest for securities fraud and the closure of XY Magazine. Linda proposes starting a new venture, and she and Tyler affirm their growing relationship, leaving their future together uncertain but promising.