Say You'll Remember Me

Two months after Xavier’s departure, he calls Samantha announcing he’s attending a veterinary conference in Long Beach and wants to have dinner with her “as friends.” Though initially reluctant, Samantha agrees. When Xavier arrives at her door, he brings flowers and pastries, then interacts affectionately with her cat Pooter. While looking through photos on his phone, Samantha discovers a picture from their first date, triggering thoughts about what could have been if her mother weren’t sick.

At the restaurant, Samantha insists on paying for her own meal to maintain boundaries. They catch up on their lives over dinner and then sit by a fire pit overlooking the city. When Xavier walks Samantha to her door later, he admits he lied about attending the conference and flew to California specifically to see her. Though initially upset by his deception, Samantha is overcome when Xavier embraces her. She kisses him, unable to resist her feelings for him any longer.

When Samantha kisses him, Xavier feels immense relief that their painful separation might end. As they kiss, he realizes that she is meant to be his wife, though he fears she might still send him away. They have sex, and hours later, they lie in bed discussing their situation. Samantha expresses doubt about long-distance relationships, and Xavier promises to visit monthly, insisting they can make it work despite the challenges.

A car alarm prompts them to look outside, where they see Samantha’s father backing out of the driveway with his headlights off at two o’clock in the morning. This leads Samantha to ask about Xavier’s parents. Xavier reveals he had a learning disability that made reading difficult, and his parents punished him for his academic struggles instead of addressing the problem. After defending himself against his father’s physical abuse in 11th grade, Xavier moved in with his friend Jesse’s family, who helped diagnose his eye condition. He graduated with top grades and put himself through veterinary school, succeeding despite his parents’ belief he would amount to nothing.

Back at work in Minnesota, Xavier contemplates his financial situation. He calculates the minimum amount he would have to spend per trip to see Samantha ($500) and rejects Maggie’s suggestion that they hire another doctor, since they cannot afford to pay a doctor’s wages. When his staff inquires about his relationship status with Samantha, Xavier realizes they haven’t explicitly defined their relationship. He immediately calls her to confirm they’re exclusive and officially asks her to be his girlfriend. Afterward, he determines he’ll need to give up his volunteer work and pick up shifts at the emergency clinic to afford seeing Samantha regularly, understanding this intense work schedule will be difficult to maintain.

Samantha stands with her siblings examining a large urine stain on the sofa, discussing how their mother’s incontinence is progressing, as predicted by doctors. They decide they’ll need adult diapers for Lisa, another indignity in her declining condition. After determining that the sofa can’t be salvaged, the conversation shifts to replacing it and potentially updating the entire living room, further expanding their renovation project.

When Samantha receives a photo from Xavier, she reflects on their relationship, understanding now that being a veterinary practice owner doesn’t automatically mean wealth. As they carry the soiled sofa outside, Lisa’s lost wedding ring falls out from underneath it, delighting the siblings.

Later, Samantha receives an email from Murkle’s about a mandatory meeting at their corporate office in Minnesota. Excited by the opportunity to see Xavier unexpectedly, she books a trip without telling him, planning a surprise visit. However, upon arriving in Minnesota’s cold weather, she’s struck by the stark difference between their locations, momentarily doubting the viability of their long-distance relationship before recommitting to making it work.

Xavier brings Samantha to his apartment, apologizing for not having iced coffee ready since he didn’t know she was coming. She reflects on how it felt for Xavier to show her around his workplace and introduce her to his staff. At his apartment, they have sex, and while they are still in bed, he invites Samantha to visit him and his friends at a cabin toward the end of December. When she goes into the kitchen for water, she notices a bottle of Murkle’s mustard in his refrigerator and is touched that he’s replaced his French’s with her brand, even though he hadn’t expected her visit.

The next morning, Xavier takes Samantha to breakfast at Donna’s Cafe, owned by his friend Mike’s mother. Mike’s sister Janessa is notably cold toward Samantha. When questioned, Xavier explains he was never interested in Janessa, then describes his “dream woman” with characteristics that clearly describe Samantha.

As they eat, “Come On Eileen” plays over the speakers, causing them both to laugh at their shared memory. The moment turns bittersweet as they acknowledge what their relationship could have been like if circumstances were different. Despite the geographical challenges, they continue making plans to sustain their long-distance relationship.

Xavier puts Samantha in a cab, and as she heads off to work, he goes back inside to pay their bill. Janessa informs Xavier that his parents were there a few days ago, and that they were asking about him. When he discovers his mother was bragging about him to his friends, he becomes irritated. Later that afternoon, he discusses the situation with Samantha. She comforts him, and he realizes his parents still matter to him, even though he wishes otherwise.

Samantha’s family gathers to approve the new kitchen barstools, marking the completion of their remodel just in time for Lisa’s birthday. Lisa appears more responsive now that they’ve reduced her medication, showing more expression and asking questions. Though her dementia hasn’t actually improved, the family has learned to identify and prevent episodes before they escalate. Samantha anticipates Xavier’s arrival the next morning for Lisa’s birthday celebration.

Samantha reflects on how her relationship with Xavier has changed her perception of time. She constantly finds herself waiting for his texts, calls, or next visit, and avoids activities she’d rather experience with him. She limits social engagements to prioritize their limited phone time and appreciates the thoughtful gifts he regularly sends, like a heart dog tag for Pooter and vanilla creamers. Though these gestures demonstrate his constant thoughts of her, Samantha longs for his physical presence.

While at work, Xavier records a video of a talking African gray parrot to send to Samantha. They speak briefly on the phone about a couples challenge she wants to try when he visits. Xavier reflects on how their relationship has distorted his perception of time: Days without her drag, while their time together passes quickly. He acknowledges that his grueling work schedule isn’t sustainable but feels it’s necessary to maintain their relationship.

Maggie knocks and tells Xavier that his mother is on the phone for him. The conversation immediately triggers anxiety reminiscent of his childhood. His mother acts as though they’re reconnecting after a casual separation rather than 13 years of estrangement, mentioning interest in meeting his potential wife and future grandchildren. She notes that his father has been in recovery for six years.

When Xavier points out that his mother isn’t offering an apology, the conversation deteriorates. She defends their parenting as merely “strict,” denies the abuse, and attempts to shift blame to Xavier for his teenage behavior. She suggests his current success is due to the “discipline” they instilled and predicts his business will fail. After hanging up, Xavier remains shaken but realizes two important things: He can never let his practice fail and vindicate his parents’ low expectations, and he is deeply in love with Samantha, wanting to share his vulnerability only with her.