I Don’t Buy Kisses Anymore

Bernie first notices Theresa Garabaldi in his neighborhood candy store, where he habitually buys chocolate kisses. He feels an immediate spark and a sense of kismet. Their paths hint at a connection that will unfold beyond this encounter.

The pair coincidences at the bus stop and discovers they ride the same route every evening. The repeated meetings create a quiet, growing bond between them. What starts as chance quickly becomes routine.

Theresa reveals she performs on piano at her uncle's Italian restaurant, and Bernie goes to watch her play. He’s charmed by both her talent and the setting. The evening strengthens his interest in her and seeds a desire to improve himself.

Theresa tells Bernie she can relate to being overweight and convinces him to enroll at the gym where she works out. He hesitates but is inspired to try. He begins a journey toward physical change that echoes her encouragement.

Bernie lives with his mother and grandfather and has been running the family shoe store since his father’s death. He feels overshadowed by his successful older brother and worries about his own prospects. The family dynamics add pressure to his personal journey.

After joining the gym, Bernie sheds about 25 pounds and discovers a new sense of strength. The physical change boosts his confidence around Theresa. He starts to believe he can win her over.

One night Bernie arrives at the Italian restaurant with a random woman on a double date, hoping to impress Theresa. Theresa and a friend watch the scene, which becomes awkward and revealing. The incident prompts her to view him more analytically for her thesis.

Theresa decides to use Bernie as the central subject for her thesis about an obese man and his weight loss. The formal project adds a layer of distance to their relationship and tests his trust. Bernie’s feelings become tangled in the research process.

After several false starts, Bernie and Theresa spend more time together, but they disagree on what their relationship is. He thinks they’re dating, while she insists they’re just friends. Family expectations further complicate their bond.

Theresa invites Bernie to meet her family, and he discovers photo albums showing she was never fat. She explains she did the appearance for him, and he forgives her as they share their first kiss. The truth changes the meaning of their previous actions.

Bernie decides to propose and goes to Theresa’s apartment with the ring. While she’s in the shower, he finds the thesis and reads that everything about her is a lie. Theresa returns to find him reading; overwhelmed, he flees the apartment.

To escape the turmoil, Bernie takes a vacation to Cancun. Meanwhile, his mother discovers the ring and, sensing a potential match, arranges a dinner with a Jewish girl for him. Bernie tries to hide from the impending arrangements.

Family meddling culminates in a bold moment at the Italian restaurant where Bernie essentially proposes and Theresa accepts. The gesture shifts their dynamic toward a serious commitment.

Theresa confronts the situation by proposing to Bernie; he angrily takes the ring and leaves. He soon returns, and they exchange another proposal, sealing their reconciliation with a renewed commitment.