Millie and Andrew finish an unexpectedly wonderful dinner, avoiding talk of Nina and sharing two bottles of wine. As they stand to leave, Andrew wobbles and admits he should not drive back to Long Island. Seeking a safe alternative, he proposes staying at The Plaza, promising separate rooms.

Millie hesitates, recognizing the risk: they are both drunk, Nina is away, and Andrew has hinted at a sexless marriage. Concerned about cost, she protests, but Andrew insists he can get a deal and hails a cab. Millie agrees on the condition of separate rooms.

During the taxi ride, Millie struggles with her revealing dress while Andrew openly admires her legs, insisting there is no harm in looking. The banter turns charged as their eyes meet; Andrew tells Millie she looks beautiful and suggests how lonely he has felt, further eroding their resolve.

When the cab suddenly swerves, Millie is thrown against Andrew and he steadies her. The physical closeness breaks the remaining restraint, and Andrew kisses her. Millie, despite earlier misgivings, kisses him back, marking a decisive boundary crossing that threatens their professional relationship and his marriage.