Lillian arrives at Ryan’s home, where he is cooking butter chicken. She notes details that signal order and normalcy, including his lack of glasses and the careful setup of dinner, and she helps set the table while suppressing small-talk questions that feel too normal. They discuss his gallery’s operations and staff, including Kat and DJ, and he shares that Jet’s photographs inspired a student art showcase.

When conversation turns to Lillian’s job, she describes the bank as stable and a dependable constant. Tension builds as they both circle the reason for the meeting. Ryan finally reveals he has been sober for nine months, credits an AA group that feels like family, and asks whether he hurt Lillian during a prior drunken episode; she clarifies he did not because she did not allow it.

Lillian presses him about why he started drinking. Ryan admits it began from fear and arrogance: after Jet’s birth, he recognized his own father Barton’s patterns in himself and drank to try to stop becoming that person, but failed. He apologizes sincerely and assumes Lillian will never forgive him. He adds that he is in therapy with Elise and that sobriety now feels strongly positive after early relapses.

During a brief work call from DJ about workshop materials, Lillian texts Jet to say she may be late and confirms Jet is fine at a neighbor’s watching Star Wars. After the call, Lillian tells Ryan he was wrong to think he was his father; she asserts that because he is taking honest steps, she can forgive him, which is what she had tried to say in Memphis.

Mutual attraction resurfaces. Lillian acknowledges she still loves him and is committed “in sickness and health,” despite uncertainty about addiction’s future. They move to the couch, exchange cautious but intensifying kisses, and confirm consent throughout. Lillian admits self-consciousness about aging; Ryan reassures her with affection for who she is now.

As they undress, Ryan notices a small scar on Lillian’s abdomen; she explains it was from a kitchen accident with an underripe avocado years ago. Ryan expresses regret for the “years I let us lose,” kisses her tenderly, and they proceed to intimacy, closing the chapter on a note of forgiveness and rekindled partnership.