Barbara, after a bike ride, arrives at the old poet's Victorian home where she finds Marie and Olivia, who appear troubled.
Olivia feels the need to apologize to Barbara, admitting to an action she took without Barbara's permission and describing it as "unconscionable."
Marie admits she encouraged Olivia's action and even assisted by taking the envelope to Federal Express.
Olivia reveals that she has submitted Barbara's poetry for the Penley Prize for Younger Poets, sponsored by the Big Five publishers in New York.
Barbara, initially unaware of the Penley Prize, learns that her poetry has been longlisted as a finalist for the award.
Despite her surprise, Barbara reacts with excitement rather than anger to the news she has been longlisted for the prestigious award.
Olivia insists on keeping the submission secret from Barbara's brother Jerome, who is also a writer working on a book about their great-grandfather.
Olivia emphasizes how significant the prize could be, offering a cash reward, publishing opportunities, and a potential boost to Barbara's poetic career.
Barbara learns that she must submit a more extensive collection of poems by April 15th for further consideration in the competition.
Despite the high-handed way in which Olivia and Marie handled the submission, Barbara is grateful and decides to proceed with Olivia's help in selecting poems for the next submission round.
Barbara cares deeply about not overshadowing her brother and decides to wait on publicizing this accomplishment until Jerome's work gets recognized.
Barbara, Marie, and Olivia toast with Foster’s Lager to their continued friendship and Barbara's success, despite it being a secret from Olivia's doctor.
Olivia instructs Barbara to expand her reading to include prose from authors like James Dickey and Cormac McCarthy.
They end the gathering with a discussion about the departed Jorge Castro and his impact on their community, followed by a toast to the present good times.