Gene secures two roles—a toothpaste advert and a small part as an elderly New York businessman in a period drama—and practices his two lines obsessively around the house, even charming the dog, Truant. Lila accepts his enthusiasm but struggles with lingering resentment about his past absence. Gene takes Truant for walks to give Lila work time, while Eleanor urges Lila to soften. In the garden, Gene rehearses to a patient Jensen, who has returned from visiting his parents.

Lila, preoccupied with Gabriel’s silence, awkwardly greets Jensen when he comes to the door. Jensen asks to see her again; Lila, consumed by thoughts of Gabriel, deflects with claims of work and household busyness. Jensen also warns Lila that the problematic tree may be worsening. The exchange ends in an uncomfortable pause as Jensen heads back to the garden.

Lila reflects on missing her mother, Francesca, yearning for her wise, nonjudgmental counsel on relationships and parenting. She recalls Francesca’s supportive style and the loss that still feels unreal, then steels herself to focus on the evening ahead as Bill prepares nervously for his dinner with Penelope.

At a pizza restaurant with Gene, Celie, and Violet, Gene monologues about American pizza. Gene draws out that Celie “destroyed” something earlier—implying a social or confidence win—though Celie withholds details from Lila. Lila’s phone rings: her agent Anoushka announces a six-figure, two-book deal with strong marketing plans and translation potential. Lila is flooded with relief and shares the news at the table.

The girls question Lila about her nonfiction topic. Lila evasively frames it as adult life and juggling responsibilities, insisting she does not name them, while Gene cheerfully asks to be included and to highlight his credits. Celie presses for specifics about the four chapters, unsettling Lila, who diverts to ordering dessert and timing their return so as not to interrupt Bill’s date.

They return home to soft music, candlelight, and an intimate scene: Bill and Penelope are absorbed in an old photo album. Penelope, elegant and flustered, prepares to leave once the family arrives; Bill insists on walking her the short distance home. Violet speculates about kissing, while Celie retreats upstairs.

Bill reenters moments later, having simply seen Penelope to her door. Gene chastises him and urges him to go back for the crucial doorstep moment, insisting Penelope clearly likes him. Spurred by Gene, Bill hurries out to rectify it. As Lila worries about consent, Gene confidently predicts success.

True to Gene’s prediction, Bill returns within minutes looking dazed and delighted, clearly having kissed Penelope and gaining a renewed spring in his step.