Lila anticipates her Friday dinner with Gabriel, undergoing extensive grooming and choosing a black silk dress to project effortless sophistication. When Gabriel texts to delay her arrival to 9 p.m. to avoid exciting Lennie, Lila, hungry and anxious, joins her family briefly, dodges questions about where she’s going, then passes time at a pub where she drinks to calm her nerves.

She arrives at Gabriel’s slightly unsteady; he is flustered and on a work call. Lila explores his architect’s kitchen—immaculate, minimal, and stylish—notes Lennie’s drawings, and observes the absence of photos of his late wife. Gabriel opens an expensive red wine and admits he hasn’t cooked, so he orders in food. They make small talk that becomes personal: Lila discusses her writing career and curated memoir style; Gabriel shares that he has two competitive brothers and strained relations with his late wife Victoria’s parents, who still see Lennie.

As they drink, Lila becomes notably drunk. Takeout arrives and they eat amid dimmed lights and Cuban music. Lila identifies the Saarinen Tulip table, and the mood warms as Gabriel keeps tidying. Lila feels like the best version of herself in his elegant space.

They move to the minimalist living room. Gabriel sits close, compliments Lila’s kindness, resilience, beauty, and the comfort she gives him, saying their connection has helped him through difficult years. He removes her wine glass, kisses her hand, and then kisses her.

Passion escalates and they have sex on the sofa. Afterward they lie together, basking; Lila imagines staying all night and repeating the intimacy. When Gabriel checks the time, Lila suggests sleep, but Gabriel gently asks her not to stay so Lennie won’t find her there and be confused. Lila, taken aback, dresses awkwardly while he watches, and he apologizes, insisting he wants to be together another time.

At the door Gabriel embraces and kisses Lila, seeking reassurance that she’s okay, helps with her coat, and asks her to text when home. As she leaves, he calls after her to keep their night quiet at school, citing gossip; Lila agrees, and Gabriel blows her a kiss as she walks away.