Lauren exits the arcade into the humid night, euphoric and physically overstimulated, where Ryan and Taylor check in on her. Back at their brownstone, the trio lounges with wine and a TV rerun while Lauren recounts the encounter: Junior carried her into the cleaned photo booth and went down on her without accepting reciprocation, and he also paid her seven thousand dollars.

Lauren explains she invited Junior to Velvet and is considering giving him a chance despite past hurt. Ryan raises concerns about Junior’s mafia ties and his father’s reputation. Lauren describes their old neighborhood’s “shades of gray,” recounting how protection money functioned as actual protection for her grandparents’ deli after a break-in, and says while she is not okay with what Junior does, it is not a dealbreaker for seeing where their connection leads.

The friends discuss boundaries and risk, with Lauren framing this as exploring a long-standing spark rather than a serious commitment. A playful slap fight breaks out among Lauren, Ryan, and Taylor, with Walter the dog excitedly joining in, before they all settle down.

Lauren notices Taylor has not posted recently. Taylor admits she was shaken by a “cannibal” incident and a spike in abusive comments. Lauren empathizes, emphasizing mental health first; Ryan promises financial support if needed. They pivot to staffing for Ryan’s work: after recommendations, including from “Ghost Girl,” Ryan reviews Ben’s portfolio and references and, with nudging from Lauren and Taylor, reaches out.

Minutes later, Ryan receives Ben’s prompt acceptance, which sparks excitement. The scene then shifts to Friday night at Velvet, where Lauren waits in the bondage room’s back corner. She and Junior have only exchanged numbers since the arcade.

Nervous and eager, Lauren hopes for another encounter. She finds an unfamiliar coin-like token in her purse, then reads Junior’s texts: he is running late and must “deal with this,” without specifying details. Interpreting the vagueness as being stood up, Lauren turns off her phone and resolves to move on, reaffirming her one-strike policy.

The chapter closes as the bondage show begins: Sylvia, in a black bodysuit and boots, leads Moriah onto the stage by a rope attached to a collar, with Moriah displayed in white lingerie. Lauren braces to watch alone, feeling the sting of disappointment.