Lauren and Aly prepared a carefully styled outdoor dinner on Aly’s back deck, complete with café lights, hydrangeas, and candlelight. Ryan arrived with wine and Walter the dog, and Ben came with beer, while light chaos unfolded about whether Aly’s cats could join. Lauren rescued Nico from being pinned by Aly’s cats Fred and Maud, and the group finished setting the table and settled in to eat.

As they organized dinner, Taylor asked about Moira, and Nico explained Moira and Nico Senior were at couples counseling. Lauren reflected that fallout from the last Trocci family dinner continued: Stefan was missing, Greg and Alec had threatened to move out, and Nico Senior was struggling but continuing therapy and asking about Nico’s new life in what sounded like genuine curiosity. The group did not expect quick change but noted the small progress.

Conversation shifted to Tyler’s whereabouts. Josh said Tyler would be late and was bringing a date, while Lauren noted privately that Tyler had kept his promise to let Nico manage their joint business and that she was keeping related secrets at Nico’s request. The group began eating as dusk turned to night.

Tyler arrived mid-meal with Stella, a striking, tattooed woman whose chemistry with Tyler was immediately evident. Stella declined food due to sensitivities and apologized for the delay; Aly reassured her that future accommodations were welcome. Tyler’s gentle support of Stella surprised Lauren and improved the table dynamic.

As dinner wound down, Lauren teased Nico about drinking and driving, and they exchanged playful innuendo. Aly and Ryan ribbed them, prompting Josh to bluntly change the subject and ask Tyler how he and Stella met. Tyler and Stella shared a loaded look, Stella gave a slight nod, and Tyler warned it was “kind of a long story,” ending the evening on a teasing note.