The morning after the tree house sleepover, Nan receives an invitation from John Kalinski to have lunch in Ottawa. Charlie proposes a road trip, and Bennett asks to join. Alice and Charlie plan logistics by text, agreeing to give Nan and John private time while they take Bennett sightseeing downtown.

During the drive to Ottawa, Nan is quiet and anxious. They arrive at John’s son’s modern home, and Nan warns against letting wounds fester before ringing the bell. Nan and John share an emotional embrace, and John greets Alice and meets Bennett. Alice and Charlie gently implement their plan to leave Nan and John to talk, though Nan looks nervous.

Alice, Charlie, and Bennett eat in the ByWard Market and tour the East Block. Alice teases Charlie for eagerly engaging with the guide. When Charlie shows public affection, Bennett confronts them, bluntly implying they are sleeping together. Charlie denies they are a couple and sets a boundary, and Bennett accepts it.

They return to find Nan and John laughing over tea in the minimalist backyard. Alice quietly photographs the moment. After iced tea and goodbyes, John tears up and asks to keep in touch, and Nan agrees.

On the drive back, the group bonds over music, singing Rod Stewart and Shania Twain. Alice admires Charlie and fantasizes about a solo drive with him. When she hints at a new list for Toronto, Bennett interprets it as talk of becoming a couple. Charlie denies it, prompting an awkward silence. Alice struggles to answer whether they would be good together, and she pulls her hand away when Charlie reaches for her.

Moments later, Alice spots a danger on the road. She screams Charlie’s name; tires squeal, brakes slam, and she is thrown against the side of the car as the chapter ends mid-accident.