Alice calls family friend John Kalinski, who offers her the use of his vacant Barry’s Bay cottage for the whole summer; he is even considering selling the property. The generosity and prospect of a two-month hiatus appeal to Alice, who confirms finances and recalls mentor Elyse’s concern about her burnout, deciding she can and should step away.

After updating Nan, Alice sees Nan’s first genuine smile since the hip replacement. Alice postpones assignments, lines up replacement photographers, and arranges a local physiotherapist. John connects her with the caretaker, Charlie Florek, who has spare keys and can help make the cottage safer for Nan.

Alice calls Charlie and, amid noisy background hammering and another man named Sam, awkwardly asks for help with accessibility adjustments. Charlie playfully insists on basic pleasantries, then agrees to handle her list—grab bars, moving furniture, and removing rugs—telling her to text details and to just get to the lake. He signs off calling her “City Girl.”

The night before departure, Alice returns to her condo to pack and encounters a box of Trevor’s leftover belongings, which triggers memories of their four-year relationship and breakup. She surveys the minimalist home that now feels hollow and recalls the dinner where Trevor ended things.

Heather arrives with an emerald silk mini dress and pushes Alice to enjoy herself and not disappear after the breakup. They contrast temperaments and update on family, including their mother’s move to British Columbia and Heather’s daughter, Bennett. Heather urges Alice to attend Elyse’s upcoming In (Her) Camera gallery show, where Elyse plans to display a specific photo Alice is reluctant about; Alice hedges about returning for the opening.

Alone, Alice reopens the Swish swimwear photos, weighing two edits: one “smoothed” per Willa’s request and a more authentic version with minimal retouching. Still undecided, she closes her laptop.

Charlie texts that everything at the cottage is ready and the keys are in the outhouse. Alice pushes back on the “City Girl” nickname, asserting her name. Charlie replies he looks forward to meeting her, using “Alice Everly,” confirming their imminent arrival preparations are complete.