Alice dwelled on her bucket list item “Read a smutty book” after Charlie saw her list, trying to banish thoughts of him as Nan enthusiastically praised Charlie’s looks and charm, comparing him to Robert Redford. Alone, Alice doom-scrolled vintage Redford photos and replayed Charlie’s pointed comment at the dock, which made her feel seen.

She texted her siblings Luca and Lavinia to plan a small birthday party for when they visit. The twins teased her for hating parties but agreed to bake a cake, curate a playlist, and handle wardrobe as Alice took on decorations. They traded costume ideas referencing glitter like Heather used to wear, and Alice reluctantly told them Charlie would be invited, prompting teasing questions about his attractiveness and status.

After calling him “kind of a jerk” and feeling guilty, Alice fielded a call from Heather demanding details about the “lake babe.” Alice admitted Charlie’s arrogance but also his kindness and effort, and speculated his bravado might be a front. Heather suggested he had issues, and Alice noted Nan liked him.

The conversation turned to Alice’s past relationships. Heather argued that Alice is a giver who dated takers like Trevor, for whom Alice had done extensive unpaid work. Alice then recalled her history with Oz: their years of close friendship, her unspoken love, their first sexual encounter after graduation, and Oz’s insistence it was a one-time event, which led Alice to cut him off.

Heather urged Alice to seek someone reciprocal and even to embrace some bravado, joking about making out with Charlie. She pivoted to Alice’s upcoming gallery opening, insisting Alice attend despite Alice’s reluctance and preference to stay with Nan. Alice feared that success of her contentious portrait would push her work toward a harsher aesthetic she did not want, worrying she might not be able to refuse.

Before bed, Alice reviewed phone photos, considering but rejecting posting a strong image of Nan. She posted an abstract-leaning lake image titled “Lake, June 2025” in her standard format. Checking notifications, she saw “charlesflorek started following you,” which startled her and underscored their growing connection.