At the Hastings cafeteria, colleagues—led by Miss Frask and Eddie—watch Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans eat homemade food and discuss notes, their jealousy stoked by Calvin’s latest Nobel nomination and Elizabeth’s competence. Gossip frames Elizabeth as a user and speculates about marriage as Elizabeth prepares to leave for a bridesmaid fitting.

Elizabeth and Calvin revisit their living arrangement, recalling how they moved in together on a “rent for dinners” trade and how Elizabeth refused to join Calvin’s lab to avoid being overshadowed. She reflects on a lifetime of being defined by others and insists on building her own scientific identity. Calvin, who once confided to his rowing friend “Four Seat” that being with Elizabeth felt like happiness, longs for deeper commitment.

When Elizabeth mentions standing in Margaret’s wedding to Peter Dickman, they debate the social expectations around women’s names and bridesmaid attire. Calvin seizes the moment, producing a ring. Elizabeth refuses, arguing marriage would erase her name and credit; she challenges Calvin to take her name, which he rejects as impractical for a famous scientist. Hurt, he withdraws the proposal as onlookers assume a breakup.

Already rattled by crank letters claiming family ties, Calvin admits he wants a “real family,” alarming Elizabeth, who reiterates no children. He clarifies he meant a dog. The misunderstanding breaks the tension; they reconcile with a kiss, leaving the cafeteria crowd resentful as the couple remains united yet resolutely unmarried.