The chapter opens with Ford and Rosie exchanging flirtatious emails at work. Rosie teases Ford about what he used to think about, and Ford bluntly admits he thought about her. Their playful moment is interrupted when Cora calls Rosie in distress—she's gotten her first period at school and is embarrassed. Rosie rushes to the school, helps Cora with supplies and fresh clothes, and comforts her through the experience. Cora asks if Rosie would ever want to be "Mrs. Grant," and Rosie deflects with a wink, saying "Who wouldn't?" They stop for snacks on the way home, recreating a tradition Rosie's mom did with her.

When they arrive at Ford's house, he's already there with a pile of period products, Midol, and a hot water bottle. Cora is mortified, but Ford handles it tenderly, crouching down and telling her he's just trying not to "drop any balls" and that her parents would want her to have what she needs. He reveals he flew in glass-bottled Cokes and Old Dutch sour cream and onion chips—Rosie's favorite snacks she mentioned weeks ago—then leaves for bowling to give them privacy.

That night, Ford wakes Rosie on the couch and opens up vulnerably. He reveals the truth about leaving Gramophone: he didn't step away voluntarily but was ousted from the board by his college co-founders after money changed them. He confesses he's tired and overwhelmed—by work, by parenting Cora, and especially by his feelings for Rosie. Rosie affirms him passionately, telling him he's a good man and that Cora is the best thing he's ever done.

Rosie then suggests they stop whatever is building between them. She argues the situation is too complicated—West's friendship, her working for Ford, and especially Cora's wellbeing are all at stake. Ford says there's "nothing funny about the way I want you." Rosie then notices the pendant on his silver chain: it's the key to her teenage diary, which he's worn for ten years. She's deeply moved but holds firm, telling him to keep the key and thanking him as her "boss"—a word that makes him wince.

Ford walks Rosie home, and she cries behind her closed door. She spends the weekend clinging to the idea that she's always hated Ford Grant. The chapter ends with Ford emailing Rosie on Monday to say he's taking Cora to the city to visit her mother, and Rosie responds in formal, professional tones—signaling the emotional distance they've agreed upon.