Emma is shocked when a yacht docks and her mother, Amber, steps off it uninvited. Maddy immediately makes it clear that neither of them asked Amber to come, but Emma still runs to her and cries in relief when Amber hugs her. The reunion triggers Emma’s old childhood conditioning: Amber’s rose perfume makes Emma feel briefly safe, even as Emma remembers how Amber’s instability taught her to stay small, self-sufficient, and easy to leave.

Amber introduces Neil, the landlord, and explains that she came to the rental address, met him by chance, spent the day boating and drinking with him, and has now been brought to the island. Neil invites everyone to stay for lobster by the pool. After Amber and Neil walk away together, Maddy warns Emma that Amber has already attached herself to Neil and will create trouble. Emma defends Amber weakly, admits Amber probably will not listen to her, and refuses to send her away because she has not seen her in almost two years.

Maddy does not want to leave Emma alone in the middle of the situation, but Justin offers to stay so Maddy can go back without feeling guilty. Emma is grateful because Maddy’s anger toward Amber is stressful in its own way, and Justin’s presence makes the evening more bearable. While Amber brings drinks, Justin tells Emma that Maddy threatened him if he hurt Emma, then gently asks whether Emma is worried about Amber’s arrival. Emma says Amber looks good, but privately knows Amber’s charm can hide far worse behavior.

Hours later, the group is in Neil’s pool wearing borrowed swimsuits from the pool house. Emma is distracted by Amber and notices that Amber is far more focused on flirting with Neil than reconnecting with her daughter. Justin notices it too, which makes Emma feel hurt, embarrassed, relieved, and anxious all at once. When Emma remembers that Amber brought Stuffie, she goes to retrieve it from the yacht, and Neil asks Justin to carry Amber’s luggage because Amber will be staying with him, confirming that Amber has already inserted herself into Neil’s life and into Emma’s summer.