Nearly a week after their spaghetti date, Emma heads to her second date with Justin while Maddy goes grocery shopping. As they cross the lawn, they see Amber lounging in the pool and making a casual comment about the hospital, which reinforces Amber's detached, self-involved presence in Emma's life.

On the porch, Maddy reminds Emma that she has been trying to be kinder about Amber after apologizing for her earlier reactions. Emma reflects privately on how much she has been thinking about her time cuddling with Justin at the docking station, and she recognizes that the closeness affected her more deeply than she wants to admit, especially because physical comfort is unusual for her.

While they wait, Emma shows Maddy Justin's elaborate invitation for an evening in Stillwater with dinner, wine tasting, and antique shopping. Maddy reads Justin's effort as proof that he is intentionally pursuing Emma. The conversation then turns to Amber, and Emma defends her mother by saying Amber is probably busy with Neil, but Maddy points out that Amber does not seem interested in making time for Emma.

Justin arrives and surprises Emma by carrying a whole potted rosebush instead of cut flowers. He explains that because the flowers Amber gave Emma had died, he wanted to bring her something that would last. His gift, along with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, makes Emma feel cared for and flustered, and Maddy is openly impressed by how thoughtful he is.

After Justin takes the rosebush toward the pontoon, Maddy again contrasts his effort with Amber's lack of effort. Emma then realizes she will not be able to take the plant with her when she leaves, so she starts thinking about where to put it somewhere it can grow without her. The moment quietly underscores both Justin's increasing importance to her and Emma's awareness that their time together is temporary.