Blake narrates that Whitney Cross is moving in after he personally ran a background check that came back clean and spoke to her boss, who vouched for her. With Whitney borrowing a friend’s car, Blake prepares a parking spot and waits to help, reflecting on his unemployment and past habits.

As he waits, Blake receives a call from his father, who, still coughing from a lingering illness, suggests Blake return to Cleveland to help and eventually take over the family hardware store after an employee quit. Blake brusquely rejects the idea, saying he did not get a degree to work at a hardware store, then feels guilty. He ends the call when Whitney arrives in a rusty red Ford Pinto.

Whitney pulls up, and Blake moves the saved spot’s garbage bin so she can park. He notices how little she owns—two large boxes, two duffel bags, and a bag of clothes—triggering his unease about her transient lifestyle, though he continues helping.

Neighbor Mr. Zimmerly confronts Blake about the trash bin on the sidewalk and reacts negatively upon learning a new woman is moving in, grumbling that Blake is turning the neighborhood into a brothel. After Zimmerly nearly stumbles on a crumbling step, Blake offers to fix it for free, citing experience, but Zimmerly insults his competence and refuses.

Blake and Whitney carry her belongings up to the top-floor room. While unpacking, Whitney asks Blake to fix a loose, rattling bedroom doorknob because she fears being trapped; he agrees, noting he can handle such repairs. He tells her she can borrow toiletries and kitchen items for now, and she thanks him, calling him a good guy.

They briefly discuss the room’s decor, which Blake clarifies Krista chose. Whitney mistakenly refers to Krista as Blake’s wife, and Blake corrects that they are engaged with no date set. The exchange underscores Whitney’s new presence in their home and Blake’s mixed feelings.

Before leaving Whitney to unpack, Blake suggests they have dinner together; when she asks if he means with him, he clarifies it would be with him and Krista. Whitney enthusiastically agrees. Blake ends hopeful that they can coexist amicably while he searches for a better job.