Driving from Raleigh toward Vienna Shores, Gigi reassured Jo that Jo’s mother had been having more good days and was excited for Jo’s early return. They joked about the cover story Gigi gave Jo’s dad to excuse her late arrival at the Revelry. Jo admitted anxiety about what she was returning to, noting that phone calls with her mother did not reflect the full reality.

Jo remembered the previous Christmas when her parents and brother Mitch shared that her mother had early-onset dementia, specifically a verbal form affecting words and memory. Jo noticed reminders and lists scattered around the house. She immediately offered to move home, but her mother refused, insisting Jo pursue her career in Los Angeles. Jo agreed to stay in LA and later realized that was the moment her songwriting seemed to go silent, leaving her with a painful creative block and guilt about lost time.

Jo vented that her mother avoided discussing the condition and that Jo learned medical details through her father, who did not take notes. Gigi tried to lighten the mood, teased Jo, and affirmed Jo’s parents were proud of her. They shared easy banter that underscored their long friendship, including the awkward origin of Gigi dating Mitch.

Conversation turned to Gigi’s life and work as the Unsung Hero singing telegram, her choice to stay in Vienna Shores, and her relationship with Mitch. Gigi hinted at a recent argument with Mitch, ostensibly about their dog Buckley sleeping on the bed, but did not elaborate. She updated Jo on town changes—new businesses, the return of local acquaintance Van dealing with family matters—and noted Van had asked about Jo. Jo downplayed it.

Gigi produced an old burned CD from their high school days; they played it and sang along to songs including “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls, rekindling teenage memories. As they reached Vienna Shores amid summer tourist traffic, the playlist landed on “Wherever” by Roman Fell and the Boulevard, which stirred Jo’s nostalgia and an intrusive memory of Sebastian Fell from the previous night.

They parked near the Revelry. Walking toward the venue, Jo confessed she had seen Sebastian at Willa Grey’s concert; Gigi reacted with excited questions, and Jo described only that Willa invited her to a private balcony and that Sebastian smelled like bergamot and oakwood, deliberately omitting the kiss. The Revelry appeared worn and understaffed, with a partly broken marquee, but remained a cherished landmark.

As they approached, Jo’s mother came to the door, visibly older but familiar. Jo crossed the street and fell into her mother’s arms, ending the chapter with their reunion.