Overview

Hallie navigated a work meeting where she updated her team on the DeLuca (Rio) project and struggled to keep things professional after their kiss. When Rio insisted all design decisions be made in person during his two-week road trip, Hallie sought an extension but was instead directed by her boss, Tyler, to fly out and meet Rio, with the firm covering expenses. After revealing her financial constraints, Tyler offered overtime pay, and Hallie agreed to travel. She informed Rio by phone, and he promised to make the in-person meeting worth her time.

Full Summary

During the weekly design meeting, Tina reviewed timelines and asked Hallie for a status update on the DeLuca project. Hallie reported that initial concepts would be finalized within the week pending client approval. Tyler requested to review the final designs before filming starts in two weeks, consistent with firm practice for intern work.

Privately, Hallie fixated on a note and spare keys Rio had left with coffee that morning, recalling their kiss and feeling her defenses weakening. She immersed herself in the project files, reflecting that her intimate knowledge of Rio’s tastes made the design process intuitive, though bittersweet because she was effectively designing the home she once imagined sharing with him.

Hallie texted Rio to coordinate decisions, but Rio, landing with the team, pushed to make all choices in person with her instead of over email. Surprised, Hallie resisted because of a hard deadline before his return, but Rio urged her to fly out and meet him on the road. Torn, Hallie decided to ask Tyler for a brief extension.

In Tyler’s office, after advising him on a wallpaper choice, Hallie requested an extension due to the client’s two-week absence. Tyler refused the extension but directed Hallie to provide luxury-level service by meeting the client in person, with Tina booking flights and a hotel and the firm covering dinner and wine if needed for decision-making. Hallie admitted she could not afford to miss bartending shifts for financial reasons.

Tyler responded by offering overtime pay for every hour she was away, even while sleeping, and encouraged her not to be embarrassed about working hard, sharing his own past struggles. Buoyed by his support, Hallie agreed to travel and texted Rio that he had won.

Rio immediately called, confessing he had been “a needy asshole” but was serious about wanting to see her. Hallie confirmed the firm would cover expenses and that overtime made it feasible. With teammates nearby on the plane, Rio kept the conversation low-key as Hallie set expectations: he should choose a city and date, and it better not be a meeting that “could’ve been an email.” Rio promised to make it worth her time.

Who Appears

• Hallie Hart — interior design intern and bartender; coordinates the DeLuca project; secures approval to travel for in-person decisions; balances financial constraints.
• Rio DeLuca — NHL player and client; leaves Hallie coffee, keys, and a flirty note; insists on in-person design decisions during his road trip; calls Hallie from the plane.
• Tina — Hallie’s supervisor; runs the meeting; will handle travel logistics and company card.
• Tyler Braden — firm head; sets the two-week review window; directs Hallie to meet Rio on the road; offers overtime pay; shares encouragement about hard work.
• Zanders (Zee) — Rio’s teammate; briefly heard greeting Hallie via Rio’s phone; present on the plane.