Debbie runs late for book club after returning home to shower and change, bringing a tray of homemade sandwiches and a copy of Velvet Moon. Harley, who has agreed to attend because she is uncomfortable going alone, meets Debbie outside and offers to help carry something.

As Debbie and Harley walk to Rochelle’s house, Harley admires Debbie’s home and comments on the cost of living in the neighborhood. Debbie reflects that the house is modest compared with others in Hingham, but the family stretched financially to live there for the public schools. Harley contrasts Debbie’s situation with her own low pay at Titan and says it must be nice to have a man providing, while Debbie privately notes that Cooper’s income has not been enough but expects their situation may soon improve.

At Rochelle’s much grander house, Debbie anticipates Rochelle’s criticism and social condescension. Rochelle greets Debbie and misnames Harley as Harlow, then gives Debbie a backhanded compliment about her yellow dress, which Debbie chose after changing out of her bloodstained one. Rochelle leads them into an immaculate, expensive living room where Tabitha and Sloane are already waiting and joking about Debbie’s supposed lateness, despite Debbie being only two minutes late.

Rochelle explains that she is preparing for an important party that evening where her husband Gerard will announce his candidacy for a state senate seat, with the mayor expected to endorse him. Rochelle and the other women emphasize the event’s importance while making it clear that Tabitha and Sloane will support Rochelle there; Debbie has not been invited because of a supposedly limited guest list, which stings even though Debbie claims not to want to attend.

Debbie unwraps her homemade turkey-and-avocado sandwiches with sun-dried tomato spread, prompting giggles and patronizing comments from the women. Harley reminds Debbie that she is allergic to avocados, and Debbie apologizes while claiming to have forgotten. Rochelle offers Harley a lavish charcuterie board instead, then samples Debbie’s sandwiches and encourages the others to eat them too. Debbie is pleased that her work will not go to waste.