Police-style comments frame the trivia night as dangerously chaotic before the main scene begins. Parents and teachers recall that guests were given pink cocktails that tasted harmless but were extremely strong, while the caterer’s delay left many people hungry and drinking quickly. The mood is festive, but several observers later describe the combination as a clear recipe for disaster.

Jane arrives at the school assembly hall, takes one of the cocktails, and notices the themed costumes: many women dressed as Audrey Hepburn and groups of Elvises. A Blond Bob first treats Jane as unfamiliar, then recognizes her after her haircut and abruptly dismisses her, reminding Jane of her public reputation as the mother of the supposed bully, even though Jane now knows Ziggy is not responsible.

Jane looks for Tom and keeps privately repeating the revelation that Tom is straight, feeling delighted and unsettled by the possibility. Jane meets Madeline, who is dressed in bright pink and emotionally praises Jane’s haircut, outfit, and red lipstick. Both women drink quickly, and Madeline mentions Abigail shutting down her website, while Jane tells Madeline that the psychologist appointment went well and that Ziggy did not bully Amabella.

The conversation turns comic and personal as Jane says Ziggy has nits, Madeline says Chloe and Fred do too, and Jane reports that Harper’s husband threatened her before Tom threw them out of the coffee shop. Tom then joins them, awkwardly underdressed for the theme but clearly focused on Jane. Jane and Tom bond over identifying the cocktail’s ingredients, including mint, champagne, and a large amount of vodka.

Madeline notices the chemistry between Jane and Tom and almost blurts out her discovery. Ed arrives in an Elvis costume, jokes about Tom avoiding the costume requirement, and compliments Jane’s hair. Madeline continues staring between Jane and Tom with delighted recognition until something behind them distracts her: the arrival of the people she calls the “king and queen of the prom.”