Liz and her mother, Irene are having lunch at The Houndstooth and run into Paul after one of his sets. Irene grills Paul on why would he want to be in the "arts". There is such an insecure future in the field of the "arts". Their icy conversation comes to a close when Paul leaves to perform another set. Liz tells Irene she feels awful deceiving Matt by not letting him know that she knew Irene had her hand in Matt getting the job at Empire. Ann shows up at The Houndstooth and is surprised to run into Irene and Liz. Liz asks Ann if she and Walter will be coming to the cocktail party. Ann says that Walter has declined. Liz and Irene leave and Ann asks Paul to accompany her to the cocktail party since Walter cannot go. Ann assures Paul that Walter will be fine with it. Walter then arrives to pick up Ann as planned. Ann and Walter are at home and Ann is feeling giddy. Ann wants Walter to make them each a sidecar, but Walter says he has to fix some sketches. Ann is thrilled when Walter asks her to pose. Jill comes home from school and flirts with Walter as Ann starts to prepare dinner. Walter asks Jill to pose and is thrilled with how she handles herself. Ann is deflated when she overhears Jill and Walter talking. Walter makes a comment about Jill having her youth on her side. Ann goes back into the kitchen and pours herself a stiff drink.
—Sudsluva