By a Thread

Linus brings Ally to the magazine’s clothing storage area—known as the Closet—and gives her a new wardrobe, insisting she look the part. The space reminds Ally of The Devil Wears Prada. She changes before heading out to pick up the dogs. However, she discovers the dogs have been sent to another show in Connecticut. Linus demands that she resolve the problem without involving him.

Linus is surprised when Dominic shows up at the Central Park shoot. He’s looking for Ally but doesn’t admit it. Then Ally shows up with dogs from a local rescue. Linus is skeptical until he sees the models connecting with the dogs.

Linus and Ally take a car back to Label after the shoot. Linus congratulates Ally on resolving the dog issue. He then opens up about Label’s scandal, revealing that Dominic “was brought in to clean up a serious mess” (127).

Ally stays late at work. She changes into her dance clothes and finishes some tasks when Dominic appears. He wants to know if she resolved her family emergency. She’s confused by his concern. When they move close to each other, she realizes she’s attracted to him even if she hates his personality.

On the way to dance, Ally continues thinking about her feelings for Dominic. She puts in her headphones to distract herself, thrilled when she arrives at class and sees Gola and Ruth.

At work the next day, Dominic tries to ignore Ally. He doesn’t understand his feelings for her and doesn’t want to behave like Paul. He shuts himself in his office and tries to focus on work. Then his friend Harry Vandenberg stops by. They used to work together at Dorrance Capital, an investment bank. Harry is intrigued by Ally when she comes in to talk to Dominic.

Afterward, at lunch, Harry presses Dominic about Ally. He suggests Dominic pursue a relationship with her because they seem to like each other. Dominic is skeptical.

Ally is bartending at one of her other jobs when Dominic shows up and insists she sit with him so they can talk. Dominic admits he’s attracted to her but can’t act on his feelings. Ally admits she’s attracted to him too but is offended that he resents his attraction to her while insisting on helping her. She demands that they keep their relationship professional.

At the nursing home, Ally’s favorite nurse, Braden, updates her on her dad’s condition. In her dad’s room, Ally is thrilled that her dad recognizes her and asks about her new job. He then plays the piano, one of his favorite pastimes. On Ally’s way out, front desk clerk Deena harasses Ally about paying her late fees. She owes the nursing home over $5,000 by Saturday. She doesn’t have the money but assures Deena she’ll pay it.

Ally attends a meeting with the graphics team. She and Dominic show up first. Dominic confronts her for coming in late, demanding to know what’s happening with her family. Ally refuses to give him more information and likens Dominic to Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. They continue bantering, getting closer and closer to each other. Ally notices that Dominic is physically aroused. She feels aroused too. They decide that they can’t be in each other’s presence and will have to find another way to get to know each other as friends. They agree to exchange emails. The design team files in, interrupting their exchange.

In their emails, Dominic and Ally talk about themselves, sharing their likes and dislikes.

Dominic can’t stop thinking about Ally. He’s even more attracted to her when he notices she’s wearing new designer clothes. She brings some paperwork into his office, sits on his desk, and reveals she has a date at the Meat Market that night. Dominic lies and says he has a date there too.

Ally meets her date, Austen, at the bar. He’s cute but is still getting over his divorce. They agree to enjoy each other’s company for dinner but not to sleep together. Then Dominic arrives with his gorgeous date, Delaney. Feeling aroused by Dominic and jealous of Delaney, Ally excuses herself to the bathroom. Dominic follows her, demanding to know what’s going on. Ally accuses him of ruining her date and trying to make her jealous. Dominic reveals that Delaney is Harry’s wife. He touches Ally, insisting that she quit Label so they can have sex without professional consequences. She refuses because she needs the job. Dominic insists he has to be with her because he doesn’t want to keep masturbating to thoughts of her at work.

Ally finishes her drinks with Austen and leaves the bar. She goes to the dance studio to release tension. She’s frustrated with Dominic for hating himself for wanting her. However, her frustration dissipates when she starts dancing.

Dominic leaves the bar and finds Ally’s dance studio. He stands outside and watches her dance through the glass. Feeling aroused, he goes to the office and masturbates to thoughts of Ally. Ally shows up and finds him in a state of undress. She takes off her underwear and suggests they have sex. Dominic refuses because he doesn’t want to break the rules. Ally heads out, leaving her underwear with him. Then Dominic orgasms into her underwear.

Ally spends a sleepless night thinking about Dominic. In the morning, he texts to say they have to talk. Ally takes an out-of-office assignment to avoid him. That afternoon, Dominic texts again. He wants them to talk to HR because he feels guilty about what happened the night before. He calls her and they discuss the incident. Ally reminds Dominic she wanted to be with him too, but he refused her and missed his chance.

On Friday, Ally reports to payroll to get her check. However, there’s been a mix-up and she won’t receive the deposit until Monday. Then she gets a call from Deena, reminding her about her late fees. Panicking, Ally calls Faith. Faith runs a strip club and hosts weekly amateur nights. Faith offers to loan her money but Ally insists on dancing instead.

Faith gives Ally a pep talk before her dance. Then she insists that they’re going to talk about Ally’s situation when it’s over.