Call It What You Want

In February 2017, during Sloane’s birthday week, Ethan drives Sloane to Outback Steakhouse. She wants to believe he’s her soulmate, which would explain why her previous relationships didn’t work out. He suggests that they stop on the road for a “quickie,” which makes Sloane uncomfortable. It makes her think he only wants sex, not a deep emotional connection.

Over dinner, he orders a bottle of wine that Sloane doesn’t like, but she doesn’t say anything. He dodges questions about his past, refusing to tell her when his birthday is. They return to Sloane’s apartment for a surprise party Lauren organized. The group goes bar-hopping, and Ethan grows distant. He hands Sloane a shot, and she gets sick. Graham and Lauren take her home while Ethan stays out.

The next morning, Graham brings a hangover kit and tells Sloane that Ethan often puts himself first. Sloane calls Ethan, who apologizes but asks for space. Days later, he texts to talk. They meet in his car in the rain, and he ends the relationship, saying she deserves better. Sloane lies, telling him that she’s fine with the way things are now, but it doesn’t help. Later, Lauren and Jordan comfort a sobbing Sloane at their apartment.