On the team bus in New York, Rio anxiously awaits his reunion with Hallie at their hotel, a week and a half after they kissed. He realizes that his past anger toward her has faded, replaced by a deep desire to be with her. His mother calls, and Rio is evasive because he hasn’t told her that he’s reunited with Hallie. The conversation reminds Rio that his mother’s loneliness is a key reason why he’s considering signing with a Boston team after his contract expires. Zanders spots Hallie and nearly says her name aloud while Rio is on the phone with his mother, prompting Rio to explain that Mia would disapprove of them reconnecting.

When Rio sees Hallie in the hotel lobby, his resolve to rebuild their relationship solidifies. He admits that he asked for an in-person work meeting just to see her and suggests that they cancel their fancy dinner plans for room service, which she prefers. In the elevator, they run into his teammates, including a rookie named Mason who only knows Hallie as a bartender. Rio protectively introduces her properly. Later, Hallie teases Rio that one kiss doesn’t make her his, a challenge he readily accepts.