Season 2, episode 2 of "Based on a True Story" unfolds with Nathan and Ava striving to put on a brave face about Tory's engagement to Matt, amidst an atmosphere tinged with reservations. Matt swiftly steps in to reassure them of his transformation. Ava seizes a private moment with Tory, pleading with her to reconsider marrying Matt, yet Tory stands firm in her conviction that Matt has mended his ways and deserves redemption. Nathan finds himself in a dilemma, torn between defending Tory's choice and supporting Ava's concerns.
As their conversation unfolds, Ava's anxiety spikes when she notices an unsettling silence from the baby, prompting them to rush out and discover Matt cradling him. The day stretches on, with Tory joining Ava on her usual park stroll with her child. The sisters clash, Ava insisting that Tory is jeopardizing her future, while she grapples with feelings of isolation. They issue a dare to one another, vowing to prove they won't follow in their mother's footsteps. Tory dares Ava to forge a friendship with the mothers at the park, a challenge she poses as a precondition for her support in Ava's law school aspirations. Ava attempts the task but is swiftly overwhelmed by the probing questions, her anxiety spiraling until she flees the scene.
Back at home, Matt corners Nathan, pleading for him to be his sobriety sponsor. Initially resistant, Nathan eventually caves in under Matt's persuasive charm. Together, they set off to Jaden's place, where Matt opens up to Nathan about his triggers during the journey. Upon arrival, Matt provokes Nathan into confronting Christa, Jaden's mother, over a parking dispute. The confrontation ends with Nathan being fired by Christa, a scene that sets off Matt's triggers as he watches Nathan being disrespected by Christa. They retreat to the beach, where Nathan endeavors to calm Matt down, fostering a mutual support system as Matt vows not to revert to violent behavior.
Later in the evening, Tory engages Ava in a heartfelt talk, urging her to persevere. Nathan returns home, fabricating a tale of a fulfilling day while omitting his firing and casually mentioning his role as Matt's sponsor. Ava remains skeptical, her reservations evident.
The following day, Matt and Nathan made a quick stop by the tennis court, eager to lend their support before Jaden's crucial match. Nathan, desperate to reclaim his coaching position, pleaded with Christa, but she rejected him outright. However, Jaden stood his ground, insisting that he wanted Nathan as his coach. He was fed up with his mother's habit of sleeping with his trainers, but Nathan was an exception. Christa, cornered and with no other choice, agreed on the premise that Nathan would turn Jaden into a champion.
While at the golf court, a woman accidentally bumped into Matt and Nathan. Matt's anger was immediately triggered, but Nathan wisely coached him through breathing techniques to regain composure. As the game approached, Nathan pumped Jaden up with motivation, but Jaden insisted on playing without his mother's presence. Matt offered to manage Christa, leaving Nathan worried that Matt might have sinister intentions towards her.
Elsewhere, Ava attempted to apologize to the gossipy moms at the park but found herself overwhelmed with anxiety. Fortunately, another mom came to her rescue and whisked her away. The two women, united by their struggles as mothers, headed for a beer and forged a connection. Ava found herself easily opening up to her new friend, Drew.
After Jaden secured victory in his matches, Christa and Matt returned. Matt sensed a hint of disappointment in Nathan, wondering if he regretted not harming Christa. Nathan denied any such thoughts, and Matt praised the breathing techniques for helping him stay calm. Christa's rude demeanor had pushed Matt to the brink, and he admitted to struggling with the urge to harm her after she insulted a server.
As the day drew to a close, Tory, Matt, Nathan, and Ava gathered for dinner, sharing stories of their experiences. The episode culminated with a shocking revelation: the police had discovered a stabbed woman. To everyone's astonishment, Drew was present at the crime scene, revealed to be an undercover cop. The deceased woman resembled the one who had rudely bumped into Matt and Nathan at the tennis court. Based on the evidence at the scene, Melissa speculated that the infamous Westside Ripper had returned.
