Episode 3 of The Other Black Girl opens with a poignant flashback to Newark in 1976. Diana skillfully braids Kendra's hair, their conversation filled with promises and aspirations. Kendra vows she'll never abandon Diana, yet she must seek answers and opportunities, and Harvard, in Boston, offers the best path. Diana, in turn, promises to call daily, a thread connecting them across miles.
In the bustling present, Nella opens her door to find a manuscript resting outside, accompanied by a note from H. Initially assuming Hazel had left it behind, she realizes it's an unlikely scenario given the hour-long distance from her Harlem home. Owen's observation that Hazel is friendly only adds to Nella's skepticism of her overly kind nature.
At the office, Hazel sheepishly admits that she had indeed dropped the manuscript on her way to Olla's, a neighborhood bar frequented by aspiring writers. Just then, Vera enters, inquisitive about the manuscript. Nella assures her it's readable within a subway ride, but Vera's headache prompts her to request pain medication. Hazel offers to fetch it, seizing the opportunity to invite Nella to a fundraiser for MoMa uptown, a gathering frequented by those pursuing literary ambitions.
However, Nella informs Hazel that Vera won't let her leave until six. Hazel devises a cunning plan, leveraging Maisy's early departure to influence Vera. Maisy enters Vera's office, noting her colleague's evident fatigue, but Vera dismisses her concern, claiming Maisy wouldn't understand the rigors of having a best-selling author.
Meanwhile, Nella shares the workplace rivalry between Maisy and Vera with Hazel, who promptly formulates a brilliant strategy. Hazel knocks on Vera's door, offering to assist her throughout the day since Maisy plans to leave early to network with a mysterious author, Kevin McMichaels, who's hosting a cocktail party to pitch his novel. Hazel reveals the details of the party, which Maisy intends to attend to introduce herself.
Later, Vera tasks Nella with booking a reservation for the same time, apologizing for the earlier conference room issue. She reveals her intention to leave early and instructs Nella to clock out upon completion. Hazel helps Nella prepare for the party, though she's apprehensive about potentially sowing discord between Maisy and Vera. However, Hazel persuades Nella to seize the opportunity, urging her to promise to always take such wins in stride. As Hazel starts bleeding, she requests Nella to wait downstairs, leaving the two women poised for what the night may bring.
A journey back to Cambridge in 1977 reveals Diana's arrival to visit Kendra, her friend's elation palpable. Diana's enthusiasm for the evening ahead is contagious, but Kendra's joy is shadowed by a lingering unease. She confesses that it feels like everyone's eyes are on her, a sentiment that Diana misinterprets, suggesting a transfer. Kendra's frustration boils over, leaving Diana stung and retreating in anger.
Returning to the present, Hazel and Nella stealthily infiltrate the buzzing party. Kate, the hostess, approaches Hazel with a warm smile, eager to introduce her to an acquaintance. Nella, left to her own devices, strikes up a conversation with Lena, who happens to be colleagues with Jesse Watson. Nella enthuses about her attempt to entice Jesse to contribute to Wagner, unaware of Lena's skepticism.
Lena argues that Wagner is not the ideal platform for Jesse, citing its lack of diversity, specifically mentioning the absence of a black editor since Kendra Phillips' tenure. Nella persists, insisting that Wagner can be transformed from within, but Lena remains unconvinced.
Waiting anxiously for Hazel, Nella receives a call from an unknown number. Her heart skips a beat, assuming it's Hazel, but the caller's abrupt good wishes and subsequent hang-up leave her perplexed.
Hazel soon arrives, bearing a tray of dainty sandwiches and a bottle of champagne, her timely arrival a welcome respite for Nella's flagging spirits. Nella confesses her sense of redundancy at Wagner, but Hazel encourages her, insisting that her potential is limitless and that she must seize the moment. Nella fears Hazel's overly generous spirit, but Hazel assures her that she does not want to emulate the bitter rivalry between Vera and Maisy. She desires a partnership where both can shine brightly.
As they rejoin the festivities, Nella approaches an author, only to be caught in the act of impersonating him by Richard. Nella braces for a scolding, but Richard's approving gaze surprises her. He inquiries about her first project, and Nella eagerly pitches her "Burning Heart" concept. Richard's interest piques until Nella mentions Kendra Rae Phillips, who, he reveals, did not merely fade into obscurity; she took her own life, leaving Richard devastated.
Nella argues that Kendra's tragic fate makes a re-release of her book all the more pertinent. Richard acknowledges her perseverance, reminding her of Kendra's own refusal to be silenced. He promises to discuss the matter further and suggests that there may indeed be something to explore.
Another flashback reveals Diana arriving at Wagner Books, sandwiches in hand, to invite Kendra to lunch. Richard overhears Diana's pitch and extends an invitation to join him.
In the present, Hazel and Nella depart the party, Nella still reeling from Richard's unexpected interest in her project. Hazel reassures her, urging her to trust in her abilities. As they hail a taxi for a late-night bite, Richard watches them go, a determined look in his eye as he dials a familiar number. Things have indeed changed, and he needs his old friend's help now more than ever.
