In the opening of Episode 2 of Vladimir's tale, M crafts a cocktail for Vlad, setting the stage for another sensual montage of their intimate encounters. Her excitement is dampened, however, when Vlad presents his novel without inquiring about her own work, sparking a hint of irritation. Her attraction is rekindled when he accidentally spills his drink on his pants, just as John makes an unexpected appearance. Vlad goes on a passionate rant about his writing, only to reveal a heartbreaking truth: his wife nearly lost her life when their child was two. John's departure is followed by an apology for taking M for granted and a request for her assistance in delaying a hearing until he retires, ensuring his full pension. M agrees, especially when she learns that Lila is involved in the case against him.
Meanwhile, Sid's communication with M is sporadic, as she repeatedly attempts to reach him only to be met with silence. At the college, Vlad's presence ignites M's writing aspirations when he requests a tour and inquires about her long-lost manuscript. Their conversation delves into her writer's block and the futile attempts she made, such as drug use, to overcome it. Vlad dismisses her struggles as insignificant, urging her to write as it would remain her secret shame. The scene transitions into another erotic montage in the college bathroom, reinforcing the notion that these scenes are mere fantasies fueled by M's attraction to Vlad.
The following days are marked by a dismal turnout for M's class, with fewer than half the students signing up, and her favorite student, Edwina, defecting to Cynthia's class. To distract herself from these setbacks, M decides to delve into John's case, threatening to inform his wife of their affair and securing a meeting with Lynn, the college president's wife. A chance encounter with Vlad at the faculty happy hour prompts her to reflect on a time when men were more attentive.
That night, M attempts self-pleasure but is interrupted by John's loud snores. Instead of sleeping, she spends the night reading Vlad's book while smoking. John finds her on the couch and jokes about Vlad's author photo being hot, to which she reluctantly agrees, adding that the book itself is good too.
As the meeting approaches, it becomes clear that Lynn is also morally ambiguous but pretends to be progressive for appearances. M argues that John hasn't slept with any students recently and Lynn warns her to keep a watchful eye on him. Ultimately, M wins Lynn over by offering to send her a facial massager that keeps her youthful appearance. The episode ends with M determined to navigate these complex dynamics and rekindle her creative spark amidst the tumultuous emotions swirling around her.
Right then, Lila texts M to meet up, and we see that it's the bakery employee. Cynthia is there with her kid, Phee, and M runs off. She heads home and tells John that his hearing has been delayed until the summer. To celebrate, he decides to cancel his date, but she gets a reality check. She doesn't want him. She tells him to go on his date and then heads to the faculty bar.
As expected, Vlad flirts with her and she ends up hanging up on Sid, who has finally called her back. M tries to boast that Sid is a Supreme Court attorney, but Florence reveals that he works for the circuit court. A while later, Cynthia, who hates bars, arrives to pick up a drunk Vlad. He kisses her passionately and she is uncomfortable. When he heads to the washroom, she mentions that she is writing about the time her daughter was 2. M lets it slip that she knows, and Cynthia is upset. She goes to wait in the car, and Vlad confides in M that he doesn't want to leave. He flexes his arms, the flirtatious move he did earlier with the young mom, and M catches on.
She rushes home and finally writes. It's about an older woman fantasizing about her younger co-worker. Elsewhere, Lila looks at selfies with M. At the bar, Lynn comes across John's much younger date and is disappointed. Sid keeps trying to call M who is out smoking and watching a doe that has encroached her backyard. There is a noise and when she goes to investigate, someone pushes her into the pool.
