At Spago, Evelyn and Celia greet each other with the wary intimacy of old lovers, noting the changes time has etched on them. They revisit their past, acknowledging mutual wounds and pride, and admit the love between them never disappeared. Evelyn declares she is leaving Max and is done hiding, even though Max found Celia’s letters and has threatened to out her. With an Oscar, a waning slate of roles, and a daughter to prioritize, Evelyn says she will make one last film and then step away.

Celia warns of the fallout, especially the threat to Connor’s custody, and presses Evelyn on whether she would truly give everything up. Then Celia reveals she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—emphysema—likely giving her around ten years. The news devastates Evelyn. Celia ushers her home, asks if Evelyn can survive losing her again, and Evelyn chooses to love Celia anyway, preferring the pain of loss to a life without her.

They spend the night together, sealing their reconciliation physically and emotionally. In the quiet of the morning, Celia turns to logistics.

Celia proposes a plan to neutralize Max and protect Connor: Evelyn will be seen with a 29-year-old Vermont congressman, Jack, creating a sensational decoy affair so any slander from Max appears petty. Later, Evelyn will marry Celia’s brother, Robert, ensuring Celia’s estate passes safely to Evelyn. They reject telling the full truth, citing the hostile climate and AIDS-era stigma—referencing Rock Hudson and Reagan’s indifference—and the risks to Connor. They agree Evelyn will finish her final Fox movie while Celia scouts a quiet home abroad, ideally on the Spanish coast, with room for Harry and support for Celia’s medical needs.

Evelyn accepts the plan, promises to speak with Harry, and she and Celia affirm their renewed commitment, claiming the sense of home they find in one another.