Lucy blackmails Matt into taking her to a restaurant to meet some friends, but, on the way there her friend gets in a car accident. Mary comes to the aid of her ex, Wilson, who is desperate to find a babysitter for his son in order to attend his senior prom. Sixth-grader, Simon, will do anything to get away from Ruthie, even if it means moving into the attic.

Little Sarah James is found wandering on the streets. Warmly welcoming Simon wins her confidence while Eric and a cop friend search and find her pa, Joe, an unrepentant lush and decide a more stable educator is required. Matt meanwhile tiptoes, realizing ma makes a last ditch stand to talk him out of 'moving out' to a Tennessee college, and rudely intruding pest Ruthie first diverts, then scares off his older date Mollie.