James persistently tries to call Molly, who has broken up with him and returned to rehab. When he finally gets a hold of her, she tells him they are through and hangs up. He waits for her outside her apartment and gets into an argument with Ben. Felicity's mother, Barbara (now using her maiden name), arrives for a visit. She takes an instant dislike to Ben when she overhears him ranting about James.
Sean and Richard buy a bunch of Christmas trees, hoping to sell them for a major profit. They recruit Ben to help them pick up the trees. He then shows up late for a play he was to attend with Felicity and Barbara, and has forgotten the tickets. Noel joins them for dinner. He impresses Barbara by prattling on about his goals, while Ben has nothing to say when she grills him about his future. She dismisses him as a loser with violent tendencies and questionable friends (i.e. Molly). She advises Felicity to dump him for Noel, whom she considers to be just about perfect.
Tracy continues to suffer from tremendous guilt after losing his virginity. He and Elena go to see his pastor, who recommends that they think carefully about what they want from the relationship.