Ep 23. Fragile

Upon refusing to accept Lauren's resignation, Bailey insists they can put their mutual attraction behind them and continue working together at the restaurant. And once Charlie's rekindled romance with Kirsten is finally out in the open, he laments his lack of privacy. Meanwhile, as Julia stays up all night to finish a story she wants a prominent young writer to read, Sarah helps Claudia get information about birth control. And though Bailey starts relaxing the restrictions he's placed on his contact with Lauren, he's still uncomfortable when Sarah arrives unexpectedly at Salinger's. As Claudia asks Charlie's permission for a late night out, Julia gets defensive when writer Perry Marks offers a harsh critique of her work. However, Perry reveals that it's a direct reflection of her high expectations of Julia's work. Yet, just when Julia thinks a friendship is developing, Perry suddenly becomes cold and distant. Meanwhile, as Claudia discovers that a friend is trying to reunite her and Cody, Charlie points out that Bailey is taking over now that he's back home. While Lauren begins sending suggestive signals to Bailey, Charlie announces that he's moving out. And while Claudia is encouraged to give up on her fantasies about Griffin, Bailey turns to Lauren for advice, only to then defuse the romantic tension by accepting her resignation. Once Claudia decides to stay at home for now, Bailey turns to Sarah for comfort. Finally, after learning that Perry is gay, Julia insists on continuing her friendship. And as Charlie temporarily moves in with Kirsten, Claudia decides to give Cody another chance.