Ep 7. The Leather Gear is in The Guest Room

Alan has a date over at the house and he's a little nervous about it. He's been seeing her for a few weeks and things have been going really well, but he's worried that she's going to judge him based on his living circumstances. Charlie, ever the helpful brother, suggests that Alan clean up the house a bit and get rid of some of the clutter. Alan agrees and starts going through some of his old clothes in the guest room closet. He finds a leather harness that he used to wear back when he was dating men and is mortified. He tries to hide it, but Charlie walks in and sees it. They argue about Alan's past and Charlie suggests that Alan come out of the closet and explore his sexuality more. Alan is offended and tells Charlie to leave him alone.

Meanwhile, Jake is having a hard time in school and is failing a class. Judith suggests that he go see a tutor and she hires a young woman named Megan to help him out. Megan turns out to be beautiful and Jake is instantly smitten. He starts spending all his free time with her and even ditches his plans with his dad one day to hang out with her. Alan is hurt but realizes that Jake is growing up and needs to explore his own interests.

Back at the house, Alan's date arrives and things seem to be going well until she finds the leather harness in the guest room. She is understandably confused and Alan tries to explain that it was from his past and that he's not gay anymore. She is still very uncomfortable and leaves abruptly. Alan is crushed and decides to talk to Charlie about it. They have a heart-to-heart and Charlie tells Alan that he's okay with whatever he wants to do with his life. He just wants him to be happy.

Jake continues to spend time with Megan and even starts skipping school to hang out with her. Judith is furious and demands that Megan stop seeing Jake. Megan agrees but Jake is heartbroken. Alan tries to talk to him about it but ends up revealing some of his own past experiences dating men. Jake is surprised but ultimately accepts his dad for who he is.

In the end, Alan finds the courage to come out to his date and she accepts him for who he is. Jake moves on from Megan and starts to focus on school again. And Charlie continues to be the understanding and supportive brother that Alan needs. The episode ends with the three of them sitting on the couch, watching TV and laughing together.