The presence of Dennis, a spiked cake, and Louis's amorous cousin Pete snuff out Hope's birthday plans for a quiet dinner party, her first since her separation.

Hope's plan to get Gloria a job as hair stylist on the show becomes complicated as the temperamental Isaac first quits to move to South America, then returns unexpectedly - just after Gloria has quit her job at the salon where she's worked for nine years. It's up to Hope to convince Gloria's caustic former boss Cookie to take her back. Meanwhile, Louis stays over at Gloria's to tend ailing Sonny.

Goaded by Dennis into finding a men man via computer, Hope drags a reluctant Gloria on a double blind date - and finds Gloria's match more to her liking.