Sixteen months passed. Nola was deepening her connection with Opal, while Mars, adrift in unemployment, sought a place to stay.

As tensions with Opal escalated, Nola considered an offer to incorporate her street art into an advertising campaign. Simultaneously, she experienced a disquieting encounter during a visit to Skylar’s school.

Aching with a fresh vulnerability, Nola undertakes a thorough cleaning of her surroundings and resumes her therapy sessions. Elsewhere, Shemekka returns to the motel where she received the injections.

On Martha's Vineyard, Nola finds herself with the rare opportunity to learn from artists such as Carrie Mae Weems and Amy Sherald. However, an unexpected event disrupts her progress.

While Brooklyn honors Prince at the Purple People Party, Nola captures portraits for earWave. Meanwhile, Septima rehearses a play with George C. Wolfe.

Clorinda finds herself increasingly burdened by the demands of Danton, while a complicated romantic entanglement with Mars adds to her emotional turmoil. Meanwhile, Skylar directly challenges Nola regarding her connection with Jamie.

Nola, Mars, Shemekka, and Winny embarked on a journey to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a trip intended to bring vital funds for those recovering from the hurricane's devastation.

At the launch of her hair care line, Shemekka unexpectedly compels Nola and Clo to confront their unresolved issues. The promotional campaign, earWave, descends into frustrating chaos.

A gathering of friends, past loves, and artistic colleagues filled the gallery for Nola’s inaugural solo exhibition, where one particularly striking new work elicited a powerful response from the audience.