First-Time Caller

Content Warnings: This section of the guide includes discussion of cursing, sexual content, substance use, and gender discrimination.

Lucie and Maya are spending time with Patty at the café as Lucie’s new cellphone buzzes with messages from Heartstrings callers. As Maya and Patty read the texts, Maya notices one from Aiden, asking if the callers are bothering her. Lucie distracts her daughter with pizza and wonders if she should focus on family rather than dating.

Lucie reads more messages later, finding one from a man named Elliott that intrigues her. However, she texts Aiden back first, telling him about a text from a listener that included a photo of the man’s pet lizard. Lucie and Aiden banter over whether their new professional relationship constitutes friendship. Aiden teases her for being the only one excited about the corporate sponsorship from the tire company.

At work the next day, Lucie’s coworkers also read the messages on the station phone, insisting that she should go on an in-person date soon. Her coworkers, Dan, Angelo, and Harvey, persuade her to let them pick candidates. They assure her that they truly care about her happiness, and Lucie is touched.

Lucie goes to meet a customer, initially struck by his muscular physique and blond hair.