A year has passed since Lucas and Peyton left Tree Hill, and the Tree Hill gang move forward after achieving their goals. Nathan has completed his first year in the NBA, Haley has taken over Red Bedroom Records, and Brooke continues to run Clothes Over Bro's while moving forward in her relationship with Julian.

Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) considers taking matters into her own hands as Nathan’s (James Lafferty) scandal threatens his endorsement deals. Julian (Austin Nichols) gives Alex (guest star Jana Kramer) another chance, and Brooke (Sophia Bush) reconnects with Chase (guest star Stephen Colletti). Millicent (Lisa Goldstein) questions whether she has what it takes to be a model. Meanwhile, Clay (Robert Buckley) lets Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) in on a big secret.

Nathan tries to keep Haley calm after Taylor shows up at their house with Quinn’s ex-husband in tow. Julian sticks up for Alex on the set of their movie, and Brooke leans on Alexander to ease her heartache. Meanwhile, Clay gets a chance to prove his commitment to Quinn by helping her through a dinner with her sister and David.

In the chaos surrounding an 80's alumni dance at the high school, Haley's birthday is forgotten, Jamie is left home alone, and Nathan and Clay are stranded 200 miles from Tree Hill. Meanwhile, Brooke's appearance at the dance with Alexander forces Julian to relive his dorky adolescence in an episode dedicated to the memory of John Hughes.

As Haley prepares to emcee the annual Tree Hill Burning Boat Festival, Brooke uses the opportunity to process her father’s betrayal, while Julian tries to breathe new life into a past idea. Mouth and Millie make a change to their morning show, and Clay and Quinn get ready for Logan’s first night at the beach house.