during her break, buffy sneaks around in the back rooms, searching for the truth behind the secret ingredient, but is caught by manny. at the counter, buffy finds her friends have come by to visit her and she treats xander to a doublemeat medley. anya goes on a rant about how behind the wedding plans are, partially blaming willow for the complications. later, buffy receives a surprise visit from spike at the restaurant. he teases her and tries to persuade her to leave the job and be with him, warning her that this job could kill her. he offers to do everything in his power to take care of her and help her with her money problems. she remains determined and turns away. gary goes out to the alley behind the restaurant and encounters someone/something that he recognizes; then that someone or something attacks him.