Lillian Gordon’s daughter, Kate Gordon-Feldstein, arranged for Jasmine to meet a couple living in New York who needed an au pair for their daughter. Sitting in Kate’s home studio, Jasmine is impressed by the successful life Kate has built for herself despite coming from such a humble background in the Florida swamps.

Jasmine realizes that having left the Professorji and his family with simply a note indicating her gratitude, she has flung herself into the arms of freedom and potential insecurity. Kate encourages her by saying that the couple, the Hayeses, and their daughter Duff, would come to love Jasmine.

Kate asks Jasmine if she is comfortable around animals; Jasmine lies and says that she is fine with pets. Kate lets her iguana Sam out to crawl about the loft. Jasmine picks up the iguana and holds him in her lap, fascinated. Looking Sam in the eyes, Jasmine sees a connection between the lizard and herself. They are both far from home and have no choice but to keep moving forward.

For the next two years, Jasmine lives with Taylor and Wylie Hayes, and their daughter. They are very welcoming to Jasmine, telling her no references other than her connections to the Gordon family are necessary.