Everything in the interlude could have just been a quick 2 minute flashback or under 10 sentences in a conversation and it wouldn't really change much. Zoey and MC were together, Zoey's Grandmother died and left her money, Zoey left to become a surfer and MC stayed behind to finish school, Zoey met some people and worked in a tattoo place, Zoey ran out of money and didn't like surfing so she decided to return home to the MC.
Start of episode flashback. Zoey and MC talking with Zoey deciding to leave and MC staying behind.
Scene with MC telling Derek his ex is back. Flashback of Zoey and MC hanging out and Zoey finding out her Grandmother died. Zoey finds out her Grandmother left her money to become a surfer and Zoey discusses leaving with the MC.
Scene of Zoey and MC. Flashback where Zoey tells the MC about some of the people she met, she didn't like surfing, she ran out of money and missed the MC.
All I need to know about Zoey is that she had a relationship with the MC and a small amount of background about her character. Josy, Maya, Jill and Sage didn't get a whole episode about their life without the MC and I didn't need it for Zoey. Just like every character I don't need a whole episode dedicated to a part of their life I just need some bits of their background while growing a relationship with them in the game.