Summary

Chapter 31 returns to Sophie on July 22nd, when she receives an invitation to her Oxford class reunion. Initially reluctant, she decides a night to herself away from James and the children is just what she needs. After a sumptuous dinner, the classmates sip port and Sophie recognizes a friend’s old boyfriend. They make polite small talk until the man mentions knowing an excellent divorce lawyer who helped him with his own difficult split, and hands Sophie a heavy business card. After more drinks, the group spills out into the night, while Sophie stays behind and sits on a bench in the quad to collect her thoughts. Soon, a woman Sophie remembers glaring at her during dinner sits down on the bench next to her and introduces herself as Ali Jessop, known as Alison in college. Ali admits being drunk enough to finally...