This opportunity had potential to set him up for bigger things. It was his last shot; he couldn’t fuck it up. But maybe he’d go for one beer.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 2)

Importance: Robert knows that he is taking a risk when he joins the welcome party to which Rachel invited him. Regardless, Robert is attracted to Lauren and wants the chance to see if she is interested in him regardless of what the risk might mean to his future.

He knocked and Jen emerged, lipstick fresh, and as they passed each other, Rachel noticed Jason’s hand brush against Jen’s, then give it a small squeeze.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 3)

Importance: From the first day that all of the Salcombe summer people are back on the island, Rachel believes that Jen and Jason are having an affair. Her suspicion is confirmed when she sees them together later on the beach.

If Dave couldn’t steal correctly...
-- Narrator (Part 2, Chapter 10)