Summary

Chapter Four begins with an excerpt from Petra Polly’s book that encourages competition amongst coworkers.

Paige thought that the vegan cake tasted surprisingly “delicious” (24). She ate it while reading Petra’s book and drinking wine. She thought about her late husband, how they both enjoyed “order” (25). Paige realized that she had not yet spoken to Colin’s mother. Paige called the woman named Charlene, having received her phone number earlier from Trey. Paige introduced herself. After a long silence, Charlene accuses Paige of neither having running water nor food in their house. Paige responded: “I’m doing the best I can since my husband died” (26). Charlene continued to question Paige’s stability, and Paige quickly ended the call with thanks for her hosting Trey that night.

Paige took the rest of the cake and some wine outside. She tried not to think...