Summary

In Chapter 12, “January 2017,” after Julian returned from another business trip, he and Ava discussed Ava’s teaching troubles and long-term plans. One night, Julian revealed his first impressions of Ava. Then they discussed what Seb and Victoria thought of them. The conversation made Ava hope she would someday care for Julian in his old age. She imagined how she would describe their relationship in retrospect. She wanted to share her thoughts with Julian, but feared “how little he could comprehend” (56).

In Chapter 13, Ava grew “more openly begrudging” at work (57). Her colleagues seemed to dislike and disregard her. Victoria did the same. One night, she told Ava she wanted to have sex with Julian, and implied that Ava was bridging the gap between Julian’s ex Kat and his next big relationship (58).

Ava did not find a new job despite her discontentment. She promised...