Summary

Nell is dropping her mother off at a kickboxing class, part of a new lifestyle that Lillian has embarked upon. Lillian urges Nell to return to Paris, telling her that “You only live once” (134). Nell begins to respond by saying that the weekend had been perfect and she does not want to ruin it, but before she can finish her reply, Lillian interrupts saying “Well, that’s hardly going to get you laid” (134). Then Lillian explains how she had put her life on hold for ten long years after losing her husband, and that she does not want Nell to waste ten years of her life worrying about what might happen. She tells Nell that after coming back from Paris she had been so alive and then suggests Nell think about it once more and exits the car.

The scene...