Long Island

Long Island is the primary backdrop for the novel. Sometime into Alex's relationship with Simon, Simon invites her to come and stay with him on Long Island. He has an office and home on his property in this location. Alex accepts the offer, as she has been looking for an escape from her devolving life in New York City.

Throughout the first weeks of her stay on Long Island, Alex basks in the new ease and excess of her life with Simon. Simon is largely preoccupied with his work. Therefore, Alex spends her days alone, driving between the house and the beach. In the evenings, the two go out to parties or have dinner. Things go awry, however, when Alex ruins Simon's car and embarrasses him at a party. He breaks up with her and has his assistant drive her to the station.

Instead of boarding the...