Summary

In “Memory of Lightning,” Carlisle remembers the “flight to Mexico, 1997” (152). Before meeting Alex, she considers lying to him because she envies his connection with James. Instead, they meet up for drinks and she tells him the truth. When he makes an insensitive remark, Carlisle flees the bar for her hotel.

In the morning, Alex is at Carlisle’s door. They talk and end up spending the day together. Alex tells Carlisle more about his relationship with James. Although their connection “wasn’t anything sexual,” Alex says he loved James (165). Their friendship made him feel like he belonged. Carlisle understands. However, she is still unsure how James feels about Alex.

In “The Black Shoes,” Carlisle and Alex start sleeping together. On the day Carlisle is supposed to fly “back to New York,” Alex invites her to his dance class (168). Although...