Debbie notices the porch lights turn on and assumes Cooper has returned from his fast-food run, but the front door does not open. Looking outside, Debbie sees Lexi and Zane on the porch. Instead of kissing, Lexi looks angry while Zane smirks and shows her something on his phone.

Debbie considers opening a window to eavesdrop, hoping to learn what Lexi would never voluntarily share. Before Debbie can do so, Zane grabs Lexi’s arm and refuses to let go when Lexi tries to pull away. Alarmed by Lexi’s discomfort, Debbie goes straight to the front door and interrupts them.

Zane immediately releases Lexi. Debbie pretends she happened to be going outside, though the excuse is flimsy because Debbie has no purse or shoes. Lexi tells Debbie that Zane is leaving, and Zane says he will talk to Lexi later before departing. Debbie lets Lexi inside, relieved that her daughter is safe, while also worrying that Cooper is still not home and his location sharing is off.

Instead of retreating to her room, Lexi lingers in the living room and asks what Debbie is doing with genuine curiosity. Debbie says she is tidying, and Lexi unexpectedly offers to help. Debbie remembers when young Lexi used to enjoy weekly cleaning sessions with her, then asks Lexi to vacuum even though the living room is already spotless.

While getting the vacuum from the closet, Debbie cannot resist asking how things are going with Zane. Lexi immediately becomes suspicious, accuses Debbie of spying, and rejects Debbie’s weak explanation that Debbie was looking for Cooper. The fragile moment between them collapses: Lexi refuses to vacuum, says she has homework, and storms upstairs.

Debbie regrets mentioning Zane and hopes Lexi will eventually tell Debbie what is wrong, though Debbie recognizes Lexi may not. Debbie ends the chapter with a protective warning in mind: if Zane hurts Lexi, Zane will be sorry.