Contents
Chapter 26
Overview
Nora and Libby head to town, run into Charlie, and invite him to dinner. A call from Sharon reveals Loggia may hire an editor and wants Nora to interview, a path Charlie helped open. The news triggers tension with Libby over boundaries and secrecy. Their argument crescendos, and Libby suddenly collapses.
Summary
At dusk, Nora and Libby try to lure horses with treats before deciding to eat in town at Poppa Squat’s. Libby looks pale and shaky on the walk. Passing Goode Books, they see Charlie locking up, and Libby enthusiastically invites him to dinner.
As Nora steps inside, her phone rings. Despite Libby’s no-work-after-five rule, Nora answers Sharon, who’s on leave. Sharon hints Loggia will hire a new editor and, citing Charlie’s praise of Nora’s work on Dusty’s book, invites Nora to interview. Caught off guard yet excited, Nora tentatively agrees to think it over.
Nora returns dazed. Libby, irritated by the boundary breach, pushes to leave for dinner. Overwhelmed, Nora snaps, and their simmering conflict surfaces: Nora accuses Libby of secrecy and disappearing; Libby rejects needing Nora’s help, saying she doesn’t want to be an excuse keeping Nora from a life.
In the heat of the argument, Nora reveals she once passed on the editing job she wanted to help Libby afford a top doula. Libby turns ghostly pale, grows unsteady, and, after trying to collect herself at the counter, collapses, cutting the confrontation short and turning the disagreement into a sudden health crisis.
Who Appears
- Nora StephensAgent offered an interview for an editor role at Loggia; clashes with Libby; witnesses Libby collapse.
- LibbyPregnant sister; pale and shaky; pushes boundaries with Nora; argues, then faints in Goode Books.
- Charlie LastraEditor at Goode Books; invited to dinner; previously praised Nora to Sharon, prompting the opportunity.
- SharonLoggia contact on leave; calls to invite Nora to interview for a forthcoming editor position.