Contents
Chapter 31
Overview
At a celebratory Asheville dinner, Libby unveils a surprise: a house she and Brendan are buying, confirming their move from New York. Nora feels blindsided and abandoned, leading to a painful confrontation. Overwhelmed, Nora seeks refuge at Goode Books, where Charlie steadies her and promises she isn’t alone.
Summary
Nora, Libby, and Brendan enjoy a chic Asheville dinner, reminiscing about New York while Nora texts Charlie about the small city moments they miss. The warmth of family makes the evening feel almost like home as Nora and Charlie exchange affectionate, intimate messages.
The next day, Libby blindfolds Nora and unveils an empty house in Sunshine Falls, describing renovations and a family future. Nora senses wrongness and pushes back, insisting Libby’s life is in New York. Libby then reveals Brendan has accepted a job in Asheville and they are moving.
Nora reels, realizing the trip’s checklist masked this looming change. She learns they are already in the purchase process and feels betrayed that Libby kept it secret. The argument escalates as Nora frames New York as their shared home and history; Libby insists the move feels right for space, stability, and their kids.
Overwhelmed, Nora leaves, wandering a quiet neighborhood that feels beautiful yet alien. Panicking over the loss of “home,” she heads to Goode Books, seeking safety near Charlie. He pulls her close as she breaks down, promising she isn’t and won’t be alone.
Nora grieves the future she envisioned with Libby’s family in New York, while Charlie’s steady comfort offers immediate solace, even as Nora recognizes the impermanence of all things.
Who Appears
- Nora StephensProtagonist; blindsided by Libby’s plan to move, feels abandoned, panics, and seeks comfort with Charlie.
- Libby StephensNora’s pregnant sister; reveals decision to move to Asheville and buy a house, sparking a painful rift.
- Charlie LastraEditor and Nora’s partner; shares tender texts, then comforts Nora at Goode Books, promising she’s not alone.
- BrendanLibby’s husband; has accepted an Asheville job and is complicit in the surprise house reveal.
- HardyCab driver; transports Nora and Libby to the surprise location, adding brief local color.