Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
8
Overview
Sloane forces a fresh start: she sets up a dating profile and discovers files on Allen’s mother, who received an unusually harsh sentence. At bridal shopping, Naomi’s plan steers Lina to a striking black-appliqué gown. Over lunch, Lina confirms she’s joining Lucian’s firm and invites Sloane to deliver the files at his office, which Sloane reluctantly agrees to.
Summary
Sloane commits to a personal comeback, prepping for wedding dress shopping and work. While avoiding household chaos, she creates a blunt dating app profile. In her father’s study, Sloane uncovers clippings about Allen—her father’s protégé—and his mother, Mary Louise Upshaw, who received a severe first-offense drug sentence.
She drives to D.C. and meets Naomi, Lina, and Stef at a bridal boutique. Lina wilts under a parade of froufrou gowns, while Naomi quietly coordinates with Ahmad, the consultant. After escalating disasters, a dramatic window-display gown with black floral appliqués is staged, catching Lina’s eye.
Lina tries the black-appliqué dress and it’s an instant fit, moving Bonnie (Lina’s mother) to tears over video. The choice affirms Lina’s style and her commitment to Nash, easing her anxiety about traditional bridal expectations.
At lunch, Sloane calls Maeve to investigate the Upshaw case, suspecting an excessive sentence. Back at the table, Sloane reveals she plans to pass her father’s files to Lucian through Lina. Lina then confirms she accepted Lucian’s job with better pay and perks.
When Lina mentions Lucian invited them to his office—and might not be present—Naomi pushes Sloane to go. Torn but curious, Sloane agrees to visit, planning to deliver the files and glimpse Lucian’s world, while leaving open the possibility of a D.C. hookup via her new app.
Who Appears
- Sloane WaltonDetermined to restart life; sets up a dating profile, finds files on Allen’s mother’s harsh sentence, and agrees to visit Lucian’s office.
- LinaAnxious bride who ultimately chooses a black-appliqué gown; accepts Lucian’s job and invites Sloane to his office.
- NaomiOrchestrates the bridal shop plan that leads Lina to the perfect dress; encourages Sloane to visit Lucian’s office.
- StefProvides comic relief during dress trials; avoids lunch heckling about moving in with Jeremiah.
- AhmadBridal consultant who stages gowns and presents the black-appliqué dress that wins Lina over.
- Bonnie SolavitaLina’s mother, video-calling from work; emotional and supportive when Lina finds the right dress.
- MaeveSloane’s sister; agrees by phone to investigate the Mary Louise Upshaw case.
- Lucian RollinsOff-page presence; offers Lina the job and invites the group to his office, prompting Sloane’s reluctant visit.
- Meow MeowSloane’s cat; knocks over files, inadvertently revealing the Upshaw case clippings.
- AllenSloane’s late father’s protégé; referenced via clippings about his mother’s severe sentencing.