Chapter 14

Laurel calls Floyd, confirms she is “Ms. Mack,” and they enthusiastically arrange a Friday night dinner in town. His playful confidence reassures Laurel, and they settle on Thai food, with Floyd promising to book a table.

Before leaving, Laurel wrestles with nerves and aging self-scrutiny while getting ready. She pauses at the door to speak to Ellie’s photo, telling her about the date and seeking a sense of blessing, then heads out determined to try to enjoy herself.

At the moody, stylish restaurant, Floyd greets Laurel warmly. They overorder dishes, relax with beer and wine, and exchange life basics—work, family, age. Floyd flatters Laurel’s appearance; they banter about spice and the ambience, easing into rapport.

The conversation turns to Floyd’s children. He explains his elder daughter, Sara-Jade (SJ), lives with his ex and uses him as an escape from tensions. He lights up describing Poppy, praising her sharp humor and brilliance, and notes Poppy lives with him because her mother was a short-lived relationship that never worked.

Floyd then reveals that when Poppy was four, her mother abandoned her—leaving Poppy with him and disappearing without trace. Laurel, struck by the resonance with Ellie’s disappearance, asks if he thinks the woman might be dead. The question darkens Floyd’s mood; he replies uncertainly.

After the brief chill, Floyd steers the evening back to lighter ground. They order another glass of wine and continue the date, the sense of mutual understanding and shared absence still quietly binding them.