Contents
Chapter 57
Overview
On Christmas Eve, Floyd asks Laurel to visit first for an oversized gift. Alarmed by his past lies and ominous clues, Laurel suspects an ulterior motive. She texts Paul and Hanna his address as a safety precaution, then drives to Floyd’s house, determined yet fearful.
Summary
On Christmas Eve morning, Laurel and Floyd swap playful messages about gifts and outfits. Floyd then asks her to stop by his house first because his present is too big to bring along. The sudden change triggers dread in Laurel, who dislikes grand gestures and distrusts Floyd’s honesty.
Laurel recalls Blue’s warning about men who crave love yet cannot love, and she replays Floyd’s lies and incriminating details: Noelle’s falsehoods, the lip balm in Noelle’s basement, the press clippings in Floyd’s study, and the candlesticks in Poppy’s room. Convinced Floyd has an ulterior motive, she decides to protect herself.
Laurel texts Paul and Hanna, gives them Floyd’s address, and instructs them to call or send someone if she’s late or unresponsive. When Hanna replies “Mum?”, Laurel withholds a response, focusing on the plan to keep herself safe while proceeding.
Driving through holiday crowds toward Stroud Green, Laurel is flooded with memories of family Christmas traditions now lost. She parks outside Floyd’s house, steels herself as the car cools and the wind rises, and then walks to his door, resolved to face whatever awaits.
Who Appears
- LaurelProtagonist; senses danger in Floyd’s request, alerts family with his address, then goes to his house wary but determined.
- FloydBoyfriend; invites Laurel over first for a large gift, prompting suspicion due to past lies.
- HannaLaurel’s daughter; receives Laurel’s precautionary text and replies with concern.
- PaulLaurel’s ex-husband; receives the safety text with Floyd’s address as part of Laurel’s contingency plan.
- BlueLaurel’s friend; her prior warning echoes in Laurel’s mind, shaping Laurel’s cautious actions.