Contents
Chapter 55
Overview
Laurel visits her ailing mother, forcing a smile about her relationship with Floyd while Ruby senses doubt. Laurel then calls Jake and speaks with Blue, seeking clarity.
Blue articulates Laurel’s fears: Floyd projects a false persona, watches and prompts Poppy, and is dangerously needy, using Poppy as a cloak.
Summary
Laurel visits her mother Ruby in the care home before Christmas, chatting about the family gathering at Paul and Bonny’s with Hanna, Jake, Floyd, and Poppy. When Ruby asks about Laurel’s “new boyfriend,” Laurel claims things are good, but Ruby senses the lie and responds skeptically, reinforcing Laurel’s unease.
Leaving the home, Laurel calls Jake to smooth tensions after their recent conflict. They agree to meet at Bonny’s, and Laurel asks to speak with Blue, assuring Jake she won’t reignite the argument.
On the phone, Laurel apologizes to Blue and probes her earlier misgivings about Floyd. Blue describes Floyd’s “dark aspect” and a disconnect between his performed charm and true self. She says Floyd closely watches and subtly prompts Poppy, implying performance, and that he does not love Poppy in a normal way but needs her to appear human—a “cloak.”
Blue concludes that a man who craves love but cannot love is dangerous, and warns Poppy must get away before Floyd dims her vitality. Laurel, shaken and recognizing her own feelings, ends the call numb, her doubts about Floyd solidified ahead of the holiday gathering.
Who Appears
- Laurel MackVisits her mother, conceals doubts about Floyd, then seeks Blue’s candid assessment, which deepens her misgivings.
- BlueWarns that Floyd is performative and dangerous, and that he uses and prompts Poppy as a humanizing ‘cloak.’
- Floyd DunnAbsent but scrutinized; portrayed as deceptive, needy, and controlling toward Poppy, confirming Laurel’s concerns.
- RubyLaurel’s mother; senses Laurel’s lie about Floyd and gently questions her supposed happiness.
- JakeSpeaks with Laurel to reconcile; connects her with Blue and agrees to attend the family gathering.
- PoppyDiscussed as bright and singular; Blue claims Floyd monitors and uses her to present himself as human.