Contents
Chapter 47
Overview
Noelle narrates bringing six-month-old Poppy to meet Floyd for the first time, carefully staging the visit to win him back. She lies about easy motherhood, revels in Floyd’s immediate bond with Poppy, and departs deliberately, leaving Floyd uncertain and eager—tightening her manipulative hold on him.
Summary
Noelle recounts planning a first meeting between Floyd and baby Poppy when Poppy is six months old. She dresses Poppy to dazzle and calls ahead so Floyd will be ready, arriving on a sunny, hopeful morning determined to control the encounter.
At the door, Floyd’s attention fixes on Poppy. Inside his kitchen, Noelle savors feeling she belongs in his space. When Floyd asks to hold Poppy, Noelle encourages him, reminding him that Poppy is his daughter. Poppy engages warmly, touching Floyd’s face and laughing, and Floyd responds with delight, immediately charmed.
As they talk, Noelle praises Poppy and lies about effortless nights and easy caregiving, hiding her exhaustion and darker thoughts. She notes Floyd’s reevaluation of her: instead of the bitter ex, she appears renewed and maternal, which rekindles his interest.
After an hour and a half, Noelle ends the visit on her terms, letting Floyd strap Poppy’s seat into the car. Floyd kisses his fingers to Poppy’s cheek and hopes to see her soon. Noelle drives away, satisfied she has left Floyd uncertain about his place and emotionally invested—exactly as she intended.
Who Appears
- Noelle DonnellyNarrator; brings six-month-old Poppy to meet Floyd, lies about motherhood, and manipulates Floyd’s emotions by ending the visit on her terms.
- Floyd DunnMeets Poppy for the first time, bonds instantly, and reevaluates Noelle as maternal and appealing, left eager yet unsure.
- PoppySix-month-old baby; delights Floyd with smiles and interaction, becoming the emotional leverage in Noelle’s plan.