Contents
Chapter 24: Julia
Overview
Richard calls Julia, pressuring her to guide Emmett toward Evelyn and to finalize bar permits, hinting her reference depends on compliance. Julia spends the day with family, where the public leak of Emmett’s show role surfaces. A chance encounter at the creamery leads to Theo needling Emmett, who pointedly flirts with Julia before leaving. Julia’s concern for Emmett slips through, noticed by her mom and Winter.
Summary
On her drive to her mom’s, Julia takes a call from producer Richard. He notes Emmett’s attachment, prods Julia about her dating status, and pressures her to nudge Emmett toward Evelyn. He ties her performance to a reference letter and reminds her to finalize bar permits by getting an owner’s signature.
Determined to distract herself from Emmett and the kiss, Julia arrives for a family day with her mom, brother Theo, Winter, and the kids. Theo reveals the internet has outed Emmett as the show’s bachelor. Bound by NDA, Julia confirms little, but Theo revels in the news and needles her.
Later at the Old Country Creamery, Julia literally bumps into Emmett, with Evan beside him. Emmett is visibly rattled by the leak; Evan runs interference. Theo mocks Emmett with dad-joke jabs. Emmett counters with dry humor and a pointed, flirty whisper about choosing Julia, then he and Evan depart, with Evan casually inviting Julia to family breakfast again.
Afterward, Theo warns Julia against giving Emmett attention, while Julia quietly defends Emmett’s behavior and admits to liking his family. As she checks her phone, the bar owner finally responds about the needed permit signature. Her offhand defense of Emmett draws knowing looks from her mom and Winter, exposing her growing feelings.
Who Appears
- JuliaHandler torn between professionalism and feelings; pressured by Richard; juggles permits; family day exposes her concern for Emmett.
- Emmett BrandtBachelor rattled by public leak; trades barbs with Theo; pointedly flirts with Julia before leaving.
- RichardProducer manipulates Julia to steer Emmett to Evelyn; leverages reference letter; demands bar permit progress.
- TheoJulia’s brother; delighted by the leak; taunts Emmett; skeptical of Julia’s involvement with him.
- EvanEmmett’s brother; supportive, eases tension at the creamery; invites Julia to family breakfast.
- WinterTheo’s partner; observes Julia closely; notes changes and later clocks Julia’s concern for Emmett.
- Julia’s momWarm matriarch hosting family day; notices Julia’s slip revealing feelings for Emmett.
- VivienneJulia’s energetic niece; brings lightness to the family gathering.
- HarveyJulia’s infant nephew; mostly sleeps while the adults talk.