Contents
Chapter 21
Overview
Fern juggles resort crises as Will hosts an intimate dinner with Whitney and Cam, revealing he leaves Sunday. Whitney pointedly demands clarity about Fern and Will’s future, forcing the issue into the open. Later, Whitney apologizes, but Fern admits fear and hesitation, even as signs suggest Will wants more.
The chapter heightens stakes before the dance: staffing worsens, Peter supports Fern, and Fern must decide whether to risk vulnerability.
Summary
In the office with Jamie, Fern loses track of time before dinner with Whitney and Cam. She’s exhausted and discouraged after the sommelier, Zoe, quits to run The Daisy’s wine program. Will collects Fern and leads her to a deck he’s set with flowers, a cheese board, gin and tonics, and mushroom risotto, followed by Peter’s dark chocolate cake. Peter has been warming to Will and is focused on perfecting bread rolls for the upcoming dance.
During dinner, Whitney asks when Will is leaving. Will says Sunday, the day after the dance. Whitney presses about what happens next, warning she won’t let Fern be hurt again. Will says the conversation belongs to him and Fern; Whitney relents with a protective threat, and Will accepts it.
On Friday, Whitney calls to apologize for overstepping. Fern, swamped by last-minute dance prep and poor interviews, admits she’s overwhelmed, while Peter keeps dropping off food, quietly checking on her. Whitney and Fern discuss outfits for the dance; Fern plans to raid her mother’s closet, recalling a ridiculous purple dress from their teens.
Whitney insists Will is deeply into Fern, not just seeking a fling, citing his care and effort. Fern worries he’s in “vacation mode” and that she may not fit his real life once he returns to Toronto. Whitney points out Fern has closed herself off after her mother, Eric, and the past with Will. Fern acknowledges her growing feelings but remains afraid to fully put herself out there, hinting that her hesitation runs deeper than simply confessing she likes him.
Who Appears
- FernOverworked resort lead; enjoys Will’s thoughtful dinner but fears his departure; wrestles with vulnerability and future plans.
- WillCooks an elegant dinner, bonds with Fern’s friends, confirms Sunday departure, and defers future-talk to a private conversation.
- WhitneyProtective best friend; confronts Will about intentions, later apologizes, and pushes Fern to risk emotional honesty.
- JamieHelps manage bookings and dance logistics; urges Fern to go to dinner with friends.
- CamWhitney’s partner; attends dinner, quietly supports while Whitney questions Will.
- PeterBaker and ally; provides cake and pastries, focuses on dance rolls, subtly supports Fern.
- ZoeSommelier who resigns to join The Daisy, worsening Fern’s staffing and morale.