Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
In a flashback to Toronto, Will and Fern spend an exuberant day record shopping and wandering Kensington Market, then head to Sneaky Dee’s to see Will’s friend Eli’s band. Flirtation builds, but when Eli asks Fern out, she finally reveals she has a longtime boyfriend, Jamie—shocking Will and reframing their day.
This revelation explains Fern’s limits and deepens the present-day tension between Fern and Will.
Summary
Ten years earlier, Will takes Fern to the Sonic Boom record store after her art gallery wobble. They bond over vinyl, with Fern choosing Patti Smith’s Horses “in commemoration.” They wander Kensington Market hunting for trinkets, bantering as Fern buys retro sunglasses, and Will withholds a secret plan.
At a tiny bar, they share excellent gin and tonics, slipping into playful teasing and flirtation. Will produces matching red streetcar pins “in commemoration,” which Fern loves. He invites her to his friend’s show at Sneaky Dee’s, and despite feeling grimy, Fern agrees.
Inside Sneaky Dee’s, Fern freshens up and returns to meet Eli, Will’s meticulously styled old school friend and bandmate. Over a mountain of nachos, Eli teases Will about his “Wild Bill” past and presses Fern for a date. The joking camaraderie underscores how off-script the day has become, with their private connection now in public view.
As Eli persists, Fern grows anxious. Cornered, she finally declines by telling the truth: she has a boyfriend named Jamie and they’ve been together four years. Will is visibly surprised. The admission halts the flirtation and reframes their charged day, revealing the boundary Fern has kept unspoken.
Who Appears
- FernNarrator in flashback; bonds with Will across Toronto but reveals she has a long-term boyfriend, halting their flirtation.
- Will BaxterGuides Fern through a playful, intimate day; gives matching pins; surprised when Fern discloses she’s taken.
- EliWill’s old friend and bandmate; flirts with Fern and inadvertently prompts her to admit she has a boyfriend.
- JamieFern’s offstage, long-term boyfriend; his existence is revealed, redefining Fern and Will’s dynamic.
- WhitneyFern’s friend who texts about celebrating, briefly grounding Fern’s life outside the day with Will.