Contents
Chapter 7
Overview
Fern meets the longtime accountant and discovers Brookbanks is barely breaking even, prompting her to commit to the work and quit her Toronto job. At the Roses’ cocktail hour, Will joins, hints at helping, and reveals he is newly single. Later, Fern learns Will has lived in Toronto for nearly ten years, intensifying her mistrust even as their chemistry resurfaces.
Summary
Fern visits Reggie Oswald, the resort’s longtime accountant, and learns Brookbanks has been breaking even, with Margaret even stopping her salary. Reggie outlines cost pressures and deferred maintenance, and Fern realizes the resort’s urgent need for more bookings. Galvanized, she commits to getting up to speed and asks for help.
Leaving the meeting, Fern decides to present herself more professionally and buys practical clothes and a French press, signaling she’ll run things her own way. Back home, she replaces the pod machine and calls Philippe to quit her job at Filtr, reclaiming focus for Brookbanks.
At the Roses’ traditional Sunday cocktail hour, Fern finds Will invited. They navigate tense nostalgia and banter as Will modestly downplays his past art, while Fern defends the younger Will she knew. Will confirms he intended to consult for Margaret and remains willing to help; he also reveals he broke up with Jessica.
Walking back at dusk, the flirtation and old hurt mix. When Fern asks, Will admits he has lived in Toronto for nearly ten years, which devastates Fern given his long-ago disappearance. She cuts the conversation short and leaves him on the path, her mistrust sharpened despite their revived attraction.
That night, Fern dreams of Will in her mother’s kitchen, a sensual vision that underscores her unresolved desire and grief.
Who Appears
- Fern BrookbanksProtagonist; learns the resort’s precarious finances, commits to fixing it, quits Filtr, and confronts renewed feelings and hurt over Will.
- Will BaxterArrives at cocktails, offers help, reveals breakup with Jessica, and admits he’s lived in Toronto for years, reigniting Fern’s pain.
- Reginald (Reggie) OswaldResort’s longtime accountant; details break-even finances and advises Fern on cost controls and priorities.
- Mrs. RoseDevoted guest-host; invites Will, presses for help for Fern, and prompts revealing conversation.
- Mr. RoseLongtime guest; co-hosts cocktails, reminisces, and draws out details on Will’s plans and past.
- PhilippeFern’s boss/partner at Filtr; receives her resignation call, marking her commitment to Brookbanks.