21: Larissa

Larissa attends a lavish, beach-themed pool party at Mike’s Aunt Joy’s home for his Maddox cousins, noting the luxury compared to past catering jobs. Her nut allergy prevents her from eating any of the buffet, and Mike refrains from eating in solidarity, offering to leave early. Their easy rapport includes Mike trying a book Larissa and Chris had discussed, signaling his effort to share her interests.

Larissa reflects on the past month: Mike’s renewed discipline and sobriety while training for a triathlon, and her increasing time at his place because Phil has effectively moved in with her mother, making home feel smoky, cluttered, and uncomfortable. She senses Donna’s growing coldness and disapproval of Woofarine, which makes Larissa reluctant to consider living in Donna’s guesthouse.

Larissa’s friendship with Chris has deepened through regular dog exchanges, book chats, and small acts of care, and she even imagines a future where Chris would be Mike’s best man—an idea that gives her pause. She plans a surprise for Chris, who may arrive later due to work.

When Mike returns with drinks, Larissa asks to do a small paid “secret shop” on the way home. Mike dismisses the need, suggesting she move in so he can support her financially. Larissa, backed by Becca’s blunt argument about women’s vulnerability without income, insists on keeping her job for security.

Chastened, Mike good-naturedly agrees. The party continues, but Larissa drops the secret shop topic, firm in her boundary about work and independence despite pressures from her living situation and the subtle tension with Donna.