Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Charlotte unwinds at her Central Park–adjacent apartment, savoring solitude, routine, and her bond with her cat. A tense call with her mother underscores pressure to marry, which Charlotte rejects. Despite valuing independence, Charlotte’s thoughts drift to Clark Douglas, hinting nascent interest that may challenge her guarded lifestyle.
Summary
Two years earlier, Charlotte arrives at her comfortable apartment near Central Park, describing it as her safe haven despite minor anxieties about the building’s lack of a doorman. She notes security precautions, the presence of a reliable maintenance man, and a heavy-duty lock that reassures her.
She’s greeted by her black cat, Kitty, whose adoption reshaped Charlotte’s evenings. Charlotte reflects on her hesitation before adopting a cat, citing long hours and worries about becoming a “crazy cat lady,” even musing on toxoplasmosis as a possible contributor to that stereotype. Now, Kitty is a pampered companion with finicky tastes.
Charlotte prepares salmon for herself and gourmet canned food for Kitty, then debates answering her buzzing phone. She relents, speaking with her mother, who loudly checks in and offers reminders, which irk Charlotte. The conversation shifts to marriage and children; her mother pushes a bridge partner’s son as a setup, but Charlotte firmly declines.
After ending the call, Charlotte settles into her evening routine, appreciating the autonomy of choosing her own meal and entertainment. She insists she prefers her peaceful home life to any relationship that might disrupt it.
Yet as she eats, Charlotte thinks of Clark Douglas, the confident patient who flirted earlier that day. She admits she wouldn’t entirely mind sharing dinner—and perhaps more—with him, suggesting a crack in her resolve to remain unattached.
Who Appears
- Dr. Charlotte McKennaDermatologist narrator; cherishes solitary home life, dotes on her cat, rejects mother’s matchmaking, but thinks about Clark.
- Charlotte’s motherCalls during dinner; urges Charlotte to date and marry; pushes a setup, prompting Charlotte’s firm refusal.
- KittyCharlotte’s black cat; affectionate, finicky eater, central to Charlotte’s evening comfort and routine.
- Clark DouglasAttorney patient from earlier; not present, but Charlotte imagines sharing dinner with him, signaling budding interest.
- JohnnyBuilding’s burly maintenance man; mentioned as part of Charlotte’s sense of safety at home.