Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Charlotte prepares for her first date with Clark, splurging on a black dress under Bridget’s enthusiastic guidance. When Clark arrives, initial chemistry sours as he fixates on her apartment details and disparages her rescue cat. Kitty scratches Clark, exposing red flags in his attitude. Despite the tension, they proceed with the date.
Summary
One year and nine months before the shooting, Bridget drags Charlotte to Macy’s to find an outfit for her upcoming date with Clark. Reluctant yet eager to impress, Charlotte abandons her usual frugality and selects a short black dress, rationalizing the expense despite her discomfort.
Back home, Charlotte hurriedly applies makeup and worries about her apartment’s cleanliness and a possible cat odor. Clark arrives with a single red rose, looking sharp and charming. He asks for a tour, admires the park view, and flirts, which flusters Charlotte.
The mood shifts when Kitty appears. Clark jokes about black cats being bad luck, then questions her breed and is shocked to learn Kitty is a shelter rescue. He warns about fleas and pregnancy, dismisses the shelter’s assurances, and implies “you get what you pay for,” which offends Charlotte.
Clark tries to pet Kitty again; she hisses and scratches his hand, drawing blood. He blames Charlotte for not declawing her, while Charlotte defends her choice as humane. After angrily cleaning the wound, Clark curtly says, “Let’s go.” Despite the rocky start and clear red flags, Charlotte follows him out for the date.
Who Appears
- Charlotte (Charly) McKennaDermatologist preparing for a first date; splurges on a black dress; proud rescue-cat owner; notes early red flags in Clark.
- ClarkAttorney date; charming at first, then snobbish about Charlotte’s apartment and rescue cat; scratched by Kitty; insists on continuing.
- BridgetCharlotte’s pregnant friend; pushes Charlotte to shop and choose a sexy black dress for the date.
- KittyCharlotte’s black rescue cat; hisses and scratches Clark when he persists in petting; catalyst for tension.