Hannah begins the chapter at Della's, the nearby diner where she has worked since freshman year, grateful that Tracy lets her borrow a car for the short trip from campus. Near the end of her shift, she discovers Garrett sitting in one of her booths. Garrett immediately asks for a tutor instead of food, and when Hannah refuses, he explains that he went to the ethics study group and found that the strongest student there only earned a C-plus. Because the group is not good enough to help him pass the makeup exam, Garrett insists that he needs Hannah specifically. Hannah is irritated that Garrett used the study-group sign-up sheet to learn her full name, phone number, and workplace, and she calls him a stalker.

Garrett keeps pushing while placing an enormous food order, repeatedly trying to add tutoring to it. Hannah stays sarcastic and refuses again. After she takes the order to the kitchen, her coworker Lisa gushes over Garrett's looks and reputation and is shocked that Hannah is not excited to serve him. Wanting to avoid him, Hannah gives Lisa his table. Garrett notices the switch and silently makes it clear that he does not plan to give up.

The perspective then shifts to Garrett. He thinks like an athlete facing a challenge: Hannah's refusal only makes him more determined. While Lisa openly flirts with him, Garrett stays focused on Hannah, watches her work, and wonders about her background because she seems unlike the women who usually throw themselves at him. After learning from Lisa that Hannah is about to finish her shift, Garrett pays and waits outside the diner so he can continue his campaign.

When Hannah leaves work, Garrett stops her in the parking lot and tries new bargaining tactics. He assumes she is not interested in money, then offers booze and weed, and finally suggests a date, framing it as a way to boost Hannah's image rather than a real romantic offer. Hannah laughs at his arrogance, rejects the idea completely, and tells him that if he put this much effort into studying, he would ace the exam. She gets into the borrowed car and drives away, leaving Garrett frustrated and without a new plan, but still unable to let the matter go.