Chapter 18

In the theater’s arcade during intermission, Harriet runs into Wyn carrying an armful of candy. They banter about his hangover and his recent preference for edibles, which he shares with his mom to help her, revealing his care for her and a calmer lifestyle.

Wyn broaches their breakup. He realizes Harriet believed he ended things because of “him,” and she assumes he blamed her. Wyn insists he didn’t and doesn’t. Harriet, hurt, points to the timing, while Wyn says he was in a dark place compounded by his father Hank’s sudden death and hating San Francisco. He says he never wanted to hurt her and only wants her happiness.

Harriet clarifies she’s not with the man Wyn implied; Wyn adds there’s no one else for him either. Their chemistry swells as they exchange small talk about his furniture repair work, her apartment, and her distant relationship with her sister, Eloise.

They reminisce about Wyn’s family—Lou and Michael—and Gloria’s supportive, funny candor. Wyn admits his family still thinks he and Harriet see each other when he’s “out of town.” He shares that living back home and doing crosswords with his mom makes him surprisingly happy, hinting at where he belongs.

Flirtation intensifies as they joke about crosswords and his inability to sit across from her without touching her. As their friends spill out for intermission, the moment breaks, and Wyn quietly tells Harriet he thought her new pottery bowl was beautiful, leaving their reconnection unresolved but newly possible.