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The book tells the story of a young librarian who is trying to move on from a recent breakup with her fiancé, Peter, who left her for his best friend, Petra. The narrator is living with Miles, Petra's ex, in a small apartment in Waning Bay, Michigan, and is struggling to come to terms with her new reality. As she navigates her heartbreak and tries to find a new job, she develops a complicated friendship with Miles, who is also dealing with his own emotional baggage. Throughout the book, the narrator reflects on her past relationship with Peter, her feelings of betrayal and sadness, and her growing connection with Miles. As they spend more time together, they start to develop romantic feelings for each other, but their relationship is put to the test by their own personal demons and the presence of their exes. Along the way, the narrator learns to let go of her past, forgive herself and others, and find a new sense of purpose and belonging in Waning Bay. Ultimately, the book is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of love, relationships, and identity, as the narrator finds her place in the world and discovers that sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected places.
The narrator, a librarian, is struggling to come to terms with her recent breakup with her fiancé, Peter, who left her for his "platonic" best friend, Petra. She is now living with Miles, Petra's ex, in a small apartment in Waning Bay, Michigan. The narrator is trying to move on with her life, but it's proving to be difficult as she constantly reminds herself of the pain of her breakup. She spends her days scrolling through Petra's social media, feeling sorry for herself, and trying to find a new job to escape her current situation. Meanwhile, Miles is also dealing with his own heartbreak, and the two of them have a awkward but somewhat friendly cohabitation. The narrator is counting down the days until she can leave Waning Bay, 108 days to be exact, and start a new chapter in her life.
The narrator reflects on her past relationship with Peter, from their first meeting to their engagement and plans to start a new life together in Michigan. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Peter reveals that he has fallen in love with his best friend, Petra, after a night out at his bachelor party. He breaks the news to the narrator, explaining that Petra has confessed her feelings to him and he feels the same way. The narrator is devastated and feels betrayed, especially when she realizes that Peter and Petra are planning to leave together and that Petra will be moving into the house that the narrator had furnished and considered her home. In a fit of rage and heartbreak, the narrator throws Jordan almonds at Peter and Petra as they drive away, and is later joined by Miles, Petra's ex, who has also been dumped and is seeking comfort. The narrator, still reeling from the shock, begins to think practically and asks Miles about his apartment, hinting at a potential new living arrangement.
The narrator reflects on her living situation with Miles, her ex-fiancé's ex's ex, and how they have developed a comfortable and respectful cohabitation. She spends her days working at the library, where she leads a story hour for children and interacts with her quirky coworkers. After receiving a text from Miles, she returns home to find him in a state of distress, having received a wedding invitation from their exes, Peter and Petra, who are getting married on Labor Day weekend. The narrator is devastated by the news and Miles comforts her, leading to a moment of unexpected emotional connection between them. As they drink wine and talk, the narrator learns more about Miles' life, including his job at a winery, and they bond over their shared heartbreak. The chapter ends with Miles suggesting they go out to take their minds off their exes, and the narrator agreeing, marking a potential turning point in their relationship.
The narrator and Miles spend a night out at a neighborhood bar called MEATLOCKER, where they meet a charismatic biker named Gill who buys them drinks and shares his life story. As the night progresses, the narrator and Miles return home drunk, laughing and joking together. They decide to RSVP to their exes' wedding, partly to make them uncomfortable and partly as an act of rebellion. The next morning, the narrator wakes up with a headache and fragmented memories of the previous night, including a vague recollection of being attracted to Miles. She discovers a dating app on her phone, which she doesn't remember downloading, and receives a call from Miles, prompting her to recall the events of the previous night and wonder what might have happened between them.
The narrator receives a call from her ex-fiancé, Peter, who is getting married to his new partner, Petra. Peter expresses concern that the narrator will be alone at the wedding and tries to make her feel guilty about attending. In response, the narrator tells Peter that she is bringing her boyfriend, Miles, which is a lie. Miles is actually her roommate and Petra's ex. When the narrator confesses to Miles about the lie, he is amused and suggests that they pretend to be a couple to annoy their exes. Miles takes a photo of them together and encourages the narrator to post it on social media to make Petra think they are dating. The narrator eventually posts the photo, and Miles celebrates their small act of revenge. The chapter ends with the narrator and Miles sharing a moment of camaraderie and bitterness towards their exes.
The narrator is struggling to decide which books to purchase for the library's fall releases, as she has to work within a tight budget. She receives a call from her coworker Ashleigh, who invites her to go out for a night, and they decide to visit Cherry Hill, a local winery where Miles, the narrator's roommate, works. As they prepare to go out, Ashleigh explores the narrator's apartment and discovers Miles's room, where she finds a collection of Polaroids depicting his past relationship with Petra. The narrator is taken aback by the photos and feels a pang of nostalgia and possibly even jealousy. At the winery, they meet Miles, who is working behind the bar, and the narrator is impressed by his confidence and charm. Ashleigh is also drawn to Miles and teases the narrator about her connection to him, referring to him as her "adoring girlfriend." The narrator is forced to confront her feelings about Miles and her past relationship with Peter, as well as her growing friendship with Ashleigh.
The narrator spends an evening out with her coworker Ashleigh at a local winery where Miles, her roommate, works. As they taste wine and share stories, Ashleigh probes the narrator about her relationship with Miles, and the narrator eventually reveals the truth about her breakup with Peter and the fake relationship with Miles. Miles joins in on the conversation, and they all share a lighthearted and humorous exchange. However, things take a turn when Miles reveals that his coworker Katya has heard about his "new girlfriend" from Petra, and he inadvertently confirms the lie. The evening ends with Ashleigh taking a photo of the narrator and Miles, which she claims is a "couples' candid," further solidifying the fake relationship narrative. Despite the awkwardness, the narrator and Miles seem to be developing a stronger connection, and Ashleigh's presence adds a new dynamic to their interactions.
The narrator and Miles leave the winery after a night out, with Ashleigh departing with a new acquaintance, Greg-Craig. Miles suggests they get milkshakes at Big Louie's Drive-In, a local favorite that the narrator has never tried. As they drive, they discuss their past relationships and personalities, with the narrator revealing her ex-fiancé Peter's love of schedules and healthy habits. Miles teases her about being a "gym couple" and they share a lighthearted moment. At Big Louie's, they order chocolate-cherry milkshakes and Petoskey fries, and the narrator is delighted by the taste. As they finish their snacks, Miles suggests a midnight trip to the beach, hinting that he knows a spot that's not as touristy as the one the narrator is familiar with. The narrator is intrigued, and they set off into the night, leaving the winery and the drive-in behind.
The narrator and Miles spend a night out at a secluded beach, where they share stories, laugh, and get to know each other better. Miles opens up about his past relationship with Petra and his feelings about her engagement to the narrator's ex-fiancé, Peter. The narrator, still struggling to come to terms with her breakup, finds comfort in Miles's company and begins to feel a connection with him. As they sit together on the beach, watching the stars and listening to the sound of the waves, the narrator starts to feel a sense of belonging and happiness. Miles offers to be her tour guide and show her around Waning Bay, hoping to convince her to stay in the town instead of moving away. The narrator, who has been feeling lost and uncertain about her future, starts to consider the possibility of staying in Waning Bay and exploring a potential relationship with Miles. As the night comes to a close, the narrator and Miles share a tender moment, and the narrator realizes that she may have found a true friend, or possibly something more, in Miles.
The narrator spends a week barely interacting with Miles, but things change when he shows up at her Saturday Story Hour at the library. He's impressed by her storytelling abilities and they exchange playful banter. On Sunday, Miles takes the narrator on a tour of the local area, stopping at various farms and stands to pick up produce for the restaurant where he works, Cherry Hill. They have a enjoyable time together, sampling local cherries and lavender shortbread, and the narrator starts to feel a connection with Miles. However, their outing is disrupted when they run into the narrator's ex-fiancé, Peter, at a lavender farm, causing an awkward encounter.
The narrator and Miles encounter her ex-fiancé, Peter, at a lavender farm, leading to an awkward conversation. Peter expresses concern for the narrator's well-being and warns her about Miles, revealing that Miles's family doesn't talk to him. The narrator is taken aback by this information and feels a pang of doubt, but Miles reassures her that it's true and he's come to terms with it. After the encounter, the narrator and Miles share a passionate kiss, which leaves them both breathless and unsure of how to process their feelings. As they cook dinner together, they engage in a deeper conversation, discussing their families, relationships, and personal struggles. The narrator opens up about her desire to be part of a traditional family, while Miles shares his experiences with dyslexia and his complicated family history. The chapter ends with a sense of intimacy and connection between the narrator and Miles, as they navigate their developing feelings for each other.
The narrator and Miles continue to grow closer, their friendship blossoming into a romance. They share intimate moments, including a passionate kiss and a night of making out on the couch. As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must also confront their past relationships and the reasons they were drawn to each other in the first place. The narrator's mom offers words of encouragement and support, reminding her that she doesn't need a romantic relationship to have a full life. Meanwhile, Miles receives a series of urgent calls from his sister, Julia, which interrupts their intimate moment and forces him to confront his family responsibilities. As the narrator and Miles try to make sense of their newfound feelings, they must also contend with the complexities of their living situation and the potential risks of taking their relationship to the next level.
The narrator is at home when Miles receives a call from his sister, Julia, who is arriving at the airport and wants him to pick her up. Miles is hesitant, revealing that Julia can be impulsive and may disrupt their lives. When Miles leaves to pick up Julia, the narrator starts cleaning and preparing the apartment, recalling her childhood experiences of helping her mother host guests. Upon Miles' return with Julia, the narrator is introduced to Julia's energetic and charismatic personality. Julia is curious about the narrator's relationship with Miles and teases them about their supposed romance, which the narrator had previously fabricated to spite her ex-fiancé, Peter. As the evening unfolds, Julia suggests getting drunk, but Miles declines, citing his age and responsibilities. Instead, they decide to order food, and the narrator suggests nachos, trying to downplay any romantic tension between her and Miles. Throughout the chapter, the narrator's feelings for Miles are palpable, but they both seem to be hesitant to act on them, prioritizing their friendship and living situation.
The narrator and Miles go on a kayaking trip at 5 am, after Miles picks her up with coffee and they head to the kayak rental place. They meet another couple, Keith and Gladys, who seem to be on a first date, and the narrator and Miles decide to let them go ahead and paddle out on their own. As they paddle, the narrator and Miles have a heart-to-heart conversation about their lives, families, and relationships. The narrator opens up about her childhood and her relationship with her dad, who was often absent but would take her to the library when he was around. Miles shares his own stories and they bond over their shared experiences. When the narrator accidentally mentions her ex-fiancé Peter, Miles teases her and eventually tips her over into the lake. The narrator retaliates and they end up swimming together, their bodies touching underwater. As they tread water, they have a flirtatious conversation, and the narrator feels a strong attraction to Miles. They decide to continue paddling and make their way towards the island, the tension between them palpable.
The narrator and her friends, including Miles and Ashleigh, spend a night out at a local venue called BARn, where they enjoy music, food, and drinks. The narrator and Miles share a flirtatious moment on the dance floor, and Ashleigh later asks the narrator if she and Miles are sleeping together. The narrator reveals that they had a romantic encounter once, but agreed it was a mistake due to their living situation and recent breakups. Ashleigh shares her own story of divorce and encourages the narrator to consider pursuing something with Miles. The narrator confides in Ashleigh about her plans to leave Waning Bay and find a new job, and Ashleigh expresses understanding but also sadness at the thought of losing her new friend. The chapter ends with the narrator and Ashleigh deepening their friendship and sharing personal stories, including Ashleigh's experiences with her ex-husband and her decision to leave the marriage.
The narrator is struggling to move on from her recent breakup and is trying to focus on building a new life. She receives an invitation from Miles to attend an event with him on Saturday night, which she initially declines but later accepts. Meanwhile, she attends a poker night with her coworker Ashleigh and meets a group of friends who have known each other since childhood. The narrator has a great time and starts to feel like she's finding her place in Waning Bay. She also starts to realize that she's always defined herself by her relationships and is trying to figure out who she is as an individual. With Ashleigh's help, the narrator starts to see that she can be her own person and doesn't have to be part of a "we" to be happy. The chapter ends with the narrator feeling a sense of hope and possibility for her future.
The narrator attends a senior prom event with Miles, which is a fundraiser for the historical society. The event is filled with elderly people, and Miles explains that he bought tickets to support the cause and to introduce the narrator to potential sponsors for the Read-a-thon. However, things take a turn when they spot their exes, Peter and Petra, at the event. The narrator and Miles are shocked and horrified, but instead of leaving, they decide to stay and have fun, despite the awkwardness of being in the same room as their exes. The narrator orders whiskey shots, and they prepare to face the evening with their exes present, pretending to be a couple to make them uncomfortable.
The narrator and Miles attend a senior prom event, where they run into their exes, Peter and Petra. Despite the awkwardness, Miles helps the narrator secure donations and support for the library's Read-a-thon, showcasing his charm and connections in the community. As they interact with Petra and Peter, the tension between them becomes palpable, with Miles and the narrator sharing a romantic kiss on the dance floor. The kiss feels real, and the narrator is drawn to Miles, but she's unsure what's genuine and what's part of their game to make their exes uncomfortable. As they dance, Miles reveals that Petra's family had made comments about him not being good enough for her, and the narrator is outraged on his behalf. The chapter ends with the narrator feeling a strong attraction to Miles, but also uncertainty about what's real and what's not, and she runs away from the situation, overwhelmed by her emotions.
The narrator and Miles leave the senior prom event, and the narrator is overwhelmed by her emotions after their fake romance becomes real. They share a passionate kiss in the truck, but Miles pulls back, revealing his fear of getting close to someone due to his complicated past. He opens up about his childhood, where his mother's emotional abuse and manipulation made him feel powerless and responsible for her emotions. He shares how he let his sister Julia down and how he's struggled to trust his feelings and make decisions. The narrator listens and offers support, and Miles begins to confront his past and his fears. They decide to head home, but not before they share a moment of connection and understanding, with Miles acknowledging the narrator's importance in his life.
The narrator's life is becoming more complicated as Julia, Miles's sister, decides to extend her stay and has a large number of packages delivered to the apartment. Julia reveals that she is planning to move to Waning Bay and is looking for a job, which raises concerns for Miles. Meanwhile, the narrator is developing stronger feelings for Miles, but their relationship remains unclear. As they spend more time together, they grow closer, but the arrival of Julia's packages and her decision to stay longer creates tension. The chapter ends with a dramatic moment as Julia accidentally opens the narrator's closet, revealing a massive collection of wedding-related items, including the wedding dress, which the narrator had been hiding. The discovery sparks a shocked reaction from Julia and Ashleigh, leaving the narrator embarrassed and unsure of how to explain her situation.
The narrator is forced to confront her past and let go of her wedding dress and other wedding-related items after her friend Julia and coworker Ashleigh discover them in her closet. With their help, the narrator starts to catalog and list the items for sale, but not before trying on the dress one last time. As she's wearing the dress, Miles walks in on her and is taken aback, but they share a lighthearted and flirtatious moment. However, when the narrator tries to change out of the dress, she finds that the zipper is stuck, leaving her feeling panicked and trapped. Meanwhile, Julia reveals to the narrator that she's been considering moving to Waning Bay for years, but didn't want to disrupt Miles's life, and the narrator starts to understand the complexities of their relationship and the sacrifices Miles has made for his sister.
The narrator is still trying to move on from her past relationship and is struggling to come to terms with her feelings for Miles. She gets stuck in her wedding dress and Miles helps her get out of it, using ChapStick to lubricate the zipper. As they work together to remove the dress, they share a moment of intimacy and connection. Miles opens up about his past relationship with Petra and the narrator shares her appreciation for his kind and welcoming nature. The conversation turns to Julia, Miles's sister, and her mysterious reasons for staying in Waning Bay. The narrator offers to help Miles deal with the situation, but he declines, saying that just having her around makes him feel better. The chapter ends with a sense of growing closeness and affection between the narrator and Miles, as they navigate their complicated feelings and living situation.
The narrator is having a streak of good luck, with successful events at the library and a growing sense of connection with her friends and acquaintances in Waning Bay. She spends time with her mom on the phone, discussing her life and feelings, and later attends a poker night with friends, where they make plans to celebrate Ashleigh's upcoming birthday. The narrator also interacts with Miles, her roommate, and they make plans to spend time together on Thursday. However, her day takes an unexpected turn when she returns home to find a middle-aged woman with a beehive hairstyle and her dad, who she hasn't seen or spoken to in a while, standing in their apartment. The woman seems to know the narrator, but she can't place her, and her dad's presence is a surprise, leaving the narrator feeling uncertain and caught off guard.
The narrator's father, Jason, and his new wife, Starfire, arrive at the narrator's apartment unexpectedly, bringing with them a bouquet of flowers and a complicated past. The narrator is hesitant to let them stay, but Miles, her roommate, helps to ease the tension. As they spend more time together, the narrator learns that her father and Starfire are on a road trip celebrating their recent marriage, and they plan to stay in the area until Monday. The narrator is forced to confront her feelings about her father's absence and lack of communication in her life, as well as the reality of his new relationship. Despite the initial awkwardness, the group starts to make plans for a boat trip, and the narrator begins to open up to her father and Starfire, but the tension and uncertainty about their stay and the narrator's feelings about her father's presence linger.
The narrator spends the day with her father, his new wife Starfire, Miles, and Julia on a boat trip to a smaller lake inland from Lake Michigan. As they enjoy the scenery and each other's company, the narrator's feelings about her father's presence in her life are complicated and multifaceted. She struggles to reconcile her desire for a closer relationship with him with the pain and disappointment of his past absenteeism. Meanwhile, Miles is a steady and supportive presence, offering words of comfort and understanding when the narrator needs it. As the day comes to a close with a dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant and a fireworks display on the beach, the narrator begins to imagine a future where she can be happy and belong in Waning Bay, surrounded by the people she cares about, including Miles.
The narrator's father and his new wife, Starfire, are still in town and the narrator is trying to navigate her feelings about their presence. After discovering that their motel has bedbugs, the narrator and Miles decide to let them stay in their apartment, with Miles taking the couch and the narrator's father and Starfire taking Miles's room. The narrator's sister, Julia, had previously been staying in the apartment but has now left for Chicago. As the narrator spends more time with her father and Starfire, she starts to feel a sense of normalcy and connection with them, particularly when they visit a brewery and later meet up with Miles at the winery where he works. The narrator's father shows genuine interest in her life and work, and she starts to consider the possibility of forgiving him and letting him back into her life. Meanwhile, Miles is a constant and supportive presence, and the narrator finds herself feeling drawn to him. As they sit together on the lawn at the winery, watching the sunset and sharing a bottle of wine, the narrator feels a sense of belonging and happiness, and she starts to think that maybe she can be present in the moment and let go of her past fears and doubts.
The narrator's day starts with a storm and a visit from Miles, who brings her tea and tells her that her father and his new wife, Starfire, have left town without notice. The narrator is hurt and frustrated, feeling like she's been abandoned again by her father. Miles tries to comfort her, but she pushes him away, not wanting to talk about it. Later, she asks Miles to take her somewhere she's never been, and he brings her to his favorite beach. They spend the evening there, walking, talking, and eventually swimming together. As they're in the water, Miles carries the narrator and they share a intimate moment, with the narrator feeling safe and happy in his arms. The chapter ends with the narrator feeling a strong connection to Miles and appreciating his presence in her life.
The narrator and Miles finally give in to their feelings and have a passionate encounter in the kitchen. Afterward, they share a tender moment, and Miles opens up about his complicated family history and his fears of being hurt. The narrator confides in Miles about her own feelings of inadequacy and her fear of being unwanted. Miles reassures her that she is worth being scared for and that he wants all of her, including her flaws. The chapter ends with a romantic and intimate moment between the two, as they decide to take their relationship to the next level.
The narrator and Miles spend a relaxed and intimate Sunday together, enjoying each other's company and exploring the town. They share tender moments, laughter, and passionate encounters, and the narrator feels a deep connection with Miles. As they navigate their blossoming relationship, the narrator struggles to contain her emotions and the urge to express her love for Miles. The chapter is filled with sensory details and poignant moments, showcasing the couple's growing intimacy and comfort with each other. The narrator feels a sense of freedom and terror as she lets her guard down and allows herself to be vulnerable with Miles. As the night comes to a close, the narrator and Miles sleep together, their bodies entwined, and their hearts filled with a deep affection for each other.
The narrator is struggling to come to terms with her feelings after a passionate encounter with Miles, her roommate. She tries to focus on her work at the library, but her mind keeps wandering back to Miles and their relationship. Meanwhile, she forgets about her friend Ashleigh's birthday and stands her up, leading to an awkward confrontation. Ashleigh feels like the narrator has abandoned her for Miles, and the narrator realizes she has been treating Ashleigh like a backup plan. The narrator tries to make amends, but Ashleigh is hurt and distant. Later, Miles stands the narrator up, leaving her feeling discarded and angry. She tries to reach out to him, but he only sends brief, unexplained texts. The narrator feels like she's made the same mistakes again, trusting the wrong people and letting down the right ones. Just as she's processing her emotions, she receives a call from a library offering her a job interview, which she accepts, but it only adds to her feelings of loss and uncertainty.
The narrator's life is in turmoil as she navigates her relationships and identity. She's struggling to come to terms with her recent breakup and her feelings for her roommate, Miles. Meanwhile, her friend Ashleigh is hurt and distant after the narrator stood her up on her birthday. The narrator tries to make amends with Ashleigh by bringing her favorite Portuguese pastries to work. However, things take a turn when the narrator's ex-fiancé, Peter, shows up at her doorstep, revealing that he and his former fiancée, Petra, have called off their engagement. Peter professes his love for the narrator and wants to rekindle their relationship, but she's unmoved. She realizes that she doesn't want to go back to her old life with Peter and that she's truly over him. The chapter ends with the narrator shutting the door on Peter, both literally and figuratively, as she begins to embrace her newfound independence and sense of self.
The narrator is dealing with the aftermath of a fight with Miles, her roommate and love interest, after he disappeared for 24 hours without explanation. Miles reveals that he panicked and went to help his ex, Petra, but the narrator is hurt and feels that Miles' actions are a sign that he's not ready for a relationship. The narrator tells Miles that she's planning to leave Waning Bay for a job interview near her mom's place, which Miles takes as a sign that she's giving up on them. The narrator then calls her mom, who offers words of comfort and advice, reminding her to hold onto hope and not be afraid to take chances. The narrator decides to face her problems head-on and texts her friend Harvey to arrange a poker night, hoping to make amends with her friend Ashleigh.
The narrator and Ashleigh have a heart-to-heart conversation after the narrator breaks into Ashleigh's house to paint her bedroom as a gesture of apology for standing her up on her birthday. Ashleigh is initially upset but eventually forgives the narrator and they have a deep conversation about their friendship and personal lives. The narrator confides in Ashleigh about her relationship with Miles, including their romantic encounter and his subsequent disappearance. Ashleigh offers words of wisdom and support, and the two friends reconcile. The narrator also reveals that she's considering leaving Waning Bay for a job near her mom's place, which Ashleigh is sad to hear but supportive of. The chapter ends with the narrator and Ashleigh spending quality time together, painting Ashleigh's bedroom and watching TV.
The narrator visits her apartment to pick up some clothes and runs into Julia, Miles's sister, who has returned unexpectedly. They have a heart-to-heart conversation, and Julia reveals that she and Miles talked about her plans to move to Waning Bay, and Miles expressed his concerns about not being able to support her. Julia also shares that Miles has been struggling with self-doubt and mistrust of his own feelings due to their childhood experiences. The narrator is touched by Julia's words and realizes that Miles's past has affected his ability to see himself clearly and trust his emotions. The conversation ends with Julia thanking the narrator for pushing Miles to be honest with her, and the narrator welcomes Julia back home. Meanwhile, the narrator is preparing to leave Waning Bay for a new job and is tying up loose ends, including a video interview with a potential new employer.
The narrator is busy preparing for the Read-a-thon event at the library, but she's also dealing with personal issues, including her complicated relationship with her father. She receives a call from him, and he reveals that Miles, her roommate and love interest, had driven to see him and her stepmother, Starfire, to confront him about leaving the narrator. The narrator is touched by Miles' actions and feels seen and loved by him. She then calls her father back and has a heart-to-heart conversation with him, telling him how his absence and broken promises have affected her and setting boundaries for their future interactions. The narrator feels a sense of liberation and courage after the conversation, and she's ready to move forward with her life and focus on the people who truly care about her, including Miles and her friends at the library.
The narrator, Daphne, is overseeing the final hours of the library's Read-a-thon event, which has been a huge success. As the night winds down, she takes a moment to appreciate the sense of community and belonging she's found in Waning Bay. She's grateful for the support of her friends and coworkers, particularly Ashleigh, who has become a close friend. Daphne also can't help but notice Miles, her roommate and love interest, who has been helping out with the event. As the evening comes to a close, Ashleigh encourages Daphne to go talk to Miles, and Daphne finally feels ready to confront her feelings and take a chance on their relationship. With the event successfully concluded, Daphne feels a sense of pride and accomplishment, and she's excited to see what the future holds for her and the people she cares about.
The narrator and Miles have a heartfelt conversation, where Miles opens up about his past and his fears of not being good enough for the narrator. He reveals that he told his ex, Petra, about his feelings for the narrator, and that Petra had pointed out that he may not be equipped to give the narrator the life she wants, including a family. The narrator reassures Miles that she loves him for who he is and that she's not looking for someone to complete her. She explains that she's been thinking about building a life in Waning Bay, but not just around Miles. She wants to have her own identity and independence, and she's found a new apartment to rent. Miles is understanding and relieved, and they share a passionate kiss. They decide to spend the day together, and the narrator is excited to see what the future holds for them. The chapter ends with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as the narrator and Miles look forward to building a life together, with all its uncertainties and possibilities.
The narrator, Daphne, is hosting a housewarming party at her new home with her partner, Miles. The guests include her mother, friends from the library, and other acquaintances. As they mingle and catch up, Daphne reflects on her journey and the people who have become important to her in Waning Bay. She thinks about her friendship with Sadie, which is still healing after a period of distance, and her excitement to see Sadie visit soon. The party is filled with laughter, music, and good food, and Daphne feels grateful for the sense of community and belonging she has found in her new life. As the evening progresses, Miles and Daphne share a romantic moment, and she feels happy and at peace with her decision to stay in Waning Bay and build a life with him. The chapter ends with Daphne and Miles being asked to tell the story of how they met, and Daphne is eager to share their "meet-cute" with their friends and family.