In Chapter 11, we return to a hotel setting where Pauline, dressed in navy linen, greets wedding guests cheerfully despite the exhaustion from addressing complaints. Lila expresses dissatisfaction with her mattress, reflecting deeper emotional turmoil linked to an unsettling funeral experience during their sailing trip. The interaction reveals Lila’s habit of displacing her dissatisfaction onto trivial matters, displaying her determination to engage the ever-helpful Pauline in solving these “problems.”

As Lila discusses her grievances, Phoebe observes Gary’s willingness to finally make decisions, contrasting her perception of him as overly passive. This prompts a moment of reflection about the nature of relationships and how people often box each other into fixed identities. Phoebe grapples with her identity, recognizing both the limitations she places on others and her own lingering insecurities.

Lila proposes getting a mattress topper as a potential fix, which results in more communication between her and Pauline. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Gary engage in a playful act of “freeing the books” on the hotel shelf, showcasing their budding connection. This lighthearted moment contrasts with Lila’s worries about her upcoming wedding events, including her friend Vivian’s delayed arrival.

After a brief encounter with Lila’s mother, who critiques the hotel decor, the chapter delves into the macrocosm of human connection and emotional vulnerability during life transitions. Phoebe finds herself laughing amidst discussions of logistics and family pressures, revealing how camaraderie may arise in unexpected settings.

As the chapter progresses, Phoebe’s internal struggles surface alongside her growing bond with Gary. She reflects on their brief connection and how her past influences her present outlook on intimacy and loneliness. The intensity of her past leads to a moment of self-realization, where she intends to adopt a more engaged approach to life.

By the end, there’s a turn of events as Lila seeks support, and Phoebe agrees to step in as her maid of honor, marking a crucial shift in their interaction. This revelation hints at new beginnings for Phoebe as she moves past her previous intent of isolation, opening up to the possibility of rebuilding connections with others .