In Chapter 19, the atmosphere is charged as Lila’s wedding rehearsal unfolds at the Breakers. Patricia, Lila’s mother, is sober and expresses her fatigue, while attendees are arranged by Nancy, the event planner, in an order of significance. Laughter echoes when Nancy advises everyone to refrain from touching the venue. After her departure, the tension eases. Marla introduces her son, Oliver, to Phoebe, revealing his enthusiasm for literature, particularly the Percy Jackson series. Meanwhile, Phoebe feels a disconnection from her distant husband as she ignores his call.

Conversations at the rehearsal dinner reveal personal struggles and connections, illustrated through Marla’s insecurities about her marriage and Phoebe’s burgeoning intimacy with Jim, Lila’s brother. As they navigate the event, Phoebe observes the couple signing away their pasts in the wedding’s ritual. She contemplates potential action with Jim, a younger man whose company feels unexpectedly safe amidst emotional chaos.

As the dinner unfolds, humor and tension intermingle—Lila is torn between her mother’s overt display with a provocative painting of herself and her need for autonomy on her special day. Jim’s speech, a touching tribute transforming into a comedic onslaught, brings emotions to the forefront, demonstrating the deep familial bond and love present at the ceremony.

However, the setting also reveals underlying tensions—Lila’s agitation with Jim’s quirks and the mounting frustration over the omitted palate cleansers once again leads to a rift between Lila and Gary, hinting at deeper issues in their relationship. The moment culminates in Jim’s poignant speech that speaks of love, grief, and familial bonds, uniting everyone despite the chaos.

In the aftermath, Lila’s insecurities and relationships are strained as she and Phoebe grapple with honesty and expectations amid familial obligations and personal desires, leading to a tense conversation regarding loyalty and love. As emotions unravel, a dark turn of events occurs with Juice, highlighting the fragile state of their family. The chapter concludes with Phoebe reflecting on her complex interactions with Gary as the external festivities continue, foreshadowing further emotional developments.