arrives at her hotel room. The encounter is fraught with tension and confusion, as Phoebe grapples with the reality of their complicated relationship. Matt stands before her, uneasy and unsure, while Phoebe processes the impact of his presence, realizing that he feels more like a stranger than her husband now. They navigate the awkward introduction, with Gary, Phoebe’s current partner, leaving with her daughter, Juice, which intensifies the strangeness of the moment.

Matt expresses his concern for Phoebe, revealing he thought she might be dead after her abrupt disappearance. He reveals the emotional turmoil he went through, particularly when he lost their dog, Harry. Their dialogue reflects deep unresolved feelings; Matt still considers Phoebe his wife, while she questions their past and his actions that led to their separation. Their conversation oscillates between painful memories and heartfelt admissions, such as Matt’s persistent love for Phoebe, despite the years of silence since their divorce.

As they talk, Phoebe asserts her growth and independence, indicating that their dynamics have shifted significantly. She expresses anger toward how he abandoned her and confronts him about his infidelity with Mia, emphasizing the hurt and betrayal she felt. They embrace the complexity of their emotions, with Phoebe admitting she sometimes hated him but feels glad he cares enough to find her.

Their shared history, interspersed with nostalgia, adds weight to their exchange as Matt laments his poor choices and reveals his longing to reconnect. Yet, Phoebe pushes back, asserting that the relationship they once had is irretrievably altered. Despite the warmth of their past, she draws a line, indicating she has changed and is not willing to revert to who she was during their marriage.

As they reflect on memories together, the emotional intensity builds, culminating in a kiss that stirs conflicting sensations within Phoebe. She feels an unmistakable attraction grounded in their past, but also recognizes the new boundaries she desires. The chapter encapsulates a moment of reckoning between them, illustrating their struggle with love, regret, and the desire for a future shaped by their shared history yet characterized by individual growth.