The chapter unfolds during Lila’s bachelorette party, set in a luxurious spa that begins with a “water journey,” a term that Marla finds off-putting. As the group navigates the spa’s quietude, they share playful banter about nudity, relationships, and the relevance of social media, spurred by Phoebe’s lighthearted comments on healing and sexting. The women engage in different pools, each seeking their individual paths of relaxation, revealing snippets of their intertwined lives.

Lila grapples with her anxieties concerning marrying Gary, particularly his traditional views on their wedding in a church, which contrasts with her own beliefs. Phoebe acts as a calming presence, encouraging Lila to breathe and relax amid escalating family expectations. However, the serenity of the day is disrupted when Jim brings alarming gossip about a vintage car being “fucked,” which leads to confusion and disarray among the group, especially Lila who struggles to comprehend such audacity.

Later, when the women regroup to celebrate, they delve into their complex natures and relationships. As they anticipate the adjustments and emotional upheavals of marriage, lively discussions surface about intimacy and personal desires, thus revealing the internal struggles of each character. Marla confronts her own failings within her marriage as she and Phoebe bond over their respective struggles with love and understanding.

The narrative shifts to introspective conversations among the women about their identities and needs, finding humor and collective strength in shared experiences. Their discussions reflect underlying tensions and anxieties about future commitments, desires, and personal growth, illustrated poignantly through Lila’s confession of envisioning a life beyond just pleasing others, encompassing the fear of identity loss amid transitions.

By the end of the chapter, the party atmosphere intensifies. As the night progresses, Lila’s vulnerability surfaces in a heartfelt admission of doubt about her marriage plans. Phoebe becomes a pillar of support, initiating the process of facing these fears rather than running from them. Lila’s internal conflict about marrying Gary is contrasted with Gary’s own struggles stemming from the loss of his first wife, culminating in deeper connections and questions about love, self-identity, and marriage’s true essence. The chapter concludes on a note of intimacy, as Phoebe feels drawn towards Gary, hinting at the transformations their relationships might endure.