Chapter 17 delves into Phoebe’s mounting anxiety as she struggles with Lila’s absence before the Blending of the Families event. She finds herself worried that Lila may harbor resentment, particularly after Phoebe had left Gas-X at her door without packaging. Despite these concerns, Phoebe reflects on the joy and love she has found with Gary, realizing that Lila encouraged her to embrace those emotions fully. However, when Phoebe sits down to write her maid of honor speech, she is filled with uncertainty. The words seem difficult to find, and she feels as though she is writing about a topic she cannot truly believe in. The conflicting emotions she harbors toward Lila and Gary’s relationship make the task feel more daunting, and she becomes increasingly unsure about the sincerity of the words she is about to write for someone else’s relationship.

Her internal conflict deepens as Phoebe reflects on Lila and Gary’s bond. She realizes that their connection is not based on love, but rather on fear—fear of loneliness, and the emotional need to fill the void of solitude. Lila and Gary’s relationship seems built more on convenience than genuine affection, and this realization disturbs Phoebe as she reflects on how they both long for love but are unable to find it with each other. At this moment, Phoebe’s path crosses with Jim, who initially asks for her help with his own wedding speech, but soon becomes an unexpected ally in navigating the turmoil surrounding the event. Jim’s doubts about Gary and Lila’s relationship mirror Phoebe’s own concerns, and their shared contemplation of Gary’s authenticity and the depth of his emotions forms a powerful bond between them. As they brainstorm together, Phoebe finds comfort in Jim’s willingness to be open about the uncertainty they both face, and the two friends begin to explore the complexities of the situation with greater clarity.

Jim’s honesty takes a more personal turn when he shares a nostalgic memory of his own feelings for Lila. He recalls the time when he, out of a sense of loyalty to Gary, decided to step aside for him, despite his own deep affection for Lila. Jim reflects on the painful but selfless decision to prioritize Gary’s happiness over his own desires, and this moment reveals a profound emotional sacrifice. It’s clear that Jim’s relationship with Lila was shaped by a deep sense of responsibility and friendship, which only adds to the emotional weight of the situation. In a lighter moment, Jim suggests using marijuana edibles to ease their creative block as they both struggle with writing their speeches. This suggestion brings some comic relief to the otherwise tense atmosphere, and the humorous discussion about paranoia adds a sense of levity to the situation. Jim’s lightheartedness helps Phoebe temporarily release some of the pressure she’s been feeling, offering a much-needed moment of escape from the emotional complexity of the wedding.

As they wait for the effects of the edibles to kick in, the unique nature of their shared predicament becomes clear. Two friends, tangled in their own unresolved emotions and personal conflicts, find themselves trying to navigate the complicated relationships around them. As Phoebe continues to work on her speech in her room, her thoughts wander, and she begins to reflect on her own life. She begins considering the possibility of change, contemplating future options such as finding new housing and exploring teaching opportunities that might allow her to start fresh. The idea of beginning anew fills her with a sense of purpose and excitement, providing an optimistic outlook for what lies ahead. While she is still in the midst of emotional uncertainty regarding the wedding and her place in it, she feels a renewed sense of control over her own future. This chapter concludes with Phoebe feeling both accomplished and hopeful, having gained insight into her own desires and the courage to take action toward them. Her personal growth is evident, and the chapter highlights her ability to move forward with determination despite the complexities of her current situation.