Chapter 19 opens with a charged atmosphere at Lila’s wedding rehearsal, held at the Breakers, where the tension is palpable. Patricia, Lila’s mother, is visibly tired, her demeanor somber as she prepares for the upcoming events, while Nancy, the event planner, arranges the guests in order of importance. Laughter briefly fills the air when Nancy humorously advises everyone to avoid touching the venue, lightening the mood for a moment. After Nancy leaves, the tension in the room begins to subside, allowing the atmosphere to shift to one of more subdued anticipation. Marla, ever the social connector, introduces her son, Oliver, to Phoebe, revealing his passion for literature, particularly the Percy Jackson books. Despite this pleasant interaction, Phoebe feels an emotional disconnect from her distant husband, ignoring his attempt to reach out via phone.

As the rehearsal dinner continues, various personal struggles and connections are revealed. Marla expresses her insecurities about her marriage, highlighting the tension she feels within her own relationship. Meanwhile, Phoebe begins to explore a deeper connection with Jim, Lila’s brother, as their intimacy grows, offering Phoebe a rare sense of emotional safety amidst the chaos of the evening. Observing the couple as they exchange vows and prepare for their marriage, Phoebe is struck by the symbolism of the act. She watches Lila and Gary, considering the significance of signing away their pasts as part of the wedding ritual. This prompts Phoebe to think about her own potential actions with Jim, whose younger age and easy company offer her a welcome escape from the emotional storm that surrounds her.

The dinner itself is a mix of humor and tension, with Lila caught between her mother’s overt display and her desire for autonomy on her special day. A provocative painting of Lila herself, brought by Patricia, further stirs the emotions, creating friction between them. Jim’s speech, which starts as a heartfelt tribute to the family, gradually turns into a comedic onslaught, breaking the tension and bringing the room to laughter. His speech, though humorous, also highlights the deep familial bonds that exist, reminding everyone of the love and connection that is central to the ceremony. However, beneath the surface of laughter, there is a growing sense of unease, particularly with Lila’s agitation toward Jim’s quirks and the frustrations that build throughout the night.

As the evening continues, the tensions in Lila and Gary’s relationship come to the forefront, exacerbated by their disagreement over the omitted palate cleansers, which once again highlights their deeper issues. This trivial argument reveals cracks in their marriage that seem to have been building over time, hinting at larger unresolved conflicts. The speech that Jim delivers about love, grief, and familial bonds brings the dinner to an emotional climax, uniting the guests despite the chaos surrounding them. It serves as a reminder that, despite the dysfunction, family can still be a source of strength and unity, even in moments of turmoil. This emotional speech underscores the fragile nature of relationships, both romantic and familial, that are on the verge of breaking under the weight of unspoken truths.

In the aftermath of the dinner, Lila’s insecurities come to light as she grapples with her strained relationships and the pressure of familial expectations. She and Phoebe engage in a tense conversation about loyalty, love, and the complexity of their roles in each other’s lives, revealing the deep emotional divides that separate them. The chapter takes a darker turn with the unexpected appearance of Juice, whose presence further complicates the already fragile dynamics within the family. This incident highlights just how precarious their relationships are and sets the stage for more tension and emotional unraveling. As Phoebe reflects on her interactions with Gary, she is left contemplating the unresolved feelings between them, while the external festivities continue without resolution. This foreshadows further emotional developments, suggesting that the quiet conflicts simmering beneath the surface will eventually come to a head, leading to significant changes for the characters involved.