Chapter 21

In the morning, Phoebe awakens beside her husband, who epitomizes a perfectly restful sleep—the kind she envies. As she glances at her phone without messages, uncertainty begins to creep in about what to do next regarding Gary, as she remembers it is his wedding day. In her mind, Phoebe is grappling with guilt, feeling that she has made a mistake and abandoned Gary for someone who isn’t truly her husband.

When she enters the bridal suite, she finds Suz and Nat already prepared, signaling the imminent wedding. As they shower Lila with excitement, Phoebe notices Lila, dressed in a floral silk robe, remaining aloof. A stylist named Tiff begins to work on Phoebe, suggesting a side bang that excites Phoebe and transforms her look—a small but significant change she finds thrilling.

The atmosphere shifts when Jim enters with an eccentric offering of spoons as palate cleansers, in an attempt to apologize for his previous behavior. However, Lila remains quiet, her demeanor unsettling Phoebe, who wonders about Lila’s stability leading up to the wedding. Lila’s mother, Patricia, offers champagne, but Lila opts to stay sober, a surprising choice.

With all the women ready, Lila asks Phoebe to help with her dress, noting its beauty while expressing fear that the wedding may be ruined—her previous doubts resurfacing. Amid their preparations, Phoebe realizes Lila’s genuine worry about her future with Gary, and they engage in an honest exchange about love and loyalty, with Phoebe affirming Gary’s commitment, albeit with a hesitant voice.

As they prepare to leave, an issue with the wedding car arises when Lila rejects the black town car, insisting it isn’t the vintage option she envisioned. This small obstacle leads to a heated confrontation where Phoebe tries to reason with Lila about the day’s significance—highlighting how the details shouldn’t overshadow the moment itself. Lila’s tears reveal deeper uncertainties about her upcoming marriage to Gary, expressing doubts about their love and contemplating her feelings.

Phoebe steps in to support Lila, suggesting self-care and freedom from the marriage if it doesn’t fulfill her. Lila acknowledges that despite the extravagant wedding, it feels wrong, an insight that leads Phoebe to remind her of practical matters and the fleeting nature of weddings. Their emotional exchange culminates in a recognition of love beyond traditional roles, with Phoebe thanking Lila for reviving her spirit throughout the week, as their bond strengthens amid the impending chaos of the wedding .