As Dr. Jacob Maddox and Dr. Briana Ortiz navigate their fake relationship, genuine feelings begin to surface, only to be complicated by past traumas and misunderstandings. A luau-themed engagement party becomes the backdrop for emotional breakthroughs and devastating misinterpretations, leaving their future uncertain.
Chapter 21: Everything Is Terrible
Jacob meticulously plans his arrival for the "get-to-know-you" dinner at Briana's, battling his social anxiety. Upon arriving, he is immediately disarmed by her casual appearance. He questions whether her kindness stems from genuine affection or obligation due to his kidney donation for her brother, Benny Ortiz. This internal conflict underscores the theme of Communication and Misunderstanding, as Jacob struggles to trust the authenticity of their manufactured connection.
During their dinner, Briana's cat, Cooter, emerges and allows Jacob to pet him, symbolizing a moment of trust. They play "Would You Rather," which leads to a deeper conversation about their pasts. Jacob shares his experience with Amy, explaining how he felt like a "prop" and how her surprise party was a "nightmare trifecta" for his anxiety. Briana validates his feelings, comparing him to a fish judged on its ability to climb a tree, calling him an "exceptional fish." This conversation marks a pivotal moment for the theme of Healing and Second Chances, as Briana helps Jacob reframe his past pain. Briana then reveals her ex-husband's two-year affair and bitter divorce, explaining why she has sworn off serious relationships. They end the evening by agreeing to be "harmless to each other," a pact of mutual emotional safety that deepens their bond.
Chapter 22: Un Hombre Que Puede Mantener Viva Una Planta
Three weeks into their fake relationship, Briana admits to herself that she "really really" likes Jacob. Their time together has fostered a genuine companionship she has longed for. As they prepare for Amy and Jeremiah's engagement party, Jacob takes Briana to his house. She is charmed by his warm, personal, and colorful space, which defies her expectations and reveals a thoughtful, nurturing man. She notices his prescription for anxiety medication, viewing it as a positive sign that he actively manages his Mental Health and Anxiety.
The tour culminates in his plant room, a "secret enchanted garden" that feels like the core of his private world. Being in this intimate space, and later his bedroom, forces Briana to confront the depth of her physical and emotional attraction to him. She realizes her firm "no" to relationships is softening into a "maybe," but only for him. Before they leave for the party, she senses his nervousness and offers him a hug. The embrace lingers, becoming charged with unspoken feelings. Briana melts into him, fantasizing about more, but pulls away, scared by the intensity and the knowledge that he is still supposedly in love with Amy. The internal conflict between her growing feelings and her fear of being hurt again is palpable.
Chapter 23: Double Homicide
Arriving at the luau-themed engagement party, Jacob watches Amy with Jeremiah and realizes he is completely over her and that their relationship was a mistake. This emotional breakthrough is a pivotal moment in his character arc. As they enter the party, the atmosphere is tense. The initial interaction with Amy and Jeremiah is awkward, made worse when Amy expresses disbelief that Jacob has a girlfriend. Briana, fiercely protective, immediately retorts with a sarcastic jab and then launches into a fabricated story about Jacob's romantic nature, capping it off by spontaneously announcing they are moving in together.
Later, while sitting with Jacob's family, Briana reveals the truth about Benny's illness and Jacob's plan to donate his kidney. The family is deeply moved, and his mother praises him, saying, "Love shows up. That’s how you know when it’s real." Jacob, feeling confident and happy, successfully uses the pre-arranged "safe word" phrase—"Those motherfuckers are always up to something"—to earn a break from the party. Briana gives him his cue to escape to the taxidermy room, and he goes, eagerly anticipating a private moment with her. However, he is intercepted not by Briana, but by Amy.
Chapter 24: I'm So Sorry I Hurt You
Alone with Jacob in the taxidermy room, Amy confronts him about his relationship with Briana. She questions its authenticity, suggesting Briana has an ulterior motive: securing a kidney for her brother. Her accusation voices Jacob's deepest, unspoken fear, and he becomes defensive. The conversation quickly devolves into an argument, rehashing the painful end of their own relationship and their failed therapy session. Amy accuses him of shutting her out, while Jacob retorts that she never noticed his unhappiness. The raw emotion of the fight stems not from lingering romantic feelings, but from Jacob's panic that Amy might be right about Briana using him.
As the argument subsides, Amy's tone softens. She insists she still cares for him and doesn't want to see him get hurt. In a moment of closure, they share a platonic hug. During the embrace, Jacob realizes with absolute certainty that he is not in love with Amy anymore; he sees her as a sister. He understands that she was always meant to be in his family, just not with him. This final step in his healing process solidifies his feelings for Briana. He tells Amy, "I'm happy. And everything between me and Briana is real," resolving to make that statement true by finding out how Briana really feels about him.
Chapter 25: Love the One You're With
Briana follows Jacob toward the taxidermy room but stops when she overhears the heated argument between him and Amy. Having been through a marriage defined by an affair, she immediately misinterprets the passion and anger as evidence of unresolved love. Her heart sinks as she concludes that Jacob is still in love with Amy, and that Amy likely reciprocates those feelings. All her budding hope for a real relationship with him is instantly extinguished. She retreats to the party, devastated.
The drive home is silent and tense. Briana notices what she believes is red lipstick on Jacob's collar and imagines she can smell Amy's perfume on him, solidifying her assumption that they kissed. When they arrive at her house, Jacob doesn't leave. He paces on her porch until she comes out. He nervously asks her on a real date. Believing he is only asking as a rebound reaction to his fight with Amy, Briana rejects him. She tells him she refuses to be a consolation prize or his "second choice." A stunned and hurt Jacob apologizes and promises never to ask again. Heartbroken, Briana drives to her friend Alexis's house, where she breaks down and explains that the man she was falling for only wants her to help him get over someone else.
Key Events
- The "Get-to-Know-You" Dinner: Jacob and Briana share personal stories about their painful past relationships, deepening their emotional intimacy and establishing a pact to be "harmless to each other."
- The Visit to Jacob's House: Briana sees Jacob's home for the first time, gaining insight into his true character and realizing the depth of her attraction to him.
- The Engagement Party: Jacob has an epiphany that he is completely over Amy. Briana fiercely defends Jacob and spontaneously announces they are moving in together.
- The Argument in the Taxidermy Room: Amy confronts Jacob, accusing Briana of using him. The ensuing argument gives Jacob closure on his relationship with Amy and solidifies his feelings for Briana.
- The Misunderstanding and Rejection: Briana overhears the argument and misinterprets it as proof of unresolved love. When Jacob asks her on a real date, she rejects him, believing she is just a rebound.
Character Development
- Dr. Briana Ortiz: Briana transitions from cautiously enjoying a fake relationship to developing deep, genuine feelings for Jacob. However, her past trauma with infidelity causes her to misinterpret Jacob's argument with Amy, leading her to shut down emotionally and reject him to protect herself from being a "second choice."
- Dr. Jacob Maddox: Jacob undergoes a significant transformation, gaining confidence and realizing he is completely over Amy. This clarity empowers him to act on his growing love for Briana, but his attempt is immediately thwarted by the central misunderstanding.
- Amy: Amy's confrontation with Jacob serves as the catalyst for both Jacob's final emotional closure and the devastating misunderstanding between him and Briana.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Communication and Misunderstanding: This theme drives the conflict, as Jacob's inability to articulate his insecurities and Briana's reliance on assumptions lead to the story's central crisis.
- Healing and Second Chances: Both protagonists grapple with past relationships. Jacob finds healing in Briana's validation and his epiphany about Amy. Briana begins to believe a second chance at love is possible with Jacob, but her past trauma prevents her from accepting it.
- Mental Health and Anxiety: Jacob's social anxiety influences his thoughts and actions, while Briana's empathy demonstrates a supportive approach to mental health.
Symbols
- Jacob's House and Plant Room: Jacob's home symbolizes his true self, hidden from the outside world.
- The Lipstick on the Collar: For Briana, the lipstick becomes a symbol of betrayal, confirming her worst fears.
- Cooter the Cat: Briana's cat serves as a barometer for trust, symbolizing Jacob's inherently safe nature.
Key Quotes
"Love shows up. That’s how you know when it’s real."
Jacob's mother says this after Briana reveals Jacob's plan to donate a kidney to Benny. This quote highlights the theme of love as an action rather than just a feeling. It also foreshadows the central conflict, as Briana struggles to believe in Jacob's love due to her past experiences.
"I'm happy. And everything between me and Briana is real."
Jacob says this to Amy after their argument in the taxidermy room. This statement marks a turning point for Jacob, as he fully commits to his feelings for Briana. However, the dramatic irony lies in the fact that Briana does not believe this to be true, setting up the central conflict of the story.
Significance
This section marks the novel's major turning point, as the "fake dating" premise reaches its emotional climax. The dramatic irony established here becomes the primary source of tension, as Briana's rejection, born from self-preservation and past trauma, erects a massive emotional wall between them. Their pact to be "harmless to each other" ironically leads to harm, setting the stage for the difficult work of rebuilding trust and communication.