Dr. Jacob Maddox is reeling from Dr. Briana Ortiz's rejection, but a conversation with his mother shifts his perspective. He realizes he's been letting his Mental Health and Anxiety dictate his life and resolves to "show up" for Briana, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone. Meanwhile, Briana grapples with her growing feelings for Jacob, misinterpreting his actions as post-breakup impulsiveness.
Chapter 26: Jacob
Crushed and humiliated by Briana's rejection, Jacob seeks solace at his parents' house. He replays her words in his head, fixating on her desire to "get this over with" so he can date someone else. He confides in his mother, admitting his fear that Briana's feelings aren't as strong as his. His mother offers a profound insight, questioning why he stayed with Amy for so long despite his unhappiness. Jacob admits his fear of change and the belief that his anxiety would complicate any relationship kept him stuck.
His mother counters that Amy simply didn't "speak his language," but Briana does, noting she's seen Briana look at him "like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to her." She encourages him to take action, saying, "Love shows up, Jacob. So show up." This conversation is a catalyst for Jacob, who realizes his anxiety has kept him in his comfort zone. He acknowledges that their fake-dating arrangement has an expiration date, leaving him only a few months to be near her.
Chapter 27: Briana
Briana is staying with her best friend, Alexis, at Grant House in Wakan when she receives an unexpected early morning call from Jacob. He asks if he can visit her in Wakan for the day, a request that baffles Briana given Jacob's aversion to new people, places, and spontaneity. She assumes his out-of-character behavior is a desperate attempt to distract himself from his recent breakup with Amy.
This assumption deflates her, leading her to believe his interest isn't genuine but rather a rebound. Despite her misgivings, she agrees to his visit. Demonstrating her deep understanding of his needs, she texts him detailed information about his visit—who he'll meet, what they might do, pictures of his room and where to park—to ease his social anxiety. This act highlights her intuitive grasp of his needs, even as she misinterprets his motivation, a key example of Communication and Misunderstanding.
Chapter 28: Jacob
As Jacob packs for Wakan, he receives Briana's thoughtful texts. He is floored by her consideration, as she anticipated every detail he would need to feel comfortable without him having to ask or explain his anxiety. He recalls his mother's words: “She understands you, even when you don’t say anything at all…” This moment confirms for Jacob that his mother is right and his connection with Briana is uniquely profound.
The realization is bittersweet. While he feels deeply seen and understood, it only sharpens the pain of her rejection. He is caught in a painful paradox: the woman who speaks his language so fluently has made it clear she doesn't want him romantically. This deepens his internal conflict, solidifying his resolve to "show up" while simultaneously bracing himself for the inevitable heartbreak.
Chapter 29: Briana
When Jacob arrives at Grant House, Briana experiences an intense physical and emotional reaction, admitting to Alexis that she is "stupid for this man." She compares their dynamic to two magnets, constantly pulling together and pushing apart. Jacob endears himself to Alexis's husband, Daniel, by bringing him a rare plant he propagated himself. The group decides to take a selfie for social media to maintain the ruse of their relationship, and Briana and Jacob squeeze onto a small bed for the photo.
The physical closeness overwhelms Briana. As she nestles against his chest, she feels an immense sense of safety and comfort, describing him as a "living lullaby." She fantasizes about kissing him and being with him intimately. However, she quickly pulls herself back to reality, reminding herself that this is all an act and that he is likely still hung up on Amy. She posts the tender-looking photo, concluding that it will only escalate the tension between Jacob and Amy, likely pushing them back together and cementing Briana's fate as the temporary girlfriend who gets dumped—again.
Chapter 30: Jacob
The group spends the evening at the local VFW. Briana initiates a playful but revealing hypothetical debate: would Jacob punch her in the face for a billion dollars, with her permission? Jacob adamantly refuses, stating, "I'd pay one billion dollars not to hurt you." Briana argues she'd want him to do it for the money, which leads her to reveal her history of growing up in extreme poverty. She shares that her mother worked multiple jobs to support her and her brother, Benny Ortiz, after their father left. This backstory provides crucial context for her fierce independence and pragmatism, falling under the theme of Family, Illness, and Sacrifice. Jacob is deeply moved and tells her he would "go hungry so you could eat."
On their walk back to the house, Jacob's sister Jill calls, inadvertently forcing the issue of their living arrangement. To make their relationship appear serious to his family, Jacob insists Briana should actually move in with him. He admits he never lived with Amy because it was emotionally draining, but being with Briana isn't. Briana misinterprets his recent fight with Amy as a sign of Amy's lingering love for him. Sensing his sadness, she takes his hand and says, "I'm sorry someone made you feel like it's hard to love you." Jacob is touched but interprets her gesture as pity, not love. Back in his room at Grant House, the tension between them is palpable. As Briana turns to leave, the bedroom door slams shut and gets stuck, trapping them inside together.
Key Events
- Jacob's Resolution: Jacob decides to actively pursue Briana and step outside his comfort zone.
- The Wakan Trip: Jacob spontaneously visits Briana in Wakan.
- Briana's Backstory: Briana reveals her childhood was marked by extreme poverty.
- The "Move-In" Discussion: Jacob pushes for Briana to move in with him.
- The Stuck Door: The door to Jacob's room slams shut, trapping him and Briana inside.
Character Development
- Dr. Jacob Maddox: Jacob transforms from passive to proactive, demonstrating resolve and emotional courage. His devotion deepens, but so does his internal pain.
- Dr. Briana Ortiz: Briana's internal conflict intensifies as her feelings for Jacob become undeniable. The revelation of her impoverished childhood adds depth to her character.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Communication and Misunderstanding: Briana consistently misinterprets Jacob's motives, and Jacob misreads her compassionate gestures.
- Mental Health and Anxiety: Jacob confronts his anxiety for Briana, highlighting what a supportive partnership can look like.
- Healing and Second Chances: Briana’s empathetic statement offers a moment of profound healing for Jacob.
Symbols
- The Stuck Door: The stuck door symbolizes their situation: they are physically and emotionally stuck in a scenario with unresolved romantic and sexual tension.
Key Quotes
“I'd pay one billion dollars not to hurt you.”
Jacob's adamant refusal to harm Briana, even for a billion dollars, reveals the depth of his care and protectiveness towards her. This statement underscores his genuine affection and contrasts sharply with Briana's pragmatic view shaped by her past.
“I'm sorry someone made you feel like it's hard to love you."
Briana's words offer a moment of profound healing for Jacob, addressing the emotional damage from his past relationship with Amy. Even though Jacob misinterprets her gesture as pity, it highlights Briana's empathy and her ability to see and acknowledge his emotional wounds.
Significance
These chapters mark a turning point in the plot and the central relationship. Jacob's shift to an active pursuer changes the dynamic. The Wakan setting isolates Jacob and Briana, deepening their connection. Briana's backstory provides essential motivation, while the decision for her to move in with Jacob raises the stakes. The cliffhanger ending builds tension, pushing the characters toward a confrontation with their feelings.