Alix returns from New York feeling that the city “was like an ex who had worked out all summer” (214). She had experienced a full, fun trip, with Catherine on her side. Now that she was back, she was excited about both her career and about bouncing back from the bad Thanksgiving. On the first day back, Emira asks if she could take Briar to a movie, asking for permission to use the computer to look up the showtime. As Emira finishes sending the movie time to herself via email, Alix asks if they can talk.

After asking Emira to sit down and talk, Alix breaks the ice about Kelley, arguing that she thinks “the same issues” (217) that she experienced might come up with Kelley and Emira. Though Emira expresses some disinterest in continuing the conversation, Alix presses on, revealing that Kelley “had a habit of fetishizing African American people and culture” (218). Alix is proud of the ways she has managed to phrase that, but Emira reacts by brushing the suggestion off and arguing that “it would feel weird to make it a thing now when it hasn’t been a problem” (219). Alix feels stymied by Emira’s dismissal of the issue.