The next day, Jonah leaves for the airport. Alex calls Julie’s parents, who at first deny that Julie is there. They eventually acknowledge that she is staying with them but say that Julie will call Alex “when she’s ready” (163). Alex meets with his advisory team, who are all on board now that Jonah has shown them the true cost of their current management style. Bob suggests moving the quality control inspections before the bottlenecks, so that unusable parts aren’t treated. Alex decides that they need to create a real expediting system, rather than capitulating to whichever customer is angriest.

Alex visits Julie at her parents’ house. She initially refuses to see him, but then relents. They take a walk and discuss their future. Alex asks if she wants a divorce, but Julie has not decided. He again accuses her of having an affair, which deeply offends her. Alex begs her to come home. He tells her he loves her, which “melts her” (169), and she kisses him goodnight. 

Alex drives home, then immediately calls Julie at her parents’ house. He offers to take her on a date, like the ones they went on before having children.