In the weeks after their encounter in the basement, Eric and Edie wait until Rebecca and Akila are out of the house to “trip over ourselves while we undress, the contact tenuous and inexact, kisses spoiled by fervor, full of air and teeth and always off the intended mark” (169). They grow more uncareful and soon destroy a crystal centerpiece. Rebecca does not seem to believe Eric’s explanation and “says there is a shard in her foot, and she talks about it for a week” (170). Edie notices “Rebecca reassessing my presence in their house” (171). She continues to collect the money anonymously left on her dresser and buys more art supplies before depositing the rest. Edie considers asking Eric if he is the one paying her but decides not to as she realizes, “I hope it’s coming from Rebecca” (172).

Rebecca works late nights at the morgue. Edie helps Akila prepare a costume for Comic-Con. As they prepare, Eric confesses to Edie that “he needs this to be perfect. He says that Rebecca didn’t want to adopt and he wonders if Akila can feel it” (177). Rebecca loses her wedding ring and requests a new expensive one from Eric.