Chapter Twelve
Summary
- Maddie receives a call from Ben who invites her to dinner on Saturday night at his place.
- Maddie is internally anxious about going on a date and tries to think of excuses not to accept Ben's invitation.
- Despite her hesitation and series of inventing reasons, Maddie agrees to the dinner date.
- Once out of the office, Maddie looks up advice on how to prepare for a first date.
- She reads an article by Lisa Fiener, which includes suggestions to distract oneself from nerves, pick a familiar location for the date, prepare conversation starters, and pay attention to body language.
- Maddie also explores online forums questioning the safety and normality of a first date at a man's house.
- After sharing the news of her date with her roommates Jo and Cam, they give conflicting advice about the appropriateness of going to Ben's house on a first date.
- Jo insists it's a mature decision and a sign of trust, while Cam suggests it could be dangerous.
- Jo helps pick out Maddie's outfit for the date, advocating for a more provocative look than what Maddie is used to.
- Maddie reflects on how dating has changed since her last experience eight years prior and considers the implications of non-exclusivity after one date.
- On the evening of the date, Maddie navigates her way to Ben's affluent neighborhood and debates her backstory regarding her day's activities.
- Ben welcomes Maddie into his home, complimenting her appearance, and she blurts out that someone knows her whereabouts for safety.
- Dinner goes well, with Ben cooking a three-course meal and both sharing personal details about their past and cooking interests.
- Maddie discovers Ben's age (34) and feels uncertain about the age gap and his level of experience compared to hers.
- Ben is very confident, which contrasts with Maddie's nervousness and uncertainty about how to act on a date.
- Maddie gains insight into Ben's affluent lifestyle through his well-appointed house and experiences a moment of self-reflection in his luxurious bathroom.
- During dessert, the two discuss their relationship histories, and Ben reassures Maddie that he is indeed single.
- The date ends with Ben ordering Maddie a cab and sharing a passionate kiss with her.
- Maddie returns home to her roommates, hearing Jo with a visitor and contemplates her own experiences of the evening while needing to use the toilet.