Chapter Thirty-nine

Summary

• Maddie Wright receives a rejection email from Carrow Books, saying her draft will not be accepted for their mentorship program.
• While in the office, Maddie overhears a conversation between her colleagues, Penny and Kris, discussing her contributions and involvement with Love Stories publication.
• She learns that it was Penny, not Kris, who has been failing to acknowledge her ideas as her own, possibly to prevent promoting her and having to hire a replacement.
• Contemplating on whether to confront Penny, Maddie decides not to as she is emotionally drained from the recent death of her father.
• Maddie receives a text from Emma, asking for help in organizing a surprise birthday party for Jo, which she agrees to as a way to make amends for their strained relationship.
• Maddie, along with her friend Cam, spend the next day picking up party supplies and setting up for the surprise.
• During the party, an animated discussion about a popular book takes place, with various guests sharing their opinions on the writing and its depiction of love.
• Sam, Jo's ex, impresses Maddie with his profound take on the book's representation of love, making her consider her own experiences and feelings.
• The party leads Maddie to interact with Jo and her friends, making her reflect on her relationships and how others perceive her.
• Maddie steps away from the party to be alone on the steps outside and encounters Sam, who joins her for a conversation about personal struggles and their thoughts on love and relationships.
• Sam and Maddie discuss issues of race in relationships, personal growth, and the importance of standing up for oneself in the workplace.
• Maddie decides she will confront her boss the following day about her ideas being used without acknowledgment.
• As Sam leaves the party, he offers Maddie encouragement for her decision to confront her boss.