Chapter Thirteen

Summary

• Maddie has a conversation with Kris during their catch-up, discussing the creative funk in generating fresh ideas for new books.
• Kris explains Penny's strategy of focusing on in-house authors to develop book ideas, such as turning author Carmen Loremo's trip to Italy into a bestseller.
• Maddie takes note of this strategy wondering which of their writers can produce what kind of content.
• The conversation reveals the lack of diversity among their writers, most of whom produce conventional cuisine books.
• Kris considers Maddie's book idea of "Cooking Combos" and praises her for bringing new ideas to the team.
• Maddie later reflects on how the roster of authors could diversify their content and discovers an author's wife, Afra, who could inspire authentic foreign cuisine books.
• Maddie's flatmate Jo proposes a trip to Florence, Italy, where they could stay for free due to Jo's connection but would have to pay for flights.
• Despite financial concerns and the timing aligning with her dad's birthday, Maddie tentatively agrees to the trip.
• Maddie exchanges playful text messages with Ben, who is excited about making pasta with his new pasta machine.
• Even though she looks forward to seeing Ben, Maddie is concerned about having enough time to wash her hair, which has a lengthy and specific process.
• While in the middle of her hair-care routine, Jo innocently but insensitively touches Maddie's hair, resulting in a learning moment about personal boundaries and cultural sensitivity taught by their flatmate Cam.
• Feeling the pressure, Maddie ultimately decides to blow-dry her hair to speed up the process.