Chapter 22

Summary

• The chapter begins with the protagonist, presumably Monique, asking Evelyn how she remained so confident despite her husband leaving her and her career falling apart. Evelyn prompts Monique to share her own emotional struggles, revealing Monique’s impending divorce. Evelyn's cavalier attitude towards Monique's vulnerability frustrates her.
• Evelyn distinguishes between heartbreak and divorce, viewing the former as a genuine loss and the latter as a mere formality. This distinction resonates with Monique, giving her a new perspective on her own emotional battles.
• Later, Monique receives a phone call from Frankie, leading to a difficult decision about her professional situation. She can either lie about her progress with Evelyn, thereby securing her job, or tell the truth, risking getting fired. Monique considers the benefits of losing her current job, as she has the opportunity to publish a potentially lucrative book in the future.
• Choosing to seize control of the situation, Monique informs Frankie that Evelyn only wants her story told in a full biography, not in a piece for Vivant, their current publication. This knowledge angers Frankie, but Monique negotiates, stating that she could potentially change Evelyn’s mind, but she wants a promotion in return.
• Despite Frankie only offering Monique the role of 'writer at large' rather than 'editor at large', Monique accepts, as well as successfully negotiating a raise. Frankie agrees but insists on quick confirmation from Monique and wants the photo shoot booked by the following week.
• The chapter ends with Frankie expressing her anger and stating that she hopes it's good enough that she is forced to forgive Monique. Monique reassures her that it will be.