Chapter 28 Summary, Themes, and Key Moments

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Clover arrives at Leo's apartment for their regular mahjong game, and Leo prepares her a bourbon drink. She tells him about her new job with Claudia, noting that Claudia's cheeky humor, nostalgia for the past, and rule-bending nature remind her of Leo. Leo playfully deflects the comparison but accepts the compliment.

As they begin the game, Leo asks about Clover's time with Sylvie, the new neighbor. Clover downplays the budding friendship, mentioning they've had coffee, done yoga, and shared a dinner, but she insists it's too soon to call it a real friendship. Leo praises Sylvie, noting that she shares his love of neighborhood gossip. He then reveals that he suspects Clover's grandfather Patrick secretly enjoyed gossip too, even though he never admitted it. Clover blushes, acknowledging the truth of this.

The conversation turns reflective. Clover asks Leo whether Patrick ever talked about what it was like to raise her alone, and she confesses she worries she ruined his life. Leo takes a long pause before answering. He explains that Patrick worked a great deal while Clover's mother was young and felt guilty about her choices, which he saw as a consequence of his own absence. When Clover came to live with him, Patrick viewed it as a do-over—a chance to raise her properly and make amends for his past mistakes. Leo also reveals that Patrick often came to him for advice, especially about parenting matters like buying Clover's first bra, and that he got guidance from Bessie, the bookstore owner. Leo tells Clover that he promised Patrick he would always watch out for her, and that he believes Patrick would approve of him sharing these truths.

Clover is deeply moved and reconsiders her childhood through this new lens. She thanks Leo, and they return to the game. Leo briefly winces and holds his neck, but he dismisses it as old age and insists on continuing. After the game, Clover returns home feeling exhausted and untethered. She uses her binoculars to observe Julia and Reuben hosting a dinner party, finding comfort in the stability of their relationship.

Key Events

• Clover tells Leo about her new job with Claudia and compares Claudia to Leo.

• Leo asks about Sylvie; Clover downplays the friendship.

• Leo reveals that Patrick secretly enjoyed gossip.

• Clover asks if she ruined Patrick's life; Leo explains Patrick's guilt and his view of raising Clover as a do-over.

• Leo discloses that Patrick sought parenting advice from Bessie and that Leo promised to watch over Clover.

• Leo experiences a brief neck pain but dismisses it.

• Clover returns home and watches Julia and Reuben's dinner party through binoculars for comfort.

Character Development

Clover – This chapter marks a significant shift in Clover's self-perception. She has long carried a quiet guilt about being