Chapter 14 (Chapter 13) Summary: A Mother’s Suspicion
⚠️ 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
Abby’s mother calls, pointedly refusing to use Monica’s name instead calling her "that woman." She is clearly not supportive of the surrogacy arrangement. Abby tries to sound upbeat about the pregnancy, but her mother’s skepticism grates on her. The conversation quickly turns to Sam. Abby’s mother has never liked him, and she recounts the disastrous first meeting when Sam mistook the family’s housekeeper for Abby’s mother, called golf boring in front of Abby’s father, dropped carrots on the floor, and backed into the mailbox.
The mother warns Abby that men cannot be trusted, especially not Sam, implying that the proximity to a beautiful surrogate will lead to infidelity. Abby insists Sam is a decent person who would never cheat, yet she decides not to mention that she and Sam have invited Monica to dinner, fearing her mother's disapproval. The chapter ends with Abby clinging to her belief in Sam’s loyalty while a seed of doubt has been planted.
Key Events
- Abby’s mother initiates a phone call, refusing to use Monica’s name.
- The mother questions Abby’s judgment in using a surrogate and implies Sam is untrustworthy.
- A flashback details Sam’s awkward first meeting with Abby’s parents.
- Mother explicitly warns Abby not to leave Sam alone with Monica.
- Abby defends Sam’s character, but internally decides to hide the dinner invitation from her mother.
Character Development
Abby – Her defensive tone with her mother shows her insecurity regarding the surrogacy. She wants to project confidence but is visibly rattled by her mother’s blunt assessment. The decision to withhold information about the dinner suggests she is starting to have doubts about Sam, even as she outwardly trusts him.
Abby’s mother – She is portrayed as judgmental and protective. Her refusal to use Monica’s name signals her distrust of the arrangement. The warning about men reveals her cynical worldview, likely shaped by experience, and she specifically targets Sam based on his awkward first impression.
Sam (mentioned) – The flashback paints Sam as nervous but also socially clumsy. His mistake of mistaking the housekeeper for Abby’s mother underscores his lack of familiarity with Abby’s upbringing. His willingness to wear a suit and bring gifts, however, shows he initially tried hard to impress.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Distrust and jealousy – The conversation revolves around Abby’s mother’s belief that Sam will be tempted by Monica. This echoes Abby’s own concealed anxieties about the surrogacy dynamic.
Family versus marital loyalty – Abby is caught between defending her husband to her mother and the nagging fear that her mother might be right. The phone call forces her to choose which bond she prioritizes.
Secrets and omissions – Abby’s decision to hide the dinner invitation from her mother introduces a pattern of selective disclosure, a motif that may grow more significant as the story progresses.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter establishes Abby’s external and internal conflicts. Her mother’s voice amplifies the reader’s suspicions about Sam and Monica, while Abby’s insistence on Sam’s fidelity sets up a potential betrayal or a test of loyalty. The flashback humanizes Sam but also highlights the cultural and class differences between him and Abby’s family. The decision to omit the dinner invitation foreshadows future secrecy and tension, making this chapter pivotal for character motivation and plot momentum.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Abby’s mother refuse to call Monica by her name?
Abby’s mother uses “that woman” to dehumanize Monica and express her disapproval of the surrogacy. It is a deliberate tactic to undermine Abby’s choice and distance her from the surrogate emotionally.
2. What is the significance of the flashback to Sam’s first meeting with Abby’s parents?
The flashback illustrates why Abby’s mother distrusts Sam: his awkward behavior created a poor first impression. It also reveals subtle class differences and shows that Abby has been trying to mediate between Sam and her family ever since.
3. How does Abby’s decision not to tell her mother about the dinner invitation foreshadow conflict?
It suggests that Abby is already managing information to avoid conflict, which could escalate as her mother’s warnings prove prophetic or as Abby’s own doubts grow. The omission sets up a possible future confrontation if her mother finds out.