Chapter Thirty-Three (Judah) – This Could Be Us Summary & Analysis

⚠️ 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

Judah begins the chapter on the phone with his ex-wife, Tremaine, discussing their sons’ New Year’s plans. Tremaine admits she sometimes misses having the boys full‑time, but praises Judah’s extraordinary co‑parenting. After the call, Judah settles into work but finds himself distracted by thoughts of Soledad and the memory of their night in the shed. He is about to go for a run when Soledad calls, sounding upset. She asks to come over and arrives in a black dress, clearly shaken. She reveals that she took her daughters to visit Edward in prison and, in the parking lot, saw his secretary Amber holding a baby—Edward’s child. Judah struggles with jealousy when Soledad initially seems to be thinking of Edward while kissing him, but she clarifies that the betrayal was a catalyst for recognizing her own unsatisfied life. She proposes a one‑time physical encounter on her terms, wanting to take something for herself. Judah recognizes she is clinging to an illusion of control after Edward’s betrayals, but agrees because he is certain he wants a future with her, despite the complications.

Key Events

Judah and Tremaine have a candid phone call about co‑parenting and the boys’ preferences.
Judah thinks about his own happiness for the first time in years and admits he wants Soledad.
Soledad arrives at Judah’s house distressed.
Soledad confesses she visited Edward in prison with her daughters and saw Amber holding Edward’s baby.
Judah feels jealousy when Soledad cries while kissing him.
Soledad insists the encounter is not revenge sex; she wants a one‑time experience strictly for her pleasure.
Judah internally acknowledges he wants more than a physical relationship but agrees to go upstairs.

Character Development

Judah: Shows vulnerability in admitting he has neglected his own happiness. He grapples with jealousy for the first time and chooses to prioritize Soledad’s need for control over his own desire for a deeper commitment—at least for the moment.
Soledad: Reveals the emotional aftermath of encountering Amber and the baby. She moves from shock to a resolve to stop living half‑heartedly. Her proposal to Judah is both an act of self‑assertion and a step toward reclaiming agency after Edward’s betrayals.
Tremaine (briefly): Demonstrates gratitude and emotional honesty about the unusual co‑parenting arrangement, showing the healthy partnership that continues after divorce.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Control vs. Surrender: Soledad insists on controlling the terms of the physical encounter, while Judah recognizes that true connection requires letting go of control. The chapter contrasts her need for safety with his willingness to embrace “free fall.”
Jealousy as a New Emotion: Judah experiences a sharp, unfamiliar jealousy when Soledad cries over Edward, marking a shift in his emotional investment.
Catalyst for Change: Edward’s secret baby act as the spark that forces Soledad to confront her own unsatisfied existence and take action—a motif of transformative crisis.
Co‑parenting as Partnership: The phone call with Tremaine reinforces that Judah’s family dynamic, though unconventional, is built on mutual respect and sacrifice.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional stakes between Judah and Soledad. It reveals the lingering wounds from Edward’s betrayal while showing Soledad’s determination to reclaim her life. Judah’s internal conflict—wanting more than a casual encounter but agreeing to Soledad’s terms—sets up a pivotal shift in their relationship. The chapter also underscores the theme of happiness as a choice, with both characters recognizing they have neglected their own needs. The secret‑baby reveal adds a new layer of complexity to the aftermath of Edward’s crimes and raises questions about how this will affect Soledad’s daughters.

Study Questions and Answers

Question: Why does Judah initially hesitate when Soledad proposes a one‑time physical encounter?
Answer: He hesitates because he wants a deeper relationship and does not want to be used solely for revenge sex. He recognizes that Soledad is seeking control after Edward’s betrayal, but he is certain he wants a future with her, not just a night.
Question: How does the revelation about Amber’s baby affect Soledad’s perspective on her marriage?
Answer: The revelation forces Soledad to acknowledge that Edward would have eventually left her for Amber. It also catalyzes her decision to stop living a half‑satisfied life and to take what she wants for herself, framing the betrayal as a catalyst rather than a defeat.
Question: What does Judah mean when he thinks that Soledad’s control is “an illusion”?
Answer: Judah believes that any physical relationship between them will not remain shallow because his feelings for her are already deep. He sees her attempt to set strict one‑time terms as a necessary illusion for her emotional safety, but he is confident that their connection will inevitably lead to something more significant.