This Could Be Us: Essential Questions and Answers

1. Why does Soledad keep her solo anniversary reservation at Spiros?

Soledad refuses to cancel a long‑awaited dinner reservation even though her marriage has ended. She turns the date into a solo act of self‑partnering, choosing to meet herself instead of waiting for a partner. This decision publicly declares that she will not let divorce erase her desires or her identity.

In Chapter Eighteen, Soledad dines alone at Spiros. The host removes the second place setting after she explains she is no longer married. She sees the empty space as a reminder that no one will rescue her but herself. She takes a selfie and captions it with #SelfPartnering and #MeetingMyself, committing to contentment over loneliness.

2. What does the machete destruction of Edward’s man cave represent?

The machete rampage symbolizes Soledad’s explosive release of years of suppressed rage and her refusal to remain a victim. Destroying Edward’s belongings—especially the Larry Bird jersey—marks the moment she reclaims agency over her space and her story. The act is both cathartic and transformative.

In Chapter Ten, Soledad uses the family machete to shatter Edward’s pool table, desk, and signed jersey. During the destruction she cuts her hand, and the scar later becomes a permanent reminder of her turning point. Within the rubble she finds a hidden flash drive that eventually helps convict Edward.

3. How does the epigraph from Zora Neale Hurston foreshadow the novel?

The epigraph—“There are years that ask questions and years that answer”—frames the entire narrative as a cyclical journey from uncertainty to clarity. Soledad’s first year after Edward’s arrest is full of painful questions, while the second half delivers hard‑won answers about self‑worth, trust, and love.

Chapter Two presents only this quotation without plot events. The line reappears thematically when Soledad reads All About Love and realizes she can be “soledad hermosa”—beautiful solitude. The philosophical foundation encourages readers to see Soledad’s struggles as necessary phases of growth.

4. What is the significance of Soledad finding “soledad hermosa” in bell hooks’ book?

Soledad discovers the phrase “soledad hermosa” (beautiful solitude) in All About Love and interprets it as a personal sign. It validates her self‑partnering journey and redefines her name from a mark of loneliness to a badge of strength. This moment crystallizes her commitment to contentment alone.

In Chapter Twenty‑Four, Soledad reads in bed and connects deeply with hooks’ message. When she sees “soledad hermosa,” she feels goose bumps and lays the book on Edward’s empty pillow. The discovery transforms her night—instead of dreaming of past hurt, she dreams of a future she will shape herself.

5. Why does Judah propose a “begin game” instead of pursuing Soledad directly?

Judah understands that Soledad needs space to rebuild herself after divorce. Rather than pressuring her into a relationship, he orchestrates ways to be near her—such as arranging the Callahan catering job—while promising not to ask her out. This “begin game” respects her healing timeline and proves his patience.

In Chapter Twenty‑Three, Soledad confronts Judah about the Christmas party catering. He admits he wanted to see her again and explains his philosophy: he won’t ask her out but will find ways to be close while she works on herself. Their physical tension peaks, yet he holds back to honor her boundaries.

6. How does Soledad’s diagnosis of chlamydia change her approach to Edward?

The STI diagnosis shatters any remaining illusion that Edward’s betrayal was merely financial. Soledad realizes he has been physically unfaithful and deliberately exposed her to harm. The rage this ignites pushes her from passive grief to active confrontation—she demands a prison visit the same day.

In Chapter Eight, Soledad learns the news from Dr. Shelia Claymont. Because Soledad has been faithful for nearly twenty years, only Edward could have given her the infection. She replays his recent cruelty and body‑shaming comments, recognizing them as distractions from his affair. She immediately calls her lawyer to arrange a meeting with Edward.

7. What is the impact of Inez seeing Judah and Soledad together at the farm‑to‑table dinner?

Inez catches Soledad accepting a bookmark from Judah and interprets the moment as a betrayal of their family. Her anger forces Soledad to defend her attraction to Judah while reassuring her daughter that she is not choosing him over them. The confrontation highlights the tension between parental romance and children’s loyalty.

In Chapter Twenty, Judah attends Soledad’s dinner and gives her a handmade bookmark. After he leaves, Inez confronts Soledad, angry that she would be friendly with the man who exposed Edward’s fraud. Soledad denies any romance but internally treasures Judah’s gift, revealing her inner conflict.

8. Why does Judah let Edward escape in the epilogue?

Judah deliberately does not report the additional offshore accounts he uncovered. He prioritizes Soledad’s freedom from Edward’s toxic presence over corporate justice. By allowing Edward to flee the country, Judah ensures that Soledad and her daughters will never again have to face his manipulation or demands.

In Chapter Forty‑Nine (the epilogue), Judah admits to Soledad that he found new financial trails but chose not to act. He confesses, “I wanted him out of your life more than I wanted to catch him.” Soledad feels profound relief, recognizing this as an act of love and protection.

9. How does the scar on Soledad’s palm become a symbol?

The scar is a permanent mark of the night Soledad shattered Edward’s display case with a machete after discovering his infidelity. It represents the boundary between her former blind trust and her current full awareness. Each time she sees it, she is reminded that she survived betrayal and reclaimed her power.

In Chapter Thirty‑Eight, during a strip‑Uno game, Judah notices the scar. Soledad explains she cut her hand while destroying Edward’s belongings after learning he gave her chlamydia. She calls the scar a turning point that split her life into “blind trust” and “full awareness,” a testament to her self‑discovery.

10. What does Judah reveal about his own possible neurodivergence?

During a vulnerable conversation in Chapter Twenty‑Eight, Judah hints that he may be on the autism spectrum. He mentions his hyperfocus, sensory sensitivities, and the way his mind works differently. This admission deepens Soledad’s understanding of him and mirrors the neurodivergence of his sons.

In Chapter Twenty‑Eight, after Soledad and Judah kiss at the Callahan party, Judah reveals his celibacy and possible autism. He describes his hyperfocus and how it affects his relationships. The revelation strengthens their bond, as Soledad sees his honesty as a form of trust.

11. How does self‑partnering evolve from a concept to a lived practice for Soledad?

Soledad initially views self‑partnering as a therapeutic idea she discusses on social media. Over time she turns it into daily habits—dining alone, journaling on her favorite bench, creating a “Me List,” and demolishing Edward’s man cave to build her own shed. Each action reinforces her independence and self‑worth.

In Chapter Eighteen, Soledad dines solo at Spiros. In Chapter Twenty‑Four, she live‑streams demolition and announces the #datingmyselfchallenge. By Chapter Twenty‑Seven, she describes her Sunday routine at Sky Park as “the discipline of investing time in myself.” The progression shows self‑partnering moving from hashtag to lifestyle.

12. Why does Soledad feel relief when she learns Edward has fled?

Soledad’s relief comes from knowing she will never have to see Edward’s lying face again or navigate his manipulations for her daughters. The release of fear and obligation feels cleansing. His disappearance allows her to fully embrace her new life without the shadow of his potential return.

In the epilogue (Chapter Forty‑Nine), Judah tells Soledad that Edward left the country with Amber and their baby. Soledad initially feels rage, then overwhelming relief. She cries cleansing tears and tells Judah she is happy he is gone. Her reaction confirms that she has healed enough to let go of the past.

13. What role does the “Me List” play in Soledad and Judah’s relationship?

The Me List is a tool both characters use to prioritize self‑care after divorce. Soledad’s list inspires Judah to create his own, which becomes a bridge for emotional intimacy. Sharing their lists—especially Judah’s motorcycle goal—deepens their connection and shows that they value personal growth alongside romantic love.

In Chapter Twenty‑Four, Soledad introduces the Me List during her she‑shed live stream. In Chapter Thirty, Judah reveals he made his own Me List inspired by her. He later restores a classic purple motorcycle from that list and surprises Soledad with a ride in Chapter Forty‑Five. The lists symbolize mutual support for individual fulfillment.

14. How does the author’s note about autism influence the portrayal of the twin boys?

Kennedy Ryan writes that she drew on twenty years of experience as a parent of an autistic son. She chose identity‑first language (“autistic”) and used clinical levels only as part of diagnoses. This commitment to respectful representation shapes Adam (level 1) and Aaron (level 3) as nuanced, dignified characters rather than stereotypes.

In the Author’s Note (Chapter One), Ryan explains her hesitation to write about autism and her interviews with autistic people and parents. She describes her son as a “gentle giant” with high support needs. This lived perspective informs scenes like Aaron’s meltdown at Hops (Chapter Fourteen) and his plea “Stay with me” in the prologue.

15. Why does Judah save the grocery list and Soledad’s copy of All About Love?

Judah keeps these mementos as emotional anchors: the grocery list from his first act of care for Soledad, and the book she left behind as a symbol of her intellectual and spiritual growth. They represent his deep investment in her journey long before they are ready to commit fully.

In Chapter Thirty‑Five, after their first night together, Soledad discovers the items while dressing. The grocery list was from the groceries Judah ordered for her after Edward’s arrest (Chapter Four). The book shows he has been reading alongside her. Judah admits the objects hold meaning, prompting Soledad to recognize his intentional love.