Eva struggles with her and Gideon’s breakup. She and Cary go shopping in preparation for Christopher’s party. Confident that Gideon will not attend, they head to the party the next day and meet Gideon’s family. As Cary mingles and networks, Eva observes and strikes up conversation with Gideon’s siblings, Christopher and Ireland. After Eva and Cary dance, she discovers Gideon. He confronts her and demands to know why she is at the party. Gideon follows Eva into the house as they continue to argue. Eva slaps Gideon. The two kiss passionately. Gideon promises to attend private therapy and couples counseling and begins to pleasure Eva. Magdalene interrupts them, but Gideon does not notice.

Gideon asks Eva to leave with him. He confesses to Eva that this home is the one featured in his nightmares. After Gideon grows aroused again, Eva attempts to initiate anal play. Uncomfortable, Gideon divulges that he does not engage in anal play and alludes to his past trauma. Although she endured similar traumatic experiences, Eva tells Gideon that, “‘I believe your touch can erase Nathan’s’” and that “‘you make me feel safe’” (223). Gideon initiates the sexual act and a conversation about using a safeword, “an unambiguous way to say Stop” (224).