Chapter Two

George Schneider, a busy New York City author, fills his days with writing, softball in the park, and visits from his married brother Leo. He remains raw from the death of his wife, and the memory continually colors his mood and choices.

Leo gives George the number of Jennie MacLaine, and George dials by mistake while trying to contact someone else. After an awkward exchange, he calls again to explain himself, even though she has no interest in a blind date. His persistence plants the seed for a potential connection.

George’s persistence leads to a five-minute face-to-face date with Jennie. Jennie, wary at first, agrees to give him a chance on a very short meeting. The setup hints at something unexpectedly promising.

They meet at Jennie's apartment and immediately hit it off. The conversation reveals common ground and a surprising ease between them. George senses a connection that could go beyond a casual arrangement.

George asks Jennie for a traditional date, and she accepts. Their relationship develops quickly into a whirlwind romance, surprising both of them with how natural things feel. Their fast pace signals a bold leap into love.

Leo is pleased, and Faye sees a favorable outcome for George's happiness. Jennie and George decide to marry after knowing each other for only a short time. The rapid engagement unsettles those who fear they are rushing the relationship.

While George and Jennie are away on their Caribbean honeymoon, Faye asks to use Jennie's apartment. She moves into the space, reflecting the entanglements among the couple and their friends. The arrangement foreshadows the upcoming revelations.

George and Jennie embark on an idyllic Caribbean honeymoon and enjoy their happiness together. Their joy is tempered when a tourist recognizes George and offers condolences about his deceased wife. The encounter jolts George back into his grief and unsettles the newlyweds.

Back in New York, Jennie tries to cheer George up with warmth, but his responses grow curt and hurtful. His lingering grief undermines the marriage, and the couple's happiness seems to fade. The home life becomes strained as unspoken tensions mount.

Jennie returns to her own apartment to discover Faye having an affair with Leo. The betrayal shatters trust and casts a shadow over the fragile marriage. The revelation forces the characters to confront the consequences of their tangled relationships.

The marriage appears to be over almost as quickly as it began, as deceit and hurt drive a wedge between them. George and Jennie face the prospect of an irrevocably broken relationship. The future of their bond hangs in the balance.

In a turning moment, George realizes how much he loves Jennie and commits to fighting for their relationship. He resolves not to lose her and to rebuild what they shared. The story ends on a note of renewed devotion, with doubt lingering but hope intact.