Really Good, Actually: A Novel

Maggie engages in another series of erratic Google searches, delving into quizzes on narcissism, psychopathy, and friendship dynamics. Her curiosity leads her to research topics ranging from infrared saunas to concerns about cellulite and BMI. Amidst her inquiries, Maggie also takes a detour to check her professor rating and explores the process of lodging a complaint over trolls on ratemyprofessor.com.

Maggie attends a therapy session with Helen Yim, ostensibly for couples therapy with Jon. However, as they wait for Jon's arrival, Maggie inadvertently unveils deeper concerns and emotions about her relationship. Initially framing the meeting as being solely for Jon's benefit, Maggie gradually reveals her struggles and inner turmoil. As the session progresses, Maggie attempts to sidestep discussions about her marriage by divulging her insecurities and secrets. This leads to a lengthy, rambling confession. Helen subtly hints that Jon might not attend, prompting Maggie to admit that she initiated the appointment without his knowledge.

In a pivotal moment, Helen calls Jon on speakerphone, and Maggie immediately launches into a plea for reconciliation upon hearing his voice. However, Jon firmly states that their relationship has ended, despite acknowledging his past love for her. Maggie breaks down in tears, recounting her hardships and struggles to Jon. Upon Helen's questioning, Jon reveals that Maggie has contacted him almost daily since their separation, even though he has not replied to any of her messages in seven months. During the heated exchange that ensues between Maggie and Jon, Helen interjects as their time runs out. Despite Helen’s offer to schedule another session, Jon declines, prompting Maggie to apologize before Jon abruptly ends the call. Maggie, attempting to regain composure, notices Helen's evident distress and vehemently insists that she is fine, though her shouting proclaims otherwise. Concluding the session, Helen recommends that Maggie return for further therapy next week.

Maggie accompanies Merris to Emily and Patrick's Gatsby-themed wedding, adopting a snarky and pessimistic attitude. Even Amy notices Maggie's demeanor and encourages her to lighten up. Despite the festive atmosphere, Maggie remains cynical, which prompts Amy to caution her. During the reception, Maggie talks with a couple named Jesse and Darragh, while abstaining from food due to her intermittent fasting schedule. As the evening progresses, she indulges in alcohol and live-tweets the event, much to Amy's dismay. Despite Amy's warnings about the repercussions of her remarks, Maggie brushes them off as harmless jokes.

Later, Maggie joins Jesse and Darragh in the bathroom for a threesome. In an attempt to fit in, she accepts the couple’s invitation to partake of cocaine and marijuana. However, her discomfort grows as Jesse and Darragh become increasingly intimate while ignoring Maggie, leaving her feeling isolated and uncomfortable. Amy intervenes, disapproving of Maggie's behavior, but Maggie brushes off her concerns. When Merris suggests leaving and calls for an Uber, Maggie stubbornly insists on walking off her frustrations and runs away while Merris and Amy are distracted. As they chase Maggie down a staircase, Merris falls and injures herself.

Maggie accompanies Merris in the ambulance. In the hospital waiting room, she encounters Amirah, who is visibly upset. Maggie attempts to engage in conversation by asking about Amirah's engagement, but Amirah deflects her question and focuses on the current situation, prompting Maggie to explain what happened. As Maggie starts to vent, Amirah interrupts, calling attention to Maggie's behavior and its impact. She advises Maggie to reach out to her in the future, but not immediately, indicating her need for space. With Amirah's departure, Maggie grapples with the fear of losing more friends.

Now alone in the waiting room, Maggie reflects on her actions by deleting her wedding-related tweets and reminiscing over old photos. Memories of her wedding and Merris's earlier words weigh heavily on her mind as she anxiously awaits news of Merris’s condition, her thoughts consumed by worry, hope, and anticipation that persists through the night and into the next day.

Maggie envisions herself dissolving, transforming into a mist that eludes touch or sight but is incapable of causing harm or disruption. She prefers this imaginary state to her current existence.

Merris is discharged from the hospital around five o’clock in the morning, nursing a bruised hip. Maggie assists with physiotherapy appointments and household chores, recognizing the need to reciprocate Merris's support. Subsequently, Maggie decides to find her own place, a decision that Merris supports. However, Maggie overhears Merris's roommates, Inessa and Betty, gossiping and speculating that Merris is helping Maggie out of misplaced guilt toward her estranged daughter, Danielle.

For the following month, Maggie becomes reclusive, retreating to her room except for essential activities like work, meals, and accompanying Merris to physiotherapy sessions. She finds solace in her phone, yet her dedication to work intensifies. While the group chat among her friends resumes, Maggie mostly remains silent out of consideration for their feelings. To mend her strained relationships, Maggie sends Amirah an Edible Arrangement to celebrate her engagement to Tom, and they agree to meet for drinks. However, her attempt to reconcile with Amy goes unanswered.

During this time, Maggie and Merris discuss their relationship, and Merris reveals that they were never really friends. This revelation prompts Maggie to contemplate the connection she desires with Merris. Eventually, Maggie decides to relocate to her father's place in Kingston, reallocating her former rent money to regular sessions with Helen, her therapist. In Helen's presence, Maggie finds comfort in expressing her thoughts and concerns freely, and Helen provides a listening ear and gentle guidance toward addressing Maggie’s deeper emotional issues.

Maggie's online searches cover a diverse array of topics. Among her queries, she seeks information on marijuana, particularly its potential benefits for seniors in pain management. Additionally, she explores job opportunities, delving into resume and cover letter ideas. She also researches various diets, recipes, and travel destinations.