Really Good, Actually: A Novel

Maggie initiates a series of text messages to Jon, starting with inquiries about handling his mail, organizing a legal separation, and reminding him about his sister's upcoming birthday. Initially, her messages exude warmth and camaraderie, with Maggie complimenting Jon on his recent advertisement and expressing general concern for his well-being. However, the tone shifts as Maggie delves into more personal territory, questioning Jon about scrubbing his Instagram account. A lengthy text follows, detailing Maggie's wish to share custody of the cat and her description of the emotional toll of the separation. Finally, she concludes with a brief, heartfelt message wishing Jon the best.

Amirah introduces Maggie to one of her colleagues, Amy, who is also navigating the complexities of a difficult divorce. As they share their experiences, Maggie finds herself envious of Amy's fiery indignation towards her ex-husband, and she wishes that she could cast Jon as a clear villain to simplify her own emotional turmoil. Finding solace in Amy's company, Maggie feels emboldened by her new friend’s unabashed criticism of her ex, which allows Maggie to vent freely about Jon's shortcomings.

However, the mood shifts when Amy reveals her fear that she will not know when her ex dies. Transitioning to a lighter conversation, they discuss Amy's dating escapades, but Maggie admits that she is not ready to dive back into the dating scene. Amy takes matters into her own hands by setting up a Tinder account for Maggie, sparking an exploration of Maggie's bisexuality. As the night progresses and alcohol flows freely, Maggie and Amy swap stories until the early hours of the morning. Returning home with a pounding headache, Maggie impulsively swipes right on every Tinder match, embracing the opportunity to explore potential connections with men and women. However, the following morning brings a harsh reality check as Maggie grapples with a brutal hangover and an overwhelming 47 matches. Amy's text serves as a reminder of their eventful night and is punctuated with a cautionary note about the fickle nature of online dating apps.

Maggie's interactions on Tinder span a wide spectrum, from simple hellos to engaging inquiries. However, she also receives communications that she finds unsettling, such as a request soliciting pictures of her feet. Among the varied exchanges, she encounters remarks about her physical appearance and her profession. In one awkward moment, a potential match recognizes her as their teaching assistant.

Maggie resumes her work duties in late August and is greeted by an overwhelming wave of sympathetic gestures from colleagues. Despite falling back into the rhythm of her daily routine, she grapples with her underlying frustration over Jon's conspicuous silence. Despite her better judgment, Maggie continues to reach out to him via text, unable to resist the urge. However, her attempts to maintain some sense of normalcy are abruptly interrupted when she calls the vet to check on Janet's health only to discover that she has been removed as the cat's primary caregiver.

As Maggie wrestles with this unexpected blow, her coworker Olivia engages her in a conversation about work, providing a temporary distraction. Amidst Maggie’s swirling thoughts about Jon's motives—whether he is harboring resentment over her email to his parents, if he has absconded with the cat, or if this is a silent plea for help—Olivia notices her distress and probes gently about her well-being. Maggie deflects with a dark joke about her mood, but Olivia's concern deepens.

The arrival of Merris interrupts Maggie's escalating turmoil, providing a brief respite. Maggie confides in Merris about Jon taking the cat, unleashing a flood of pent-up anxieties and fears. Merris offers a comforting presence and encourages Maggie to take some time for herself, ultimately sending her home to rest. On her way home, Maggie's thoughts spiral into frustration and resentment towards Jon. Arriving home, she seeks solace in alcohol and intimacy, finding temporary escape in a drunken encounter with Calvin.

Maggie delves into another flurry of Google searches, this time exploring topics ranging from global extinction to celebrity divorces, potential teaching positions, and the likelihood of contracting various sexually transmitted diseases.

To divert her thoughts from Jon, Maggie immerses herself in a whirlwind of activities. Against her friends' advice, she plunges into the dating scene. Amidst a mix of exhilarating experiences and disappointing encounters that contribute to her ego boost, Maggie finds solace by using these dates to distract herself from thoughts of Jon. She is surprised to learn that her divorced status garners her attention on online dating platforms. However, after several weeks, Maggie grows weary of the fleeting encounters and realizes that her true enjoyment lies in anticipation and preparation rather than in the actual dates. Recognizing the similarities among her matches, Maggie shifts her focus away from dating apps. Instead, she finds fulfillment in reconnecting with various acquaintances and discovers a more profound sense of satisfaction as they affirm her worth and lovability.

Maggie envisions herself strolling down the street, exuding effortless beauty. Along the way, she unexpectedly encounters Jon, who appears weary and disheartened. Their paths intersect just as a past romantic interest named Harry Styles calls out Maggie's name. As Harry approaches, he naturally embraces Maggie, advertising their intimacy. Jon extends his hand for a shake, but Harry declines the gesture, asserting his relationship with Maggie.

Maggie ventures into many hobbies, from Krav Maga and bouldering to pottery and Asian cooking, taking advantage of the free first classes whenever possible. Her friends refuse to join her. Undeterred, Maggie invites Nathan, a date, to an axe-throwing event, only to discover their lack of compatibility. Disheartened, she retreats to the bar, where a mishap involving a lawn dart and a 20-something woman's errant throw leaves Maggie with a dart in her leg.

The woman's boss, Simon, apologizes and tends to Maggie's injury, sparking a conversation that leads to drinks and a mutual decision to leave together. As they converse, Maggie impulsively conceals the depths of her romantic history while scrutinizing Simon's bachelor pad, noting the absence of curtains and remnants of dog food from a past pet. Simon discloses his recent break-up after a four-year relationship, prompting Maggie to withhold the truth about her own romantic past. Despite conflicting signals, they share a night of intimacy, during which Maggie senses an inexplicable connection with Simon.

After they share a night curled up together, Maggie awakens to find Simon making coffee in the morning. His desire to see her again catches her off guard, prompting her to depart hastily and leaving a sense of confusion behind.

A few days later, Simon reaches out with a text, sharing a screenshot of the curtains he ordered and signaling a desire for further connection.

Maggie receives an email from her attorney, Lori, in response to Maggie's previous correspondence. In the email, Lori clarifies that Maggie's phone calls are billed at Lori's standard rate of $215 per hour. Given the financial implications, Lori advises Maggie to seek support from a family member or friend to minimize additional charges.

Lori's office provides an itemized list of charges, which encompasses various calls discussing matters such as potential spousal support, challenges in locating tax returns, and referrals. However, two extended calls veered into discussions about dating apps, inquiries regarding Jon and his legal representation, difficulties navigating the legal proceedings, and Maggie's emotional distress. The total amount for the month's services amounts to $478.52.