Summer Romance

Frannie calls Ali to complain about Harold’s managing and ordering mishaps at the inn. Ali offers to watch Theo so that Frannie can resolve the problem. At the inn, Ali encounters Ethan. He and Ali take Theo and the dogs to the beach. Ethan reveals his frustrations with his parents’ house, which he’s trying to clean up before putting it on the market. Ali offers to help and admits that she'd like to keep seeing Ethan while he’s in town. Frannie comes to collect Theo, interrupting their intimate conversation.

Ali makes dinner for her kids while waiting for Pete to pick them up for soccer practice. This is her only free night, and she usually spends it on the couch watching Netflix. Pete arrives and goes upstairs to change while the kids get ready. Ali feels frustrated that he’s invading her space. He resurfaces, revealing that he has rented a bigger place and they’ll have to rework their shared finances. Upset, Ali realizes she’ll “need a lawyer” (96).

After Pete and the kids leave, Ali brushes her hair, changes, puts on lip gloss, and drives to Ethan’s house. He invites her in and gets them beers and snacks. They sit on the porch and talk. Ethan shares his frustrations with the house, the realtor, and being back in Beechwood. He’s never liked the town and hates that everyone still calls him Scooter and treats him like an irresponsible kid. Then the conversation turns to Ali, and she explains the situation with Pete, the finances, his apartment, and the mediator. Ethan offers to give her legal advice and support in exchange for her help with the house. Realizing Ali is still upset, he suggests they visit the skate park.

Ethan gives Ali a skateboarding lesson. He explains what skateboarding means to him and how it has helped him forget his troubles over the years. Skating is also a good way “to control the fear” (107). Ali is hesitant at first but feels more confident with Ethan’s help.

Pete and the kids are at the house when Ali returns home. She confronts him, saying she’s bringing Frannie’s lawyer brother, Scooter, to mediation. Pete scoffs but gives in.

Ali picks up Ethan on Friday for the mediation meeting. He’s wearing a silly 1970s tuxedo from his father’s closet. He didn’t plan on being in Beechwood this long and doesn’t have clothes. He also hopes the outfit will make Pete uncomfortable.

Ali, Ethan, Pete, and the mediator, Lacey, convene in the office. Ethan advocates for Ali throughout, getting her half of the gold Krugerrand money from her mother and two more years in the house. She and Pete co-own it, and Pete wants her to sell it when Cliffy is 20. Afterward, Ali thanks Ethan for his help, and they drive home. On the way, she points out the apartment where she and her mom lived after her parents got divorced. Fancy always wanted a big house and family, but her dreams didn’t pan out.

Ali and Ethan have lunch at the diner. Ethan invites her over afterward, but she has to get home for the kids. Ethan notes that Pete doesn’t seem to care for them that much and that Ali should stand up for herself. He reminds her how confident and self-assured she used to be in high school. Ali appreciates his support, and they make plans to meet up again soon.

After dinner, Ali texts with Pete, trying to solidify a time when he’ll take the kids. She feels herself giving in to his indecision and preoccupation with his biking plans. Ali reflects on her conversation with Ethan earlier and tries to understand how she became the person she is now. She remembers what attracted her to Pete but realizes she wouldn’t have married him if she hadn’t gotten pregnant with Greer. She tried to make things work, though she was sad to leave Manhattan and her high-powered accounting job. She was glad to be home with Greer and Fancy, and she got pregnant with Iris shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Pete remained distant and uninvested in family life. Fancy started taking on a bigger role in the family. Over time, Ali and Pete’s relationship became increasingly transactional. Cliffy’s birth was their last attempt to make things work, but nothing changed. Ali didn’t feel supported and missed work but never confronted Pete about these issues. Sitting with her kids now, she realizes that their life is more peaceful without Pete.

Ali tries to confront Pete about making a more definite schedule with the kids when he comes to pick them up in the morning. He doubts that Ali has anything better to do and dismisses her concerns.

Ali goes over to Ethan’s to help organize the house. He immediately notices she’s upset, but she turns the attention back to the house, disinterested in talking about Pete. While they’re working, Ethan gets a call from one of the kids at the skate park he runs in Devon.

Ali and Ethan spend the rest of the afternoon together. She feels relaxed because Pete is supposed to keep the kids overnight. At five o’clock, she and Ethan have beers, take a break, and chat. Ethan mentions some of the things Ali said in her valedictorian speech, reminding her that she’s in control of her life. They kiss. Afterward, they swim in the pool. Ali is overwhelmed with emotion. Pete texts to say he’s bringing the kids back because he now wants to go biking with his buddies in the morning.

Ali and her kids visit her father and his wife, Libby. They’ve been together since Ali was a child, but Ali isn’t close with Libby and never had the same relationship with her dad that she had with her mom. During lunch, Ali is surprised that her dad shows concern about her divorce.

The next day, Ali chats with Frannie after helping her at the café. She tries to keep things normal, although she suspects Frannie is upset about her and Ethan. However, Frannie is glad to see that Ali is taking better care of herself.

Ali helps Ethan at the house and tells him about cleaning out Fancy’s house. She shows him the charm bracelet Fancy made for her as a child. Each charm represents an important event in her life. The last one is a baby, celebrating Cliffy’s birth six years ago. Ethan assures her she has more things coming for her.

Ali spends the next two days helping Ethan while her kids are at camp. They frequently get distracted by each other and kiss. Ali has told him she just wants a summer romance and doesn’t think sex is a good idea. Ethan is understanding.

On Friday, Ali and Ethan return to mediation. Ethan advocates for Ali again, this time securing her a full 24 hours on her own during which Pete will take the kids. Out in the lot, Ethan is thrilled with their success, but Ali is on the verge of tears. In the car, she starts crying, admitting how frustrated she is with herself and her situation.

Ethan takes Ali out for some fresh air with their dogs to make her feel better. They go to the beach and wade out to Pelican Island. Beechwood looks different from this angle. Ethan and Ali sit on the sand and talk about perspective, happiness, relationships, and the future. He opens up to her, revealing that his last relationship ended because his ex-girlfriend didn’t support the things that make him happy. He has an important role in the Devon community and is invested in the skate park kids. His ex got frustrated that he prioritized his community work, legal clients, neighbors, and local shop owners over her.

Ethan and Ali continue talking and then kiss until the tide comes in and they have to leave the island. Afterward, Ethan says he has to return to Devon tomorrow for the day to help run a skate park event. He invites Ali to join him, and she accepts.