Cover of Funny Story

Funny Story

by Emily Henry


Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Humor and Comedy, Fiction
Year
2024
Pages
401
Contents

Chapter 17

Overview

Miles surprises Daphne by taking her to the Waning Bay Historical Society's 'Senior Prom' fundraiser, partly so she can network for the library Read-a-thon. The thoughtful gesture is undercut when Peter and Petra arrive—Petra was Miles's original plus-one. Rather than flee, Daphne defiantly orders shots and decides to stay, marking a turning point in her resolve to stop running from her past.

Summary

On Saturday, June 29th, Daphne presses Miles to reveal where they're going, but he refuses, insisting only that she dress up. She puts on her backless black dress and texts Ashleigh and Julia, who tease her without spilling the secret.

Miles drives Daphne to a pink beachside resort, where a banner announces a Senior Prom. Inside, Daphne realizes the event is the Waning Bay Historical Society's annual fundraiser and that 'senior' refers to the elderly attendees. Miles explains he brought her because business owners attend and it could help her find sponsors for the library Read-a-thon, a gesture that touches her. He also confesses he enjoys being around older people who have moved past their worst mistakes and know themselves, revealing an unusually wistful side. Lenore, on the society's board, had pressured him into buying two tickets.

Daphne realizes the second ticket was originally meant for Petra. At that moment, Petra walks in on Peter's arm, looking stunning. Both Daphne and Miles freeze in horror. Miles confesses he assumed Petra wouldn't come since he'd kept the tickets. He notes Petra's beloved grandmother, 'Granny Comer,' is present.

Miles offers Daphne the choice to flee or stay. Thinking of the photo of Petra with her Richmond friends and all the spaces she's lost, Daphne refuses to be the one who leaves. When the bartender prompts her, she orders two shots of whiskey, choosing to stay, drink, and dance in front of their exes.

Who Appears

  • Daphne
    Narrator; reluctantly intrigued by Miles's surprise, touched by his thoughtfulness, and resolves to stay rather than flee from Peter and Petra.
  • Miles
    Daphne's roommate and fake boyfriend; secretly brings her to the fundraiser to help with Read-a-thon sponsors, revealing a wistful, sincere side.
  • Peter
    Daphne's ex-fiancé; arrives unexpectedly at the prom on Petra's arm, triggering Daphne's confrontation with her past.
  • Petra
    Miles's ex and Peter's new partner; appears stunning in seafoam green, her grandmother on the society's board.
  • Ashleigh
    Daphne's friend; knows where Miles is taking her but only teases via text.
  • Julia
    Friend out with Ashleigh; texts Daphne asking for pictures from the surprise event.
  • Lenore
    Historical Society board member who pressured Miles into buying tickets to the fundraiser.
  • Granny Comer
    Petra's beloved grandmother, mentioned as attending the event; reportedly disliked Miles.
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