The chapter opened with Dusty Tucker’s unsent-style note to Cam (“Ash”) from eight years ago, written after his father Renny Tucker died peacefully in his sleep. Dusty expressed heartbreak, guilt over not seeing his father for more than a year, and a longing to speak to Cam. He recalled that Renny cared about Cam’s well-being, even keeping Pink Lady apples stocked on Cam’s old grocery day. Dusty admitted he missed Cam constantly and now missed his father too.

The point of view shifted to Cam Ashwood the same night. Newly back in Jackson after college, a gap year, and an internship before the LSAT, Cam went to the crowded Devil’s Boot for a drink and the comfort of people-watching as she processed the news of Renny’s death. Though she and Dusty had not spoken in years, she ached for him and considered sending condolences.

Cam composed and deleted multiple drafts before settling on a brief text: “Hey. It’s Cam. I’m sorry about your dad. Thinking of you.” Just as she steadied herself to send it, a jostle at the bar caused her phone to fall. The man who bumped her was Gus Ryder, flustered and apologetic. Cam joked that he might have saved her from doing something stupid, while Gus admitted to having done something stupid himself that night.

They introduced themselves and, despite only a passing acquaintance, Cam offered to listen. Gus bought them drinks and their conversation flowed easily. They discussed Rebel Blue and Cam’s law school plans, shared laughs at the bar’s antics, and found a comfortable rapport that surprised Cam. When Gus suggested going somewhere else after a couple of hours, Cam agreed without hesitation.

The next morning, Cam’s phone buzzed with a reply from Dusty: “Thank you. It means a lot.” This confirmed that her condolence text had been sent at some point during the night, likely while with Gus, and that Dusty received and appreciated it in the midst of his grief.