Adelaide: A Novel

In 2015, at 22, Adelaide is living in New York City. She recently finished college and is preparing for her first date since Emory. She avoided men throughout college to study abroad in London and live in France and Brooklyn. Now, she no longer wants to be studious and well-behaved, and she decides to start experimenting. She also envies Eloise’s relationship with her high school sweetheart, Nico. Adelaide asks Eloise and Nico to accompany her on her first date and sit at the bar in case things go poorly. She ends up going home with her date, but he ghosts her afterward. Many other men do the same in the following two years, until she meets Rory and starts craving commitment.

Five years into their relationship, Rory takes Nathalie to Galway, Ireland. In a park, he ties a daisy stem around her finger and promises to marry her. Over the years, Rory and Nathalie’s relationship goes through phases. Sometimes Rory is attentive, and other times he’s distant. In 2016, Rory temporarily relocates to the United States. While he’s away, he and Nathalie take a break, but they get back together when he returns. Shortly thereafter, Nathalie suggests that they move in together.