In an Instant

Finn Miller begins the novel by describing her best friend’s mother. Mrs. Kaminski is paranoid and constantly guards her daughter, Mo. Mo explains that her mom believes no one cares for a child like their parents. Mo was 12 years old the first time Mrs. Kaminski allowed her to travel alone. Now, Mrs. Kaminski often entrusts Mo to the Miller family, but Finn questions whether her parents’ reassurances have any meaning. Finn no longer thinks Mrs. Kaminski is “crazy,” wondering if the woman somehow knew something bad would happen.

On a Friday afternoon, Finn sits in a bridal salon in Orange County, California, watching her sister, Aubrey, model her wedding gown for her mother, Ann, and Karen, a family friend. Finn is jealous that her other older sister, Chloe, escaped being maid of honor by making snide comments about marriage. As Ann and Karen swoon over the dress, Aubrey asks Finn how she looks. Finn responds with a single word: “nice.” Ann and Karen surround Aubrey and begin laughing, so Finn snaps a picture of the intimate moment. She sends it to Mo, who accuses Finn of being a secret romantic. Mo then asks if Finn has decided to ask Charlie McCoy to formal.