Alderton writes a freelance piece about the dangers of people-pleasing for a magazine. The editor suggests she talk to an actor-turned-writer named David, who will soon publish a book on the same subject. Alderton reads the book and finds its assessment of how the human need for validation cuts happiness short to be “frustratingly brilliant.” They email first, then speak on the phone. Alderton later characterizes David to her friends as a guru who spoke to something inside her that no one ever spoke to before. After writing the piece, Alderton forgets about David for a few months. He reaches out to see when the piece will be published, and the two begin an increasingly intimate relationship over texts and phone calls. Soon, David reveals he has four children from a previous marriage. Alderton’s friends become frustrated with her as she pays more attention to her phone than them. Eventually, David returns to England, and they arrange a date.

The night before, David asks Alderton to come over since their homes are so close. She hesitates, so he comes to see her. They kiss outside in the middle of the road. Alderton and David stay up late talking, and they fall asleep together.