While Poppy, who has been working at Rest + Relaxation magazine is excited she can at last get a luxury all-expenses-paid trip to Sweden and Norway for the duo, their plans are put on hold when she comes down with a fever. While the magazine is content for Alex to go alone, he will not hear of it and comes to New York to nurse Poppy, who has pneumonia. The dynamic between Poppy and Alex is warmer than ever: He compares her to his beloved black cat, Flannery O’Connor, who he calls “tiny fighter” (238).

While Poppy is sick, she and Alex lie in bed and engage in some affectionate embraces. Poppy can imagine it going further, but fears turning the relationship explicitly romantic because she thinks that she wants more adventure and travel while Alex is ready to settle down.

Alex and Poppy’s kiss leads to sex. They admit they both wanted to do this for so long and that they love each other.

Both Poppy and Alex confess that sex has never been so good and intimate for either of them. Nikolai interrupts and agrees to issue them a refund. They also receive a Groupon voucher from a couple they met at the airport who ended up at the same motel, and check into a spa.