A Photo Finish

Cole lingers in bed with Violet one morning, thinking about his decision to reveal himself as Golddigger85. He’s pleased that his impulsive choice led him to this relationship with Violet. He’s anxious about realizing that he’s in love with her because it means that his “carefully plotted-out existence is about to topple” (313). When Violet wakes, she asks if he’ll make her coffee; this makes Cole feel validated that she doesn’t coddle him because of his leg. He feeds Pipsqueak, of whom he has grown undeniably fond.

When he returns inside, Violet asks him to recreate their encounter in their final video chat—only this time, he promises not to leave her at the end. She masturbates at his direction and then asks him to join her, which they both enjoy. Afterward, they both prepare to leave for work, and Billie catches them kissing goodbye. Cole is relieved that Violet is unembarrassed to reveal their relationship, which they previously kept secret. He’s surprised that Billie appears happy for them, despite his certainty that he doesn’t “deserve” Violet. Violet admits that she kissed him knowing Billie was present because she wanted their relationship to be public, which pleases Cole.