Only for the Week

Rome is attentive to and appreciative of Janelle’s signature style, which includes waist beads and thigh chains. He considers them part of what makes her unique and attractive, promising her, “I’ll buy you all the dresses and thigh chains you want” (155). This willingness to lavish more accessories on her is part of his overall commitment to her happiness. In one of the epilogues, Rome jokingly packs an entire suitcase full of accessories for their return trip to Tulum, affirming that he sees Janelle’s fashion choices as central to their love story. Rome remains committed to selecting the right material object to communicate his feelings when he designs Janelle’s engagement ring. He seeks Dani’s help, knowing that her friends understand and support her as he does, and chooses a design highlighting amethysts, her favorite stone.

Janelle’s gift of sea turtle statues similarly recognizes Rome’s personality—specifically, the introversion that he shares with Janelle, who identifies with sea turtles’ independent and solitary nature. The gesture is both thanks for the sea turtle outing he arranges for her and a signal that she understands their affinity for each other even as she continues to resist it. It thus signifies their deep compatibility.