Praise

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of transgender discrimination, sexual content, and cursing.

Charlie goes to Emerson’s house and demands to know why he feels that they cannot be together. Emerson, clearly conflicted, admits to feeling that he would be “a piece of shit” if he had a sexual relationship with his son’s ex-girlfriend and says that hiring her was “all a mistake” because it led him to realize how “perfect” she is for him (166). Charlie counters that she feels good about herself when they are together and doesn’t want to deny herself that feeling. Emerson says that any relationship between them would have to be secret and that he feels that Charlie deserves more. Though she privately agrees and fears that she will later regret her choice, she insists that she wants “whatever [she] can get” from him (167).

They kiss and have oral and penetrative sex. Charlie finds it extremely arousing to obey Emerson’s commands. She considers it the most intense and gratifying sexual experience she has ever had and hopes that their relationship lasts, as she feels like no other sexual partner could compare.