On the Fourth of July, Olivia and the Carmichaels attend a party at the Foxes’ estate, Paqua Farm. On the boat ride over, Maisie tells Olivia that Teddy thinks Connor is in love with her, which Olivia denies. Charlie explains that Andrew, Connor’s friend Meredith’s grandfather, and his brother burned down a barn years ago, and Andrew’s parents were so angry that they gave the Fourth of July hosting rights to the Carmichaels. The Foxes later won hosting right back from Erica’s father, Topper, via a bet.

At the party, Olivia encounters Christian Fox, the older man who had helped her at the Jaws Bridge, and Andrew, his brother, who’s painting the scene at an easel. During a conversation about Connor, Meredith’s friends describe him as a “literal golden retriever” (172), which makes Olivia wonder if he has ever experienced real heartbreak. Her own family concerns weigh on her when her father mentions that during a recent phone call, Annie mistook him for her gardener.

Later, Christian directs Olivia to a secluded spot on the house’s roof to watch the fireworks. Connor joins her, admitting that he’s homesick for his own family’s Fourth of July cookout.