You Deserve Each Other

Nicholas bought the house from Leon, which shocks Naomi into equal parts anger and confusion. She can’t believe he bought a house without her input, because couples are supposed to make these decisions together. Nicholas argues that it’s “our” house, but Naomi wonders if she’s “supposed to be grateful that he’s letting [her] tag along after [he’s] made all the decisions” (122). Nicholas believes the house will save their relationship, but Naomi thinks he only wants to save their relationship because it’s less trouble than finding a new fiancée.

Despite the circumstances, Naomi loves the house, comparing each room to a scene from a fairy tale. Still, she’s confused about why Nicholas bought it and pretends she hates it to get under his skin. Nicholas rants that they could have moved to a bigger city when he got a job offer a few months ago, but they didn’t because Naomi refused to give up her job at the Junk Yard. They argue about how neither is willing to make sacrifices for the other and then go get dinner, pretending to be civil while in public.