Content Warning: This section of the guide child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, sexual coercion and harassment (involving a minor), and dubious consent.

“Jules had to ruin it every. Single. Fucking. Time. Maybe her prickliness was a

defense mechanism, but that was none of my business. I wasn’t here to peel back her layers like we were in one of those damned romance novels Ava liked so much. If Jules wanted to be insufferable, I had every right to save myself from suffering by removing myself from her presence.”

Josh often chooses anger and grudges over closure and forgiveness, as well as hookups over long-term relationships. Ironically, peeling back Jules’s layers is what draws Josh to her. In the end, he chooses to remain with Jules even when things get hard.

“I ignored the pang in my heart at their obvious love for my friends and refocused on the conversation. I’d given up on love a long time ago. There was no use longing for it.”

Jules’s insecurities about love are touched upon in this quote, and provide the basis for her post-breakup realization. She hesitates to commit to anyone, let alone Josh, because she doesn’t feel like she deserves unconditional love.

“A good career meant good money, and good money meant security, shelter, and food on the table. If someone wanted to shame me for wanting those things, they could fuck right off.”

As Jules’s backstory is revealed, it becomes clear why she pursues a law degree and why money, security, shelter, and food are so important to her. Adeline, her model mother, prioritized beauty and status over basic necessities, oftentimes leaving young Jules hungry.