The Bromance Book Club

Thea and Ava wait for Gavin; Thea is frustrated that he forced dinner at Stella’s by mentioning it in front of the girls. As regulars, the family is greeted warmly by the waitress, but Thea is preoccupied with Ava’s continued silence and wonders how best to support her through the impending divorce. She recalls her own trauma following her parents’ separation.

Gavin interrupts her dark thoughts by pointing out the daisies on the table, reminiscing that Thea had a daisy in her hair when they first met. Thea doesn’t remember. When Gavin asks about Vanderbilt, Thea responds coldly. The girls then bring up their Thanksgiving trip to visit Gavin’s parents in Ohio, which Thea forgot to cancel. When she explains, the girls begin whining and crying. Thea and Gavin’s attempts to redirect the conversation fail as Amelia loudly declares that Gavin is no longer home. The upset twins beg Gavin to stop playing baseball, and it becomes clear they overheard the argument from the night of his grand slam. To soothe them, Gavin offers to go home and read them a bedtime story.

Back at home, Thea declines Gavin’s help. While the girls sleep, Gavin reflects on when he first learned of Thea’s pregnancy. Spotting a wedding invitation from Thea’s father, Gavin asks why she did not mention her father’s recent divorce. Thea says it seemed insignificant. She then echoes her words from announcing her pregnancy, saying they “need to make some decisions” (83). Gavin responds by proposing again, telling her he is not ready to give up. He asks to move back in and, if he cannot win her back, promises to give her everything she wants in the divorce. Thea agrees under strict conditions: Gavin must move out after Christmas if things do not improve, sleep in the guest room, allow Liv to stay in the house, and he cannot say he loves her. They settle on Gavin moving back in on Wednesday.

Benedict’s attempts to court Irena fail as she consistently avoids him. Reflecting on their first meeting and shared love for gambling and risk-taking, Benedict remains determined. He arranges a meeting with Irena to renegotiate the terms of their relationship.

Benedict presents Irena with another gift, much to her annoyance. She calls his previous gifts of jewelry unnecessary. This time, however, Benedict gives her a fountain pen, a new invention, noting that it will make writing her daily letters to her younger sister easier. Irena reveals that their marriage scandal has negatively impacted her sister’s marriage prospects. Benedict, unfazed, asserts that there will be no heir unless Irena gives his courtship a fair chance. He proposes that they spend time together, publicly courting, to convince society that their marriage is a love match, which could improve her sister’s reputation. When Irena questions what Benedict can gain from the arrangement, he responds that he wants Irena’s love.

Liv confronts Thea about letting Gavin move back in, viewing it as a manipulative tactic. She admits she is worried about Thea and her consuming role as a WAG.

Meanwhile, Gavin meets with Del, Mack, Yan, and Malcolm to discuss his situation with Thea. Frustrated by Thea’s conditions, Gavin vents to the group. Malcolm points out that Thea’s requirements are an opportunity for Gavin to demonstrate his love through actions rather than words. Del advises Gavin to understand Thea’s “backstory” to connect with her. Gavin shares what he knows—that Thea’s parents divorced when she was 10, her father is a serial cheater, and her mother is a “narcissist.” Thea and Liv lived with their grandmother for years because neither parent wanted to care for them. Gavin also mentions Thea’s refusal to attend her father’s upcoming wedding, certain her father will cheat again. The group helps Gavin realize that when Thea kicked him out, it was a test—by leaving, he failed.

After some encouragement, Gavin shares a passage from Courting the Countess in which Irena reflects on losing her identity in marriage. Gavin recognizes how much Thea has changed since their marriage—and how oblivious he was to it because of his career focus. Gavin leaves to talk to Thea.

Thea promises the girls a surprise at home, and they are both thrilled to see Gavin there. As they settle in, Gavin notices Thea’s groceries and asks if they are bringing a turkey to Del’s house: Gavin made plans for them to attend Thanksgiving at Del’s with some of his teammates. Thea gets upset that Gavin made plans without consulting her, but Gavin points out that she could have done the same.

Later, Gavin tries to explain his reasoning, but Thea remains frustrated, noting that aside from Del’s wife, Nessa, she does not like any of the WAGs. After the girls are in bed, Gavin enters her room to set his own conditions for moving back in: Thea must attend the Legends’ annual Christmas party, go on weekly dates, and kiss goodnight. Thea eventually agrees. Gavin seals the deal with a kiss.

The following day, Gavin showers in the primary bathroom, catching Thea off guard. She accuses him of trying to tempt her with his body, and she undresses and showers in front of him. The two share a charged moment before Gavin storms out.

Gavin asks Thea if she used to masturbate after they had sex. When Thea admits she did, Gavin feels hurt, and they argue. Thea tells Gavin to leave her room.

Gavin attempts to apologize to Thea, but she shuts him down. Liv warns Gavin that if he ever hurts Thea again, she will poison him. Gavin thanks her for caring for the girls and being there for Thea despite everything.

Later, Gavin calls his family, who express disappointment that they didn’t visit for Thanksgiving. His mother, Susan, asks if they can come for Christmas, and Gavin hands the phone to Thea. After the call, Thea tells Gavin he needs to tell his parents about their breakup, but Gavin insists on waiting until after Christmas.

They arrive at Del’s house, where Nessa greets them warmly. As they talk, Nessa gently asks about Thea’s relationship with Gavin, and Thea is honest about their ongoing struggles. Mack interrupts their conversation and flirts with Thea, much to Gavin’s frustration.

Outside, Mack joins Gavin and Del, casually remarking on Thea’s attractiveness. Gavin punches Mack in the face. Thea rushes out to check on Mack, then orders Gavin back inside. She reprimands Gavin for his behavior and warns him about how it could affect the girls. Gavin apologizes as Thea walks away.

Del takes Gavin to the basement, where Mack apologizes for complicating things between him and Thea. They ask Gavin how things are progressing, and he admits to struggling. Gavin confesses to hearing Benedict in his head giving him advice. Del and Mack encourage him to listen to that inner voice, reminding him that his goal should be to court Thea, not seduce her.