The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The next morning, Alpha knocks on Frankie’s door at 10 o’clock, waking her. He invites her to go with him and Matthew for pizza. Frankie reminds him she’s not allowed to leave campus, but he tells her no one will know. In the car, Alpha mentions frozen custard, and Frankie realizes that he does remember meeting her. 

When they arrive at the restaurant, they see a sign that says there will be no pizza until noon, so Alpha orders a dozen garlic knots. Frankie overhears Alpha bet Matthew that Frankie won’t eat one because they’re so garlicky. Equating an appetite for food with sexual appetite, Alpha says that women aren’t “voracious.” When he says that some women will eat half a frozen custard and then give the rest away, Frankie realizes he’s disappointed in her. He thinks she doesn’t go after what she wants. Matthew says that if eating half of one’s food makes one a woman, then Dean’s a woman, and Alpha laughs, agreeing. Although garlic nauseates her, Frankie eats a knot in two bites. 

Later, Frankie talks to Zada about Matthew and says he wants to show her around his hometown. Zada says this is “classic” Matthew. She says that when he likes someone, he acts “insanely welcoming.