The Plot

Jake and Anna argue over Jake’s declaration that he needs to go to Athens, Georgia, to investigate Rose. Jake thinks that his previous lies have damaged the relationship, but he still wants to talk to Rose’s lawyer in Georgia.

Jake suggests Anna come to Georgia with him, but she claims she needs to tie up some loose ends in Seattle. The next few days are tense, but Jake finishes revisions on his new book. When Jake travels to Athens, he thinks about Anna and how much he loves their life together.

The next morning, Jake arrives at the UGA campus, and finds records for Rose Parker. She was only on campus for one year. He then heads to her lawyer’s office.

The lawyer cites client-attorney privilege and refuses to answer any of Jake’s questions. (It is later revealed that Anna threatened him in order to keep him from talking.) Jake taunts the lawyer, taking an offensive stance and feeling like he’s channeling Talented Tom.

Next, Jake visits the off-campus address listed in Rose’s student file. He talks to the rental agent, claiming to be looking for an apartment for his college-aged daughter. There’s a brief discussion about gentrification, and eventually Jake asks about Rose, who he claims is his cousin’s daughter.