Things We Hide From the Light

Nash heads to Lina’s apartment to apologize for coming across so aggressively at Knox’s dinner. Lina accepts his apology: “How’s a girl supposed to hold a grudge against the whole broody, wounded hero number” (104). The two spar jokingly about where their relationship might go. Nash teases her by gently stroking her face, knowing she has a thing about not letting people touch her. He is aroused: “Lina Solavita knew how to make a man feel alive” (109).

The next morning, Lina joins her 70-something neighbor Mrs. Tweedy and other retired women for a dance workout at the gym. The workout is surprisingly extreme, and Lina is just beginning to regret coming when she sees Nash working out with weights. All she feels is “molten hot need” (115), but, overcome by the workout, Lina collapses to the floor. As he gives her water, Nash asks if Lina can watch Piper that night while he has drinks with her brother and their high school buddy Lucian Rollins. Lina agrees and promises herself to be showered, made-up, and not sticky with sweat.