Conversations with Friends

The following night, Evelyn proposes a game in which one person pulls a well-known name out of a fishbowl and the others must ask questions to figure out who it is. Bobbi writes down “Frances,” and when Nick pulls her name, Bobbi asks increasingly personal questions. The atmosphere in the room grows tense, even though Nick’s answers are benign, culminating in Bobbi’s question of whether Nick would “find her attractive in a swimsuit” (124).

Frances excuses herself to splash water on her face in the bathroom, and when she comes out Melissa is waiting for her in the hall. She apologizes for Nick, indicating that everyone can tell Nick has a crush on Frances and asking if he has done anything inappropriate. Taken aback, Frances hastily says no and rejoins the group in the living room.

That night, in Nick’s room, Nick and Frances discuss the awkward moment during the game. This conversation leads to Nick’s revelation that he still loves Melissa, despite his problems with her. He seems to think Frances might have guessed or assumed his feelings. Frances is hurt, but she does not admit it, instead insisting she is fine and that neither she nor Melissa really cares about him.