“‘I know you hate surprise, Stella. In the interest of communicating our expectations and providing you with a reasonable timeline, you should know we’re ready for grandchildren.’”

Stella’s need for structure and to anticipate change is clearly outlined by her mother in the first line of the book. This also establishes the driving action of the novel, as Stella has to consider her romantic future at her mother’s urging. This parental pressure, paired with the ticking clock associated with childbearing years, is the catalyst for the novel’s events.

“‘With his own issues to overcome, he might be more understanding of your Asperger’s.’

  Though the words were spoken in a matter-of-fact tone, they sounded unnatural and loud to Stella’s ears. A quick glance at the neighboring tables in the restaurant’s canopied outdoor dining area reassured her hat no one had heard […].”

Stella’s autism is introduced early in the book to provide the reader with context for her behaviors and decision-making processes. It allows the reader to identify characteristics typically associated with autism. As her Asperger’s syndrome is discussed, it is clear that Stella is uncomfortable with her condition. She makes sure that other people aren’t listening in to their conversation, wanting to keep her autism a secret. This foreshadows her later discomfort with being autistic, which hinders her and Michael’s bonding.

“Which envelope should he open first? The lab results or the bill? Michael was paranoid about protection, so the lab results should be good. Should be. In his experience, shit didn’t need a reason to happen. Bills, on the other hand, were a sure thing. They always sucked. The only question was how hard they’d punch him in the balls.”

Michael’s escort work and money troubles are introduced from the first paragraph focusing on him. While the reader is not yet made aware of why he has money troubles, it immediately creates conflict between Michael and whatever entities want his money.