How to End a Love Story

Helen drives away from Grant’s house, telling herself that it wasn’t a good idea to flirt with him while also admitting that she is very attracted to him. She reminds herself that they can never have a real relationship because of their history.

Days later, Grant grows increasingly frustrated because he has not heard from Helen since she fled his house. He dreads the thought of yet another New Year’s Eve party with high school friends, but he decides to invite Helen, too.

Helen accepts the invitation, and she feels overdressed and anxious as she takes a rideshare to the New Year’s Eve party. To her discomfiture, Lauren lets her in, surprised to see her. They make awkward small talk, and Helen admits she is there because Grant invited her. Lauren casually says Grant seems different lately and helps Helen with her smudged lipstick.

Grant greets Helen, who makes stilted conversation with their host, Kevin Palermo. When Kevin leaves, Helen admits she regrets being surrounded by people she has never liked. Grant implies he is among those she dislikes, but she quickly corrects him. As they draw closer together, touching each other more intimately, Grant asks her to tell him where her boundaries are, alluding to their avoidance of kissing.