Question O

[Jonetta]

Tom and Kelly’s relationship hits a serious snag when she makes it clear that she only sees him as a sexual partner? Was she being honest with herself at the time? What did you make of her point of view? Were you surprised at how “all in” Tom was or did you anticipate that’s where things were leading for him?

[Robin]

Kelly wasn't being honest with herself. She's loved Tom since she was a teenager. She might believe that she wanted him only for sex, but it wasn't true.

Tom started out not believing that a woman like Kelly could love him. He quickly admitted to himself that he was in love with her. He was hurt when she classified their relationship as just sex.

[Anita]

I agree. Kelly was just lying to herself about what she wanted from Tom. She didn't want to be left with a broken heart, again, so she tried to make is all about sex. I was surprised how suddenly he came to realize his true feelings for Kelly, although I think he was in love with young Kelly and never got over leaving her.

[Jonetta]

That seemed to come out of left field until I thought about it more. Kelly thought herself unlovable and convinced herself that she could have a relationship that was physical only. She was deluding herself.

Tom went away and gained lots of experience with women, enough to recognize his feelings for Kelly were distinctly different from anything he’d felt for anyone else before. It didn’t take much for him to decide to not let Kelly get away twice. His little “mad” moments were just expressions of hurt and pretty funny.

[Sharon]

Kelly surprised me at first, but then I realized she was trying to prepared herself for Tom leaving. She was confused when she realized Tom wanted more, but I still think she was trying build a wall around her heart.