How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
If I had more time, I thought, but really, it wasn't about that. I just wasn't sure any relationship could work. If the perfect love story turned out not to be, what did that mean for the rest of us? (8.311)
Now that her parents have split up, Mclean's all weird and skeptical about romance. After all, what's the point of getting attached to someone if it's all going to end someday, right?
Quote #8
"I didn't know any different. I think my mom had trouble with it at times. I mean, she loved our place. But she did call herself a 'restaurant widow,'" (10.27)
Maybe the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sweet wasn't so perfect after all. Mclean's dad may be an awesome father, but that doesn't mean that he was always a great (and present) husband.
Quote #9
"I'll call you as soon as we're back here," my mom continued, digging around in her purse. "I know. Me, too. It's not the same without you. Okay, love you. Goodbye." (14.42)
From the outside, Mclean can observe a little bit of her mom's relationship with her new husband. It might not be what she wants—for her mom to have a new husband and a new family—but it's obviously a good, healthy relationship for her mom.