Flock

The novel flashes back seven years.

Nineteen-year-old Cecelia arrives at Roman’s mansion in Triple Falls. She brings her best friend Christy with her to help. Christy worries about her and wishes Cecelia could be with her mom. However, Cecelia’s mom, who has depression, hasn’t been able to pay bills or take care of herself. Cecelia asked Roman for help, but he wouldn’t give her anything beyond his required child support checks. Now that Cecelia is over 18, the checks have stopped. However, Cecelia hopes that working for Horner Technologies, Roman’s Fortune 500 company, for the next year will help her gain the financial stability she needs to start college and support her mom. She doesn’t like the arrangement but will have to be “appreciative and respectful enough to learn the business” (12).

Cecelia and Christy discuss Cecelia’s family and future. As they tour the house, the palatial space overwhelms Cecelia. Before leaving, Christy reminds Cecelia that she only has to be in Triple Falls for a year and suggests finding a boyfriend to entertain herself. Cecelia hopes she can survive life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Cecelia reports to Horner Technologies for her job orientation. She introduces herself as Roman’s daughter but assures her coworkers she doesn’t need special treatment. Then a young man named Sean Roberts introduces himself; he’s returning to Horner Tech after a brief hiatus. Cecelia is struck by his handsome appearance.

Sean catches up with Cecelia in the parking lot after orientation. Cecelia studies his appearance again, even more overwhelmed by his good looks. They chat; Cecelia explains that she’s not working for Horner by choice. Sean admits he isn’t thrilled about the job either. Then he invites Cecelia to his place to hang out with his friends. She sends a picture of his ID to Christy in case anything happens when she’s with him. His ID reveals his full name is Alfred Sean Roberts and he’s 25.

At Sean’s house, Cecelia is excited when she sees his sporty vintage car—a ’69 Nova SS. Then they go out back and join Sean’s roommates and friends, including Tyler, Russell, Peter, and Jeremy. Cecelia has a few ciders even though she doesn’t usually drink. She and Sean talk intimately. She tells him about growing up in Peachtree City. When he steps away, she studies his friends, reflecting on her limited social life in high school, her discomfort at parties, and her attempts to be good. She’s surprised she feels so comfortable with Sean’s friends. She soon discovers most of them work at Horner and that the guys love vintage cars, which they fix at their garage.

As the party continues, Sean mysteriously comments that they don’t want the wolf to notice them and get upset. Then Jean Dominic King, who goes by Dominic, arrives—clearly the “wolf.” Attractive but rude, Dominic demands that Cecelia leave because she’s the boss’s daughter. Sean escorts her out, explaining that Dominic can be rough, but she should give him a chance. Then he drives her home. On the way, she feels like her summer is off to a good start.

The next morning, Cecelia and Roman have a formal breakfast in the dining room. Cecelia feels annoyed with Roman’s stiff manner but tries to be respectful. He reminds her to take advantage of her time in Triple Falls and scolds her about returning home late.

After Roman leaves, Sean comes over. They take a swim before work. Sean smokes before joining Cecelia in the water. She is attracted to Sean and has trouble hiding it. Her feelings for him are more intense than her feelings for her first boyfriend.

In the water, Cecelia asks Sean about the raven tattoo on his arm. His friends have them too. Sean calls the tattoo a promise but doesn’t explain further. They move close to each other in the water; Cecelia hopes Sean kisses her, but an approaching car interrupts—Sean’s ride home.

Cecelia works her first day on the job. She’s on the line with Melinda, who talks constantly. The work is boring and repetitive, but Cecelia is glad that Sean is her supervisor. Later in the shift, Melinda gossips about Sean and his friends, calling them troublemakers and saying that they share and hurt women, and party often. Cecelia’s curiosity grows.

After work, Cecelia accepts Sean’s invitation to visit his friends’ garage, King’s Automotive. Inside, she finds Dominic working. She tries to engage Dominic but he’s just as cold as last time, so she takes the joint he’s smoking from his hand to get his attention. Having heard that Dominic is French, she tries speaking French to him. Then Sean appears, interrupting the encounter.

Cecelia spends the rest of the evening hanging out with Sean and his friends. They eat pizza, smoke cannabis, and talk. Cecelia likes being in their company and wants to know more about them. Sitting near Sean, she watches Dominic across the room and feels aroused.

Cecelia falls asleep on the couch. Sean wakes her up at three in the morning and insists that Dominic drive her home. She’s uncomfortable at first but gives in and is impressed by his driving. She feels herself letting go as Dominic speeds through the mountain roads. After he drops her off, Cecelia lies awake wondering about Dominic and his friends.

Cecelia wakes up to an email from Roman about returning late and waking him up. He wants her to limit her visitors. He also informs her he’ll be spending a few days in the city of Charlotte. Afterward, Cecelia talks to her mom on the phone. Her mom misses her and feels guilty that she’s with Roman, but Cecelia assures her she’s okay.

Cecelia tries adjusting to work at the plant over the next two weeks. However, she often overhears her coworkers talking about her. The only thing that’s making her stay in Triple Falls okay is spending time with Sean and his friends. She and Sean have been swimming together every morning and hanging out after work.

One morning, Sean takes Cecelia on a hike. She’s moved by the mountains and landscape. The conversation shifts to power and freedom. Sean monologues about the dangers of technology, social media, and cell phones. He thinks the government is using these devices and platforms to control citizens. He then smashes Cecelia’s Apple watch to make a point. Cecelia is surprised but admires his intensity.

Then the conversation turns to past relationships. Cecelia admits she’s been hurt by her previous boyfriends and doesn’t want to make the same mistakes. Finally, they reach a waterfall, where Sean lays out a picnic he’s brought. Excited by his romantic gesture, Cecelia wonders if he’s actually this nice. Sean insists he only spends time with people he really likes because he’s defensive of his time. Cecelia doesn’t fully understand what he means but is intrigued.