Discussion Guide for Lawyers

1. If Ryder started the evening intent on asking Anne to marry him, how could he be derailed so quickly?
2. Who acts more irresponsibly at dinner—Ryder or Anne? Explain.
3. Was Anne’s defense of her steroid client ethical or unethical?
4. If Anne’s professional defense of a client is ethically suspect, does that mean she’s equally suspect in her personal relationships?
5. Why can’t Ryder separate his feelings about Anne as a lawyer from Anne as a person?
6. Ryder accuses Anne of liking “winning too much,” but does he have his own need to win, too?
7. Which character is more blind to what’s going on with the other—Anne or Ryder? Explain.
8. If cell phone technology wasn’t available, how might the evening have turned out differently?
9. Should any of the other diners in the restaurant have told Anne what was going on? Why or why not?
10. In their fictional world, should Anne and Ryder get married? Explain.