Across
- 1. First flex of Alex's skills in the kitchen, high-scoring Scrabble word
- 4. Need an excuse for a trip to NY in term time? (4,6)
- 5. Elite athlete, spotted in NY (8,6,2)
- 7. Singer is scared to death, so is Alex
- 9. Place of sustenance in the depths of NH (6,5)
- 12. Spontaneity and irrationality collide
- 16. Band that facilitates deep conversations
- 19. Contentious diner ingredient
- 20. Where Alex's heart truly lies, edgy af, the future?
- 22. Third wheel, competes for Mimi's heart and bed
- 26. Emerging indie artist, worth fleeing cities to avoid
- 28. Used by Mimi's best friend to threaten Alex several times (7,5)
- 30. Old art studio, Basquiat and Warhol hang out
- 31. The Fred again of vegetarianism (5,6)
Down
- 2. Great spot for networking coffee (2,5,4)
- 3. A faraway land, a place of great pastries
- 6. Emotion, available to boys as well
- 7. Mimi finds something she can win
- 8. Bar at which Alex begins life-changing NY tour (2,4)
- 10. Film bar, possible plan for meeting Cian (7,7)
- 11. Scotsman in love, to be explored and ?
- 13. Famous film, Mimi had little of this while watching
- 14. Fictional character, great snacks (5,3)
- 15. Companion on Boston-New York route (4,3)
- 17. Wombats gave this the headache of its life
- 18. Fourth wheel, competes for Mimi's heart, attention, energy, and bedroom
- 21. Famous social commentary, Mimi stood Alex up rather than watch
- 23. Key ingredient in famous cookie
- 24. Real name Robert
- 25. What an enormous dessert! (5,6)
- 27. Key to Alex's journey of liqour-based drink discovery (5,2)
- 29. Will one day have Alex's heart and provide unquestioning adoration in return, will like food, cuddles, and fresh air
