Chapter summaries A First Time for Everything K.L. Walther

Chapter 13: Summer Cookout and Unspoken Feelings

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

In early July, Mads practices field hockey drills at home in a sports bra. Marco Álvarez arrives unexpectedly, having driven over because Mads blocked his number after the Princeton party incident. They reconcile; Marco reveals he broke up with Shelly and apologizes for abandoning her. They play a chaotic hybrid of field hockey where he picks her up and scores. Marco stays for dinner, winning over the family. Austin and Samira arrive; Austin admits he fought with Katie over wedding catering choices, and he’s staying the night. Connor McCallister brings his new girlfriend, Lauren Bitterman, which stuns Mads. After dinner, Marco and Mads talk in the garden. Marco reveals he quit soccer to pursue writing and research. He notices Mads was staring at Connor all night, and she admits she’s too late to ask him out. Marco reassures her that Connor is young and doesn’t know anything, calling her a “sweet tart” rather than a sweetheart. Mads feels both frustrated and drawn to Marco.

Key Events

  • Marco shows up at Mads’ house without warning after she blocked his number.
  • Marco explains he ended things with Shelly and apologizes for his past behavior.
  • They play an improvised field hockey game; Marco scoops her up and scores a goal.
  • Mads invites him to stay for dinner; Marco helps prepare food and earns her family’s forgiveness.
  • Austin arrives with Samira after a fight with Katie about wedding catering; he will sleep over.
  • Connor brings Lauren Bitterman as his girlfriend; Mads feels she missed her chance.
  • In the garden, Marco shares he quit soccer and is writing a book.
  • Marco points out Mads was watching Connor all night; she admits defeat.
  • Marco calls Mads a “sweet tart,” not a sweetheart, leaving her flustered.

Character Development

  • Mads: Shows vulnerability as she struggles with her feelings for Connor and her growing attraction to Marco. She is honest about her insecurities and appreciates Marco’s new openness.
  • Marco: Undergoes significant change — he quit soccer, is serious about writing, and takes responsibility for his mistakes. He is attentive and sincere, contrasting his former “Mr. Popular” persona.
  • Austin: Reveals cracks in his engagement with Katie, hinting at deeper unhappiness beyond the catering dispute.
  • Connor: Appears only briefly with a girlfriend, confirming Mads’ fears about timing and showing he didn’t wait.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Reconciliation and Apology: Marco’s sincere apology and Mads’ willingness to forgive highlight the theme of making amends.
  • Self-Discovery: Marco’s decision to quit soccer and explore writing mirrors Mads’ own journey of figuring out who she is beyond field hockey.
  • Timing and Missed Opportunities: Mads’ regret over not acting on her feelings for Connor underscores the motif of “right person, wrong time.”
  • The Garden: The garden setting becomes a safe space for honest conversation, away from the crowd of family and expectations.
  • Field Hockey as Control: Mads uses drills to channel her anxiety, and Marco’s playful disruption symbolizes her loss of control over emotions.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 13 is a turning point in Mads’ romantic life. She finally understands that she may have lost Connor, but also sees a new side of Marco that intrigues her. The chapter deepens the subplot of Austin’s engagement troubles and shows Marco maturing beyond his high school image. It sets up future developments in both the main romance and family dynamics.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Marco come to see Mads, and how does he make amends?
Marco drives over because Mads blocked his number after the Princeton party incident. He apologizes sincerely, explains he broke up with Shelly, and takes responsibility for leaving Mads alone. He then stays for dinner and wins over her family by helping cook.

2. What does Mads learn about Connor that evening that changes her plans?
Connor arrives with Lauren Bitterman as his girlfriend, introduced to Mads’ parents. Mads realizes she waited too long to ask him out and that he has moved on. She decides she won’t try to break them up.

3. How has Marco changed since high school, according to their garden conversation?
Marco quit Princeton soccer to pursue historical research and creative writing. He describes feeling like he’s finally become his true self. He is more present, attentive, and no longer the “Homecoming King” stereotype.

Navigation