Chapter 9 Summary: JProm, Jealousy, and a Kitchen Escape

⚠️ 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

Mads meets Davis at Hun School before JProm, excited for her first real date. She is introduced to his friend group, including his ex-girlfriend Natalie, who makes snide comments. At dinner, Natalie reveals that Davis only invited Mads to make her jealous. Hurt but composed, Mads confronts Natalie and then retreats to the bathroom, accidentally finding Marco Álvarez eating dinner in the kitchen with his Princeton friends. They offer sympathy and perspective. Mads returns to the table, puts on a brave face, and later tells Davis she knows the truth. He admits he still has feelings for Natalie and apologizes. Mads declines to stay for the dance, drives home, and texts Connor, who comes over for a Top Gun double feature, strengthening their bond.

Key Events

Mads arrives at Hun in her grandfather’s Defender and meets Davis’s friends, including Natalie.
During dinner, Natalie coldly tells Mads that Davis only invited her to make his ex jealous.
Mads leaves the table, discovers Marco dining in the restaurant kitchen, and vents to him and his friends.
Davis confesses he should have been honest; Mads firmly ends the date early.
Mads drives home alone but later calls Connor, who watches Top Gun movies with her, lifting her spirits.

Character Development

Mads: Shows emotional maturity by confronting Natalie and later calmly explaining her feelings to Davis. She also demonstrates resilience by not letting the night ruin her and by seeking support from Connor.
Davis: Admits his mistake and apologizes sincerely, but his dishonesty reveals he is not yet ready for a real relationship. He chooses to continue pursuing Natalie.
Marco: Acts as a protective older figure, offering a safe space and blunt advice. His casual confidence contrasts with Davis’s awkwardness.
Connor: Reinforces his reliability and deeper care for Mads by showing up at her house with a movie—transitioning from friend to something more.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Honesty vs. Deception: Davis’s omission about Natalie’s presence damages trust. The chapter underscores that even small deceptions can unravel a relationship.
Self-Worth: Mads refuses to be used as a prop. Her decision to leave the dance rather than accept a diminished role shows growing self-respect.
Jealousy as a Weapon: Natalie’s behavior and Davis’s strategy highlight how jealousy can be manipulated, often hurting innocent people.
Found Family: Marco and his friends quickly become a surrogate support system for Mads, contrasting with the coldness of Davis’s group.
The Comfort of True Friendship: Connor’s late-night visit after Mads’s disappointment reinforces the motif that genuine connection outlasts superficial romance.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 9 is a turning point for Mads’s romantic journey. It definitively closes the door on Davis and opens her eyes to Connor’s growing importance. The chapter also deepens her relationship with Marco, who becomes a trusted confidant. Mads’s handling of a humiliating situation shows her maturity and sets up her future choices based on honesty and mutual respect.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Mads decide to leave the dance instead of staying as friends with Davis? Mads recognizes that staying would only prolong her discomfort and reinforce her role as a prop. She values her self-worth more than a night of pretend, and she understands that Davis and Natalie need space to resolve their feelings.

2. How does Marco’s reaction to Mads’s situation differ from what her brother Austin might have said? Marco is direct and slightly cynical, treating the drama with calm, matter-of-fact advice. Austin would likely be more protective and emotional. Marco’s detachment helps Mads see the situation clearly without added family pressure.

3. What does Connor’s decision to watch movies with Mads—after her date fails—reveal about his character? It shows he is dependable, emotionally available, and willing to prioritize her happiness. Unlike Davis, Connor doesn’t use Mads; he simply offers comfort, reinforcing that he sees her as more than a friend.