Chapter Twenty-Two Summary: Study Sessions and Desert Toasts
⚠️ 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
Ari and Dante study at Ari’s house with Susie, Gina, and Cassandra. The friends openly acknowledge Ari and Dante’s relationship, though Dante insists they are private, not hiding. Cassandra teases Dante about being an emotional exhibitionist and chides Ari for holding back. The group adopts a routine: studying weeknights, then movies or desert outings on weekends. One night Cassandra brings leftover New Year’s champagne into the desert. The friends toast Ari and Dante (“because we love that you love”), then Cricket suggests toasting Ari’s mother, who inspired him. The group also toasts Cricket. Ari and Dante slip away to kiss but are quickly called back. Gina teases them, and Cassandra makes a crude joke about “chasing lizards.” The conversation turns to sex: Susie notes that most high schoolers lie about having sex; Cassandra says Catholic morality condemns it except for procreation; Gina points out the double standard that assumes gay guys are oversexed. Dante and Ari find their friends’ comments funny but resent the notion that being gay is a “choice.”
Key Events
- Group study sessions become a regular routine at Ari’s house.
- Friends openly acknowledge Ari and Dante’s relationship; Dante says they are private, not hiding.
- Cassandra labels Dante an “emotional exhibitionist” and Ari as still learning openness.
- The group takes a desert outing with leftover champagne from New Year’s.
- Cassandra proposes a toast to Ari and Dante “because we love that you love.”
- Cricket suggests a second toast to Ari’s mother, who gave him the idea for the group’s friendship.
- Ari and Dante sneak away to make out but are interrupted by friends calling.
- Casual discussion about high school sex and its moral and social double standards.
- Gina highlights the unfair assumption that gay people are inherently oversexed.
- Dante and Ari reflect on the word “choice” used to describe homosexuality.
Character Development
Ari remains guarded about public affection, preferring privacy. He is still learning to be emotionally open, as Cassandra notes. He shows warmth by giving his champagne to Dante and by affectionately teasing Dante (“shut up and kiss me”). Dante is comfortable being affectionate but respects Ari’s need for privacy. He is playful and philosophical, questioning the terms used for kissing. Cassandra emerges as a protective, sharp-witted friend who teaches Ari about vulnerability. Susie and Gina provide lighthearted support; Gina directly calls out homophobic double standards. Cricket (Susie’s boyfriend) is warmly accepted by the group, showing the group’s inclusive nature.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Privacy vs. Openness: Dante and Ari navigate how much of their relationship to share. Cassandra pushes Ari to be less private, while Dante defends their discretion.
- Friendship as Sanctuary: The study group and desert outings create a safe space where the couple can be themselves without judgment.
- Double Standards About Sexuality: Gina points out that gay couples are assumed to be sexual, while straight couples are not. This reflects societal bias.
- The “Choice” Language: Dante and Ari reject the idea that being gay is a choice, comparing it to electing a candidate.
- Champagne and Toasts: The ritual of toasting symbolizes celebration and the group’s affirmation of love and friendship.
- Playing at Being a Girl: Cassandra’s line reveals the performative nature of gender roles even among close friends.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Twenty-Two deepens Ari and Dante’s integration into their friendship circle. The friends’ open acceptance and humor show that the couple’s relationship is normal within this micro-community. The conversation about sex and morality contrasts the supportive group with broader societal hypocrisy, setting up future conflicts. Cassandra’s teasing of Ari signals his ongoing emotional growth. The toasts to Ari’s mother and to Cricket reinforce the theme that love and friendship are chosen and celebrated.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Cassandra call Dante an “emotional exhibitionist”?
Cassandra means that Dante openly expresses his feelings, unlike Ari, who is more private. She uses the term affectionately to highlight their different personalities.
2. What double standard about gay couples does Gina point out?
Gina says that if two guys are together, everyone assumes they are having sex, whereas a straight couple is not automatically assumed to be sexually active. This shows society’s unfair stereotyping.
3. How do Ari and Dante react to the word “choice” regarding their sexuality?
They find it funny but also resentful. Dante compares it to choosing between political candidates, emphasizing that being gay is not a voluntary selection like a vote.