Counting Down with You Chapter 44: Real Dating and Future Plans
⚠️ 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
Karina and Ace visit Pietra’s Sweet Tooth, where the owner, Pietra, immediately notices something has changed between the pair. Karina deflects by pointing out Ace’s jacket on her shoulders, but Pietra senses a deeper shift in their dynamic. Once seated, Ace shows Karina a playlist and they study together. He then reveals he has been researching colleges and is now considering Columbia University because of its strong astronomy program, noting that it is only half an hour from NYU—Karina’s intended school. Karina is deeply moved by the implication that Ace is planning a future with her. She admits she has also been thinking of applying to NYU. They pinky-promise to meet in the middle, no matter where they end up. The chapter closes with both characters feeling hopeful about the years ahead.
Key Events
- Pietra observes a difference in Karina and Ace and guesses that Karina likes Ace more than before, which Ace playfully confirms.
- While studying, Ace reveals he is considering applying to Columbia University because of its astronomy program, contingent on his SAT scores and GPA.
- Ace explicitly states that Columbia is only thirty minutes from NYU, and fifteen if they meet in the middle, openly planning a future together.
- Karina shares that she has also been thinking of applying to NYU, creating a mutual plan for proximity.
- The two make a pinky promise to always be within fifteen minutes of each other, symbolizing their commitment.
Character Development
Karina: This chapter shows Karina’s emotional growth as she allows herself to fully believe in a future with Ace. Her initial deflection when Pietra notices the change indicates her lingering self-consciousness, but later she embraces the possibility of a long-term relationship. The pinky promise demonstrates her willingness to trust and invest in something beyond the immediate present.
Ace: Ace reveals a vulnerable side by nervously sharing his college plans. His decision to consider Columbia—rather than defaulting to NYU—shows he is serious about building a life with Karina. His careful reasoning and hopeful gaze highlight his maturity and desire for a shared path.
Pietra: Although a minor character, Pietra functions as an outside observer who confirms the authenticity of Karina and Ace’s connection, reinforcing the shift from performance to genuine relationship.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Fake Dating to Real Dating: The chapter marks the official transition from the initial pretense to a sincere romantic partnership. Pietra’s intuitive comment and Ace’s open discussion of college plans underscore that the relationship is no longer a facade.
Future Planning and Commitment: The central theme is the willingness to plan for a life together. Ace’s research into Columbia and Karina’s reciprocal interest in NYU represent concrete steps toward a joint future. The pinky promise becomes a symbol of mutual trust and intention.
Comfort and Familiarity: The recurring motif of Ace’s jacket carrying a cinnamon scent, which Karina now finds calming, illustrates how she has come to associate him with safety and relaxation. This small detail reinforces the depth of their bond.
Music as Emotional Anchor: Ace’s playlist includes “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, a song about openness and commitment. The choice subtly echoes the chapter’s emotional arc of surrender to love.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 44 is a pivotal turning point in the novel. It resolves the tension of whether Karina and Ace’s fake relationship can survive the revelation of true feelings by confirming that both characters want a future together. This chapter also lays the groundwork for the climax of the story, as college decisions will directly affect their relationship. The pinky promise gives both characters (and readers) a tangible hope that they can overcome external pressures—especially from Karina’s family—and build a life on their own terms. It shifts the narrative from “will they or won’t they” to “how will they make it work,” raising the stakes for the remaining chapters.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Pietra notice something different about Karina and Ace, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Pietra’s observation—that Karina seems to like Ace more than before—points to the shift from a performed relationship to one grounded in genuine emotion. Karina’s blush and Ace’s playful confirmation show that their connection is now authentic enough for outsiders to perceive.
2. How does Ace’s decision to consider Columbia University demonstrate his commitment to a future with Karina?
By researching a school he had not previously considered, Ace is actively reshaping his plans to stay close to Karina. He presents this as one option among many, but the fact that he brings it up with nervous hope indicates that proximity to her is a priority. The half-hour distance (fifteen minutes if they meet in the middle) shows he has thought carefully about maintaining their relationship after high school.
3. What significance does the pinky promise hold in this chapter?
The pinky promise is a childhood gesture that here signifies a serious, personal pledge. It represents Karina and Ace’s agreement to work toward staying close, regardless of where their college applications lead. The promise reinforces the theme of partnership and gives them a tangible commitment to hold onto as they face the uncertainties of senior year.