Chapter Thirty-Seven: Cal – The Reckoning with Sobriety and Trust
⚠️ 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
After the guests leave Cami’s birthday party, Cal tries to talk privately with Lana, but she busies herself cleaning. Cal joins the cleanup, using the task to sober up and reflect. Later, Lana locks her bedroom door, but Cal convinces her to let him in. An intense argument erupts: Lana reveals she cannot be Cal’s reason for getting sober because that motivation must come from within. She insists on supporting him only if he is willing to do the hard work. Cal asks for time until the house is sold to seek help, but Lana counters that if he is serious about their relationship, he should get help immediately regardless of the house. Cal struggles with his secret about his grandfather’s will—he feels guilty for not telling Lana, but believes he is protecting his brothers’ futures by meeting the inheritance deadline. Eventually, Lana challenges him to put the house on the market the next day before their trip to Dreamland. Cal agrees, saying he will contact the realtor and a rehab facility in the morning. He reassures Lana that she and Cami are not a deal but a “lottery jackpot.” The chapter ends with them embracing, though the unresolved secret lingers.
Key Events
- Cal attempts to talk with Lana after the party; she initially avoids him by cleaning.
- Lana eventually lets Cal into her bedroom after he pleads.
- Lana clearly states she will not be Cal’s reason for sobriety; he must want it for himself.
- Cal reveals he cannot commit to rehab until the house is sold due to his grandfather’s deadline—a secret he keeps from Lana.
- Lana pushes back, insisting that if he wants a future with her and Cami, he should get help immediately.
- Cal agrees to list the house the next day and contact a rehab facility.
- The chapter ends with Cal reassuring Lana of his commitment, but his hidden inheritance continues to create tension.
Character Development
Cal: This chapter marks a critical crossroads for Cal. He moves from defensive rationalization to a genuine, though incomplete, commitment to change. His internal conflict about the inheritance shows growth in his sense of responsibility toward his brothers, yet his dishonesty with Lana undermines that progress. His promise to contact a rehab facility the next day signals his first real step toward sobriety, motivated by Lana’s ultimatum.
Lana: Lana demonstrates immense strength by setting a firm boundary. She refuses to be the sole motivator for Cal’s recovery, prioritizing her own and Cami’s emotional safety. Her demand for immediate action rather than a delayed promise forces Cal to confront his excuses. Her vulnerability is evident when her voice cracks during the argument, but she holds her ground.
Cami (off-page): Though not directly present in the scene, Cami serves as the reason Lana will not accept a half-hearted commitment. Lana’s insistence that she and Cami are a package deal reinforces her protective role.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Sobriety as a Self-Driven Journey: The central theme is that recovery cannot be externally imposed. Lana’s words make clear that Cal must want sobriety for himself, not for her or the house.
Secrecy and Trust: Cal’s hidden inheritance directly contradicts the trust Lana asks for. The symbol of the house—both a source of painful memories and a condition of the will—represents the obstacle between Cal’s good intentions and his honesty.
Boundaries in Relationships: Lana models healthy boundary-setting by refusing to accept empty promises. Her ultimatum is an act of self-respect, not punishment.
Family and Responsibility: Cal’s justification for secrecy ties to protecting his brothers and Iris, highlighting the weight of family obligations. This motif contrasts with Lana’s focus on the family she and Cami could become.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Thirty-Seven is the emotional climax of Cal’s arc in the novel. It forces him to choose between two conflicting commitments: his grandfather’s inheritance (and the obligations to his brothers) and his newfound relationship with Lana. Although he agrees to take immediate action on both the house and rehab, his decision to keep the inheritance secret plants a seed of potential future betrayal. The chapter raises the stakes for the remaining summer and leaves readers questioning whether Cal can reconcile honesty with his need to heal. It also deepens Lana’s characterization, showing her as a woman unwilling to repeat past mistakes.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lana refuse to be Cal’s reason for getting sober?
Lana knows from experience that external motivation is not sustainable. She believes true sobriety must come from a deep, personal desire to change, not from trying to please someone else. She wants Cal to do the hard work for himself, so he can build a stable future with her and Cami.
2. What internal conflict does Cal face regarding the inheritance?
Cal feels torn between his love for Lana and his duty to his brothers. He believes telling Lana about the will would risk his brothers’ futures (including Iris’s inheritance), so he withholds the truth despite crushing guilt. This secret contradicts the openness Lana is asking for.
3. How does the house sale become a test of Cal’s commitment?
Lana challenges Cal to list the house immediately, rather than waiting to complete renovations. His agreement proves he is willing to let go of the past and prioritize their relationship. However, because the sale is tied to the inherited deadline, the decision is also a way for Cal to keep his secret intact, adding complexity to his apparent sacrifice.