Chapter 32 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ 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

Stevie volunteers alongside Ryan at a church spaghetti dinner fundraiser, where her mother’s cooking and the event’s success raise over six thousand dollars for a mission trip. Stevie lies to her mom about going to a party at Jake’s so she can secretly visit Nora. Ryan gently asks whether she has considered telling her mom the truth; Stevie admits the bigger obstacle is her conservative father. After the dinner, Stevie runs into Savannah and Rory. She openly confronts them about their past lies—especially the fake crush on Ryan—and their dismissive behavior during the Truck Night incident. The fight escalates, and Stevie ultimately ends the friendship, feeling relieved she finally stood up for herself.

Key Events

Stevie and Ryan serve tables at the fundraiser; Ryan has been over-pouring wine.
Stevie’s mother beams at the event’s success and hints at taking over the Lenten fish fry.
Stevie asks to skip their one-on-one celebration, claiming she’ll go to Jake’s party; her mother reluctantly agrees with an 11:30 curfew.
Privately, Stevie confirms to Ryan she is really going to Nora’s house.
Ryan asks Stevie if she’s thought about telling her mother about her relationship. Stevie explains that her father’s conservatism makes it too risky.
After the cleanup, Stevie says a quick goodbye to her mom and heads to the parking lot.
Savannah and Rory intercept Stevie, urging her to join them at Jake’s.
Stevie confronts them about their lies and the Truck Night incident. She declares they haven’t been real friends for a long time and drives away.

Character Development

Stevie demonstrates growing assertiveness. She lies to her mother to protect her secret relationship but also refuses to be manipulated by her old friends. For the first time, she directly challenges Savannah and Rory, naming the harm they caused. She prioritizes her own emotional truth over keeping the peace.

Ryan acts as a supportive confidant. He asks a difficult but caring question about coming out to her mom, and he quickly goes along with Stevie’s cover story about the party. His loyalty contrasts sharply with the toxic friendship.

Savannah and Rory show their true colors. When confronted, they mock Stevie’s feelings, dismiss her pain, and accuse her of being dramatic. They refuse to take responsibility for the rumor about Ryan or for their behavior at Truck Night.

Stevie’s mother is torn between wanting quality time with her daughter and allowing her independence. She expresses stress over the fundraiser and her role in the church.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrecy and Identity: Stevie’s double life—helping her mother at a church event while planning a secret visit to Nora—underscores the tension between her public image and private self.
Friendship and Betrayal: The confrontation with Savannah and Rory exposes how false friendships can be built on manipulation and control.
Courage vs. Compliance: Stevie chooses to speak up rather than remain silent, a turning point in her character arc.
The Italian dinner as a symbol of authenticity: The deliberately inauthentic spaghetti dinner contrasts with the real emotional work Stevie does in taking a stand.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 32 marks a decisive break from Stevie’s past. She severs ties with Savannah and Rory, the friends who lied to her and made her feel small. This moment of self-respect is a crucial step toward her eventual ability to be honest with her family. The chapter also deepens the stakes of her secret relationship with Nora: every lie to her mother now carries a heavier weight, and Ryan’s question about coming out lingers. The chapter sets up a new emotional trajectory where Stevie must navigate life without her former friend group while risking even more honesty.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Stevie lie to her mother about going to Jake’s party? Stevie lies to prevent her mother from suspecting her relationship with Nora. She knows her mother would not approve due to the family’s conservative values and her father’s influence. The lie allows Stevie to see Nora without an argument, but it also strains their relationship.

2. What does Ryan’s question about telling Stevie’s mother reveal about his character? Ryan shows genuine care and concern for Stevie’s wellbeing. He sees that her mother seems “cool” and wonders whether Stevie might be underestimating her support. His question demonstrates that he is a trustworthy friend who respects Stevie’s choices while encouraging honesty.

3. How does the confrontation with Savannah and Rory advance Stevie’s character development? Stevie finally voices her anger and hurt, refusing to accept their dismissive apologies. By ending the friendship, she reclaims her agency and prioritizes her own emotional health over social convenience. This confrontation is a pivotal step in her journey toward self-acceptance and independence.