Chapter 9: Emmett – Summary and Analysis of In Her Own League
⚠️ 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
Emmett Montgomery waits in the hotel lobby for Reese, wanting to walk into the annual MLB cocktail mixer together after a week of tense silence between them. When Reese emerges from the elevator wearing a blue dress, Emmett is struck by her appearance and nearly compliments her too warmly, quickly backpedaling to keep things professional. He wipes a smudge of lip gloss from her lip, then tries to recast the gesture as something he would have done for her grandfather. Reese asks for a truce for the night, admitting it has been a hard day. Emmett agrees.
Over the next three hours, Emmett watches from the bar as the older male owners systematically exclude Reese from conversations, turning their shoulders to edge her out. She tries to network but is repeatedly brushed off. Emmett sends her a supportive text (“fuck these guys”) and later brings her a fresh glass of Pinot Noir. When he approaches, he finds her speaking nervously with a younger man—Jeremy, her ex-husband. Emmett places a hand on her back and refuses to introduce himself, silently signaling that he will not leave her side.
Key Events
- Emmett waits in the lobby for Reese, breaking a week-long silence between them.
- Reese exits the elevator in a blue dress; Emmett struggles to keep his reaction professional.
- Emmett wipes stray lip gloss from Reese’s lip and fumbles a compliment, then recasts it as something he would have said to Arthur.
- Reese asks Emmett for a truce for the evening, citing a difficult day.
- At the mixer, male owners repeatedly exclude Reese from conversations, turning their backs or shifting shoulders to block her out.
- Emmett watches from across the room, texting Reese support.
- The bartender notes that both Emmett and another man have been watching Reese all night.
- Emmett gets Reese a fresh glass of wine and crosses the room to find her talking to her ex-husband, Jeremy.
- Emmett places a hand on Reese’s back and refuses to introduce himself to Jeremy.
Character Development
Emmett shows a protective, observant side beyond his usual antagonism with Reese. He consciously restrains from touching her back when entering the ballroom, acknowledges his attraction (“Not that I’d ever act on it”), and suppresses his usual bluntness to support her. His willingness to stay three hours past his planned exit demonstrates growing loyalty.
Reese reveals vulnerability not seen before. She is visibly nervous at the mixer, checking her surroundings, and her body language is tense. She admits the day has been hard without elaborating, and she asks for a temporary truce. Her earlier blank, professional mask softens when Emmett waits for her.
The male owners are collectively characterized as sexist, “a bunch of pricks” who exclude Reese by subtle gestures. The narrative makes clear that they do not see her as an equal peer.
Jeremy (introduced only at the end) is Reese’s ex-husband, portrayed as someone who makes Reese uncomfortable. His smile is described as one Emmett would like to knock off his face.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Gender and Power in Male-Dominated Spaces: The chapter explicitly shows how Reese is marginalized by older male owners—not through overt hostility but through systematic exclusion (shoulder-turning, not letting her contribute). Emmett’s observation that they “don’t even know the meaning of the word sexist” underscores institutionalized sexism.
- Truce and Teamwork: Reese asks Emmett to be “on the same team” for one night, symbolizing a temporary ceasefire in their personal conflicts for a shared professional goal. Emmett agrees, demonstrating that their working relationship can adapt when needed.
- Physical Attraction vs. Professional Boundaries: Emmett’s internal struggle between finding Reese beautiful and knowing he cannot act on it highlights the tension between personal feelings and workplace hierarchy. His decision to shove his hand in his pocket rather than touch her back reinforces this boundary.
- The Annual Vegas Conference as a Hostile Setting: The hotel and mixer represent a space where Reese is outnumbered and outranked socially. The casino’s debauchery contrasts with Emmett’s dislike for the event, emphasizing that the real discomfort is not the location but the treatment Reese receives.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Emmett’s narrative perspective and marks a turning point in his relationship with Reese. By witnessing her professional isolation and responding with support rather than conflict, Emmett begins to see Reese not just as a boss he disagrees with but as a person facing systemic challenges. The introduction of Jeremy adds a personal layer to Reese’s backstory, hinting at past emotional wounds. The chapter also solidifies the theme of gender discrimination in sports ownership, setting up future confrontations both within the league and between Emmett and Reese.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Emmett’s decision to wait in the lobby reveal about his feelings toward Reese?
Emmett’s choice to wait shows that, despite their recent silence, he is actively thinking about her and wants to ease her entry into an uncomfortable social event. His internal admission that he has not felt this level of attraction in years, combined with his self-reminder not to touch her, proves he is growing emotionally invested beyond mere professional obligation.
2. How do the other club owners treat Reese at the mixer, and what does Emmett do in response?
The owners systematically exclude Reese by turning their shoulders, not including her in conversation, and ignoring her attempts to contribute. Emmett observes from the bar and sends her a supportive text (“fuck these guys”). He then brings her a glass of wine and positions himself near her when he sees her speaking nervously with Jeremy, physically signaling his protection.
3. Why does Emmett refuse to introduce himself to Jeremy, and what does this action suggest about his character?
Emmett decides “for whatever reason, fuck this guy” and deliberately withholds his name. This action shows that Emmett prioritizes Reese’s comfort over social niceties and is willing to be rude to someone who makes her uneasy. It suggests a growing possessiveness or protectiveness that aligns with his earlier suppressed attraction.