Chapter 37: West Coast Swing Wednesday – 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

Late at night, X texts Evie and then calls her, waking her from sleep. He shares that his father called and they argued again about X’s decision to pursue music instead of a practical career. X admits that sometimes he wonders if his father is right. He explains that after his brother Clay died, his priorities shifted: the band became more than a hobby, and he chose to follow his love for music even though it broke the unspoken agreement with his dad. Evie listens and then advises X to finish high school, pointing out that he only has one semester left and that doing so might ease his father’s anger. In return, X suggests that Evie should try to reconcile with her own father and attend his upcoming wedding. Evie resists at first, but X describes how after Clay’s death he experienced a kind of grief for the future they would never have—a feeling Evie recognizes in relation to her father. She agrees to think about it, and they say goodnight.

Key Events

X texts Evie late at night, waking her, and soon calls to talk.
He reveals that his father called and they argued about music being a “nonsense” pursuit.
X confesses that he sometimes doubts his own musical path.
He explains how Clay’s death changed his perspective, making him realize what he loves most.
Evie suggests X finish high school, which he initially jokes about but takes seriously.
X, in turn, urges Evie to make amends with her father and go to his wedding.
Evie objects, but X shares his experience of missing a future with Clay that never happened.
Evie acknowledges she can miss the future with people who are still alive.
She agrees to think about going to the wedding, and they end the call warmly.

Character Development

Evie shows growth in her willingness to offer concrete advice (finishing high school) and in her openness to X’s perspective on reconciliation. She recognizes her own parallel struggle with her father, moving from absolute refusal to a thoughtful “I’ll think about it.” This marks a subtle shift from avoidance toward potential healing.

X reveals vulnerability and doubt for the first time. His confidence in music wavers under his father’s pressure. By admitting he wonders if his dad is right, X becomes more complex—not just a passionate artist but a son torn between love for his family and his dream. His ability to reframe grief (missing the future) shows emotional maturity and empathy, as he applies his own experience to Evie’s situation.

X’s father (Pops) remains offstage but is fleshed out through X’s perspective. He is not a villain; his anger stems from a broken agreement and genuine concern for X’s future, making the conflict nuanced.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Doubt and Passion: The chapter explores the tension between following one’s passion and meeting family expectations. X’s doubt (“Sometimes I wonder if he’s right”) shows that even the most dedicated artists can question their path.

Grief for the Future: X describes missing the future he was supposed to have with Clay—a powerful concept that Evie applies to her own relationship with her dad. This motif reappears from earlier chapters, reinforcing how loss shapes current decisions.

High School as a Rite of Passage: Evie’s advice to finish high school is practical but also symbolic: completing an obligation can mend trust and provide a bridge between a parent’s values and a child’s dreams.

The Late-Night Phone Call: The intimate, quiet setting—lying in dark rooms, the rustle of sheets—mirrors the vulnerability of the conversation. The metaphor of a small boat on a dark lake suggests both closeness and the risk of capsizing (disagreement).

Reciprocal Vulnerability: Both characters share secrets and give advice. The conversation is a two-way exchange of trust, strengthening their connection.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens both romantic and family arcs. It humanizes X, showing that his confidence is hard-won and that he struggles with the same kinds of parental pressure many teens face. It also advances Evie’s emotional journey: for the first time, she seriously considers reconnecting with her father, a step she has resisted throughout the novel. The chapter’s title, “West Coast Swing Wednesday,” is ironic—no dancing occurs; instead, the characters sway through difficult emotional terrain, slowly learning to trust each other with their fears. The conversation sets up crucial decisions for the final act of the book.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does X tell Evie he sometimes wonders if his father is right?
Answer: X’s father argues that music is a “nonsense” way to throw away his life. X admits doubt because his father’s disapproval weighs on him. He respects his dad and feels guilty about breaking their unspoken agreement that he would pursue something practical after high school.
How does Evie’s advice to finish high school reflect her own character?
Answer: Evie offers practical, grounded advice that reveals her own values: she believes in honoring commitments and finding a middle ground. Her suggestion shows she cares enough to push X, even at the risk of making him laugh or get annoyed. It also highlights her growing maturity—she isn’t just a romantic; she thinks about real-world steps.
What does X mean when he says he grieved the future he was supposed to have with Clay?
Answer: After Clay’s death, X didn’t just miss past experiences. He felt loss for all the future moments they would never share—conversations, milestones, ordinary days. He uses this to help Evie see that she can mourn the future she expected to have with her father, even though he is still alive. This reframes family estrangement as a kind of anticipatory grief.