Chapter 26 at 7:00 p.m.: Inside the Riva Party
⚠️ 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
At exactly seven o'clock, Kit's best friend Vanessa de la Cruz is the first guest to arrive at Nina's house for the annual Riva party. A valet immediately approaches her car, and Vanessa hesitates, offering to park it herself, but the valet gently insists it's his job. She watches her AMC Eagle drive away, struck by how surreal it is that the Rivas are now wealthy enough to hire valets. She remembers a time when she and Kit would hang out at the Rivas' house with all the lights off to save electricity. Now she worries whether her shoes are nice enough, even though she knows Kit would never judge her.
Vanessa has dressed carefully for the occasion, copying an outfit she saw on the cover of Los Angeles magazine—a sky blue belted T-shirt, white shorts, white pumps, teased hair, and black eyeliner. The idea had seemed brilliant until she realizes that Heather Locklear, the actress who wore the outfit, might actually attend the party. The thought fills her with anxiety.
She steps to the front door, her nerves building. Every year she hangs back with Kit, making jokes in the corner, but this year she has a different goal: she wants to catch Hud's attention. She hopes this might be the night he finally notices her in a romantic way.
Hud opens the door, smiling, and greets her warmly. He calls for Kit, who appears around the corner. Vanessa is taken aback by Kit's outfit—she's never seen her friend show so much skin outside of the beach. She tells Kit she looks great. Hud pats Kit on the back and walks toward the kitchen, and Vanessa watches him go, her pulse slowing with each step he takes away from her.
Kit, clearly insecure, asks Vanessa if she really looks good. Vanessa reassures her that she looks hot. Kit returns the compliment, and Vanessa thanks her, fluffing her hair and glancing around to see if Hud might come back. The night is young.
Key Events
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Vanessa arrives first at Nina's house and is greeted by a valet.
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She reflects on the Rivas' changed financial circumstances, remembering when they kept lights off to save power.
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Vanessa worries about her outfit and whether it's good enough, especially if Heather Locklear shows up.
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She decides this year she wants to get Hud's attention.
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Hud opens the door, greets her, and calls for Kit.
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Kit appears in a revealing outfit, and Vanessa compliments her.
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Hud pats Kit's back and leaves for the kitchen; Vanessa watches him go.
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Kit expresses insecurity about her appearance, and Vanessa reassures her.
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Vanessa fluffs her hair and hopes Hud will return.
Character Development
Vanessa de la Cruz emerges as a character caught between her past and the Rivas' present. Her memory of the lights-off house shows her deep familiarity with the family's former struggles, but her current anxiety about her shoes and outfit reveals how much the Rivas' wealth has shifted the social dynamics. She is not envious or bitter; rather, she feels inadequate, unsure if she belongs in this new world. Her romantic interest in Hud is palpable—she watches him leave with a sense of loss, and her pulse slows as he moves away. Yet she remains hopeful, fluffing her hair and peeking around for his return. Vanessa's internal conflict is rooted in her desire to be seen by Hud while also feeling unworthy of the glamorous setting.
Kit shows a vulnerable side that contrasts with her usual confidence. When Vanessa compliments her, Kit immediately seeks reassurance, looking down at her own torso and asking, “Are you sure?” This moment reveals that even someone like Kit, who is part of the famous Riva family, struggles with self-doubt. Her outfit is a bold choice, but she needs external validation to feel good about it. This insecurity humanizes her and sets up potential emotional arcs for the party.
Hud appears briefly but his actions speak volumes. He is warm and friendly to Vanessa, calling her by name and smiling, but he treats her with the same casual affection he might show any friend. He pats Kit on the back—a brotherly gesture—and then walks away without a second thought. His obliviousness to Vanessa's feelings is clear, and his departure leaves her longing. Hud's role here is to be the object of desire, but also to show how easily he moves through the world, unaware of the impact he has on others.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Class mobility and wealth disparity are central to this chapter. Vanessa's memory of the Rivas' lights-off house contrasts sharply with the valet parking and the party's opulence. Her uncertainty about her shoes highlights how money changes social dynamics, even among close friends. The Rivas' rise has created a gap that Vanessa feels acutely, even though Kit would never care.
Social anxiety and insecurity permeate Vanessa's experience. She worries about her outfit, about Heather Locklear attending, and about whether she belongs. Her anxiety is rooted in her desire to impress Hud, but it also reflects a broader fear of being judged in a world that now seems above her.
Fashion as social currency is evident in Vanessa's decision to copy Heather Locklear's outfit. She believes that dressing like a celebrity will elevate her status, but the fear that the actual celebrity might appear undermines that strategy. Her outfit is both a shield and a risk, a way to perform confidence while feeling anything but.
Unrequited romantic longing drives Vanessa's actions. She has harbored feelings for Hud for years, and this party represents a chance to finally be noticed. Her watching him walk away, her pulse slowing, and her final glance toward the kitchen all underscore the pain of loving someone who doesn't see you.
Identity performance through appearance is a motif that connects Vanessa and Kit. Vanessa dresses to project a certain image, while Kit's revealing outfit is a deliberate choice that she still needs validation for. Both women are performing versions of themselves, hoping to be accepted or admired.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter serves as a quiet but crucial setup for the party that will unfold over the course of the novel. It introduces Vanessa as a perspective character, giving readers a window into how the Rivas' fame and fortune affect those around them. Her memories of the family's humble past ground the story in a sense of history, while her present anxiety highlights the emotional cost of social mobility.
The chapter also plants seeds for potential romantic tension between Vanessa and Hud, which may or may not develop as the night progresses. Kit's insecurity adds depth to her character, reminding readers that even the most seemingly confident people have doubts. By focusing on the first guest's arrival, the chapter establishes the party's atmosphere—glamorous, intimidating, and full of unspoken desires—and sets the stage for the chaos to come.
Study Questions and Answers
- How does Vanessa's memory of the Rivas' lights-off house shape her perception of the party?
Vanessa's memory serves as a stark contrast to the current scene. It reminds her that the Rivas were once struggling financially, and it makes the valet parking and lavish party feel surreal. This memory also fuels her anxiety about her own appearance, as she now feels she must measure up to a standard that didn't exist before. It highlights the theme of class mobility and the emotional distance that wealth can create, even among close friends.
- What does Kit's reaction to Vanessa's compliment reveal about her character?
Kit's immediate need for reassurance—asking if she really looks good—reveals that she is insecure about her appearance, despite her bold outfit. This moment shows that Kit is not as self-assured as she might appear, and it humanizes her. It also suggests that she values Vanessa's opinion, indicating the strength of their friendship. This vulnerability may foreshadow deeper insecurities that could surface during the party.
- Why does Vanessa watch Hud walk away, and what does her reaction suggest about her hopes for the night?
Vanessa watches Hud walk away because she is deeply attracted to him and hopes he will notice her. Her pulse slowing as he moves away indicates her disappointment and longing. Yet she doesn't give up—she fluffs her hair and glances around to see if he might come back. This reaction suggests that she is determined to make a connection with him, and it sets up the possibility that she will try to approach him later in the evening.