Chapter summaries Mistakes Were Made Lucy Score

Chapter 13 Summary: Step Away from the Lady's Underwear

⚠️ 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

Zoey drives from New York to Story Lake with a dreadful hangover after throwing a drink in Jim’s face at Navya’s acceptance speech. The Miata’s roof latch is broken, so she wears plastic bags on her hands to stay warm. She has decided to liquidate part of her wardrobe to keep her business afloat, a plan that makes her nauseous. She misses the exit and has to double back. Upon arrival, Hazel and all the Bishop brothers surprise her with a Welcome Home banner and offer to help unpack. Levi fixes the roof latch, but when he leaves the top down, Goose the bald eagle swoops in and steals Zoey’s favorite bra. Despite Gage’s attempt to trade an organic beef treat for the bra, Goose flies off with it. Zoey is miserable and hungover, but Gage reassures her that she is a good agent and friend to Hazel. Hazel reinforces that message, and Zoey admits she moved to Story Lake because of their friendship. The chapter ends with the Bishop brothers laughing and Pep offering wine, declaring that great new chapters often start in disaster.

Key Events

  • Zoey drives to Story Lake with a hangover after the gala.
  • She decides to sell off some of her wardrobe to save her business.
  • She misses the exit and has to backtrack.
  • Hazel and the Bishops surprise her with a welcome party and moving help.
  • Levi fixes the Miata’s roof latch but leaves the top open.
  • Goose the bald eagle steals Zoey’s expensive bra.
  • Gage tries to trade a dog treat for the bra, but Goose refuses and flies away with it.
  • Zoey voices her fear that she is holding Hazel back; Gage and Hazel both vehemently disagree.
  • Zoey admits she moved to be near Hazel.
  • Pep and Frank arrive with a gift and wine, and Pep offers an optimistic perspective.

Character Development

  • Zoey begins the chapter physically and emotionally raw. The hangover and her impulsive behavior at the gala leave her doubting her judgment. She questions whether she is a positive influence on Hazel’s career. By the end, she receives direct reassurance from both Gage and Hazel, and she acknowledges that her friendship with Hazel is the reason she left New York. This moment marks a shift from self-pity to acceptance of her new situation.

  • Gage shows his caring and competent side. He builds her bed, finds her ibuprofen, and speaks with genuine warmth when defending Zoey’s worth as an agent. His efforts to negotiate with Goose also display patience and humor. He becomes a stabilizing presence for Zoey.

  • Hazel reaffirms her trust in Zoey, calling her a good friend and an even better agent. Her excitement at Zoey’s move and her refusal to listen to Jim’s poison reinforce their bond.

  • Goose the eagle acts as a comedic antagonist, but his theft of the bra symbolizes the chaos that Zoey is stepping into. The community’s amused reaction shows that these disruptions are part of life in Story Lake.

  • The Bishop brothers (Cam, Levi, Gage) and the townsfolk (Pep, Frank, Hana, Billie) demonstrate the strong support network Zoey now has. They show up to help and find humor in the absurdity, making Zoey feel welcome.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • New beginnings and chaos: Zoey’s move is anything but smooth. The broken roof, the hangover, and the eagle theft all symbolise the messy, unpredictable start of a new chapter. Pep’s line that “the best new chapters start in disaster” encapsulates the theme.

  • Worth and identity: Zoey’s fear that she is “bad for Hazel” drives the emotional core. The chapter contrasts her low self-esteem with the high regard others have for her. Gage’s speech about loyalty and hard work directly counteracts the damage Jim caused.

  • Community as found family: The spontaneous moving crew and the welcoming banner show that Story Lake quickly embraces Zoey. The collective laughter at Goose’s antics and the offers of wine and help create a sense of belonging.

  • The bald eagle as trickster: Goose represents uncontrollable, absurd forces. His theft of the bra—a personal, intimate item—mocks Zoey’s plans to sell her clothes. The community’s familiarity with Goose suggests that dealing with chaos is part of the town’s character.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 13 deepens Zoey’s vulnerability and cements her commitment to her new life in Story Lake. It resolves the immediate aftermath of the gala incident and shows Zoey that she has a robust support system. Gage’s and Hazel’s reassurances heal part of the wound Jim inflicted. The humorous eagle subplot lightens the tone while also demonstrating that Zoey is now part of a quirky community that accepts her. This chapter sets up the emotional and practical foundation for her stay above Gage’s office and hints at the growing bond between Zoey and Gage.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Zoey decide to sell some of her clothes, and how does she feel about it?
Zoey decides to liquidate part of her wardrobe to save her business after deciding not to work with Earl Wiggens. She feels nauseous about the plan because she loves fashion and considers many items impractical to keep.

2. How does Gage respond when Zoey asks if she is bad for Hazel’s career?
Gage tells Zoey that she is the best possible agent for Hazel. He lists specific evidence—she holds Hazel’s hand, kicks her ass when needed, and cheers loudest for every win. He dismisses Jim’s opinion entirely, calling Jim an idiot who treats people like commodities.

3. What does the theft of the bra by Goose symbolize in the context of Zoey’s move?
The theft symbolises the unpredictable, absurd kind of trouble that Zoey will face in Story Lake. It also mirrors her loss of control over her finances (she planned to sell the bra) and introduces the town’s quirky, accepting nature—everyone laughs rather than getting upset.

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