Chapter 8 Summary: “7 Definitely not my type” – Mistakes Were Made

⚠️ 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 decides to check on Laura after the accident charges were made public at the town meeting. She brings wine, and they agree not to ask stupid questions. While cleaning the kitchen together, Zoey subtly assesses Laura’s well‑being. The Bishop family soon arrives – Gage, Cam, Levi, Hazel, Nana, and the kids – turning Laura’s quiet day into a loud family gathering. Zoey volunteers to pick up pizza, and Gage insists on joining her.

During the drive, Zoey recounts a traumatic childhood memory: her mother set her up with a dog named Jaws that bit her, proving a point that Zoey couldn’t handle a pet. Gage shows genuine concern and calls Zoey’s mother an “asshole.” Their conversation shifts to the upcoming legal hearing, and Gage admits he’s not as fine as he pretends. When Cam’s worry about them hooking up comes up, both Zoey and Gage insist they are completely wrong for each other. They list their differences – Zoey is spontaneous and messy, Gage is uptight and scheduled. Zoey reveals she was fired before moving to Story Lake and wants to prove people wrong by launching Hazel’s book. Gage responds with curiosity and tells her she is definitely not his type, but he hopes she gets what she wants.

Key Events

Zoey visits Laura unannounced with wine; they establish a “no stupid questions” rule.
Zoey helps Laura clean the kitchen while they chat about teenage kids and family.
The Bishop clan descends on Laura’s house, bringing chaos, dogs, and three brothers.
Laura skillfully foils her sons’ plan to sneak out to a bonfire.
Gage volunteers to accompany Zoey to pick up pizza, despite Cam’s warning look.
On the drive, Zoey shares the story of being bit by a dog named Jaws as a child.
Gage calls Zoey’s mother “an asshole” and squeezes her hand.
They discuss the accident charges and Gage’s hidden anxiety.
Both characters argue they are each other’s opposite and not at all attracted to each other.
Zoey reveals her career ambition to prove her former employers wrong by making Hazel’s book a success.
Gage says she is not his type but sincerely hopes she achieves her goals.

Character Development

Zoey: Shows vulnerability by sharing her childhood trauma and her professional insecurity. She reveals a deep need to be taken seriously, contrasting with her usual playful exterior. Her empathy for Laura and Gage grows.
Gage: Displays a softer side, dropping his lawyerly condescension to show concern and even physical affection. His drumming fingers betray his own stress about the upcoming hearing.
Laura: Maintains a tough, independent front but accepts her family’s intrusion, hinting at hidden vulnerability and appreciation for support.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Mistakes and judgment: Zoey’s mother set her up to fail, mirroring how the town judges Gage for the accident. Both characters struggle against being defined by past errors.
Family support vs. privacy: Laura wants solitude but her family forces their way in – a theme of protective love that also plays out in Zoey’s isolation.
Opposites and attraction: The repeated claim that Zoey and Gage are “not each other’s type” foreshadows potential romantic tension. Their bickering underscores a growing connection.
The dog story as symbol: Jaws the biting dog represents Zoey’s childhood betrayal and her ingrained distrust of expectations.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Zoey’s backstory and motivation, moving beyond her free‑spirited persona to reveal real pain and ambition. It also advances the slow‑burn relationship with Gage by forcing them into a private conversation. The family dynamics around Laura provide contrast, showing what Zoey lacks and what Gage takes for granted. The chapter builds the central tension between proving oneself and being seen for who one really is.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Zoey decide to visit Laura, and what does she learn about Laura’s coping style?
Zoey visits because she hasn’t seen Laura since the accident charges were announced and wants to make sure she is okay. Laura copes by avoiding pity and insisting on normalcy – she allows Zoey to stay only on the condition that no stupid questions are asked. Their conversation shows Laura is managing but still guarded.

2. What does the story about Jaws the Pomeranian reveal about Zoey’s relationship with her mother?
The story illustrates that Zoey’s mother deliberately set her up for failure to prove a point, using a dog that she knew would bite. This betrayal damaged Zoey’s trust and taught her that family can be cruel. It also planted her belief that she isn’t “enough” – a theme echoed in her professional life.

3. How do Zoey and Gage characterize each other in the truck, and what does their argument hint about their real feelings?
Zoey calls Gage an uptight, calendar‑worshipping nice guy; he calls her messy, disorganized, impulsive, and late. They both insist they are not each other’s type. Yet their willingness to engage in this banter, Gage’s hand squeeze, and their shared moment of sincerity (especially Gage’s “I hope you get what you want”) hint at attraction they are not ready to admit.