Mistakes Were Made Chapter 9: "8 Broken, Sparkly Things"

⚠️ 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

Gage takes Zoey to Angelo's for pizza pickup. The restaurant is packed, and he steers her through the crowd. At the bar, Zoey's disco ball necklace catches his attention. She explains she likes "broken, sparkly things"—a surprisingly deep answer. They agree they have no romantic intentions and invent the safe word "disco" to force each other to tell the truth. Using it, Gage admits he is not okay: he feels the driver who killed Miller got off too lightly with only three years of charges. Zoey offers a platonic hug, and his anger eases. Later, Zoey describes her busy Saturday as a literary agent and pitches her idea for a Reader Weekend to celebrate Hazel's book launch. Gage calls it genius. Back at Laura's house, Gage secretly places a dime under a hook—a habit from the past—and then announces Zoey's idea to the group. She jokingly scolds him, and the chapter ends with playful tension.

Key Events

Gage and Zoey arrive at Angelo's for pizza pickup; the restaurant is chaotic but familiar.
Zoey's disco ball necklace prompts a discussion about broken, sparkly things.
They establish a truth-telling safe word, "disco."
Gage admits his deep frustration with the legal outcome of the accident, feeling justice was not served.
Zoey embraces him in a comforting platonic hug.
Zoey shares her hectic Saturday work schedule and her Reader Weekend proposal.
Gage secretly places a dime under a hook at Laura's house.
Gage reveals Zoey's Reader Weekend idea to the family, and Zoey reacts with mock annoyance.

Character Development

Gage: Shows vulnerability for the first time, admitting he is "not okay" and that his anger is consuming him. His habit with the dime hints at hidden emotional rituals.
Zoey: Reveals depth beneath her fun-loving exterior: her thoughtful answer about the disco ball, her empathy during Gage's confession, and her professional competence as an agent. She also demonstrates creativity with the Reader Weekend idea.
Zoey & Gage: Their dynamic evolves. They openly acknowledge attraction ("disaster written all over us") but choose to maintain a platonic, honesty-based relationship.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Disco ball necklace: Symbolizes broken pieces coming together to create something beautiful. Zoey's explanation suggests seeing value in imperfection, which contrasts with Gage's desire for perfect justice.
Safe word "disco": Represents a new type of honesty between the characters, bypassing normal social barriers. It allows vulnerability without romantic intent.
Justice vs. the law: Gage struggles with the gap between what he feels is right and what is legally available. The chapter questions whether true justice can be delivered by the system.
Community and belonging: The crowded restaurant and Gage's sense of belonging contrast with his internal isolation. The family dinner at the end restores warmth and connection.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Gage's emotional arc, revealing grief and outrage that he usually hides. It also develops the central romantic tension by having the characters openly acknowledge their attraction yet commit to staying friends. The Reader Weekend idea sets up a significant plot thread for Hazel's career and the town's promotion. The disco ball motif offers a lens for interpreting both characters' perspectives on brokenness and beauty.

Study Questions and Answers

What is the significance of Zoey's disco ball necklace and her explanation?
Zoey explains that the disco ball is made of many broken pieces that together create something everyone loves. This reveals her acceptance of flaws and her optimistic perspective. It also serves as a metaphor for how she sees Gage—someone with broken parts that still form a whole worth loving.
How does the "disco" safe word function in this chapter?
The safe word forces honesty. Gage uses it to admit he is not okay about the accident and the light charges, allowing him to express pent-up anger. It creates a bond of trust without romantic pressure, moving their relationship to a new level of intimacy.
What does Gage reveal about his feelings on justice and the accident?
Gage says the three-year charge feels like a "slap in the face" because it cannot compare to losing Miller forever. He admits the anger is "eating him alive" and that he doesn't know how to function when the law cannot deliver true justice. This reveals his deep grief and moral struggle.