Questions and Answers for Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score
1. Why does Zoey run into the road in Chapter 2?
Zoey flees a live snake dropped on her head by the town eagle Goose, then nearly gets hit by Gage’s truck. This incident is the first of several animal-related crises that force Zoey and Gage together, echoing how Cam and Hazel met through Goose in the previous book.
Evidence context: Chapter 2 opens with Zoey under her bed at the lodge, learning from her cousin that her Manhattan apartment is being converted to condos. While walking to the bookstore with Hazel, Goose drops a snake on Zoey’s head. She panics and runs into the road. Gage brakes just in time. The chapter establishes Zoey’s financial crisis and her chaotic entry into Story Lake.
Interpretation: This scene sets up the forced-proximity trope and foreshadows that Story Lake will upend Zoey’s controlled plans. Goose, as a recurring animal instigator, becomes a comic symbol of the town’s disruptive charm.
2. What triggers Gage’s memory of his sister Laura during his first encounter with Zoey?
After Zoey is safely in his truck, she says, “Nobody died,” which immediately reminds Gage of the accident that killed his brother-in-law and left Laura in a wheelchair. His anger shifts to guilt and he realizes he must keep his guard up around Zoey.
Evidence context: In Chapter 3, Gage drives Zoey and Hazel to the bookstore. Zoey says, “Lighten up, Gage. Nobody died.“ Then the narrator notes, “But on a different road, on a different day, someone had.” Gage is shaken. Later, at the bookstore, he resolves to stay distant.
Interpretation: This moment reveals Gage’s unprocessed trauma. Zoey’s casual words hit a nerve, showing how the Bishop family’s grief is still raw years later. It also establishes that Zoey’s impulsiveness will constantly challenge Gage’s need for control.
3. How does the town eagle Goose function symbolically throughout the book?
Goose repeatedly causes chaos that brings Zoey and Gage together—snake, bra theft, and later returning Zoey’s stolen bra. He acts as an unwitting matchmaker, mirroring how he threw Cam and Hazel together in the earlier novel.
Evidence context: In Chapter 2, Goose drops a snake on Zoey. In Chapter 12, Goose steals Zoey’s favorite bra. In Chapter 47, Goose returns the sparkly bra just as Gage is seeking a sign. Hazel even jokes about a new tradition of “eagle-related catastrophe” leading to Bishop brother romance.
Interpretation: Goose represents the uncontrollable, whimsical nature of small-town life. The bird’s antics force characters to abandon plans and react spontaneously, which is exactly what Zoey and Gage need to break their emotional barriers.
4. Why does Zoey accept the part-time town publicist job from teenage mayor Darius?
Zoey desperately needs money after losing her NYC apartment. Darius offers a low salary, but she sees it as a chance to boost tourism for Story Lake and compete with rival town Dominion. The job also gives her purpose and roots in the community.
Evidence context: In Chapter 4, after the town meeting, Mayor Darius Oglethorpe approaches Zoey and offers her the publicist position. She accepts despite the low pay because she’s broke. She immediately starts planning a “Reader Weekend” event.
Interpretation: This decision forces Zoey to invest in Story Lake, contradicting her plan to stay temporarily. The rivalry with Dominion becomes a way for her to channel her impulsiveness into constructive action, and the job solidifies her place in the town.
5. What is the significance of the “disco” safe word in Chapter 8?
Zoey’s disco ball necklace prompts a conversation about being “broken.” They agree that saying “disco” means they must tell the truth. Gage uses it to admit how angry he is about the driver who killed Miller receiving a light sentence. Zoey offers a platonic hug.
Evidence context: In Chapter 8, at Angelo’s, Zoey shows Gage her disco ball necklace. They establish “disco” as a safe word. Gage confesses his rage about the justice system. Zoey responds with empathy. Later, Gage secretly leaves a dime for Laura, further connecting the symbol of dimes to grief.
Interpretation: The safe word creates emotional intimacy by forcing vulnerability in a low-stakes way. It’s a precursor to their deeper confessions later. The disco ball, with its broken pieces that still sparkle, becomes a metaphor for finding beauty in imperfection.
6. How does Opal Mallory diagnose Zoey with ADHD in Chapter 18?
When Zoey visits Opal to pitch her as a client, Opal (a retired psychologist) observes Zoey’s behavior and recognizes classic ADHD symptoms. She gives Zoey two books and an online assessment, then agrees to let Zoey represent her. Opal advises Zoey to stop trying to fix weaknesses and instead leverage strengths.
Evidence context: In Chapter 18, Zoey meets Opal at the Haven. Opal says, “Stop trying to improve your weaknesses” and recommends she outsource what she struggles with. Zoey takes an online assessment later. This scene is the turning point for Zoey’s self-understanding.
Interpretation: This diagnosis reframes all of Zoey’s past failures. It also aligns with the author’s note where Lucy Score reveals her own late ADHD diagnosis. The theme of neurodivergence becomes central to Zoey’s growth, showing that self-knowledge empowers rather than limits.
7. Why does Gage agree to defend Valerie Hillport, the woman who killed his brother-in-law?
Laura Bishop demands that Gage defend Valerie. Initially he refuses, but Laura explains that she herself feels guilty about the accident and that Valerie has already suffered enough. Gage visits Valerie’s home, meets her daughters, and agrees to take the case pro bono as a favor to Laura.
Evidence context: In Chapter 19, Laura brings Valerie to Gage’s office. Laura says, “She’s my friend, and she needs help.” Gage later tells his brothers that Valerie is a human, a mom, a nurse. He takes the case despite his personal anger.
Interpretation: This subplot forces Gage to practice forgiveness before he can ask for it in his relationship with Zoey. It also tests family loyalty and challenges the reader’s assumptions about justice. Laura’s capacity for mercy becomes a model for Gage’s own growth.
8. What do the dimes left by Gage represent?
Miller gave Laura a dime on their first date, calling it a “perfect ten.” After his death, Gage secretly leaves dimes around Laura’s house as a comfort. Zoey discovers this habit in Chapter 35 and realizes how deeply caring Gage is, prompting her to admit she’s in love with him.
Evidence context: In Chapter 35, Zoey and Hazel exercise with Laura at the gym. Laura explains the dime tradition. Zoey notices a dime under a hook and deduces Gage puts them there. Later, in Chapter 48, Zoey finds a roll of dimes in her car door and Gage has a tin of dimes in his closet.
Interpretation: Dimes symbolize small, deliberate acts of love. For Laura, they connect her to Miller. For Zoey, they reveal Gage’s quiet tenderness. The dimes become a motif for the way grief and love coexist, and for how the Bishop family supports each other through rituals.
9. How does Zoey’s disclosure of infertility affect her relationship with Gage?
In Chapter 28, after they have unprotected sex, Zoey stops and reveals she cannot have children due to an ovarian torsion in college. Gage responds with empathy, telling her she would be a great mother. This vulnerability deepens their bond and moves their relationship beyond the casual agreement.
Evidence context: In Chapter 28, Zoey and Gage are in her apartment. She tells him about the torsion and that she can’t have biological kids. Gage says, “You’d be a great mom” and continues to hold her. The chapter ends with them planning dinner at his place.
Interpretation: This scene tests the permanence of their relationship. Gage’s acceptance of her infertility signals that he sees a future with her beyond physical attraction. It also addresses Zoey’s fear of being “too much” or not enough, and Gage’s response proves he values her for who she is.
10. What leads to the public breakup at the Reader Weekend bonfire?
Audrey’s abusive ex-husband Gerald attacks her on the beach. Zoey charges in and takes a knife wound. Gage, along with his brothers, restrains Gerald. Overcome by fear of losing someone he loves, Gage angrily calls Zoey reckless and breaks up with her, then retreats to his house to drink.
Evidence context: In Chapter 42, at the bonfire, Zoey sees Gerald attacking Audrey. She jumps in and gets stabbed. After the fight, Gage yells at her, calling her reckless. Later, his mother reminds him he has always tried to be perfect and urges him to accept imperfection.
Interpretation: Gage’s reaction stems from his unresolved grief over Miller’s accidental death. He projects his fear of failing to protect onto Zoey. The breakup is a turning point that forces both characters to confront their patterns: Zoey’s self-sacrificing impulsiveness and Gage’s controlling protectiveness.
11. Why does Zoey throw a potato at rival Nina Vampic in Chapter 26?
At the ultimate bingo draft, Nina announces her competing festival Boozetag on the same weekend as Zoey’s Reader Weekend. In frustration and with her broken wrist, Zoey throws a potato at Nina, accidentally hitting her. The act is impulsive but also galvanizes the town against the rival.
Evidence context: In Chapter 26, during the bingo draft, Nina Vampic of Dominion reveals Boozetag. Zoey, overwhelmed, throws a baked potato. Emilie Rump, who had been shamed earlier with potatoes, publicly defends Story Lake. Later, Felicity offers free help.
Interpretation: This moment shows Zoey’s growth from shame to acceptance. Previously, her impulsiveness led to professional embarrassment (throwing a drink in Chapter 11). Now, the town rallies around her mistake. Nina’s arrival also cements Story Lake as a united community against outsiders.
12. How does the autism-awareness presentation reflect the theme of community inclusion?
In Chapter 33, Zoey hosts a presentation by Maria, Quaid, and Benjamin to educate the town about autism. Gage attends and feels proud. Afterward, community members donate cash to Zoey’s committee, and Kitty teases Zoey about her relationship with Gage. The event demonstrates Story Lake’s willingness to learn and support all residents.
Evidence context: In Chapter 33, the presentation takes place at the funeral home. Characters like Lacresha, Darius, and others are present. The “Kick Dominion’s Ass” committee donates money. Later, Gage and Zoey go to Levi’s cabin, but the event lingers as a positive community moment.
Interpretation: This scene parallels Zoey’s own neurodivergence journey. The town’s open-mindedness mirrors the acceptance she craves. It also reinforces the theme that Story Lake is a place where differences are embraced, contrasting with Zoey’s judgmental family and the competitive world of New York publishing.
13. What does the ultimate bingo free square named after Zoey signify?
At the end of the book, the town names the ultimate bingo free square after Zoey as a tribute. This honor signals that she is fully accepted as part of Story Lake. It also parallels the earlier joke about her “shit waffle” reputation; now the community celebrates her.
Evidence context: In Chapter 47, Zoey returns from her book tour to find her apartment emptied. Hazel and Cam lead her to the lakefront, where the town renames the free square. Gage declares his love publicly. Opal tells Zoey, “Mistakes were made... you don’t have to be defined by them.”
Interpretation: The free square represents second chances and belonging. It’s a literary device that turns a town tradition into a personal milestone. Zoey, who started as an outsider, becomes part of the town’s fabric. The moment also mirrors her professional success, as Opal receives a seven‑figure book deal.
14. How does Gage’s forgiveness of Valerie in Chapter 46 parallel his character arc?
After his breakup with Zoey, Gage visits Valerie at dawn and formally forgives her for the accident. This act breaks his pattern of holding onto anger and control. It is a necessary step before he can earn Zoey’s forgiveness, as his brothers advise him that forgiveness cannot be argued like a court case.
Evidence context: In Chapter 45, Gage is arrested by Levi. During a raccoon stakeout, Cam and Levi tell him to learn how to earn forgiveness. In Chapter 46, Gage goes to Valerie’s house. He says, “I forgive you.” Valerie breaks down. Then he sends apology emails to Zoey.
Interpretation: Gage’s character arc moves from rigid control to humility. Forgiving Valerie is the central emotional work he must do. It shows that he can release his need to be perfect and accept that he cannot prevent all tragedy. Only then does he become capable of a healthy relationship.
15. What role does the author’s note play in understanding Zoey’s ADHD journey?
Lucy Score reveals that she was diagnosed with ADHD in her late thirties, just like Zoey. She describes the shame spiral before diagnosis and the strategies she learned afterward. The note validates Zoey’s experience and provides resources (Dr. Russell Barkley, Tracy Otsuka, How to ADHD channel). It also teases Levi’s story in the next book.
Evidence context: The Author’s Note appears after the epilogue. Score writes, “I was also diagnosed with ADHD in my late thirties.” She recommends specific resources and thanks readers. The note is signed “Xoxo, Lucy.”
Interpretation: This note breaks the fourth wall and invites readers to see Zoey as a representation of neurodivergence. It adds authenticity to the character and normalises adult ADHD. For readers sharing Zoey’s traits, the book becomes both entertainment and validation. It also positions the novel as part of a broader conversation about mental health.
Return to the main book page or explore the ending explained. Learn more about the characters: Zoey Moody, Gage Bishop, Hazel Hart, Cam Bishop, Laura Bishop, and Opal Mallory. Dive into themes: ADHD and Neurodivergence, Grief and Forgiveness, Small-Town Community, Vulnerability and Commitment, and Control vs. Spontaneity.