Chapter Thirty-Eight Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways
⚠️ 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
After their car breaks down outside a famous Burbank restaurant, Wes and Liz turn what could have been a ruined evening into an impromptu celebration. Wes springs into action, ordering McDonald's through DoorDash and picking up a tablecloth, a candle, and a battery-operated disco ball from CVS. They set up a candlelit dinner on the car's trunk, much to the disapproval of the valet, Gregor, who watches them from a distance. The stereo blares Lily Allen's “Fuck You” on repeat, a deliberately rebellious choice that makes Liz laugh and sets a playful tone.
As they eat Big Macs and fries, Liz reflects on how different this feels from their past. Being far removed from their shared history makes her feel safer, almost as if they are two ordinary UCLA students on a date rather than two exes carrying heavy baggage. She recalls hearing “City of Stars” on the way to the restaurant, which reminded her of watching the movie together and Wes's plan to take her to the club from the film. That memory is overwhelming, but the current setting—casual, silly, and unpretentious—allows her to relax and enjoy the moment. She even thinks of this as a “cheat code,” a way to skip past the complicated parts of their history and focus on the present.
The conversation turns to Liz's internship with Lilith in music licensing. She enthusiastically describes her work, including producing sports content, and Wes listens with genuine interest, asking thoughtful questions. He praises her “Supermassive Black Hole” Reel, which showcased his pitching, and she teases him about his ego. When she asks about his studies, Wes admits that he loves his math and science classes as much as baseball. He is still pursuing civil engineering but has shifted from architectural to a more creative focus, hoping to work in water engineering, designing dams and managing watersheds. Liz feels a surge of pride watching him talk about his goals with such purpose.
Their easy banter is interrupted by a text from Wade, who demands a selfie because he and the others don't believe Wes is actually on a date. Wes and Liz oblige, taking a silly photo of two overdressed people eating fast food on a car trunk. The conversation then shifts to Wade's nervousness about asking out Liz's roommate, Campbell, a topic that feels refreshing because it has nothing to do with their past.
When the tow truck finally arrives, Gregor announces its presence, and Wes raises his Coke in a toast to the valet. Liz joins in, but as the flashing yellow lights approach, she feels a pang of sadness. She has been having a wonderful time and doesn't want the moment to end.
Key Events
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The car breaks down, prompting Wes to improvise a trunk-top dinner with McDonald's and CVS supplies.
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Liz reflects on feeling safer when she and Wes are removed from their past.
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They discuss Liz's internship with Lilith and her work in music licensing and sports content.
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Wes shares his passion for math and science and his goal to work in water engineering.
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Wade texts demanding a selfie; Wes and Liz take one together and send it.
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They talk about Wade's interest in Campbell.
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The tow truck arrives, and they toast to Gregor; Liz feels sad that the evening is ending.
Character Development
This chapter highlights significant growth in both Liz and Wes. Liz, who has often been overwhelmed by their history, finds a way to be present and enjoy the moment when the setting feels new and unburdened. Her ability to laugh, tease, and engage without spiraling into anxiety shows emotional maturity. She also expresses genuine pride in Wes's career ambitions, indicating that she sees him as a changed, more focused person.
Wes, meanwhile, demonstrates his own maturity. He is open about his love for academics, a side of him that contrasts with his baseball persona. His thoughtful questions about Liz's internship show that he values her ambitions and wants to understand her world. The playful selfie and the toast to Gregor reveal his ability to find joy in simple, imperfect situations. Their banter feels natural and affectionate, suggesting a deeper connection that isn't solely based on nostalgia or regret.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
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Simplicity vs. Extravagance: The candlelit dinner on a car trunk, made from fast food and drugstore items, stands in stark contrast to the fancy restaurant they were headed to. This simplicity allows Liz to feel safe and unpressured, suggesting that genuine connection doesn't require grand gestures.
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The “Cheat Code”: Liz's internal thought about skipping past the past is a motif for the desire to escape complicated history. It reflects her hope that they can build something new without being weighed down by old wounds.
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Escape from the Past: The physical setting—away from familiar places and memories—symbolizes a fresh start. Liz's relief at being “far removed” underscores how much their history has haunted her.
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Friendship and Support: The subplot with Wade and Campbell, and the playful selfie, show that their relationship is supported by a wider circle of friends. This adds a layer of normalcy and lightness to their reunion.
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Rebellious Song Choice: The choice of “Fuck You” on repeat is a small act of defiance against expectations, mirroring Liz's desire to break free from the constraints of her past.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter serves as a turning point in Liz and Wes's relationship. It demonstrates that they can enjoy each other's company without the weight of their history dragging them down. The car breakdown, which could have been a disaster, becomes an opportunity for spontaneity and intimacy. Liz's realization that she feels “safer” away from their past suggests that they might be able to move forward if they can create new, positive memories. The chapter also deepens our understanding of both characters' ambitions and growth, showing that they are no longer the same people who broke up. It sets the stage for the possibility of a renewed relationship, built on mutual respect and genuine enjoyment of each other's company.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Liz feel safer when she and Wes are far removed from their past?
Liz feels safer because being in a new, unfamiliar setting allows her to separate the present moment from the painful history they share. She describes their past as overwhelming and confusing, like a complex algebra problem she doesn't know how to solve. When they are on the car trunk, eating fast food and laughing, they feel like different people—two UCLA students on a date rather than exes with baggage. This distance gives her permission to relax and enjoy the moment without being consumed by memories.
2. How does the setting of the car trunk dinner contribute to the chapter's mood?
The car trunk dinner creates a mood of playful intimacy and spontaneity. The contrast between the fancy restaurant and the improvised picnic on the trunk underscores the idea that connection matters more than extravagance. The candle, disco ball, and fast food add a sense of whimsy, while the disapproving valet provides comic relief. This setting allows Liz and Wes to be themselves, free from the pressure of a formal date, which makes their conversation feel natural and their laughter genuine.
3. What does Wes's career aspiration reveal about his character?
Wes's desire to work in water engineering, designing dams and managing watersheds, reveals that he is thoughtful, creative, and committed to making a meaningful impact. His shift from architectural to civil engineering shows that he values problem-solving and innovation over conventional paths. His passion for math and science, which he admits rivals his love for baseball, indicates a depth of intellect and ambition that goes beyond his athletic identity. This maturity impresses Liz and suggests that he has grown into a person who takes his future seriously.
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