Chapter Thirteen: Tripp — 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
Chapter 16 opens with Tripp having dinner at the Delgados' home, a stark contrast to his usual meal at Shooters with his mother. Ms. Delgado explains that Shane's father is on the phone with a lawyer named Edward, working to get the incriminating video taken down quickly. Shane is visibly frustrated, sarcastically noting that the internet isn't forever. Ms. Delgado thanks Tripp for his role in the incident, but Tripp deflects, acknowledging that Shane actually saved him from expulsion.
Tripp reflects on the near-miss: had Shane not pulled him back, he would have lost his Kendrick Scholarship and his place at Saint Ambrose, potentially ending up at Sturgis High School. He also realizes that Colin Jeffries, who exposed Shane, Charlotte, and Tripp in front of their media technology class, is the one who sent the anonymous “Murderer” texts. Ms. Delgado expresses confidence that the Delgados would never let Tripp be expelled, and she mentions they will push for consequences against Colin.
The conversation shifts to Brynn. Ms. Delgado asks how “Brianne” is doing, and Shane says Charlotte reports she's fine. Ms. Delgado gently urges Shane to check on Brynn himself, but Tripp feels a spike of shame because the punch that hit Brynn was meant for him. He has been avoiding texting her, fearing it would open a door he wants to keep shut. When Shane admits he doesn't have Brynn's number, Tripp decides he can't be the only one who doesn't check on her. He texts Brynn an apology, hoping that will be enough.
Mr. Delgado arrives, announcing that Edward will file a defamation suit against the person who posted the video. He is frustrated that he can't simply write a check to make the problem disappear. Tripp's phone buzzes, and he sees a reply from Brynn: a photo of her bruise with the joking caption “Should've been you.” Tripp is unsure whether to wince or laugh, but he responds with another apology. Brynn then asks if he wants to make it up to her, and when he asks how, she reveals she has spoken to Mr. Solomon and has been invited to stop by his office the next day at two. She asks if Tripp can come. Tripp, relieved it's not something worse, agrees.
Key Events
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Tripp has dinner with the Delgados; Ms. Delgado mentions the video will be taken down soon.
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Tripp realizes Colin Jeffries sent the Murderer texts.
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Ms. Delgado thanks Tripp for his friendship, but Tripp acknowledges Shane saved him from expulsion.
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Tripp feels guilty because the punch was meant for him, so he texts Brynn an apology.
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Mr. Delgado announces a defamation suit against the video poster.
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Brynn replies with a photo of her bruise and a joking message, then asks Tripp to meet her at Mr. Solomon's office the next day at two.
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Tripp agrees to the meeting.
Character Development
Tripp is the focal point of this chapter. His internal conflict deepens as he grapples with guilt and responsibility. He admits to himself that he avoided texting Brynn because she puts him off balance, but the pressure of being the only one who hasn't checked on her forces him to act. His apology is initially perfunctory (“Politeness achieved”), but Brynn's playful response disarms him, and he agrees to meet her, showing a willingness to engage despite his discomfort.
Shane remains guarded and sarcastic, but his mother's gentle prodding reveals a softer side. He agrees to check on Brynn, though he needs Charlotte's help to get her number. His frustration with the video's permanence hints at deeper anxieties about his public image.
Ms. Delgado is warm and protective, treating Tripp like family. Her confidence that the Delgados can shield Tripp from consequences underscores her privilege, but also her genuine care. She is perceptive, noticing that Tripp should check on Brynn himself.
Mr. Delgado is decisive and powerful, immediately resorting to legal action. His frustration that money can't instantly erase the video shows the limits of his control.
Brynn is not physically present but makes a strong impression through her text. Her humor—sending a photo of her bruise with a sarcastic caption—shows resilience and a willingness to joke even after being hurt. Her initiative in arranging a meeting with Mr. Solomon suggests she is actively investigating something, and she pulls Tripp into her orbit.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Wealth and Privilege: The Delgados' lifestyle—personal chef, massive dining table, multiple lawyers—contrasts sharply with Tripp's own circumstances. Their ability to threaten a defamation suit and expect the video to disappear highlights how money can influence outcomes. Tripp's scholarship is a constant reminder of his dependence on their world.
Internet Permanence: Shane's sarcastic comment about the internet being forever underscores the theme of digital consequences. The video, once posted, cannot be fully erased, and the characters must deal with its lingering effects.
Guilt and Responsibility: Tripp's guilt over Brynn's injury drives his actions. He feels responsible because the punch was meant for him, and his decision to text her is a step toward making amends, even if he initially does it out of social obligation.
Making Amends: Brynn's request for Tripp to “make it up to her” sets up a concrete opportunity for him to take responsibility. The meeting at Mr. Solomon's office becomes a chance for Tripp to actively engage with Brynn's world, rather than avoid it.
Scholarship Jeopardy: Tripp's near-expulsion is a pivotal moment. He realizes that a single impulsive act could have destroyed his future, reinforcing the stakes of his actions and the precariousness of his position at Saint Ambrose.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point for Tripp's character arc. It forces him to confront his guilt and take the first step toward reconnecting with Brynn, setting up the crucial meeting with Mr. Solomon that will likely drive the next phase of the investigation. The revelation that Colin Jeffries sent the Murderer texts clarifies a major mystery and shifts suspicion toward a new antagonist. Additionally, the Delgados' legal response to the video demonstrates the power dynamics at play, showing how the wealthy can attempt to control narratives. Tripp's agreement to meet Brynn signals a willingness to step out of his comfort zone, which may lead to deeper revelations about the past.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Tripp initially hesitate to text Brynn, and what ultimately prompts him to do so?
Tripp hesitates because texting Brynn feels like opening a door he wants to keep shut; she puts him off balance. He is also avoiding the guilt of knowing the punch was meant for him. He finally texts her after Shane admits he doesn't have her number, making Tripp realize he can't be the only one who doesn't check on her.
2. How does the Delgados' response to the video reflect their privilege, and what limits does that privilege reveal?
The Delgados immediately involve a lawyer and plan a defamation suit, expecting the video to be taken down quickly. Their wealth gives them access to legal resources and a sense of control. However, Mr. Delgado's frustration that he can't simply write a check to make the video disappear shows that even money cannot fully erase digital content or its consequences.
3. What does Brynn's text exchange with Tripp reveal about her character and her intentions?
Brynn's photo of her bruise with the caption “Should've been you” shows she has a sense of humor and doesn't hold a grudge. She is resilient and willing to joke despite being hurt. Her request for Tripp to make it up to her, followed by the invitation to meet at Mr. Solomon's office, indicates she is proactive and possibly investigating something. She is drawing Tripp into her plans, suggesting she trusts him enough to involve him.