People We Meet on Vacation Chapter 28 Summary & Analysis

⚠️ 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

Poppy and Alex arrive at the Larrea Palm Springs Hotel, a vibrant, budget-friendly motel that looks like a child's colorful drawing even in the dark. The room is equally lively with orange walls, green carpet, and striped bedding, but they appreciate the powerful air conditioning after the intense heat.

Alex immediately expresses a desire to shower. Poppy recalls his past confession that he dislikes shower sex because he simply wants to be clean, so she suppresses her own wish to join him. While Alex takes a long shower, Poppy sits on the balcony and reflects on the kiss that happened earlier. The air feels lighter now, and her body is relaxed despite the lingering memory.

When Alex emerges from the bathroom in a towel, Poppy takes her turn. Although she normally dislikes the process of showering, this one feels luxurious as she watches the grime of the past week wash away. Afterward, she finds Alex already fast asleep on one of the beds, still on top of the covers with the lights on.

Poppy hesitates between beds. She wants to curl up next to him and smell his familiar bergamot scent, but she fears making assumptions. The last time something physical happened between them, it ended in chaos. Determined not to ruin their friendship again, she covers him with the comforter, turns off the lights, and climbs into the empty bed across from his.

Key Events

Poppy and Alex check into the Larrea Palm Springs Hotel, a colorful and inexpensive motel.
Alex takes a shower while Poppy waits, respecting his preference for solitary showers.
Poppy enjoys a long, cleansing shower herself, a stark contrast to her usual quick routine.
Poppy finds Alex asleep on one bed when she finishes.
She deliberates whether to share the bed but ultimately chooses the other bed to protect their friendship.

Character Development

Poppy: Demonstrates remarkable restraint and self-awareness. She actively remembers Alex's past preferences and chooses not to force intimacy. Her decision to sleep separately shows her commitment to preserving the friendship, even after a passionate kiss. She is determined not to repeat the mistakes of their previous physical encounter.
Alex: Falls asleep quickly, suggesting exhaustion—both physical and emotional. His immediate trust in sleeping in front of Poppy hints at his comfort with her, yet his lack of conversation about the kiss leaves their status ambiguous.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Boundaries and Communication: Poppy's internal debate about sharing a bed highlights the importance of clear boundaries. Neither character explicitly discusses the kiss; their actions are guided by past experience and unspoken rules.
Cleansing and Rebirth: The shower scene symbolizes washing away the tension and grime of the past, both literally and metaphorically. Poppy emerges feeling like a new woman, yet she still must decide how to proceed.
Fear of Ruining Friendship: The central conflict. Poppy chooses solitude over potential closeness to avoid the chaos that followed their last hookup. This chapter underscores the fragile line between romance and friendship.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a quiet but crucial turning point. After the balcony kiss, both characters need space to process. Poppy's choice to sleep apart demonstrates her maturity and dedication to their friendship above all else. It raises the stakes for the remaining chapters: can they navigate this new tension without breaking what they have? The chapter also deepens the reader's understanding of Poppy's internal world, showing her growth since their last physical encounter.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Poppy decide to sleep in a separate bed instead of next to Alex?
Poppy wants to avoid repeating the mistakes of their previous hookup, which ended in chaos. She will not assume Alex wants to share a bed, and she prioritizes preserving their friendship over pursuing physical intimacy.
What does the shower symbolize for Poppy in this chapter?
The shower represents a ritual of cleansing and renewal. After a week of tension and the intense balcony kiss, Poppy feels she is washing away the dirt and emotional weight. It leaves her physically and mentally refreshed, but she still faces the same uncertain situation.
How does this chapter illustrate the theme of communication (or lack thereof) between Poppy and Alex?
Neither character verbally addresses the kiss or their feelings. Poppy remembers Alex's past comment about shower sex and respects it silently. Alex falls asleep without discussing anything. Their actions are guided by past experiences rather than open dialogue, heightening the tension.