Chapter 3 Summary, Themes, and Key Moments

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with Isaiah and Kennedy deep into a night of heavy drinking in Las Vegas, having already left the Cosmopolitan and moved through several bars. Isaiah is disoriented, unsure how many drinks they've had, but he's acutely aware of Kennedy's presence. At some point, Kennedy discards her expensive red-bottomed heels into a trash can on the Strip, and Isaiah, recognizing their value, retrieves them for her, knowing sober Kennedy would regret the loss.

They continue their chaotic evening: Kennedy wins a hundred dollars on penny slots, and they stumble into a karaoke bar filled with patrons over forty. Isaiah performs a rendition of Mariah Carey's “Touch My Body,” but they leave quickly when the older women begin taking the lyrics too literally. Isaiah then takes Kennedy to her first strip club, where she promptly distributes all the ones from his wallet. By the time they reach the fountains outside the Bellagio, both are utterly wasted.

Standing by the water, Isaiah blurts out that tonight is the best night of his life. When Kennedy dismisses it, he confesses he has feelings for her, admitting he's had a major crush for three years. Kennedy brushes it off, saying a crush is just a lack of information, but Isaiah insists he's been trying to get to know her and that it only makes him like her more. She challenges him, saying he likes everyone, but Isaiah internally notes he hasn't looked at another woman since he noticed she stopped wearing her engagement ring.

Kennedy, now more engaged, agrees to answer his question about why she was uncomfortable at her stepsister's bachelorette party. She reveals that her mother is married to Mallory and Dean's father, making Mallory her stepsister and Dean her stepbrother. Her mother insisted she attend the party for the sake of family appearances. Kennedy explains that Mallory is marrying her ex-fiancé, Connor—a man Kennedy was supposed to marry but never did. Her family supports the match because Connor is seen as the perfect candidate to take over the family business. Dean is the only one who has voiced how messed up the situation is, which slightly softens Isaiah's hatred for him.

Isaiah, in his tequila-fogged state, suggests Kennedy should get married before them to spite her family. Kennedy laughs, pointing out she doesn't even have a boyfriend. Isaiah reminds her he's offered. She then asks if he's still offering, and they both acknowledge they are drunk and out of their minds, but the question hangs in the air as the chapter ends.

Key Events

Isaiah and Kennedy bar-hop across Las Vegas, drinking heavily.
Kennedy throws her expensive heels in a trash can; Isaiah retrieves them.
Kennedy wins $100 on penny slots.
They visit a karaoke bar where Isaiah sings Mariah Carey's “Touch My Body,” and they leave when older women take the lyrics literally.
Isaiah takes Kennedy to her first strip club, where she gives away his cash.
At the Bellagio fountains, Isaiah confesses he has feelings for Kennedy and has had a crush for three years.
Kennedy reveals that her stepsister Mallory is marrying her ex-fiancé Connor, and her family supports it because Connor will take over the family business.
Isaiah suggests Kennedy get married first to spite them, and Kennedy asks if he's still offering.

Character Development

Isaiah shows a vulnerable side in this chapter. His drunken confession reveals a depth of feeling he's kept hidden for years. He admits he hasn't looked at another woman since Kennedy stopped wearing her engagement ring, indicating his feelings are serious and long-standing. His actions—retrieving her heels, taking her to a strip club, and listening to her story—show a caring, protective side beneath his usual playful exterior. He also demonstrates a willingness to be honest, even when it makes him vulnerable.

Kennedy is initially dismissive of Isaiah's confession, but she gradually opens up about her painful family situation. Her revelation about Mallory and Connor exposes her hurt and resentment, as well as the pressure she feels from her family. She uses alcohol as an escape, but her decision to share her story with Isaiah suggests a growing trust. Her question about whether Isaiah is still offering to marry her, even while drunk, hints at a desperate desire to reclaim agency in her life.

The chapter also subtly develops Dean as a character, even though he's not present. Kennedy's mention that Dean is the only one who has called out the situation as messed up adds nuance to his relationship with Isaiah, who admits he hates Dean a fraction less after hearing this.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Family pressure and social obligation are central. Kennedy's mother insists she attend the bachelorette party for appearances, and her family's approval of Connor's marriage to Mallory is driven by business interests rather than love. This theme highlights how family expectations can override personal happiness.

Betrayal and sibling rivalry emerge through Mallory's decision to marry Kennedy's ex-fiancé, which Kennedy perceives as a deliberate act to rub it in her face. The rivalry is compounded by the family's support of Mallory, making Kennedy feel isolated.

Escapism is evident in the characters' heavy drinking and chaotic night out. Both Isaiah and Kennedy use alcohol to lower inhibitions and avoid confronting their feelings or problems. The strip club and karaoke bar serve as temporary distractions from reality.

Marriage of convenience is introduced as a potential solution. Isaiah's suggestion that Kennedy get married first, and her subsequent question about his offer, sets up a possible arrangement that could serve as a form of revenge or a way to regain control.

Revenge is a motivating undercurrent. Kennedy's discomfort at the party and her family's betrayal fuel a desire to spite them, which Isaiah taps into with his suggestion.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal for the romance between Isaiah and Kennedy. It marks the first time Isaiah openly confesses his feelings, moving from internal longing to direct declaration. Kennedy's willingness to share her painful backstory creates a deeper emotional connection between them, breaking down the walls she typically maintains. The chapter also establishes the central conflict of the novel: Kennedy's family's approval of her ex-fiancé's marriage to her stepsister, and the potential for a marriage of convenience as a solution. Isaiah's offer, even in a drunken state, plants the seed for the plot's direction. Additionally, the chapter humanizes Dean, adding complexity to the existing rivalry.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Isaiah retrieve Kennedy's heels from the trash can, and what does this action reveal about his character?

Isaiah retrieves the heels because he recognizes they are expensive (red bottoms) and knows sober Kennedy would regret throwing them away. This action shows his attentiveness to her well-being and his desire to protect her from future regret, even in a chaotic moment. It reveals a caring, thoughtful side beneath his playful demeanor.

2. How does Kennedy's revelation about Mallory and Connor change the dynamic between her and Isaiah?

Kennedy's revelation exposes her vulnerability and the deep hurt caused by her family's betrayal. By sharing this personal information, she allows Isaiah to see a side of her she usually keeps hidden. This openness fosters a new level of intimacy and trust, making Isaiah's confession of feelings more meaningful and setting the stage for a potential relationship.

3. What is the significance of Isaiah's suggestion that Kennedy get married before her stepsister, and how does Kennedy respond?

Isaiah's suggestion is a drunken, impulsive idea meant to spite Kennedy's family. It reflects his desire to help her and his willingness to be part of a scheme. Kennedy's response—asking if he's still offering—shows she's seriously considering the idea, even while acknowledging they are both drunk and out of their minds. This moment plants the seed for a marriage of convenience plot and highlights the characters' desperation to reclaim control over their lives.