Chapter summaries Play Along Liz Tomforde

Chapter 36 Summary and 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

The chapter opens with Isaiah arriving at Monty's apartment, physically and emotionally drained. He had tried to go home but couldn't bear being alone, so he came to his coach instead of hiding away as he typically would. Monty, who was on the phone, immediately hangs up when he sees Isaiah's state and pulls him into a hug.

Monty has been fielding trade rumors about Isaiah all night and wants to hear the truth directly. Isaiah explains that his agent leaked the news to build interest from other teams, but Isaiah clarifies he's not actively shopping offers. He'll only leave Chicago if Kennedy wants him to go with her—specifically to San Francisco, where she received a job offer she turned down to stay with him.

Isaiah reveals his frustration with Dr. Fredrick's treatment of Kennedy and his determination not to be the reason she misses this opportunity to escape. Monty suggests filing a formal complaint, but Isaiah declines, bound by a promise he made to Kennedy years ago not to say anything. Monty asks when Kennedy must decide, and Isaiah admits it's already been over a week since she declined the offer.

Monty reassures Isaiah that he's family, regardless of whether he leaves, and expresses pride in his selflessness. Kai then storms in, angry about the rumors, but after Isaiah explains the situation, Kai's frustration turns to understanding. Kai tells Isaiah he's proud of him and that their mother would be too. The three men spend the evening together over Chinese takeout, and for the first time, Isaiah doesn't pretend to be okay.

The chapter shifts to Isaiah's internal struggle. A dry thunderstorm rages outside, triggering his anxiety. It's been two nights since he's heard from Kennedy, and she called in sick to work for the first time ever—a detail that terrifies him because he knows she's not actually sick. He fears she's packing her bags and that her decision won't include him.

Isaiah resists the urge to call Kennedy, Kai, or his friends, determined to manage his anxiety on his own. He scrolls through photos on his phone, reflecting on how much Kennedy has changed since they met—from the uncomfortable, stiff woman in old team photos to someone who learned to be comfortable in her skin.

Kennedy finally texts him. They exchange brief messages: she offers to come over, he declines, telling her he needs to get through this on his own. She tells him she's proud of him and that he's stronger than he believes. He gets through the night without calling anyone for help.

Key Events

  • Isaiah goes to Monty's apartment instead of hiding alone, breaking his usual pattern

  • Isaiah explains the trade rumors and his conditional willingness to leave Chicago

  • Monty suggests filing a formal complaint against Dr. Fredrick; Isaiah declines due to a promise

  • Monty affirms Isaiah's place in his family

  • Kai arrives angry but becomes understanding after hearing Isaiah's explanation

  • The three men spend the evening together; Isaiah doesn't fake being okay

  • Kennedy calls in sick to work for the first time, alarming Isaiah

  • Isaiah endures a dry thunderstorm without reaching out for help

  • Kennedy texts Isaiah; they exchange messages, and she expresses pride in him

  • Isaiah gets through the night without calling anyone

Character Development

Isaiah reaches a turning point in this chapter. He explicitly acknowledges his exhaustion with pretending to be unbreakable, admitting he's at his breaking point. His decision to go to Monty's apartment instead of hiding represents a significant shift in how he handles vulnerability. He also demonstrates growth in his anxiety management, choosing to challenge himself by not calling anyone during the storm, even when every instinct urges him to reach out.

Monty reveals the depth of his care for Isaiah, distinguishing between his relationship with Kai and with Isaiah while affirming that both are family. His suggestion to file a formal complaint shows his willingness to protect Kennedy, and his pride in Isaiah's selflessness reinforces the theme of chosen family.

Kai initially reacts with anger but quickly shifts to understanding once he hears the full story. His line about making a career decision best for his family—and not blaming Isaiah for doing the same—shows his maturity and support.

Kennedy, though mostly absent from the chapter, is present through Isaiah's reflections and her texts. Her decision to call in sick for the first time suggests she's wrestling with her own choice. Her texts—offering to come over, expressing pride, and reminding Isaiah of his strength—show her care even as she takes space to think.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Vulnerability and authenticity. Isaiah's choice to show up at Monty's door instead of hiding is a direct rejection of his usual coping mechanism. He spends the evening without a smile, noting it feels freeing to not be okay.

Chosen family. Monty's declaration that Isaiah will always be part of his family—whether he leaves or not—reinforces the idea that family extends beyond blood. Kai's presence and support further emphasize this.

Self-sacrifice and career sacrifice. Isaiah is willing to give up his career in Chicago for Kennedy's opportunity, while Kennedy turned down the San Francisco offer to stay with him. Both are making sacrifices for the other, creating tension around who should give up what.

Thunderstorm symbolism. The dry thunderstorm—no rain, just thunder and lightning—mirrors Isaiah's internal state: anxiety without visible release. His question about whether Northern California has similar storms hints at his willingness to leave, but also his fear of the unknown.

Anxiety management and independence. Isaiah's decision to get through the night without calling anyone is a deliberate challenge to his reliance on others for emotional regulation. Kennedy's encouragement—that he's stronger than he believes—becomes the anchor he needs.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal for Isaiah's character arc. It marks the first time he openly admits his vulnerability to others and allows himself to be seen without the fun-one mask. His conversation with Monty and Kai solidifies his support system, while his decision to face the storm alone demonstrates meaningful growth in managing his anxiety.

The chapter also deepens the central conflict of the marriage-of-convenience plot. Kennedy's silence and her unprecedented sick day create genuine uncertainty about whether she'll choose to stay with Isaiah or take the San Francisco job. Isaiah's fear—that she's packing her bags without him—raises the stakes for the chapters ahead.

Finally, the chapter reinforces the novel's exploration of what it means to love someone selflessly. Isaiah's willingness to let Kennedy go, even while desperately hoping she'll choose him, is a defining moment for his character.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Isaiah refuse Monty's suggestion to file a formal complaint against Dr. Fredrick?

Isaiah declines because he made a promise to Kennedy years ago that he wouldn't say anything about Dr. Fredrick's treatment of her. He's held her secret for so long that he's not willing to break that trust now, even though a formal complaint could help her situation. He also notes that the real issue is her current job title, not just the doctor's behavior.

2. What does the dry thunderstorm represent in this chapter?

The dry thunderstorm—thunder and lightning without rain—mirrors Isaiah's internal state. He's experiencing intense anxiety without any release, just as the storm produces noise and light without precipitation. His question about whether Northern California has similar storms reflects his openness to leaving Chicago, while his struggle to endure the storm without calling anyone demonstrates his commitment to managing his anxiety independently.

3. How does Isaiah's behavior in this chapter differ from his usual patterns, and what does this change signify?

Isaiah typically hides his bad moments, locking himself in his apartment so no one sees him struggle. In this chapter, he goes to Monty's apartment instead, admitting he's tired of convincing others he's unbreakable. He also spends the evening without faking a smile, which he describes as freeing. This change signifies a major step in his emotional growth—he's learning to accept support and be authentic about his struggles rather than performing strength for others.

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