Say You'll Remember Me Chapter 4 – Xavier: Second Chances and Vulnerability
⚠️ Spoiler Notice
This page contains detailed plot points from Chapter 4 of Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. Read the chapter first if you want to avoid spoilers.
Summary
Xavier begins the chapter observing his dog’s ridiculous haircut—a necessary disguise now that the dog is being brought to work. The dog remains unnamed because Xavier is “waiting for something to speak to me.” His staff, Tina and Maggie, arrive to help and feed him. Their conversation turns to his friends’ relationship statuses, but Xavier is distracted by the news that Samantha has arrived for an exam.
Samantha needs a health certificate and sedative for Pooter before flying. Xavier checks his hair in the bathroom, annoyed at himself for caring. In the exam room, Samantha defuses awkwardness with humor, offering to show her “kitten’s butthole.” Xavier examines Pooter and confirms she is healthy. Samantha accepts his earlier apology. He asks her on a date, and she agrees immediately—they plan for that evening.
Back with his staff, Xavier’s smile gives him away. Tina and Maggie tease him about his intimidating appearance and his usual type of date: “A-type personalities” with “bun energy.” They compare him to romance-novel characters like Rhysand. Xavier calls Becca for honest feedback about whether he is intimidating. Becca confirms he is tall, unsmiling, and grumpy, but assures him that once someone gets to know him, his integrity and dependability shine. She advises him to “be yourself.” Xavier resolves to stop second-guessing and trust that Samantha likes him as he is.
Key Events
- Xavier brings his disguised dog to the clinic, still unnamed.
- Tina and Maggie discuss matchmaking among Xavier’s friends.
- Samantha arrives unexpectedly for Pooter’s health certificate.
- Xavier checks his appearance before entering the exam room.
- Samantha jokes about the kitten’s recovery and shows a photo of Pooter’s bowel movement.
- Xavier confirms the cat is healthy and clears her to fly.
- Xavier apologizes verbally, and Samantha accepts, mentioning she donated extra funds to Bitty Kitty Brigade.
- Xavier asks Samantha out; she accepts for that same evening.
- His staff observes Xavier’s rare smile and teases him about his typical “intimidating” persona.
- Xavier calls Becca for advice on whether he is scary or grumpy.
- Becca gives an honest but kind assessment, urging him to stay authentic.
Character Development
Xavier Rush – This chapter reveals Xavier’s self-awareness and quiet desire to connect. He has been “working more these last few weeks to be softer with people” after Samantha’s earlier criticism. He checks his hair and admits to himself that her opinion matters. His willingness to ask Becca for feedback shows vulnerability. He also demonstrates protectiveness and care by keeping the dog hidden and bringing him to work.
Samantha Diaz – Though not the point-of-view character, Samantha is shown to be warm, funny, and direct. She jokes about her kitten’s anatomy, accepts the apology gracefully, and doesn’t hesitate when asked on a date. She also acted on the donation by giving to another rescue, indicating generosity.
Tina and Maggie – Xavier’s veterinary staff function as comic relief and mirrors. They observe his behavior and call out his usual dating patterns. Their teasing—comparing him to a romance-novel werewolf or Rhysand—reveals that Xavier often comes across as cold, yet they clearly care about him.
Becca – Jesse’s girlfriend provides a blunt but loving reality check. She tells Xavier he is not charismatic or fun but is dependable, loyal, and kind. Her feedback reinforces the theme that true connection requires authenticity, not performance.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Second Chances – The entire chapter is framed as a second chance: Xavier has a second opportunity with Samantha after their disastrous first meeting. Samantha gives the cat a second chance at health, and Xavier hopes for a second chance to make a better impression.
Vulnerability vs. Intimidation – Xavier’s height, unsmiling face, and brooding demeanor are repeatedly labeled as intimidating. Yet his internal monologue shows insecurity and a desire to be liked. The motif of “Rhysand” symbolizes a romantic archetype that is fierce on the outside but tender within.
Humor as Connection – Samantha’s joke about the kitten’s butthole breaks the ice and disarms Xavier. Her willingness to be funny and blunt signals that she is unlike the “bun energy” women he usually dates.
The Unnamed Dog – The dog, whose identity is concealed, represents Xavier’s hidden softness. The haircut makes him “ugly” but safe—just as Xavier’s gruff exterior protects his genuine warmth.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 4 deepens Xavier’s interiority and sets the romantic plot in motion. It contrasts the fast-paced, humorous banter of the earlier chapters with Xavier’s slower, introspective voice. His reaction to Samantha’s return signals that she has already changed him—he is trying to be softer, he cares about her opinion, and he is nervous about the date. The chapter also solidifies the supporting cast (Tina, Maggie, Becca) and establishes the theme that first impressions can be revised. By refusing to be someone he is not, Xavier takes a risk that may pay off in the next chapter.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Xavier check his hair before entering the exam room, and what does this reveal about his feelings for Samantha?
Xavier checks his hair and then gets angry at himself for doing so. This shows that he is subconsciously trying to impress Samantha, even though the visit is purely professional. His previous indifference toward others’ opinions has been shaken; he cares what she thinks.
2. How does the staff’s comparison of Xavier to Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses reflect the novel’s genre expectations?
By invoking a famous romance hero—cold and dangerous-looking on the outside, devoted and loving inside—Tina and Maggie signal that Xavier fits the popular “brooding hero” trope. The comparison also suggests that the staff sees romantic potential in him. Readers familiar with the trope understand that such characters often have hidden depths, which Xavier begins to reveal in this chapter.
3. What does Becca’s advice tell us about Xavier’s character arc?
Becca tells Xavier to “be yourself” because Samantha already knows what he is like. This advice reinforces the idea that Xavier does not need to perform charm or extroversion. His arc will involve accepting that his integrity and loyalty are enough to build a relationship, rather than trying to become someone he is not.