Chapter 20 Summary – Parrish and Livvy Uncover a Shared Past
⚠️ 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
Parrish’s day begins with a confrontation from Colonel McBee, a difficult guest who complains about a day-old newspaper, housekeepers moving his wife’s jewelry, and a malfunctioning television. Charlie Burroughs steps in to help, offering to investigate the television issue himself rather than burden Traci. That evening, Parrish and Livvy relax in the dorm lounge. Livvy shares popcorn and beer, and the conversation turns personal. Livvy reveals that her mother, Shannon Grayson, was once best friends with Traci Eddings, but they had a falling out during the summer they worked together as lifeguards. Livvy suspects the rift may be linked to her own conception; she has never been told who her father is. Parrish becomes intrigued and promises to gently ask Traci for information, though Livvy asks her not to stir up trouble. The chapter deepens the bond between the two women and sets up a mystery from the past.
Key Events
- Colonel McBee complains to Parrish about a day-old newspaper, housekeepers moving his wife’s jewelry, and a TV that lacks premium channels.
- Parrish handles the complaints professionally but vents her frustration after the Colonel leaves.
- Charlie Burroughs offers to look into the television issue himself to spare Traci extra work during Beach Bash preparations.
- Livvy returns to the dorm after a long shift; she and Parrish share snacks and conversation.
- Livvy reveals that her mother, Shannon Grayson, was once best friends with Traci, and they worked together as lifeguards the summer after high school.
- Livvy speculates that the friendship ended because she was conceived during that summer; her mother has never disclosed the father’s identity.
- Parrish agrees to probe Traci for information but will proceed carefully at Livvy’s request.
Character Development
- Parrish Eddings: Shows patience and skill in dealing with a demanding guest, yet is willing to bend the rules (e.g., letting Livvy sleep in her car earlier in the story). Her curiosity about the past reveals her empathetic nature and desire to help Livvy.
- Livvy (Olivia) Grayson: Opens up to Parrish about her family mystery, demonstrating trust. Her vulnerability about not knowing her father highlights her longing for answers and her fear of upsetting the fragile peace at the Saint.
- Colonel McBee: Serves as a foil to the protagonists, embodying the entitled guest whose complaints test the staff’s composure.
- Charlie Burroughs: Displays loyalty and practicality by volunteering to handle the television issue, protecting Traci from added stress.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Secrets and Family Legacy: The central mystery of Livvy’s parentage connects the present-day resort to its past. The unresolved rift between Shannon and Traci symbolizes hidden histories that resurface.
- Class and Service: The Colonel’s complaints highlight the class divide between staff and guests, while Parrish’s composure underlines the emotional labor required in hospitality.
- Female Friendship and Support: Parrish and Livvy’s growing camaraderie provides a counterpoint to the fractured relationship of their elders.
- The Saint as a Memory Keeper: The resort itself holds the secrets of the summer that changed Livvy’s mother and Traci’s friendship, making it a character in its own right.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 20 deepens the personal stakes for both protagonists. It introduces a compelling mystery—what happened during the summer Shannon worked as a lifeguard—that will likely drive future plot developments. The chapter also contrasts Parrish’s professional competence with her personal curiosity, showing that her role at the Saint is more than a job; it is a gateway to untangling the past. Additionally, the television subplot (a recurring guest complaint) subtly hints at a larger infrastructure problem that may have consequences later in the season.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Livvy suspect caused the rift between her mother and Traci?
Livvy believes the rift originated during the summer her mother and Traci worked as lifeguards at the Saint. She suspects that her own conception—and her mother’s refusal to name the father—is the reason the friendship ended.
2. How does Parrish’s handling of Colonel McBee reflect her growth as a guest-relations professional?
Parrish remains calm, offers solutions (online access, turning off turndown service, sending engineering), and politely deflects the Colonel’s xenophobic and unreasonable complaints. Her ability to soothe his anger while holding her ground shows she is maturing into the role her aunt Traci envisioned.
3. Why does Livvy ask Parrish not to “stir up anything” when she talks to Traci?
Livvy is new to the Saint and does not want to cause conflict or jeopardize her job. She fears that reopening old wounds could create tension with Traci or disturb her mother’s peace, especially since she has lived her whole life without knowing her father.