Chapter 23: A Drunken Confession – 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
After ruining her favorite dress and breaking a sandal heel in the barroom scuffle, Parrish limps toward her car while a visibly drunk Garrett follows. She discards the other shoe and snaps at him for ruining her evening. Garrett publicly urinates against a building, alarming Parrish further. During the drive back to the Saint, Garrett tries to apologize but then confesses that he receives free drinks at local bars as a kickback. He reveals that someone at the Saint is stealing liquor and selling it out the back door. Parrish presses for details, but Garrett refuses to name the participants and begs her to keep the secret, fearing he could lose his job or worse. She refuses to promise and says she needs to think about it. Back at the dorm, Parrish throws away the ruined dress, takes notes in her blue notebook, and texts her aunt Traci requesting an urgent meeting about something serious concerning the Saint. Traci responds, inviting her to breakfast on Sunday at ten. Parrish agrees and falls asleep after taking a sleep gummy.
Key Events
- Parrish’s sandal heel breaks and she tosses the other shoe away.
- Garrett urinates in public, prompting Parrish to scold him.
- During the ride home, Garrett admits to receiving free drinks as a kickback.
- He confesses that someone at the Saint is stealing liquor and selling it out the back door.
- Parrish refuses to promise secrecy; Garrett becomes fearful.
- In her room, Parrish discards the stained dress and takes notes.
- She texts Traci about a serious issue regarding the Saint and arranges a Sunday breakfast meeting.
Character Development
Parrish demonstrates growing assertiveness and moral clarity. Rather than ignoring Garrett’s behavior, she confronts him about his drinking, his public indecency, and his complicity in theft. Her refusal to promise silence suggests an emerging commitment to honesty and institutional integrity, even at personal cost. She also takes the initiative to contact Traci directly, signaling her transition from summer employee to proactive guardian of the Saint.
Garrett is exposed as weak and compromised. His drunkenness, public urination, and plea for secrecy reveal a character willing to look the other way for personal benefit. Yet his fear of consequences (he says “you’re gonna get me killed”) hints at deeper threats within the Saint’s operation, raising questions about how far the corruption extends and the risks of exposing it.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Theft and Corruption – The back‑door liquor sale represents systemic dishonesty at the Saint. Garrett’s free‑drink arrangement symbolizes how small perks can ensnare employees in larger schemes.
Secrecy vs. Truth – Parrish’s refusal to promise secrecy contrasts with Garrett’s desperate plea. The chapter frames the choice between protecting individuals and upholding organizational ethics.
Ruined Clothing as Loss of Innocence – Parrish’s favorite dress, stained and discarded, mirrors the tarnishing of her summer expectations. The broken heel and tossed shoes signal that the carefree days are ending.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter delivers the first concrete evidence of criminal activity at the Saint. Garrett’s confession shifts Parrish from a casual observer to an active investigator. The revelation creates immediate tension between her loyalty to Traci and her instinct to protect a coworker. It also sets the stage for the pivotal breakfast meeting with Traci, where the full implications of the theft will likely be explored. The chapter deepens the mystery and raises the stakes for Parrish’s summer.
Study Questions and Answers
-
What does Garrett’s confession reveal about the culture at the Saint?
It indicates that theft and kickbacks are tolerated, at least by some staff. Garrett’s casual attitude (“everybody in the restaurant business does this kind of stuff”) suggests the problem may be widespread. -
Why does Parrish refuse to promise Garrett she will keep quiet?
She understands that covering up the theft would betray her aunt and the hotel’s integrity. Her refusal shows that she values truth over personal comfort and is willing to face the consequences. -
What does the chapter’s ending imply about Parrish’s next move?
By texting Traci, Parrish commits to reporting the issue rather than ignoring it. The Sunday breakfast meeting will likely involve sharing Garrett’s confession and deciding how to address the theft.