Chapter Four Summary: French Braids, Apartment Schemes, and a Promise of Dinner

⚠️ 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

Burgess is at home trying to French braid Lissa's hair by watching a video tutorial, but his large, uncoordinated fingers cannot replicate the movements. Lissa grows frustrated because she wants a braid like her volleyball teammates wear; she fears being left out. The buzzer rings and Tallulah appears on the security feed, looking angry. Burgess buzzes her in, and Lissa immediately asks if Tallulah can braid her hair. Tallulah exchanges a meaningful look with Burgess before agreeing. She braids Lissa's hair quickly and perfectly, while also drawing out Lissa's feelings about not fitting in on the volleyball team. Tallulah tells Lissa she would rather suck at volleyball than suck at being nice, which makes Lissa feel better. Lissa leaves for the bus.

Alone, Burgess and Tallulah head to a smoothie shop. She is still upset about his scheme to rent her Chloe's apartment below market rate, but admits she cannot stay fully angry because his intentions were protective. Over smoothies, Tallulah asks if Burgess feels bad about breaking the opponent's nose during a game. He explains his code: he sent a six-pack of Sam Adams as a hybrid apology and insult, which maintains the other player's pride. Burgess then declares bluntly that he has never laid a hand on a woman and never will. Tallulah seems deeply affected by this statement. She hesitantly offers to come to dinner that night, though she will remain at her hotel for now. Burgess agrees, suggesting they take it slow. As she leaves, she dares him to taste her peanut-butter-and-espresso smoothie; he finds it vile but admits, "I like knowing what you like." The smoothie shop employee teases Burgess for having a crush. Back in the elevator, Burgess allows himself a smile.

Key Events

Burgess fails repeatedly to French braid Lissa's hair, growing increasingly frustrated.
Tallulah arrives at Burgess's apartment looking angry about the apartment scheme.
Tallulah braids Lissa's hair expertly and comforts her about feeling left out by volleyball teammates.
Lissa leaves for school, and Burgess and Tallulah walk to a smoothie shop.
Over smoothies, Tallulah confronts Burgess about renting Chloe's room below market value.
Burgess explains his reasoning for breaking the opponent's nose and his personal code of never harming a woman.
Tallulah visibly relaxes after his declaration about not hurting women.
Tallulah agrees to come to dinner that night, but will continue staying at the hotel.
Burgess tastes Tallulah's smoothie and admits he likes knowing what she likes.
The smoothie shop employee jokes about Burgess having a crush.
Burgess smiles to himself as he heads home.

Character Development

Burgess: His inability to braid Lissa's hair reveals his struggle to connect with his daughter and his lack of experience with "feminine" tasks. He is deeply protective of Tallulah, even at the risk of her anger. His blunt honesty about his violent past and his code of conduct shows a man trying to reconcile aggression with tenderness. His admission that he likes knowing what Tallulah likes hints at a growing emotional attachment he cannot fully acknowledge.
Tallulah: She shows empathy for Lissa's social struggles and uses her own past experience with mean girls to offer comfort. Her anger at the apartment scheme is tempered by an understanding of Burgess's protective motives. She is cautious but willing to give him a chance, as shown by the dinner offer. Her question about the broken nose suggests she is trying to understand his nature.
Lissa: She is insecure about fitting in at school, especially with the volleyball team. She quickly bonds with Tallulah, revealing a need for female guidance and validation. Her willingness to open up to Tallulah contrasts with her guardedness around Burgess.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The French braid as a symbol of care and connection: A simple hairstyle becomes a test of Burgess's ability to care for his daughter, which he fails. Tallulah's effortless braid represents her natural ability to provide the emotional and practical support Lissa needs.
Protection versus control: Burgess's scheme to secure a safe apartment for Tallulah walks the line between genuine care and overstepping boundaries. The chapter explores where protectiveness ends and control begins.
Vulnerability and trust: Both characters reveal vulnerabilities—Burgess his failure as a parent and his violent past, Tallulah her fear of men (hinted at by her reaction to his declaration). Their trust is built through honest, uncomfortable conversations.
The smoothie as a shared experience: The shared taste test becomes an intimate moment where Burgess breaks his caffeine rule because Tallulah asked, symbolizing his willingness to step outside his comfort zone for her.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Burgess and Tallulah's relationship. It moves from a strictly professional dynamic (au pair applicant and employer) to a more personal, tentative friendship with romantic undertones. Tallulah's decision to come to dinner, despite her reservations, sets the stage for deeper emotional connection. Burgess's declaration that he has never hurt a woman directly addresses the subtext of fear that has lingered since Tallulah's past experiences. The chapter also deepens Lissa's characterization and hints at bullying at school, which will likely be a source of conflict and bonding in future chapters.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Burgess feel he failed as a father in this chapter?
Burgess cannot French braid Lissa's hair despite watching multiple tutorials, and he realizes he cannot connect with her about school social dynamics or provide the emotional support she needs. His exhaustion from hockey and his lack of experience with her world make him feel inadequate.

2. How does Tallulah's reaction to Burgess's apartment scheme show her character?
She is angry about being manipulated, but she cannot sustain her anger because she understands his protective intentions. This shows she values safety and can see past her own pride. Her decision not to take the room also demonstrates her integrity—she refuses to accept a deal that would take advantage of him.

3. What does Burgess's explanation of the Sam Adams gesture reveal about his values?
The six-pack is a coded apology that preserves the other player's pride while also acknowledging the conflict. This reveals Burgess believes in maintaining respect even between adversaries and that his violence on the ice is a calculated part of the sport, not a personal vendetta. It also shows he thinks about the consequences of his actions.