Chapter 5 Summary: Week Four — Key Moments and Takeaways

⚠️ 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

Week Four takes Charlie and Dev to New Orleans, where the show's production relocates for the next round of filming. The chapter opens on a first-class flight, with Charlie trying to process the aftermath of his kiss with Daphne. He realizes the kiss confirmed something important: he doesn't enjoy kissing Daphne, and he very much wants to kiss someone else—Dev. Dev, thrilled by the luxury of first-class legroom and free mimosas, is oblivious to Charlie's internal spiral. Charlie reflects on his confusion about his sexuality, wondering if he's been repressing attraction to men, and recalls moments from his past, including meeting his college roommate and the cruel words of his family that taught him to suppress his emotions.

That evening, Dev borrows a shirt and jacket from Charlie, and the two head out with Jules and Skylar to a gay bar in the French Quarter. The night is filled with dancing, drinks, and Charlie's increasingly drunken attempts to set Dev up with other men. Charlie's efforts are both earnest and misguided, as he tries to play matchmaker while simultaneously being unable to take his eyes off Dev. As the night progresses, Charlie's drunkenness strips away his usual guardedness, and he becomes more openly affectionate and vulnerable.

Outside the bar, Charlie corners Dev against a brick wall and asks, with surprising clarity, if he can kiss him. Dev, despite his logical objections, agrees, and they share a passionate, consuming kiss. The moment is electric for both of them, but it's also complicated by alcohol and the boundaries of their professional relationship. The next morning, hungover and ashamed, Charlie pretends not to remember the kiss, and Dev, hurt and confused, lets him.

The rest of the week is a blur of filming and avoidance. Charlie apologizes to Daphne for their earlier kiss, and they agree to slow down the physical side of their relationship. He also films scenes with the contestants, including a Mardi Gras float-building challenge. On Charlie's twenty-eighth birthday, Dev surprises him with a party, flying in his best friend Parisa. The gesture is overwhelming for Charlie, who has never had anyone celebrate his birthday like this.

That night, Parisa and Dev share a conversation that reveals more about Charlie's difficult family history and Parisa's hope that the show will help him find love. Later, Charlie and Dev engage in what they call