The Five-Star Weekend, Chapter 23: Under the Influence I - Summary & 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

Dru-Ann breaks away from the group to shop alone, preferring swift, curated trips over casual browsing. She visits Gypsy, an upscale boutique on Federal Street, where she is immediately impressed by the selection and is offered champagne by the salesperson, Joey. While trying on a Dries Van Noten shirtdress, an ivory camisole, and a red leather Isabel Marant motorcycle jacket, Dru-Ann is approached by two young influencers: Bex, a Black woman in Gucci, and her companion, a blonde in a floral puff-sleeved dress whom Dru-Ann mentally calls Laura Ingalls. Bex recognizes Dru-Ann from her public confrontation with fellow influencer Posey Wofford. Bex and Laura Ingalls accuse Dru-Ann of disrespecting Posey and the millions of Americans who suffer from mental illness. Dru-Ann tries to defend herself by asserting that Posey was faking her distress to avoid a commitment, but the influencers reject her defense, with Bex expressing deep personal disappointment. The incident leaves Dru-Ann shaken, and she purchases the amethyst dress, the camisole, and the jacket, partly as a coping mechanism. The chapter also reveals Dru-Ann’s lingering thoughts about her complicated relationship with Nick and her sense of isolation even among the other “stars.”

Key Events

Dru-Ann visits the boutique Gypsy alone and immediately finds the sold-out Dries Van Noten dress.
Salesperson Joey offers her champagne, and she begins trying on several high-end items.
Two influencers, later named Bex and Laura Ingalls, recognize Dru-Ann and confront her about her treatment of Posey Wofford.
Dru-Ann tries to defend her actions by claiming Posey used mental illness as an excuse, but Bex rebukes her and leaves.
Dru-Ann, feeling exposed and defensive, decides to purchase the motorcycle jacket and other items.
She reflects on her secret weekend and her volatile relationship with Nick.

Character Development

Dru-Ann: Shows her pride in fashion knowledge and her desire to retreat from social accountability. The confrontation forces her to confront the public fallout of her video, but she clings to her own narrative rather than apologizing. Her decision to spend money to numb discomfort reinforces her pattern of avoidance.
Bex (Gucci influencer): Represents the broader public who once admired Dru-Ann and are now disillusioned. Bex’s vulnerability shows that Dru-Ann’s actions have real, personal consequences for her followers.
Joey: The salesperson remains neutral and professional, subtly enabling Dru-Ann’s retail therapy by making her feel welcome despite the confrontation.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Escape through consumerism: Dru-Ann uses shopping and champagne as a way to drown her anxieties about Nick and her damaged reputation.
Influencer culture and public shaming: The quick recognition and confrontation by Bex and Laura illustrate how social media fame makes private actions instantly global, and how public figures can be held accountable by their audience.
Authenticity vs. performance: Dru-Ann poses for Bex’s phone, yet the moment turns into a genuine criticism of her perceived inauthenticity. The chapter questions whether Dru-Ann’s public persona is sustainable.
The setting of Gypsy as a sanctuary that is invaded by reality; the boutique’s elegant garden and champagne initially seem protective, but the intrusion of the influencers shatters that illusion.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point for Dru-Ann’s character. It moves the tension from her private thoughts into a direct public confrontation, forcing her to defend her actions in real time. It also deepens the novel’s exploration of accountability and the costs of reckless speech. The incident on Nantucket echoes the earlier Dow Invitational scandal and foreshadows further consequences. Additionally, the chapter highlights how the “five stars” are still isolated from one another: Dru-Ann prefers her own company, and when trouble arrives, she handles it alone rather than seeking support.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Dru-Ann prefer to shop alone rather than with the other women?
She believes she is a “snob” about style and prefers efficiency and high-end options. She also wants to escape the pressure of being a good “gal pal” and to avoid group dynamics, as she is still processing her recent disgrace.

2. How do Bex and Laura Ingalls confront Dru-Ann, and what is their main accusation?
They recognize her from the video about Posey Wofford. Bex films Dru-Ann while Laura Ingalls accuses her of disrespecting both Posey and the 53 million Americans who suffer from mental illness. They express deep disappointment, especially Bex, who had admired Dru-Ann as a role model.

3. What does Dru-Ann ultimately decide to purchase, and what does this reveal about her emotional state?
She buys the Dries Van Noten dress, the ivory camisole, and the red leather Isabel Marant jacket—even though she was initially unsure about the jacket. The purchases are a form of retail therapy, a way to regain control and soothe her hurt pride after the public humiliation.

Continue reading:
← Previous Chapter: Chapter 22 Summary
Next Chapter: Chapter 24 Summary →
Back to The Five-Star Weekend Hub