Chapter 160: ¿Puedo llamarte, por favor? – 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
The chapter opens with Ryder finally receiving a phone call from Gigi after she ignored him. He apologizes for yelling at her earlier, but Gigi is not satisfied; she points out that he only apologized for his reaction without explaining why he was in a bad mood. She ends the call, leaving Ryder confused. His roommates—Shane, Beckett, and Will—offer unhelpful advice ranging from "keep apologizing" to "make a sex playlist." Frustrated, Ryder decides to seek a female perspective and texts Darby, the girlfriend of Nick Lattimore, asking her to come over without telling Nick. Darby arrives and Ryder explains the fight (omitting names and details). Darby clarifies that Gigi's anger stems from Ryder's refusal to share what burdened him; relationships require vulnerability and openness. Ryder admits he struggles to talk about personal issues, particularly regarding his father's upcoming parole hearing. As Darby counsels him, Nick Lattimore bursts in, having misinterpreted Ryder's vague text as an attempt to seduce Darby, and punches Ryder. The chapter ends with Darby confessing she told Nick because they share everything.
Key Events
- Ryder calls Gigi and apologizes for yelling, but she rejects the apology because he did not address why he was in a bad mood.
- Gigi hangs up on Ryder, leading him to seek advice from his roommates, who are unhelpful.
- Ryder texts Darby to come over and talk about his relationship problem.
- Darby explains that Gigi wanted Ryder to share what was bothering him, not just apologize for his outburst.
- Ryder realizes he has been withholding information about his father's parole hearing.
- Nick Lattimore arrives, misinterprets the situation, and punches Ryder for allegedly making a move on his girlfriend.
Character Development
- Ryder: Begins the chapter stubbornly believing a simple apology should suffice. Through Darby's advice, he starts to understand that relationships require emotional openness. His internal conflict about sharing his father's legal issues shows his difficulty with vulnerability.
- Gigi: Although she only appears via phone, she demonstrates assertiveness by refusing to accept a shallow apology. She demands genuine communication from Ryder.
- Darby: Acts as a voice of reason, providing the female perspective Ryder lacks. She is loyal to Nick but willing to help Ryder, reinforcing the theme of trust in relationships.
- Nick Lattimore: His jealousy and protective nature cause a violent misunderstanding, highlighting how lack of full disclosure can lead to conflict.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Communication and Vulnerability: The central theme is that true intimacy requires sharing not just pleasant moments but also burdens. Ryder's inability to talk about his father's parole hearing strains his developing relationship with Gigi.
- Gender Expectations: Ryder's male friends offer frivolous advice (e.g., "make a sex playlist"), while Darby provides practical relationship counsel. The chapter contrasts stereotypical male avoidance of emotional talk with the female expectation of openness.
- Misunderstanding: Ryder's vague text to Darby ("come to my house and don't tell your boyfriend") backfires because he fails to anticipate how it looks from Nick's perspective.
- Trust: Darby tells Nick everything, which creates both trust in their relationship and conflict with Ryder. The chapter underscores that secrets have consequences.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point for Ryder's character arc. It forces him to confront the fact that being in a relationship means more than physical intimacy; it demands emotional labor and openness. The confrontation with Nick also raises the stakes, potentially jeopardizing Ryder's friendships and his budding relationship with Gigi. Darby's advice plants the seeds for Ryder to eventually reveal his father's situation to Gigi, which will likely be a major plot point ahead.
Study Questions and Answers
-
Why does Gigi reject Ryder's apology in this chapter?
Gigi rejects the apology because Ryder only apologized for yelling, not for the underlying reason he was in a bad mood. She wants him to trust her enough to share what is bothering him. -
What crucial piece of advice does Darby give Ryder about relationships?
Darby explains that in a committed relationship, partners need to share all their moods—good and bad. She says that simply apologizing without explaining the cause of the frustration is insufficient; the other person needs to know what is going on in your life. -
How does the chapter's ending set up conflict for future chapters?
The chapter ends with Nick punching Ryder after misinterpreting the text message. This creates tension between Ryder and Nick, and also puts Darby in an awkward position. It also stresses how Ryder's secretiveness about his personal life can cause broader problems beyond his relationship with Gigi.