Chapter 23 Summary: Gigi and Ryder’s Heated Practice and the “Use Me” Call
⚠️ 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
Gigi and Ryder meet for a private ice session at Munsen rink. Ryder trash-talks relentlessly, but Gigi manages to draw laughs and smiles from him. During a water break, she asks about the Carma necklace incident; Ryder explains it was likely a lie by a woman he hooked up with once. He then warns Gigi that Beckett “gets around” and is not a one-woman guy. Gigi defends herself, admitting she was considering a casual hookup with Beckett for stress relief but got interrupted. Later, at game night with Mya and Diana, Diana describes an overly intense first sexual encounter with Percival. Gigi’s phone rings—Ryder calls and says two words: “Use me.”
Key Events
- Gigi and Ryder hold a productive but taunting private practice.
- Ryder reveals Carma’s necklace story was a fabrication.
- Ryder cautions Gigi about Beckett’s non-monogamous reputation.
- Gigi confesses she misses having a regular sex partner for stress relief.
- Game night with Mya and Diana: Diana shares details about sex with Percival.
- Ryder calls Gigi and says, “Use me.”
Character Development
- Gigi: Shows vulnerability by admitting her need for physical intimacy and stress release. She also proves she can hold her own in trash talk and appreciates Ryder’s coaching.
- Ryder: Displays a protective side by warning Gigi about Beckett. His ability to laugh and smile around her indicates growing comfort. The “Use me” line suggests he is offering himself as a partner—shifting from purely transactional to potentially personal.
- Diana: Reveals a softer, more open side about her sex life, contrasting with her usual confident persona.
- Mya: Provides comic relief and shows that her rivalry with Diana is mostly good-natured.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Arrangements vs. genuine connection: Gigi’s “arrangement” with Ryder for training and father-advocacy parallels her contemplated casual hookup with Beckett. Ryder’s “Use me” blurs the line between arrangement and deeper interest.
- Vulnerability and honesty: Both Gigi and Ryder drop their usual defenses—Gigi about missing sex, Ryder about his concern for her well-being.
- Hockey as metaphor: The drills (drawing defenders, backdoor plays) mirror the characters’ attempts to navigate emotional defense systems and create openings.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter escalates the tension between Gigi and Ryder. Ryder’s warning about Beckett shows he cares about Gigi beyond their training deal. Gigi’s admission about missing regular sex sets the stage for a possible physical arrangement with Ryder. The cliffhanger “Use me” directly challenges the reader to anticipate how Gigi will respond, making it a pivotal turning point in their relationship.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Ryder warn Gigi about Beckett?
Ryder is protecting Gigi from someone he knows is not monogamous. His warning also reveals jealousy or concern, indicating his feelings may be deeper than casual partnership. -
What does Gigi’s admission about missing regular sex reveal about her character?
It shows she craves intimacy and physical stress relief but feels guilty about using people. She is conflicted between her desires and her values, making her more relatable and human. -
What is the significance of Ryder’s “Use me” line?
It is a direct offer for Gigi to use him as her stress-relief partner, mirroring their earlier conversation. The phrase is ambiguous—it could be a flirtatious challenge or a sincere proposal to deepen their arrangement.