Chapter 7 – 4. Gigi: 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 follows Gigi through a full day. She wakes early to skate alone at the rink, then goes for a short run. On her way back, she receives a call from her twin brother Wyatt, who complains that their mother did not appreciate his new song arrangement. Gigi gently teases him for being a mama’s boy and they banter before hanging up.

Later, Gigi drives to the Meadow Hill apartment complex to meet her best friend Diana. They sunbathe by the pool, where Diana reveals she has been dating three men. She asks Gigi to help her narrow down her choices. After assessing each suitor’s pros and cons, Gigi suggests Diana choose the physics student, Percival, over the singing cheerleader and the musician who rhymes badly.

After saying goodbye, Gigi meets Will Larsen for lunch at Sue’s Diner. Will, a member of the men’s hockey team, complains about the blending of the new Eastwood players and shares the news that Miller Shulick is transferring to Minnesota Duluth. He also tries to question Gigi about her ex-boyfriend Case, but she deflects. While fetching ketchup, Gigi inadvertently collides with Luke Ryder, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.

Key Events

Gigi completes a solo morning skate and a run before campus gets busy.
She talks with Wyatt about his song and their mother’s criticism, highlighting their close sibling bond.
At Diana’s pool, the two friends discuss Diana’s dating life. Diana describes three suitors: a singing cheerleader, a musician, and a physics student named Percival.
Gigi helps Diana decide on Percival, noting that he is a change of pace.
Gigi meets Will for lunch. Will updates her on the men’s team’s internal tensions and Miller Shulick’s transfer.
Will presses Gigi about Case, but she refuses to engage.
As Gigi stands to get ketchup, she bumps into Luke Ryder, a character who will become significant.

Character Development

Gigi shows her thoughtful side by turning down off‑campus housing because she feels guilty about her family’s wealth and does not want to take a scholarship from someone who needs it. She is fiercely loyal to her first friend Will even after his connection to her ex, and she firmly sets boundaries when Will tries to mediate between her and Case. Her easygoing nature appears in her banter with Wyatt and Diana.

Diana is portrayed as a high‑energy “firecracker” who takes cheerleading seriously. She is open‑minded about dating but values a sense of humor and authenticity. Her decision to choose Percival illustrates her willingness to step outside her usual type.

Will acts as a bridge between Gigi and her past relationship. He is uncomfortable with the team’s friction and genuinely cares for his teammate Miller, yet he also tries to help Case win Gigi back—showing that his loyalty is split between his friend and his friend’s ex.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Privilege and Personal Guilt: Gigi’s decision to remain in the dorms rather than accept a paid‑for apartment or a scholarship demonstrates her awareness of her family’s wealth and her desire to live more modestly. This choice echoes throughout the chapter as she also avoids extra perks.

Friendship and Post‑Breakup Loyalty: Gigi’s bond with both Diana and Will underscores that she values friendships independently of her romantic history. The chapter contrasts Diana’s supportive friendship with Will’s lingering agenda on behalf of Case.

Athlete Injuries and Fragility: The news that Margo tore her ACL is a stark reminder of how quickly an athletic career can be derailed. This theme returns when Gigi learns of Miller’s transfer—a different kind of loss.

Team Dynamics: Will’s complaints about the Eastwood players, and his description of them as having “chips on their shoulders,” highlight the tension within the unified hockey program.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens readers’ understanding of Gigi as a principled, loyal young woman who manages her privilege with care. It also sets up several plot threads: the collision with Luke Ryder, the Miller Shulick transfer party, and Diana’s new relationship. Gigi’s firm refusal to discuss Case establishes emotional boundaries that will likely be tested as the story unfolds.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Gigi choose to live in the dorms instead of taking an off‑campus apartment?
She feels guilty about her family’s wealth and does not want to accept extra money or a scholarship that could go to someone who truly needs financial help. She prefers to minimize the perks her parents offer.
What does Gigi’s response to Will’s questions about Case reveal about her character?
It shows that she is capable of asserting boundaries. She physically removes herself from the conversation by getting up for ketchup, indicating that she is not ready to discuss the relationship and will not let friends pressure her.
How does Diana’s decision to choose Percival reflect a shift in her dating preferences?
Diana usually goes for athletic, confident types. Choosing the dorky, sweet physics student represents a deliberate change. She values his sense of humor and intelligence over the flashy traits of her other suitors, suggesting personal growth.