The Score Chapter 20 – Allie Rejects Sean’s Grand Gesture and Faces Dean’s Silence

⚠️ 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

Allie has successfully avoided her ex-boyfriend Sean for two weeks, using her time with Dean as a distraction. One Friday night, Sean appears outside her dorm room, forcing a conversation. She agrees to meet him at the Coffee Hut. There, Sean admits he was scared about their future and presents two plane tickets to Los Angeles—one for each of them—hoping to move there with her after graduation. Allie refuses, explaining she no longer loves him and that they need to move on. Deeply hurt, Sean leaves. The next day, Dean, who learned about the coffee meeting through a text, gives Allie the silent treatment for twenty‑four hours. Frustrated, Allie walks to his hockey game to confront him, only to learn from a live tweet that Dean was thrown out of the match.

Key Events

Allie leaves the fitness center and finds Sean waiting outside her dorm room.
She initially refuses to let him inside but agrees to meet at the Coffee Hut.
Sean admits he was scared about the future and reveals he bought two tickets to Los Angeles, intending to go with her.
Allie declines, stating that their relationship is over and that she wants him to find his own passion.
Sean reacts with anger but eventually leaves.
During the meeting, Allie texts Dean, who becomes upset when he learns she is with Sean.
Dean goes silent for twenty‑four hours, ignoring Allie’s texts.
Allie goes to the Briar arena to confront him.
A live tweet reveals Dean was ejected from the game.

Character Development

Allie

Allie shows significant emotional growth. She no longer feels love for Sean—only annoyance and sadness—and she confidently refuses his grand gesture. Her reaction demonstrates that she has fully moved on and is unwilling to sacrifice her dreams for a relationship that no longer serves her. Her frustration with Dean’s silent treatment also reveals her growing expectation of mature communication in a partner.

Sean

Sean finally admits his own insecurity and jealousy over Allie’s clear life plan. His purchase of the tickets is a desperate attempt to reconcile, but his anger when rejected shows he still struggles to accept the breakup. This chapter completes his arc from controlling to vulnerable, though not yet to acceptance.

Dean

Dean’s behavior after learning about the coffee date—ignoring Allie for a full day—highlights his jealousy and insecurity. Rather than confronting the situation directly, he withdraws emotionally. His ejection from the hockey game (off‑page) suggests that his anger or distraction is affecting his performance on the ice.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Moving On

Allie’s refusal of the Los Angeles tickets symbolizes her definitive break from the past. The déjà vu motif that opens the chapter reinforces her realization that she has already let go of Sean and that returning to him would be a step backward.

Communication Breakdown

Both relationships in this chapter suffer from poor communication. Sean never told Allie his true feelings about Vermont; Dean chooses silence over a direct conversation. Allie, in contrast, initiates a confrontation at the arena, signaling her preference for honesty.

Independence vs. Compromise

Sean’s original ultimatum (move to Vermont or break up) and his later reversal (buying tickets to LA) both treat Allie’s future as something to be traded. Allie’s decision to stand alone—rather than accept either option—upholds her commitment to her own plans.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 20 is a turning point for Allie’s relationships. It closes the door on her long‑term romance with Sean, confirming that she no longer loves him and will not be swayed by dramatic gestures. At the same time, it introduces serious friction with Dean, whose silent treatment foreshadows potential problems in their casual arrangement. The chapter forces Allie to assert her independence and to demand respectful communication from the people she dates.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Allie reject Sean’s offer to move to Los Angeles together?
Allie has already fallen out of love with Sean. She realizes that his grand gesture is driven by desperation rather than genuine understanding of her needs, and she believes they should both move on rather than restart a relationship built on bad communication.
What does Dean’s silent treatment reveal about his character?
Dean’s choice to ignore Allie for twenty‑four hours shows that he is jealous, insecure, and unwilling to have a direct conversation about his feelings. This behavior contrasts with Allie’s desire for openness and honesty.
How does the chapter mirror the opening of the book (the déjà vu reference)?
The chapter begins with Allie noting a déjà vu, which sets up a parallel to earlier scenes with Sean. The repetition reinforces that the same issues (his need for control, her need for independence) are still present. Allie’s final rejection breaks that cycle, signaling real change.