Chapter summaries The Score Elle Kennedy

The Score Chapter 17 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

Logan walks in on Dean soaking in a bubble bath with a pink dildo named “Winston,” while Allie hides behind the door. After apologizing, Allie and Dean continue their sexual encounter—Dean performs oral on Allie using Winston, and they later discuss the nature of their relationship. Dean assures Allie they are exclusive, but she remains skeptical because of his reputation. Allie then attends a frustrating theater rehearsal where her scene partner Mallory repeatedly forgets lines. A phone call with her agent Ira reveals that a Brett Carson play she wanted to audition for has an all-male cast, dashing her hopes. Allie texts Dean to vent about her day, then realizes she contacted him for emotional support rather than sex—a clear sign her feelings are deepening. When she calls Hannah, she learns that at the post-game celebration, a girl is “eating Dean’s face off,” triggering Allie’s jealousy and distrust.

Key Events

  • Logan discovers Dean naked in a bubble bath with Winston; Allie hides behind the door.
  • Dean and Allie have sex in the tub; Dean uses Winston on Allie.
  • Dean and Allie have their first explicit conversation about being exclusive. Dean agrees to exclusivity, but Allie asks him to text “fling over” if he ever wants to sleep with someone else.
  • Allie attends a difficult rehearsal where Mallory repeatedly calls “Line!” and fails to memorize her dialogue.
  • Allie learns from her agent Ira that the Brett Carson play has an all-male cast, so there is no role for her.
  • Allie texts Dean to vent; she then recognizes she sought him out for comfort, not just physical intimacy.
  • Hannah tells Allie over the phone that a girl is kissing Dean at a bar, which upsets Allie.

Character Development

  • Dean Di Laurentis
    He agrees to exclusivity without hesitation, surprising even himself. His willingness to commit to Allie shows growth beyond his usual casual hookups. However, the bar scene at the end suggests old habits may still tempt him.

  • Allie Hayes
    She realizes her feelings are no longer casual when her first instinct is to share a bad day with Dean. Her jealousy upon hearing about the bar incident confirms she wants more than a fling. She also demonstrates professional dedication by staying committed to her role despite a frustrating partner.

  • Logan
    Though a minor appearance, Logan’s horrified reaction to the bath scene provides comic relief and reinforces the theme of secrets and embarrassment among friends.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Exclusivity vs. Casual
    The chapter directly tests the “no strings attached” arrangement. Both characters verbally commit to exclusivity, but Allie’s jealousy and Dean’s behavior at the bar immediately challenge that promise.

  • Jealousy and Trust
    Allie’s instant panic when Hannah mentions the kissing girl reveals her emotional investment. The chapter asks whether verbal agreements can withstand old patterns and insecurity.

  • Acting as Metaphor
    Allie’s rehearsal with an unprofessional partner mirrors her real-life attempt to perform a “casual” role while her true emotions break character. Ira’s call about the all-male cast also symbolizes the closed doors she faces in her career.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 17 is a turning point for Dean and Allie’s relationship. The exclusivity talk formalizes their commitment, but the chapter ends with a cliffhanger that threatens that trust. Allie’s self-awareness about her feelings—admitting she wanted to vent, not just hook up—shifts the story from pure physical attraction to emotional entanglement. This chapter sets up the central conflict of the next chapters: can a known player stay faithful when tempted?

Study Questions & Answers

  1. Why does Allie panic when Hannah says a girl is kissing Dean?
    Allie panics because she just established exclusivity with Dean two days earlier. The news violates the trust they agreed on and confirms her fears that Dean might not be able to stay faithful. It also forces her to admit she cares more than she wants to.

  2. How does the exclusivity conversation reveal the characters’ insecurities?
    Dean’s easy agreement surprises Allie, who still questions his sincerity because of his past reputation. Dean, in turn, becomes annoyed that she doubts his self-control. Both characters reveal they are unsure whether the other can truly commit, using humor and demands for a “fling over” text as safety nets.

  3. What does Allie’s choice to text Dean to vent say about her emotional state?
    It shows she no longer views Dean as just a sexual partner. Venting is an act of emotional intimacy. She immediately catches herself and tries to label it as “casual,” but the action contradicts her words. This moment marks the beginning of her romantic attachment.

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