Chapter 15 (Chapter 12: Lainey) – The Summer Pact
⚠️ 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
Lainey, Hannah, and Tyson board their flight to Rome, having booked last-minute seats together in the back of the plane. Lainey claims the window seat despite her middle assignment, and Hannah readily agrees, calling the middle seat "cozy." The group expresses excitement about their spontaneous trip. Hannah’s phone shows a new Instagram DM, which she hides from Lainey. When pressed, she says it was a friend. Grady has been blocked, but he sent a $5 Venmo message saying he misses Hannah and wants to hear her voice. Lainey and Tyson mock the attempt. Lainey decides to post an Instagram story of Hannah and Tyson together, hoping to make Grady jealous. She photographs them, captions it “And we’re off! Here’s to new beginnings!” and dismisses Hannah’s protests. The chapter ends with playful banter about joining the Mile High Club.
Key Events
- Flight boarding and seat drama: Lainey takes the window seat, Hannah relinquishes the middle without complaint.
- Grady's Venmo message: Hannah reveals Grady sent $5 via Venmo with a pleading message; she reads it aloud.
- Instagram story plot: Lainey orchestrates a photo of Hannah with Tyson, posting it to her own story with a caption about new beginnings.
- Mile High Club joke: Tyson teases Lainey about membership, and she claims diamond status.
Character Development
- Lainey: Shows her mischievous, protective side. She uses social media strategically to provoke reactions and supports Hannah's breakup by mocking Grady.
- Hannah: Still hesitant but goes along with Lainey's plans. She hides the Instagram DM and downplays Grady's Venmo, though reading his message affects her.
- Tyson: Plays along with the teasing. His calm presence contrasts with Lainey's active scheming.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Jealousy and provocation: Lainey's Instagram story is a deliberate attempt to make Grady jealous, highlighting how social media becomes a tool for emotional warfare.
- Spontaneity vs. commitment: Hannah contrasts the thrill of the impromptu trip with the expected engagement to Grady, emphasizing liberation from a predictable path.
- Friendship solidarity: The trio's shared defiance against Grady's attempts to reconnect reinforces their bond and mutual support.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the group's commitment to the Summer Pact by showing them actively moving away from Grady's influence. Lainey's Instagram stunt sets up future conflict or communication, while Hannah's quiet compliance suggests she is still processing her decision. The lighthearted tone contrasts with the serious emotional stakes, establishing a rhythm for their European adventure.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lainey insist on taking the window seat despite being assigned the middle seat? Lainey calls dibs because she believes Hannah will give in due to guilt over the earlier scene at her sister's house. Hannah indeed yields, showing her accommodating nature.
2. What does Grady's Venmo message reveal about his mindset after the breakup? His message reveals he is desperate to reconnect, willing to use any platform (even Venmo) to reach Hannah. He expresses missing her and wanting to hear her voice, but the group dismisses it as manipulative.
3. How does Lainey use social media to manipulate the situation with Grady? She takes a photo of Hannah smiling at Tyson and posts it to her own Instagram story with the caption "Here's to new beginnings!", hoping Grady will see it through her public account and feel jealous.