Chapter 17 (Chapter 14: Hannah) – The Summer Pact: 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
Hannah, Lainey, and Tyson arrive in Capri, where Hannah is immediately captivated by the island’s beauty and golden-age-of-Hollywood atmosphere. While they relax on the hotel terrace, Hannah secretly texts Lainey’s stepsister Olivia. The two have been chatting about travel, music, tennis, and even Lainey’s acting career. When Lainey notices Hannah grinning at her phone, she demands to know who she’s texting. Hannah admits it’s Olivia. Lainey erupts, furious that Hannah would contact the stepsister she has cut off. She accuses Hannah of failing to understand her family pain and brings up Hannah’s own dysfunctional relationships with Grady and her mother. Hannah apologizes, and Lainey’s temper subsides, but she warns this is the last straw. After Lainey leaves to talk to the concierge, Tyson tells Hannah he warned her and advises her to be careful.
Key Events
- The trio checks into a hotel in Capri; Hannah feels transported by the scenery and nostalgic glamour.
- On the rooftop terrace, Lainey orders Aperol spritzes for a welcome toast; Tyson dislikes the drink.
- Hannah covertly checks her phone and smiles at a text from Olivia.
- Lainey notices Hannah’s behavior and confronts her, demanding to see the phone.
- Hannah confesses she has been texting Olivia; Lainey reacts angrily, referencing the damage done in Dallas.
- Lainey lashes out at Hannah about her own family issues, including Grady and her mother.
- Hannah apologizes repeatedly; Lainey eventually calms down but insists on no more contact with Olivia.
- Tyson jokes that Lainey “overreacted a little” to lighten the mood.
- Lainey leaves to discuss dinner with the concierge; Tyson warns Hannah to be cautious.
Character Development
Hannah – She begins to question her past relationship with Grady, admitting his cheating shows he was not right for her. Her secret texting with Olivia reveals a desire to bridge family gaps, but also a blind spot regarding Lainey’s feelings. Hannah’s apology shows she can admit wrongdoing, yet she struggles to separate her own family ideals from Lainey’s reality.
Lainey – Her outburst exposes deep, unhealed wounds from her father’s rejection and her broken connection with Olivia. She lashes out not just at Hannah but at the “fairy-tale” notion of family that Hannah represents. Her quick return to normalcy suggests she uses anger as a defense mechanism, but the boundary she draws is clearly serious.
Tyson – Acts as the group’s mediator. He warns Hannah early, tries to de-escalate the fight with a joke, and offers practical advice afterward. He balances loyalty to Lainey with empathy for Hannah.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Chosen family vs. blood family – Lainey has cut off her stepsister and father, relying on the pact friends. Hannah’s contact with Olivia threatens that chosen-family dynamic. The tension asks: can chosen family coexist with estranged blood relatives?
Deception and trust – Hannah’s secret texting, even with innocent intentions, breaches the trust Lainey expects. The chapter shows how small deceptions can damage friendships.
The “fairytale” of marriage and family – Lainey criticizes Hannah’s obsession with a perfect family, pointing to Hannah’s own mother and Grady as evidence that such ideals are unrealistic. This theme recurs throughout the novel.
Nostalgia and escape – Capri’s golden-age Hollywood vibe symbolizes Hannah’s desire to escape her problems, but the confrontation quickly pulls her back to reality.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a major turning point in the trip. Lainey’s anger is the first serious crack in the pact’s harmony, revealing that old hurt is far from healed. Hannah’s actions force the group to confront the limits of their mutual support. The conflict also deepens Hannah’s character arc, pushing her to re-examine her own family relationships. Tyson’s role as peacemaker sets up his importance in future chapters.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lainey react so strongly to Hannah texting Olivia?
Lainey has completely cut ties with her father and his family after being rejected in Dallas. For her, Olivia is a painful reminder of that rejection. Hannah’s secret contact feels like a betrayal of the pact’s loyalty and reopens Lainey’s wounds.
2. How does Hannah’s attitude toward Grady shift in this chapter?
While relaxing in Capri, Hannah finds she doesn’t miss Grady. She begins to see his “trashy antics” as the opposite of the refined, romantic world she’s enjoying. This marks the start of her emotional detachment from him.
3. What does Tyson’s advice to “be careful” reveal about his character?
Tyson is observant and protective of group harmony. He warned Hannah earlier, and after the blowup, he doesn’t take sides but encourages prudence. His caution reflects his desire to prevent further conflict and preserve the pact.