Chapter summaries This Could Be Us Kennedy Ryan

Chapter 34 Summary: Soledad's Christmas Eve with Judah

⚠️ 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

Soledad follows Judah to a shed behind his house, where he is restoring a 1964 Chevy C10. He explains that working with his hands calms his mind and that restoring vehicles was a pastime he shared with his father. He shares items from his "Me List," including running the New York City Marathon. Soledad reflects on how Edward made her forget her own intelligence and accomplishments. Judah compliments her resilience, humor, and intellect. The two share a deeply passionate kiss that escalates into intimate touching. Judah brings Soledad to orgasm through breast stimulation alone, a first for her. She then guides his hand into her panties, and he brings her to a second orgasm with his fingers. Despite his own arousal, Judah stops and reminds her that her family is waiting. They share a tender goodbye, and Judah asks if he can call her, signaling a shift from casual encounters to something more serious. Soledad leaves feeling empowered and unashamed.

Key Events

  • Judah shows Soledad the classic truck he's restoring in his shed.
  • He reveals that he and his father used to restore cars and motorcycles, and they plan to work on a Honda CM400 over Christmas.
  • Judah shares his "Me List" goals: restoring the truck and running the NYC Marathon.
  • Soledad remembers that she graduated with a higher GPA than Edward and that he relied on her intellect—a truth Edward made her forget.
  • Judah compliments Soledad’s resilience, humor, and intelligence; he also playfully mentions her "ass."
  • The two kiss passionately in the truck bed, and Soledad initiates further intimacy.
  • Judah brings Soledad to orgasm by focusing on her breasts, a first for her.
  • Soledad guides Judah’s hand to her underwear, and he brings her to a second orgasm with his fingers.
  • Judah declines reciprocation, saying "not necessary," and reminds Soledad that her family is waiting.
  • Soledad leaves with a sense of empowerment and without shame, agreeing that Judah can call her.

Character Development

Soledad – This chapter marks a turning point in Soledad’s journey of self-reclamation. She explicitly acknowledges that Edward downplayed her intelligence and contributions. By experiencing pleasure without guilt and by taking the lead in the intimate encounter, she reclaims agency over her body and desires. Her reflection that “there’s no shame” shows that she is healing from the emotional wounds of her marriage.

Judah – Judah continues to display emotional maturity and respect. He is vulnerable about his past with his father and his “Me List.” Despite obvious physical desire, he holds back, ensuring Soledad is comfortable and reminding her of her obligations to her family. His question “Can I call you?” signals that he wants an honest connection beyond the physical.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • The "Me List" – Symbolizes self-care and reclaiming personal identity after loss or divorce. Judah’s list inspires Soledad to think about her own wants.
  • Restoration as Metaphor – Judah restoring a truck parallels Soledad’s own process of rebuilding her sense of self. Both are taking broken things and making them whole again.
  • Pleasure Without Shame – The chapter explicitly challenges the idea that female pleasure should be hidden or guilt-ridden. Soledad’s orgasm from breast stimulation, something she thought impossible, and her lack of shame afterward, show her emotional growth.
  • Trust and Consent – Judah repeatedly checks in with Soledad (“Are you sure?”, “Can I see?”, “Can I feel?”), modeling healthy, enthusiastic consent.
  • Shared Vulnerability – Both characters reveal personal truths: Judah about his father and his “Me List,” Soledad about Edward’s manipulation. This deepens their emotional bond.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 34 is the emotional and physical climax of Soledad and Judah’s relationship so far. It moves them from playful banter and tentative flirtation to full intimacy. More importantly, it solidifies Soledad’s internal transformation. She stops seeing herself through Edward’s dismissive lens and starts recognizing her own value. The chapter also establishes a new phase in their relationship: one based on honesty, mutual desire, and the possibility of a real partnership. It sets the stage for the challenges and joys to come in the second half of the book.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Soledad’s memory of her college achievements serve the theme of self-reclamation?
Answer: Soledad recalls that she graduated with a higher GPA than Edward and that he used her notes during his MBA. This memory directly contradicts the narrative Edward cultivated—that she was dependent on him. By acknowledging her own intelligence, Soledad reclaims an essential part of her identity that she had buried.

2. Why does Judah stop the physical encounter despite his own desire?
Answer: Judah reminds Soledad that her family is waiting for her on Christmas Eve. He prioritizes her commitments and well-being over his own gratification. This act of restraint demonstrates respect and emotional maturity, reinforcing that he values Soledad as a whole person, not just a sexual partner.

3. What does the truck restoration symbolize for both characters?
Answer: The truck represents Judah’s connection to his father and his personal “Me List.” For Soledad, seeing the restoration in progress mirrors her own journey of repairing her self-worth. Both characters are actively working to restore something broken—whether a machine or a life—into something functional and beautiful.