Chapter 10 Summary: Welcome Dinner and the Colonel Code Word

⚠️ 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

Scottie and Wilder head to the welcome dinner, joking about trading their camp prizes. At the dining hall, Sanders seats them at a prominent table. Wilder surprises Scottie by pulling out her chair, explaining his mother taught him to be a gentleman. They order eggplant parmesan and receive a list of mandatory conversation questions from their server, Meghan. The first question is about why superheroes wear underwear outside their costumes. Sanders interrupts, and they agree on the code word "colonel" to warn each other of his approach. Scottie reflects on how Wilder's considerate behavior contrasts with her ex-husband Matt. The chapter deepens their fake relationship and introduces the camp's structured intimacy exercises.

Key Events

Scottie and Wilder walk to the welcome dinner, discussing trading condoms and the dildo for other camp prizes.
They arrive at the dining hall, which is set up with romantic lighting and individual tables.
Sanders seats them at a table directly in front of the stage, promising routine.
Wilder automatically pulls out Scottie's chair, then explains his habit comes from his mother's training.
Their waitress Meghan takes orders and delivers a sheet of mandatory questions for the evening.
The first question: "Why are superheroes portrayed as heroes who wear their underwear outside their pants?"
Sanders appears suddenly, and they agree on the code word "colonel" to signal his approach.
Scottie answers the superhero question with a joke about protecting the bulge, leaving Wilder speechless.

Character Development

Scottie: Compares Wilder favorably to her ex-husband Matt, noting Wilder's remorse and care after the fall. She begins to define what she would value in a future partner: someone who doesn't laugh when she gets hurt. Her internal monologue shows bitterness about her past marriage but also a growing openness.
Wilder: Reveals his chivalrous behavior came from his mother, who insisted he and his brother be gentlemen. This backstory adds depth to his character, showing family values and a respect for partners. He adapts to the fake relationship by creating a code word with Scottie, demonstrating teamwork.
Sanders: The camp owner remains eccentric, appearing out of nowhere and wearing a suit jacket with cut-off sleeves. He enforces the question routine, reinforcing the camp's structured approach.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Forced Communication: The mandatory questions represent an attempt to manufacture intimacy. Scottie and Wilder start with a silly superhero question, using humor to navigate the awkwardness.
Trust and Chivalry: Wilder's small gesture of pulling out a chair becomes a symbol of his upbringing and the trust Scottie begins to place in him. His willingness to apologize and take responsibility contrasts with Matt's past behavior.
Humor as Defense: Scottie and Wilder use banter and jokes to deflect tension, especially when Sanders interrupts. The code word "colonel" turns surveillance into a game.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter moves the fake marriage plot forward by placing Scottie and Wilder in a public social setting where they must maintain their act. It also introduces the camp's nightly question ritual, which will likely drive future interactions and character development. Wilder's backstory about his mother provides emotional weight, while Scottie's reflections on her ex-husband deepen her motivation for participating in the scheme.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Wilder pull out Scottie's chair at dinner, and what does this reveal about his character?
Wilder pulls out the chair out of habit, explaining that his mother taught him and his brother to be gentlemen by opening doors and pulling out chairs for her. This reveals that Wilder values respect for partners and that his family upbringing influences his behavior, contrasting with Scottie's negative experiences with her ex-husband.

2. How does the code word "colonel" help Scottie and Wilder in their fake relationship?
The code word allows them to discreetly warn each other when Sanders is approaching, helping them avoid being caught off guard. It also demonstrates their growing teamwork and inside-joke dynamic, which strengthens their on-the-spot improvisation as a couple.

3. What does Scottie's answer to the superhero question reveal about her personality?
Scottie gives a playful, sexualized answer about the underwear providing extra protection from people trying to see a bulge. This shows she uses humor to deflect awkwardness and is comfortable with frank, silly conversation—traits that help her play along with the camp's absurdities.