Wild Side Chapter 28: Tabitha – Summary and 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.

Chapter Summary

Tabitha, still carrying the weight of grief, finds herself overwhelmed by desire when she sees Rhys without his mask. She straddles him on the staircase and they share an intense, passionate kiss. Rhys asks about birth control, and Tabitha confirms she is on it. As the moment escalates, Tabitha pulls back, insisting that taking things further would be a bad idea because of their complicated situation involving Milo, their fake marriage, and her own emotional vulnerability. Rhys teases her but respects her decision. Tabitha leaves for girls' night at the Reach, where she meets Rosie and Skylar. Doris introduces a new woman, Gwen, who works at the yoga studio. The group learns it is trivia night. Gwen reveals that Rhys often talks about Tabitha in yoga class, saying how proud he is of her. Tabitha feels a warmth in her chest, and Rosie teases her about her flushed cheeks.

Key Events

Tabitha initiates a heated kiss with Rhys on the stairs after he removes his mask.
Rhys asks if she is on birth control and says he wants to dream about being bare with her.
Tabitha pulls away, telling Rhys to stop and citing their complicated situation (Milo, their marriage, and emotional risks).
Rhys teases her, calling it “making my wife come is a bad idea because complicated.”
Tabitha goes to girls' night at the Reach with Rosie and Skylar.
Doris introduces Gwen, a new woman in town who works at the yoga studio.
The group learns it is trivia night; Skylar volunteers to lead the team.
Gwen mentions that Rhys has been coming to her yoga classes and frequently talks about Tabitha with pride.
Tabitha becomes flustered, and Rosie jokes about her “blush.”

Character Development

Tabitha: Drawn to Rhys physically but aware of the emotional danger. She fights her own desire, acknowledging that using the physical connection to escape grief could hurt everyone involved. Her self-control shows maturity, even as she struggles with lingering sadness.
Rhys: Reveals a vulnerable side when he asks Tabitha to tell him to stop, giving her control. He respects her boundaries immediately and later shows his affection through prideful conversations about her to others.
Gwen: A new character who provides an outside perspective. Her observation that Rhys is “so proud” of Tabitha confirms that his feelings run deeper than physical attraction, and she becomes a potential friend for Tabitha.
Rosie & Skylar: Offer comic relief and support, with Rosie’s teasing reinforcing the awkwardness of Tabitha’s situation. Skylar’s intelligence is acknowledged by Doris, highlighting her depth beyond her public image.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Grief and Escape: Tabitha notes that grief is a constant companion, but with Rhys she feels “electric” and no sadness. The physical encounter offers a temporary escape, yet she wisely pulls back to avoid using it as a crutch.
Fake Marriage vs. Real Feelings: The chapter’s central tension. Tabitha’s internal question—“You’re sure you want this marriage to be fake?”—underscores how the line between performance and truth is blurring.
Communication and Boundaries: Rhys explicitly asks Tabitha to tell him to stop, respecting her autonomy. Their verbal negotiation shows a healthier dynamic than many early-stage relationships.
Community Connections: Girls' night, Doris’s introduction of Gwen, and trivia night all reinforce the importance of friendship and social bonds in the story’s small-town setting.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks the first significant physical escalation between Tabitha and Rhys, but more importantly, it forces Tabitha to confront her growing feelings. The introduction of Gwen provides external validation that Rhys’s interest is genuine and not merely physical. Tabitha’s decision to stop the encounter demonstrates her emotional maturity and sets up future conflict as she wrestles with whether to let the fake marriage become real. The chapter also deepens the theme of community, showing how friends and new acquaintances can influence a character’s perspective.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Tabitha pull back from Rhys, and what does she fear?
Tabitha fears the complications of their fake marriage, especially involving Milo. She also worries about her own emotional state, acknowledging that she is still grieving and might be using the physical relationship as an escape. She wants to avoid a “disastrous fall” for everyone involved.
What does Gwen’s revelation about Rhys’s conversations imply about his feelings?
Gwen says Rhys talks about Tabitha constantly and is proud of her. This implies that Rhys cares for Tabitha beyond physical attraction; he admires her accomplishments and wants others to know about her. It reinforces that his feelings are deepening.
How does the scene at girls’ night contrast with the intimate stairway scene?
The stairway scene is private, intense, and charged with desire and vulnerability. Girls’ night is lighthearted and social, full of teasing and new connections. The contrast highlights Tabitha’s internal conflict as she tries to enjoy normal social interactions while still thinking about Rhys.