Chapter 14
Contains spoilersOverview
At dawn by the lake, Sanders launches a couples obstacle-course challenge that mixes physical tasks with probing relationship questions. Scottie and Wilder commit to their improv strategy: appear chaotic and combative yet cooperate flawlessly to win. They navigate the course with practiced teamwork, answer intimate prompts with pointed, often truthful barbs, and beat the other couples, provoking Chad’s jealousy. As winners, they earn a prize basket and are immediately scheduled for the first private session with Sanders.
Summary
Scottie greets Ellison and Sanders at the dock as the sun rises over a misty lake filled with inflatable obstacles. Other couples mill about, including coworkers Brad and Jenna, Chad and Danielle, Finky and Lindsey, and Duncan and his husband. Remembering their plan from the night before, Scottie notes she feels lighter after processing pain from her past marriage and is ready to embrace Wilder’s improvisational approach to camp.
Sanders explains the rules: couples can wear wetsuits, must complete obstacles without falling, and must answer relationship questions at stations to advance. Wilder frames the event as a performance: they will act as each other’s “enemy number one,” bicker loudly, and then surprise everyone by excelling. They suit up; Scottie is flustered by Wilder’s unexpectedly sculpted physique, and Wilder counters Scottie’s self-criticism by condemning her ex Matt’s hurtful jokes and complimenting her appearance, grounding her before the competition.
Observing where others failed, Wilder devises a tactic for a tricky floating-square jump. They start with staged insults, then collaborate fluidly on the zigzag segment. At the first question, both admit they lack quality time—Wilder blames his phone use; Scottie cites giving up planning because conflict spoiled activities. They sprint through swinging balls; when Scottie is nearly knocked off, Wilder catches her.
At the sex-life station, Scottie says intimacy used to be thriving but has withered under fatigue and resentment; Wilder agrees and escalates their mock-argument into complaints about nagging, video games, and lack of help around the house, which earns them passage. Wilder checks in quietly to ensure Scottie is okay, praises her, and leads on the critical floating-square maneuver, steadying her landings and keeping them dry.
Confronted with “Have you ever felt tempted to cheat?” Wilder answers with solemn conviction: never; Scottie matches his vow. They scale a rock wall and cross a bridge, with Wilder theatrically carrying Scottie and teasing from the script. At the final station, Ellison asks if they are truly happy in their marriage. Both say no, cite selfishness and work focus, yet each shares something kind: Wilder values Scottie’s nightly good-night kisses as a sign of lingering love; Scottie says Wilder helps her loosen up and break routine.
They leap into the lake, finish with the fastest time, and collapse on the shore as Sanders praises their performance. Chad accuses them of cheating; Wilder rebuffs him, and Sanders defends the staff’s lie-detection training. The group regathers, and Sanders announces Scottie and Wilder as winners; a prize basket will be delivered and bracelet-making awaits in the dining hall.
As Scottie and Wilder head off, Sanders stops them and assigns them the first private meeting of the day, instructing them to change and meet him in the therapy cabin in thirty minutes, signaling deeper follow-up on their recorded answers.
Who Appears
- Scottie Price
protagonist; competes in the obstacle course with Wilder, reveals lingering pain from her marriage to Matt, admits intimacy and quality-time issues, shares a sincere compliment about Wilder.
- Wilder
Scottie’s fake husband; strategizes the course, supports and physically assists Scottie, denounces Matt’s insults, answers cheating question with firm conviction, and praises Scottie’s nightly kisses.
- Sanders Martin
counselor and camp leader; runs the challenge, defends staff integrity, and assigns Scottie and Wilder the first private session.
- Ellison
Butter Putter CEO and Sanders’s wife; observes, poses the final question on happiness, and co-announces the winners.
- Chad
coworker; argues with Danielle and later accuses Scottie and Wilder of cheating.
- Danielle
Chad’s wife; present during challenge and arguments.
- Brad
coworker; seen conversing with Jenna before the challenge.
- Jenna
Brad’s wife; present during the event.
- Finky
coworker; present, receives Chad’s complaints.
- Lindsey
Finky’s partner; present during the challenge.
- Duncan
camper; attempts the course and is mentioned falling at a station.
- Duncan’s husband
camper; warms up with Duncan and runs the course.
- Matt
Scottie’s ex-husband; not present but discussed for his past hurtful remarks about Scottie’s legs.