Chapter 23
Contains spoilersOverview
Wilder and Scottie struggle with their tandem bike assignment, detour for ice cream at a Stewart’s, and deepen emotional intimacy as Wilder shares memories of his late father and supporting his brother Mika through a mental health crisis. At a lakeside clearing, a conversation about whether their connection should continue after camp leads to reassurances from Wilder, followed by explicit mutual sexual activity that reinforces their growing bond.
Summary
On their tandem bike date, Wilder and Scottie admit they are not getting the hang of riding and stop at a Stewart’s gas station. They banter and flirt awkwardly, then get ice cream, where Wilder reminisces about his father bringing home Stewart’s on summer Fridays. The memory opens up a fuller portrait: his dad was playful, principled, adored their mom, and fostered Wilder’s love of bird-watching.
Wilder describes his father’s decline and a treasured moment shortly before his death when Wilder took him outside to bird-watch; his father, unable to speak, cried, which Wilder interpreted as pride. He shows Scottie a photo from that day. Wilder admits he coped with grief and anger by getting piercings and a tattoo, then realized therapy was necessary. He shares that both he and Mika see the same therapist and recounts staying with Mika through a severe depressive and suicidal period until Mika stabilized, emphasizing their father’s lesson that siblings must take care of each other.
They attempt the bike again, but Scottie wants to walk it back. Finding a lake overlook, they sit together and reflect on how quickly camp has passed, joking about the missing erotic videos. Talk of watching one together shifts to future plans, and Wilder casually mentions doing so back in the city. Scottie tenses and admits fear of being hurt after Matt, suggesting maybe their involvement is only a “here” thing. Wilder respects her feelings but states clearly that he would never hurt her and that he likes her a lot, asking her to hold onto those facts without deciding the future immediately.
With consent reaffirmed, Wilder initiates intimacy. He undresses Scottie partially, teases and stimulates her slowly, and continues only as she responds and asks for more. He brings her to orgasm with his fingers and thumb while kissing and lightly biting her neck and shoulder, focusing on her pleasure and responsiveness.
Scottie then insists on pleasuring Wilder. She undresses him, teases his piercings with her tongue, and, after repositioning, gives him oral sex while stimulating him with her hand and playing with his testicles, which intensifies his pleasure. Wilder climaxes, and Scottie swallows; he kisses her and calls her perfect, closing the scene with tenderness that underscores their deepening emotional and physical connection.
Who Appears
- Wilder
posing as Scottie’s husband; shares memories of his father, reveals his therapy journey, support for Mika during a suicidal crisis, expresses strong feelings for Scottie, and engages in mutual sexual intimacy with her.
- Scottie Price
Butter Putter editor posing as Wilder’s wife; discusses fear of being hurt after Matt, enjoys nostalgic ice cream stop, consents to and initiates sexual acts, and continues to bond emotionally with Wilder.
- Mika
Wilder’s brother (off-page); discussed as having struggled with severe depression and now in therapy, highlighting Wilder’s caretaking role.
- Wilder and Mika’s father
deceased (off-page); remembered for his loving parenting, later disability, and a meaningful final bird-watching moment that shaped Wilder.
- Matt
Scottie’s ex (off-page); referenced as the source of Scottie’s lingering fear of attachment and hurt.