Chapter 28

Contains spoilers

Overview

Scottie isolates at home after camp until Wilder shows up and invites her on a low-pressure movie date to prove his commitment. After consulting Denise and Mika, Scottie chooses to trust him and they share a playful, intimate outing without sex. Wilder explains he spoke with Mika and is ready to move forward, adopting a measured "process" to show consistency and care. He ends the night with affection, a request for a selfie, and a reaffirmation signaled by still wearing Scottie’s bracelet.

Summary

Scottie, overwhelmed by heat and emotions after leaving Camp Haven and her last conversation with Wilder, declines Denise’s invitation to go out and distracts herself by obsessively cleaning her apartment. A knock at the door reveals not Denise but Wilder, who greets her casually and invites her to an air-conditioned movie with popcorn and Icees, referencing her bucket list and offering to prove with actions that he will not hurt her. He kisses her lightly and waits in her living room while she collects herself.

Needing reassurance, Scottie FaceTimes Denise and Mika from her closet. They both encourage her to give Wilder a chance, reminding her not to let past hurt with Matt dictate her future and vouching for Wilder’s character. Bolstered by their support and recalling Wilder’s promise to make her feel valued, Scottie returns to the living room and agrees to go to the movies.

At the theater, Scottie and Wilder share an easy chemistry, choosing popcorn, mixed Coke-and-cherry Icees, and candy. Wilder teaches her his concession hacks—M&Ms with popcorn in nacho trays—and they laugh together. During previews, Scottie asks about his change of heart post-camp; Wilder explains that after a talk with Mika, and guidance from Sanders, he realized he had been a crutch in Mika’s life and that Mika is stable and will ask for help if needed. With that assurance, Wilder feels ready to move forward and promises to prove it through consistent behavior.

After the movie, they banter about the predictable twist as Wilder walks Scottie to her door. Though clearly tempted, Wilder declines to come in, explaining he has a deliberate process to avoid rushing physical intimacy, signaling respect and intention. He gently pivots to an emotional check-in, asking for one thing that made Scottie sad with Matt; she shares that Matt never complimented her, even when she dressed up. Wilder responds that she deserves better and kisses her.

Before leaving, Wilder asks Scottie to take a selfie for his phone wallpaper and notes he is still wearing the bracelet she made at camp, saying it means she is his—an affectionate claim that underscores his commitment. The evening closes with mutual warmth, clear boundaries, and a concrete start to dating in the real world.

Who Appears

  • Scottie Price
    protagonist; struggles with fear after camp, seeks advice, agrees to a movie date, shares a hurt from her past relationship, and responds to Wilder’s steady approach.
  • Wilder
    Scottie’s fake-turned-real partner; arrives at Scottie’s apartment, proposes a movie date, explains he is ready after talking to Mika and reflecting with Sanders, sets a respectful "process," and reaffirms commitment by keeping the bracelet and asking for a selfie.
  • Denise
    Scottie’s friend; urges Scottie via texts and a call to go out and not let past trauma control her, endorses Wilder.
  • Mika
    Wilder’s brother and Scottie’s friend; joins the call, vouches for Wilder, and is referenced in Wilder’s decision to move forward after discussing mental health and independence.
  • Sanders Martin
    counselor; mentioned as having helped Wilder recognize his role as a crutch for Mika.
  • Matt
    Scottie’s ex; discussed as a source of past hurt, specifically never complimenting her.
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