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Contains spoilersOverview
Demon falls headlong for Dori Spencer, first at the farm store and again at a drive-in, where she recognizes his DSS past and teases his dangerous allure. A drunken night spirals after Rose Dartell delivers liquor and exposes Fast Forward’s violent history, shaking Demon’s loyalties. Angus covers for Demon’s binge and warns him, prompting his vow to quit alcohol during the season as his football star status rises.
Summary
At a summer blowout at the farm store, Demon meets Dori Spencer, the ailing shop owner’s daughter. Struck by her looks and voice, he fumbles small talk while noting she’s been caring for her father and missing school. After she leaves, Demon confesses to Angus that he’s fallen hard, though he downplays it in the moment.
As school and football resume, Demon thrives on the field and rides the social status of a starting wide receiver. One cold September night at the drive-in, he drifts among teammates and parties, then encounters Dori again. She knows about DSS and Old Baggy, pities his losses, and quips that girls will someday fight to visit him in prison, then slips away, leaving Demon dazed and smitten.
Wandering, Demon reunites with former foster friend Tommy Waddles, now out of care with a job and online girlfriend. Returning to Fast Forward’s tailgate, Demon witnesses Rose Dartell deliver liquor and trade insults with Fast, then storms off. Demon follows; in the woods Rose reveals that her family adopted, then “unadopted,” Sterling Ford after violent incidents, including nearly hanging a brother and injuring her with a hammer. She claims he lies about owning a place and still charms adults.
Shaken but unwilling to abandon Fast, Demon retreats to the group and drowns the revelations in tequila and beer. He blacks out, remembers little of leaving, and wakes at home on the stairs, sick and ashamed. Angus cleans him up, covers with a “flu” story, and warns he’s screwing up while some supposed guardians aren’t guarding.
Fearing Coach’s discipline and rattled by Angus’s concern, Demon promises to avoid alcohol for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, U‑Haul’s presence grows as a newly salaried assistant, tightening oversight as Demon’s on-field success and off-field temptations collide.
Who Appears
- Demon Copperhead
Narrator; falls for Dori, parties at the drive-in, hears damning claims about Fast Forward, binge-drinks, and vows sobriety for the season.
- Dori Spencer
Ailing shop owner’s daughter; caring for her father; enchants Demon; recognizes his DSS past; hints he courts danger.
- Fast Forward (Sterling Ford)
Older friend and driver; hosts tailgate, gets liquor; cruel to Rose; accused of violent, manipulative past.
- Angus Winfield
Foster sister and confidante; covers for Demon after his blackout, warns him, and steadies him.
- Rose Dartell
Delivers liquor, confronts Fast; later reveals her family adopted then unadopted him after violent incidents.
- Tommy Waddles
Former foster friend; now independent with job and online girlfriend; reconnects with Demon at the drive-in.
- Donnamarie
Farm store cashier; organizes the blowout and introduces Demon to Dori and Vester.
- Vester Spencer
Dori’s father; frail and wheelchair-bound after heart trouble; appears at the farm store.
- Coach Winfield
Foster father and coach; strict about curfew and conduct; unaware of Demon’s binge thanks to Angus.
- U‑Haul
Assistant coach; newly salaried and ever-present, increasing pressure and scrutiny around Demon.
- Big Bear
Fast Forward’s friend; looks for Demon in the woods during the drive-in party.
- Clay Colwell
Teammate; partying at the drive-in; offers weed; has a brother in a wheelchair.
- Turp Trussell
Teammate; with Clay at the drive-in party, part of Demon’s social circle.
- Car Wash
Girl at Fast Forward’s tailgate; present during Rose’s confrontation with Fast.