Overview

Rio attends a low-key girls’ night with friends but is distracted by guilt and poor play since returning from Minnesota. Prompted by Stevie, Indy, Miller, and Kennedy, he finally shares his full history with Hallie and realizes he must act instead of waiting. He rushes to Hallie’s, confesses he wants their future without erasing their past, and they mutually choose to reunite, sealing it with a kiss and plans to go to his house.

Full Summary

At Indy’s house during a girls’ night with Stevie, Indy, Miller, and Kennedy, Rio sits withdrawn, admitting he has been off his game and unable to sleep since the trip to see Hallie’s father. When friends press, he asks for relationship advice and commits to telling them the truth about Hallie.

Rio recounts his and Hallie Hart’s entire history: meeting at age twelve, growing up together, falling in love, keeping the relationship secret, the summer he was drafted, their plans for Chicago, and the fracturing discovery of his father’s affair that Hallie learned first and he learned later. He explains how his parents’ divorce, his anger at Hallie for not telling him, and his decision to leave led to six empty years where no one measured up to Hallie. He also shares that Hallie’s father’s illness shaped her choices and that he only recently learned the extent of it.

His friends react with empathy and blunt guidance. Indy, Stevie, Miller, and Kennedy tell Rio he has not ruined everything and urge him to stop punishing himself and to “go get her.” They challenge his belief that the “ball is in Hallie’s court,” pointing out that Hallie has already forgiven him and that he must decide to forgive himself and move forward.

Realizing they are right, Rio bolts from the gathering and hurries to Hallie’s door. When Hallie answers, he abandons his rehearsed speech and tells her he is proud of her and does not want to erase their past. He admits his mistakes, promises not to run again, and declares that Hallie has always been his last love. He clarifies that he hopes to earn the chance to fall in love with her again and does not want to waste more time apart.

Hallie listens, smiles, and tells Rio to kiss her. They share a deep, relieved kiss. From inside, Wren jokingly yells for them to go to Rio’s house if they are going to have sex because she needs to study, breaking the tension and making them laugh.

With the heaviness between them lifted, Rio asks Hallie if she is ready to fully choose this again. Hallie agrees, and he carries her across the yard to his house. As they reach the door, Hallie tells Rio, “It’s always been you too,” confirming their mutual recommitment.

Who Appears

• Rio — narrator and NHL player; confides his and Hallie’s history to friends, realizes he must act, confesses pride and commitment to Hallie, and reunites with her.
• Hallie Hart — Rio’s longtime love; listens to Rio’s speech, reciprocates, and chooses to fully rekindle their relationship.
• Indy — friend; empathizes, cries, and delivers key advice that Rio must stop waiting and choose Hallie.
• Stevie — friend; prompts Rio to talk, urges him to “go get her.”
• Miller — friend; offers blunt encouragement not to run away again.
• Kennedy — friend; reacts with humor and supports the push for Rio to act.
• Wren — Hallie’s roommate; off-page until she shouts a teasing reminder to take things to Rio’s house.