Overview

In a flashback to age 18, Hallie returns home from a lackluster senior prom, missing Rio, who has been away at college. She discovers Rio has come home early to surprise her, only to reveal that he confessed their relationship to her brother Luke and got punched. Rio openly declares his love, Hallie reciprocates, and they decide to stop hiding. With Rio's parents away, they go to his room and tenderly choose to have sex for the first time.

Full Summary

Hallie arrives home after senior prom and talks briefly with her father, who is sentimental about her impending graduation. The house feels unusually quiet without Luke and Rio around, and Hallie reflects on a lonely year while Rio has been away playing Division I hockey, missing many milestones. She notes that Rio has been distant recently, supposedly due to finals, and that their relationship remains secret from both families.

When Hallie enters her room, she finds her window open and spots Rio sitting on the shared roof between their houses. She climbs out to him and learns he tried to surprise her by flying home early to take her to prom, but his flight was delayed. They exchange gentle teasing about her platonic prom date and her wish to have been with Rio instead.

As Rio turns toward her, Hallie notices his bruised, swollen face. He admits the injury came from Luke, who punched him after Rio confessed he was in love with Hallie. Rio explains he could not keep hiding their relationship after a miserable year apart and that he told Luke the truth.

Hallie is stunned but moved. Rio explicitly tells Hallie he loves her and has for years, and Hallie laughs through relief, saying such things should be spoken aloud. Seated together on the roof, they affirm their feelings, and Rio declares he is done hiding and pretending they do not have a future together. Hallie agrees, affirming that they belong to each other.

Rio asks Hallie to stay with him that night and reveals his parents are not home. Hallie, after searching his face, says she does not want to wait any longer. They go through Rio’s window into his room, where the familiar space feels charged with new meaning. Rio puts on music as they steady their nerves together.

In a tender, consensual exchange, Rio asks Hallie to remove her prom dress, then slows to make sure she is comfortable, promising to stop if she wants. Both admit their nervousness, which calms Hallie. With care and reassurance, they undress and kiss, affirming, “It’s always been you,” as they decide to have sex for the first time.

Who Appears

• Hallie Hart — narrator; returns from prom, discovers Rio’s surprise visit, reciprocates his declaration of love, and chooses to have sex with him for the first time.
• Rio DeLuca — Hallie’s longtime love; returns early to surprise her, confesses to telling Luke about their relationship, is punched, openly declares love, and initiates their first time together.
• Mr. Hart — Hallie’s father; shares a brief, tender exchange with Hallie and plans breakfast.
• Luke Hart — Hallie’s brother; off-page but central to events, punches Rio after learning about the relationship.
• The DeLucas (parents) — referenced as not home, enabling Hallie and Rio to be alone.