Chapter 32

Autumn recounts the fallout from Sasha and Alex’s breakup. Jamie is irritated with Sasha, but Autumn defends Sasha’s choice. The boys deflect details about Alex’s state, claiming they avoid the topic, which Autumn doubts.

In August, Angie starts dating Dave, a preppy football player from Hazelwood High. The group plans a triple date to meet him at the movies. During the car ride, Jamie and Noah joke about lightly hazing Dave, while Brooke insists they behave, and the friends’ teasing turns rowdy but affectionate.

At the mall, Angie—now with pink hair streaks—introduces Dave, who is tall, red-haired, and visibly nervous. Jamie and Noah try to unsettle him with formal handshakes and jokes, but Dave matches their tone with humor. As they wander before the movie, Dave’s self-deprecating charm and willingness to banter win them over.

Autumn notes the contrast between Dave’s preppy look and the group’s style, but embraces him for Angie’s sake and finds herself genuinely charmed. She feels a pang of guilt about Sasha and Alex staying home, acknowledging the group’s shifting dynamics as Angie’s new relationship settles in.