Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Garrett recounts Beau Maxwell’s fatal car accident, sending Dean into a spiral of alcohol and numbness. Dean can’t face the public memorial, while Allie attends and witnesses Joanna’s tribute. Back home, Allie comforts Dean as he finally grieves; their intimacy offers brief relief but uncertain, fragile hope.
Summary
Dean reels as Garrett repeats the details of Beau Maxwell’s death: after a family celebration in Wisconsin, Beau’s father swerved to avoid a deer, hit black ice, the car flipped, and Beau died instantly while his father was unhurt. Shocked and dissociating, Dean retreats upstairs and drinks until he’s barely functioning.
Allie arrives to find Dean obliterated and tries to soothe him, but he vomits from the binge. Days pass in a blur of alcohol and weed. When Beau’s memorial is held at the football stadium, Allie goes with Hannah and Garrett while Dean, dressed to go, ultimately cannot bring himself to attend.
At the service, Joanna performs “Let It Be,” deepening the communal grief. Allie returns to find Dean still in his suit and drinking. He admits he couldn’t face seeing Beau’s family. As Allie describes the memorial, Dean finally says Beau’s name and breaks down, tears surfacing after a week of avoidance.
Seeking connection, Dean and Allie make love, channeling grief into intimacy. Afterward, Dean sobs in Allie’s arms and falls asleep, momentarily eased by release. Allie feels a flicker of hope that this breakdown marks a step toward acceptance, even as she fears it may not last.
Who Appears
- Dean Di LaurentisDevastated by Beau’s death; binge drinks, skips the memorial, finally breaks down while Allie comforts him.
- Allie HayesAttends Beau’s memorial, then supports Dean; they grieve together and share intimate comfort.
- Garrett GrahamRelays the accident details to Dean and mourns with teammates.
- LoganHelps manage Dean’s intoxication and frames it as personal grieving.
- TuckerOffers quiet support as Dean learns the news and spirals.
- Beau MaxwellFriend who dies in a car accident; memorializes the team’s loss.
- JoannaSings “Let It Be” at Beau’s memorial, embodying the family’s grief.
- Beau’s fatherUninjured driver in the crash that killed Beau.
- Hannah WellsAttends the memorial with Allie and Garrett.