Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
After a humiliating home shutout, Dean leans on his father’s “ten-minute rule” to reset and receives unexpected praise from O’Shea. Learning Allie is down after Sean’s call, Dean detours to her dorm. He challenges her guilt about their hookup, advises her to stop engaging Sean, and agrees to a no-flirt hangout.
Summary
Dean and the team are routed in their second game, suffering a shutout at home. In the locker room, Hunter broods over missed chances while Coach Jensen delivers his terse postgame mantra to work harder. Frank O’Shea lingers to offer Dean and Logan targeted praise, surprising Dean. Dean showers, applies his father’s “ten-minute rule” to file away the loss, and resolves to move on.
Outside, in the cold lot, Garrett meets Hannah, and Logan joins as they choose the bar over hosting. Hannah mentions Allie is moping after a call from Sean. Dean, concerned, sends the others ahead, secretly planning a detour instead of heading straight to Malone’s.
Switching to Allie’s POV, she recalls Sean phoning to say “I forgive you” and asking to meet, which unsettles her. A knock turns out to be Dean, who barges in, flirts, and strips to get comfortable. Allie feels conflicted and ashamed about their weekend hookup, calling herself “slutty.”
Dean pushes back, condemning slut-shaming and stressing that consensual, safe sex harms no one. He asks if Allie truly wants Sean back; she admits she doesn’t and recognizes their futures don’t align. Dean advises her to stop obsessing and cut contact with Sean.
Dean then tries to initiate sex again, but Allie refuses. They negotiate terms: Dean can stay, won’t hit on her, and must watch her awful show without complaint. The chapter ends with them agreeing to a platonic hangout, signaling a shift from pure hookup energy toward emotional support.
Who Appears
- Dean Di LaurentisNarrates the loss, resets using dad’s rule, checks on Allie, denounces slut-shaming, urges her to cut Sean off.
- Allie HayesShaken by Sean’s “forgiveness” call; feels guilty about the hookup; accepts Dean’s support and a no-flirt TV truce.
- Frank O’SheaDefensive coach who stays postgame to offer precise praise, unexpectedly commending Dean’s coverage.
- Coach JensenHead coach delivers a brief, no-frills postgame speech urging harder work after the shutout.
- Hunter DavenportFreshman forward frustrated by missed chances; receives reassurance from teammates after the loss.
- Garrett GrahamReassures Hunter; leaves for the bar with Hannah and Logan after the game.
- Hannah WellsMentions Allie is moping after Sean’s call; heads to the bar with Garrett.
- Logan (John Logan)Acknowledged for penalty kill by O’Shea; joins plans for the bar while Dean detours.
- SeanAllie’s ex; calls to say he forgives her and asks to meet, triggering her turmoil.