Chapter 33

At the campus Coffee Hut, Allie meets Dean days after leaving him. She notes he seems sober and acknowledges his team suspension. Dean apologizes for spiraling after Beau’s death, missing her play, and forcing her to cover for him. Allie forgives him but says she needs to be alone to figure herself out while he addresses his grief and amends.

Switching to Dean’s perspective, he interprets Allie’s response as hopeful and starts a structured apology spree. He wins Hannah’s tentative forgiveness by detailing his love for Allie, then apologizes to his hockey teammates, acknowledging his suspension and abandoning extra sessions with Hunter.

Dean visits Coach Ellis and the youth Hurricanes, is welcomed back, and helps at practice. Re-energized by coaching, he speaks with Ellis about new options. In the bleachers, he owns up to disappearing on Dakota, explains his grief, and repairs their bond, promising continued support.

Dean calls Joanna Maxwell to apologize for missing Beau’s memorial, sharing memories and agreeing to keep in touch. He then contacts Miranda O’Shea to apologize for their past, and they candidly acknowledge mutual guilt and growth before parting on amicable terms.

Over the next week, Dean and Allie exchange brief texts. Through Hannah, he learns Allie flew to LA for an in-person Fox chemistry read; he congratulates her and waits. Finally, Dean boards a flight to New York to address one last unresolved item on his list.