How does the author use symbolism in the novel, What If It’s Us?

Through all of the various times and places where coffee is present in this story, coffee is a symbol of the closeness of characters, and their connections to Dylan. Dylan sees Samantha because she works at a coffee shop. Arthur eventually finds Ben because he remembers the coffee logo on his shirt, which was borrowed from Dylan. Dylan gets coffee for Ben, Harriett, and Hudson when they make amends as a group. Dylan also has a large thermos of coffee when he aids in Ben's treasure hunt for Arthur at the end of the summer.