Summary

Chapter 21 – The day after Christmas, Simon and his sisters go to the restaurant hangout. There, Alice recognizes her friend Carter Addison, Martin’s older brother. Martin had said earlier (Chapter 1) that his brother was gay, and Alice seems to know that as well: she is about to suggest that Simon talk to him when Simon bolts from the restaurant. He is followed by Nora, and tells her about what Martin did. They are interrupted by an irate Alice, who demands to know why Simon took off. Simon is surprised when Nora, who never stands up to Alice, tells her to back off.

On New Year’s Eve, Leah, Nick, and Abby join Simon for a party in Simon’s basement. Nick’s singing and guitar playing cast a bit of a quiet spell over the party, which is interrupted by Leah’s announcement that...