Maybe Not

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child sexual abuse, child abuse, and cursing. 

“This isn’t good. I can’t share a bathroom with a girl. […] Especially a girl with all that bronzed skin.”

This passage uses internal monologue to reveal Warren’s discomfort around and attraction to Bridgette. His reference to her “bronzed skin” signals his interest in her, which is in tension with his reluctance to be around her. His exaggerated distress adds humor and foreshadows his emotional shift, laying the groundwork for the theme of The Transformation of Antagonism Into Affection.

“‘I know she’s mean, but Christ, Warren. She hates you.’ […] ‘I mean, really hates you.’”

This passage uses dialogue to emphasize the intensity of Bridgette’s disdain for Warren. The repetition of “hates you” reinforces Bridgette’s animosity, while the interjection “Christ, Warren” conveys frustration, suggesting that Warren’s interest in Bridgette persists despite her clear hostility. This exchange sets up an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, hinting that their conflict may later transform into attraction.

“‘I’m not in love with Bridgette,’ he says calmly. ‘She’s my sister.’”

Brennan clarifies that his connection to Bridgette is familial, not romantic, subverting Warren’s assumption. His calm tone contrasts with Warren’s (implied) accusatory tone, reinforcing Brennan’s certainty and Warren’s misjudgment and thus suggesting the intensity of Warren’s feelings for Bridgette, which are strong enough to cloud his perception.