Band Geek Crushes

Lexi Stevens, a shy, comic-loving band geek, is thrilled to be promoted to second chair trumpet, which means sitting next to her long-time crush, Harrison Carter. She's desperate to start a conversation, but her nerves get the best of her. Lexi's home life is strict—her father is overprotective, especially after her older sister's teen pregnancy. Lexi's social world is small, and her crush on Harrison is a safe, distant fantasy. Her brother Easton and his best friend Noah Taylor, a popular athlete, are part of her daily life, but Noah is just the "cool guy" she's known forever. Lexi's longing for connection and her fear of breaking family rules set the stage for her journey.

The Movie Theater Disaster

Determined to get closer to Harrison, Lexi orchestrates a "chance" meeting at the movies, only to discover he's there with another girl. Lexi is left awkwardly on the sidelines, feeling invisible and humiliated. Meanwhile, Noah, dealing with his own family issues and loneliness, spots Lexi's discomfort and steps in, pretending to be her date. This spontaneous act of kindness saves Lexi from embarrassment but also sparks a new, unexpected dynamic between them. The night ends with Lexi grateful for Noah's rescue, but both are left with complicated feelings.

Noah to the Rescue

Noah, who is struggling with a violent stepfather and a mother trapped in an abusive relationship, finds solace in helping Lexi. His home life is unstable, and he often seeks refuge at Easton's house. By pretending to be Lexi's boyfriend at the theater, Noah not only shields her from ridicule but also begins to see her in a new light. Their fake date becomes the talk of the school, and rumors swirl, forcing them to navigate the fallout together. This marks the beginning of their "fake relationship," which is meant to be mutually beneficial but quickly grows complicated.

Rumors and Fake Dating

The rumor mill at Ridgewater High explodes with gossip about Lexi and Noah. To save face and help each other out—Noah wants to avoid persistent advances from Raven, and Lexi wants to move on from her Harrison crush—they agree to keep up the charade of dating. They set ground rules: hand-holding and cuddling are okay, but no real romance. As they perform their roles, the lines between acting and genuine affection begin to blur. Their friendship deepens, and both start to question what's real.

Family Secrets Unveiled

As Lexi and Noah spend more time together, Lexi discovers the truth about Noah's troubled home life. His stepfather's abuse has left him homeless, sleeping in his car during a brutal New York winter. Lexi, moved by his vulnerability, secretly lets him sleep in her closet to keep him safe and warm. Their bond intensifies as Lexi becomes Noah's confidante and protector, risking her father's wrath. The emotional intimacy between them grows, challenging their "just friends" agreement.

Rules of Pretend Love

Lexi and Noah's fake relationship requires constant negotiation. They practice for public displays—like their first kiss under the bleachers—so their act is convincing. But the practice kiss is electric, awakening feelings neither can ignore. Both are scared: Lexi fears her father's reaction and losing her chance at Yale, while Noah fears hurting Lexi or being unworthy of her. Their rules become increasingly difficult to follow as their connection deepens.

Snowstorms and Sleepovers

A severe snowstorm forces Lexi to invite Noah to sleep in her closet again, risking everything if her father finds out. Their late-night conversations and close quarters make their feelings undeniable. Meanwhile, Noah's family situation worsens, and Lexi becomes his only safe haven. The secrecy and danger of their arrangement heighten the stakes, and their emotional dependence on each other grows.

Hearts and Hand-Holding

Lexi experiences her first real hand-holding and cuddling with Noah, moments that are both awkward and thrilling. These small acts of intimacy are monumental for Lexi, who has never dated before. For Noah, they are grounding and healing, offering a sense of belonging he's never had. Their trust in each other is tested by school rumors, jealous friends, and the ever-present threat of parental discovery.

Kisses Under Bleachers

To convince the school of their relationship, Lexi and Noah practice kissing in private. What starts as a performance quickly becomes genuine, and their chemistry is undeniable. Their first real kiss is tender and transformative, leaving both reeling. The kiss is witnessed by Noah's ex, Ashlyn, and her new boyfriend, adding another layer of complication. Lexi and Noah are forced to confront their true feelings, even as they try to maintain the façade.

Lines Blur, Feelings Grow

As their fake relationship continues, Lexi and Noah struggle to separate performance from reality. They find themselves jealous, protective, and increasingly drawn to each other. Lexi's crush on Harrison fades, replaced by a deepening affection for Noah. Noah, in turn, realizes he's falling for Lexi, but fears he's not good enough for her. Their emotional honesty grows, but so does the risk of heartbreak.

Family Turmoil Erupts

Noah's stepfather's violence escalates, leading to a crisis that forces Noah's mother to the hospital and the family to seek refuge with Noah's biological father. The trauma brings Noah's vulnerabilities to the surface, and Lexi becomes his anchor. Meanwhile, Lexi's father discovers Noah in her room, leading to explosive consequences: doors are removed, privileges revoked, and threats of cutting off her college fund. Both teens are forced to confront the limits of their independence and the power of family expectations.

The Truth Comes Out

Lexi's father learns the truth about Noah's homelessness and abuse, softening his stance but still imposing strict rules. Easton, Lexi's brother, feels betrayed by both his best friend and his sister, but ultimately comes to understand their choices. Lexi and Noah's relationship is exposed, and they must decide whether to fight for each other or let go. The community rallies around Noah's family, and healing begins.

Caught and Consequences

Lexi and Noah are caught together by her father, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Lexi's father's fears—rooted in her sister's past—drive his harsh response, but Lexi stands her ground, insisting on her right to make her own choices. Noah, ever the protector, takes responsibility and apologizes, but is banned from the house. The fallout is painful, but both teens refuse to give up on each other.

Breaking Up for Real

Under pressure from family and friends, Lexi and Noah agree to end their fake relationship. The breakup is mutual but heartbreaking, as both realize their feelings are real. They try to return to their old lives, but the absence of each other is palpable. Lexi's confidence grows as she learns to stand up for herself, while Noah focuses on helping his family heal.

Aftermath and Unspoken Longing

In the days following their breakup, Lexi and Noah struggle with loneliness and regret. Lexi's best friend Juliette encourages her to fight for what she wants, while Noah is consumed by family responsibilities. Both are haunted by memories of their time together and wonder if they made a mistake. Their longing for each other is evident, even as they try to move on.

Second Chances and Cupcakes

A chance encounter in the kitchen leads to a heartfelt confession. Lexi, emboldened by Juliette's advice, bakes cupcakes and dresses up, hoping to catch Noah's attention. Their playful banter turns into a passionate kiss, and both admit their feelings. The kitchen becomes the setting for their real beginning, as they decide to pursue a relationship despite the obstacles.

The Kitchen Confession

Lexi and Noah finally confess their love, acknowledging that their feelings have always been real. They negotiate new boundaries, promising to respect Lexi's father's rules while building a relationship based on honesty and trust. Their connection is stronger than ever, and they are determined to face whatever comes together.

Parental Ultimatums

Lexi's father, recognizing his own fears and mistakes, agrees to let Lexi and Noah see each other under strict conditions. Noah apologizes and promises to honor Lexi's boundaries. The couple is granted limited freedom, with the understanding that trust must be rebuilt. Both families begin to heal, and Lexi and Noah's relationship is legitimized.

Family Healing, New Beginnings

Noah's family finds safety and support, and Lexi's family begins to trust her again. Easton and Lexi repair their sibling bond, and the community rallies around those in need. Lexi and Noah's relationship becomes a source of hope and inspiration, showing that love can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

It Was Always You

On their first official day as a couple, Lexi and Noah walk into school hand-in-hand, finally free to be together. They reflect on their journey—from awkward band geeks and troubled athletes to partners who have weathered storms together. Lexi realizes that her heart has always belonged to Noah, and he, in turn, knows that Lexi is the one he's been searching for. Their story ends with hope, resilience, and the promise of a future built on love, trust, and mutual respect.

Characters

Lexi Stevens

Lexi is a sixteen-year-old trumpet player with a strict, overprotective father and a history of living in her older sister's shadow. She is intelligent, loyal, and deeply insecure about her social standing and appearance. Lexi's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment: she moves from crushing on unattainable boys to realizing her own worth and fighting for the love she deserves. Her relationship with Noah challenges her to break free from family expectations and trust her own heart. Lexi's growth is marked by increasing confidence, emotional honesty, and the courage to stand up for herself and those she loves.

Noah Taylor

Noah is Easton's best friend, a popular senior known for his athletic prowess and bad-boy reputation. Beneath his confident exterior, Noah is deeply scarred by family trauma: his stepfather's abuse, his mother's helplessness, and his own sense of displacement. Noah's journey is one of vulnerability and healing. Through his relationship with Lexi, he learns to trust, accept help, and believe in his own worth. Noah's protectiveness, humor, and growing emotional intelligence make him a compelling and sympathetic hero. His love for Lexi is transformative, helping him break cycles of pain and build a new future.

Easton Stevens

Easton is Lexi's older brother and Noah's best friend. He is caught between loyalty to both, struggling to accept their relationship. Easton's own experiences with love and mistakes (hinted at through his lost purity ring) make him wary of Noah's intentions. Over time, Easton learns to trust Lexi's judgment and support her choices, repairing their sibling bond and accepting Noah as more than just a friend.

Harrison Carter

Harrison is Lexi's initial love interest, a talented trumpet player and the embodiment of her "mainstream" fantasy. His unavailability and indifference force Lexi to confront her own desires and move beyond superficial crushes. Harrison's role is pivotal in pushing Lexi toward Noah and helping her realize what real connection feels like.

Raven Rodgers

Raven is a cheerleader with her sights set on Noah. Her jealousy and manipulation create tension and challenge Lexi's confidence. Raven represents the pressures of high school popularity and the obstacles Lexi must overcome to claim her own happiness.

Mr. Stevens (Lexi's Dad)

Lexi's father is haunted by his older daughter's mistakes and determined to prevent history from repeating. His overbearing rules and lack of trust create conflict but are ultimately rooted in love and fear. Through the story, he learns to see Lexi as her own person and to let go, allowing her to make her own choices.

Mrs. Taylor (Noah's Mom)

Noah's mother is trapped in an abusive marriage, unable to protect herself or her children. Her struggles are a source of trauma for Noah, but her eventual decision to seek help is a turning point for the family.

Paul (Noah's Stepfather)

Paul's violence and control are the catalyst for much of Noah's pain and instability. His actions force Noah to seek help and ultimately bring the family's issues into the open.

Brielle Taylor

Noah's young half-sister, Brielle, is caught in the crossfire of family violence. Her vulnerability motivates Noah to act and seek a better life for both of them.

Juliette

Juliette, Lexi's best friend, provides advice, encouragement, and a sounding board throughout the story. Her distance (studying abroad) forces Lexi to rely on her own instincts, but her return signals a new chapter of support and growth.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Alternating Perspectives

The novel alternates between Lexi and Noah's points of view, allowing readers to experience both sides of the emotional journey. This structure deepens empathy, reveals misunderstandings, and highlights the growth of both characters as they navigate love, family, and self-worth.

Fake Relationship Trope

The central device is the "fake dating" agreement, initially created to save face and avoid unwanted attention. As Lexi and Noah perform their roles, the boundaries between acting and authenticity dissolve, forcing them to confront their true feelings. This trope is used to explore themes of vulnerability, trust, and the difference between appearance and reality.

Family Conflict and Parental Control

Both Lexi and Noah are shaped by their families' dysfunctions—Lexi's overprotective father and Noah's abusive stepfather. These conflicts drive the plot, create obstacles, and ultimately force both teens to assert their independence and fight for their own happiness.

Rumors and Social Pressure

The relentless rumor mill of Ridgewater High amplifies every misstep, forcing Lexi and Noah to navigate public scrutiny and judgment. This device heightens tension, tests their resolve, and mirrors the real-life challenges of adolescent relationships.

Symbolism of the Closet and the Kitchen

Lexi's closet, where Noah sleeps, becomes a symbol of safety, intimacy, and secrecy. The kitchen, where they finally confess their feelings, represents nourishment, honesty, and the beginning of something real. These spaces anchor the emotional turning points of the story.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

Early scenes—Lexi's longing for Harrison, Noah's rescue at the theater—foreshadow the deeper connection to come. The parallel struggles of both families, and the mirrored growth of Lexi and Noah, reinforce the story's central themes.

Analysis

It Was Always You is more than a high school romance; it's a nuanced coming-of-age story about two teens learning to trust themselves and each other in the face of family dysfunction, social pressure, and personal insecurity. Judy Corry uses the fake dating trope not just for romantic tension, but as a lens to examine the masks we wear and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. The novel's dual perspectives allow for deep psychological insight, showing how love can be both a refuge and a catalyst for growth. The story's ultimate message is one of hope: that healing is possible, that we are not defined by our families' mistakes, and that true love is built on honesty, respect, and the willingness to fight for each other. For modern readers, the book offers a relatable, emotionally intelligent take on first love, resilience, and the power of choosing your own path.

Last updated: May 3, 2025