The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 19: GRAYSON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnGrayson follows Gigi through her family’s opulent home, meticulously noting details like the children’s paintings displayed as art in the hallway. The twins’ contrasting personalities become apparent as Gigi leads him to a mirrored basketball court where Savannah, her fraternal twin, is practicing shots in a silver skirt and heels. Savannah’s precision and focus are striking, as is her disregard for Grayson’s presence. The scene establishes Savannah’s controlled, icy demeanor and hints at the siblings’ complex dynamic, underscored by Gigi’s playful warnings and Savannah’s silent dominance of the space.
After Savannah finishes her basketball routine, she ignores Grayson entirely, forcing him and Gigi to follow her back down the hall. The twins’ interactions reveal Savannah’s authority—she dismisses them abruptly, only to summon them later to the patio. The sprawling outdoor space, complete with a winding pool and lavish amenities, reflects the family’s wealth. Grayson’s discomfort resurfaces as he notices childhood handprints in the cement, a subtle reminder of the past he shares with these strangers. The setting underscores the tension between opulence and unresolved family history.
Savannah finally engages with Grayson, her sharp gaze assessing him with cold precision. Gigi reveals their plan to throw a party to find their missing father, but Savannah dismisses the idea, insisting their father left willingly. The sisters’ exchange highlights their conflicting perspectives—Gigi’s hopeful determination versus Savannah’s resigned realism. When Gigi manipulates Savannah into contacting her boyfriend Duncan for help, Savannah’s calculated compliance suggests she has her own agenda. The power struggle between the twins takes center stage, with Grayson as an outsider observing their dynamic.
As Gigi leaves to retrieve Savannah’s phone, Savannah asserts her dominance by declaring Grayson will be gone before her sister returns. The chapter ends with a tense standoff between Grayson and Savannah, emphasizing her control and his unresolved role in their lives. The siblings’ contrasting approaches to their father’s disappearance—Gigi’s relentless pursuit versus Savannah’s acceptance—foreshadow deeper conflicts. Grayson’s presence disrupts the twins’ equilibrium, setting the stage for further confrontation and revelations about their shared family ties.
FAQs
1. How does Grayson’s observation of the children’s paintings in the hallway reveal his analytical nature and emotional detachment?
Answer:
Grayson initially mistakes the bold, abstract paintings for professional artwork before realizing they are childhood creations by Savannah and Gigi. His clinical analysis (“no method to the brushstrokes, no mastery of white space”) demonstrates his tendency to assess things through a lens of precision and control. The abrupt way he “rips his gaze” from the paintings suggests discomfort with the emotional implications—these artifacts represent a childhood he likely never experienced. This moment underscores his emotional detachment while highlighting his keen observational skills, a recurring trait in his character.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of Savannah’s basketball court scene. How does it reflect her character and relationship with Grayson?
Answer:
The mirrored basketball court—where Savannah sinks perfect shots in a silver skirt and heels—serves as a metaphor for her controlled perfectionism. The Tchaikovsky soundtrack and ritualistic shooting mirror Grayson’s own disciplined habits, establishing their similarities. However, Savannah’s bare feet and discarded heels suggest she maintains elegance while subverting expectations, unlike Grayson’s rigid self-control. The scene culminates in her silent exit, mirroring Grayson’s own emotional withdrawal. This parallel establishes them as foils: both highly skilled but emotionally guarded, with Savannah’s fluidity contrasting Grayson’s rigidity.3. What does the interaction between the twins reveal about their dynamic and their differing attitudes toward their father’s disappearance?
Answer:
Gigi’s energetic, persuasive approach (“How much do you love me?”) contrasts sharply with Savannah’s icy pragmatism (“Dad left… Yes. He would.”). Gigi employs childish tactics (puppy-dog eyes, exaggerated whispers) to manipulate situations, while Savannah communicates through calculated silence and dismissive body language. Their conflict over their father’s disappearance reveals Gigi’s persistent hope versus Savannah’s resigned acceptance, possibly hinting at deeper family trauma. Savannah’s compliance with Gigi’s party plan—while subtly undermining it by sending Grayson away—shows her protective yet patronizing older-sister dynamic despite being twins.4. How does the author use physical descriptions and environmental details to draw parallels between Grayson and Savannah?
Answer:
The text emphasizes their shared “high cheekbones,” “sharp jawline,” and “silvery gray” eyes, visually establishing their blood relation. Both characters are framed by reflective surfaces: Savannah’s mirrored court parallels Grayson’s constant self-assessment. The pool’s “dark blue” water and Grayson’s traumatic swimming memory mirror Savannah’s emotionally “lit” but icy exterior. Even their habitats reflect this: Savannah’s curated patio with its “immortalized” handprints mirrors Grayson’s fixation on the past. These details create a visual kinship while foreshadowing potential conflict between two perfectionists who see their flaws reflected in each other.5. Evaluate Savannah’s strategic approach to dealing with Grayson. What does her “you’ll be gone” ultimatum reveal about her perception of him?
Answer:
Savannah employs classic power moves: making Grayson wait, issuing silent challenges, and dismissing him with a queenly decree. Her assessment that he’s “helping” Gigi (delivered with skeptical air quotes) shows she views him as an intruder rather than family. By commanding his departure under the guise of politeness, she demonstrates the same calculated manipulation Grayson uses—recognizing him as a threat to her sister or her control. This mirrors corporate negotiation tactics, suggesting Savannah, like Grayson, has been raised in a high-stakes environment where trust is conditional and dominance must be asserted.
Quotes
1. “Not abstract paintings, then. Children’s paintings. Up close, it was clear there was no method to the brushstrokes, no mastery of white space or visual metaphor. The paintings simply were.”
This moment reveals Grayson’s analytical perspective as he observes the twins’ childhood artwork, contrasting his expectation of sophistication with the raw authenticity of childhood expression. It subtly hints at his discomfort with unfiltered emotion.
2. “She wasn’t dressed for sports. A pleated silver skirt hit just below her knees. She was barefoot, a pair of black heels beside her on the line. On her other side, there was a rack of balls.”
This vivid description of Savannah’s basketball performance in formal attire captures the twins’ paradoxical nature - blending elegance with athleticism, convention with rebellion. It establishes Savannah’s striking first impression.
3. “Her eyes locked on Grayson’s, and though her expression was perfectly pleasant, it was the kind of pleasant that called to mind his aunt Zara: a sharply feminine smile that said I could kill you with a strand of pearls.”
This quote powerfully conveys Savannah’s dangerous charm and the immediate tension between the cousins. The pearl metaphor perfectly encapsulates the Hawthorne family’s signature blend of refinement and threat.
4. “Savannah sat in her chair like a queen on her throne, letting the silence stretch out between them. It was almost endearing, the way she thought she could intimidate him.”
This standoff highlights the power dynamics at play, showing both characters’ confidence and their mirror-like similarities. The silent battle of wills foreshadows their complex relationship.