Chapter 6

Summary

• Nisha has concerns about the downsides of having multiple homes and wealthy friends who travel frequently, stemming from her inability to reach friends Olivia and Karin, who are elsewhere, and her lack of access to what she needs.
• Nisha contacts Angeline Mercer for financial assistance, but Angeline, having spoken with Nisha's husband Carl, chooses not to get involved, citing not wanting to take sides.
• Nisha is wary of female friendships due to her past experiences with their complexity and betrayals, preferring the predictability of male acquaintances and friendships.
• She also views other women as competitors, especially as she grows older and perceives a threat from younger women to her marriage with Carl, a dynamic she has navigated successfully so far.
• Nisha's credit cards have been rejected by ATMs, and her boutique account has been closed by Carl, leaving her financially stranded and dependent on others.
• She is in dire straits, lacking clothes, shelter, and legal help, and is reluctant to ask for financial aid from her son Ray to maintain some privacy and protect him from concern.
• Momentarily helped by her assistant Magda who has been fired by Carl as well, Nisha tries to address her immediate needs for clothing, a lawyer, and finding a place to stay.
• Nisha shops at a thrift store out of necessity, donning a bathrobe, and feels shame and discomfort due to her former wealthy lifestyle.
• Magda books Nisha a room at a budget hotel by convincing the staff she’s been robbed and can't provide a credit card.
• Battling anxiety and fear, Nisha reflects on Carl's ruthlessness and her uncertain future while awaiting assistance from someone Magda has contacted – hoping for help to protect herself against Carl.
• Nisha attempts to meet with a mysterious contact at the pub who is supposed to provide her with something crucial against Carl, but endures uncomfortable and harassing interactions while waiting.
• After her contact fails to show up at the pub, Nisha experiences anxiety and desperation; she defends herself against an aggressive man and loses her phone in the process.
• Nisha finally gets in touch with Magda who informs her that the contact did make a delivery to a woman wearing Nisha's unique Louboutin shoes, but Nisha realizes with horror that her shoes and presumably the crucial delivery have been stolen.