Chapter 26

Summary

• The protagonist receives an invitation to see Mick Riva perform at the Hollywood Bowl and decides to attend with Celia and Harry.
• The trio attends the concert, with Harry acting as a 'buffer' between the protagonist and Celia to prevent any tabloid speculation.
• At the concert, they see Ed Baker with a young woman across the aisle and decide not to interact with him.
• Mick Riva begins his performance, displaying his charm and eliciting screams from the crowd. The protagonist and Celia have a playful debate over their preferences between Riva and another star, Brick Thomas.
• For a brief moment, the protagonist forgets their surroundings and holds Celia's hand, shocking both Celia and Harry.
• An unknown woman notices this interaction and shares it with a man, possibly her husband. The protagonist is struck by the disgust in their eyes as they perceive the suggestion of a secret relationship.
• Caught in a fear of exposure, the protagonist reacts by jumping up and loudly cheering for Mick, trying to divert any further gossip and speculation.
• Mick Riva acknowledges the protagonist from the stage, calling her his 'dream woman' and directing the crowd's attention towards her.