Chapter 55

Summary

• The chapter opens with the narrator, Evelyn, meeting Celia at Spago, a restaurant. Both women are older now and mulling over signs of their age.
• They greet each other warmly and catch up, reminiscing about their past together. Celia reveals that she has quit drinking.
• As their conversation deepens, past misunderstandings, regrets, and heartbreaks start pouring out - stemming from their complicated history together.
• Evelyn admits that she destroyed Celia, having broken her heart twice in their past, and wonders if she's healed. Celia admits that she hasn't, prompting Evelyn to hint at the possibility of rekindling their relationship.
• Evelyn expresses her desire to be with Celia despite any potential fallout and their past with other partners. However, Celia remains cautious, warning Evelyn about the unpredictable repercussions.
• Celia reveals that she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and doesn't have much time left. She suggests that once Evelyn finishes her upcoming movie, they both should move to Spain to spend their remaining years together.
• Evelyn is devastated by Celia's diagnosis, but she asserts her desire to be with Celia despite the possibility of enduring another loss.
• Benefiting from the cover of darkness, they cultivate their rekindled relationship physically and emotionally, openly admitting their love for each other.
• The next morning, Celia lays out an elaborate plan to protect Evelyn and their relationship from public scrutiny. The plan involves Evelyn be seen around with Celia's young friend, then marry Celia's brother Robert to ensure their assets and legacy remain safe.
• Celia references the tragic case of actor Rock Hudson and the lack of empathy he received because of his AIDS diagnosis. Her experiences made her realize the need for their protective plan.
• After thinking it over, Evelyn agrees to Celia's plan and they start making plans for a future together, stressing on the importance of maintaining discretion and ensuring a normal childhood for Connner, Evelyn's child.