Chapter 29

Summary

• The protagonist was in a romantic relationship with Celia and they kept it a secret due to societal norms.
• The protagonist becomes pregnant, presumably by Mick who is not mentioned but implied to be a man she had a previously unnamed romantic scandal with.
• The protagonist didn’t expect Celia's shocked and angry reaction when she tells her about her pregnancy.
• Celia is upset because the protagonist had slept with Mick to cover up that they were gay; she had not realised this had been literally true.
• A fight ensues between the two women, during which Celia accuses the protagonist of being a fame-obsessed “coward” and a “whore.”
• In response, the protagonist claims she had sex with Mick and got pregnant to protect Celia from the societal backlash. She says she believes she herself could be forgiven if their relationship became public, but isn’t sure Celia could handle it.
• Celia still leaves the protagonist, telling her she doesn’t love her anymore because she doesn't respect her choices.
• Heartbroken, the protagonist calls Harry and they travel to Tijuana to get an abortion. She cries on the drive, not for the lost pregnancy, but for the loss of Celia.
• She asks Harry if he thinks she's a whore, to which he replies that everyone in Hollywood is in their own way, and praises her for her boldness and resilience.
• When they get home, Harry takes care of the protagonist, cooks for her, and sleeps next to her.
• The protagonist feels relieved to have someone she can fall back on and let her guard down. She mourns the loss of Celia and their relationship and doesn't talk to her for five years.