Chapters 9-10 Summary and Analysis

In chapter 9, Shirley arrives in Stockholm and has dinner with an old friend. The following day, Gerry calls and asks to come over. Shirley gives him a massage, his first, and then they spend an intimate few moments together. Afterward they discuss the idea of love and how they feel about one another. Gerry swears that he loves Shirley, but that he can no longer afford to be obsessed by her. Gerry discusses his wife with Shirley and his desire to keep her from getting hurt. Finally, Gerry has to leave, leaving Shirley convinced that he is burdened by his need to be admired by people, a fact that will cause them to always be apart.

In chapter 10, three days pass without Shirley hearing from Gerry again. Shirley's friend, Lars, calls and asks her to go with him and...