Summary

After Slim’s betrayal by Leland she is having serious troubles accepting that the relationship is over. Early that morning, Truman calls and asks her a “very special” lunch (190). They meet at the Colony, a social and popular lunch venue, where Slim learns that they will not be dining alone. She is unhappy, having dragged herself out of bed for Truman only. The table is set for twelve with gardenia flowers floating in bowls at six of the places. Shortly after, in walks Babe, Marella, Gloria and C.Z. Marella asks Truman why there are twelve spots, and he eagerly responds to wait for the guests of honor. Though Slim protests, thinking that she was the guest of honor, Truman gleefully replies that though she is the most important, they are still waiting for his guests of honor.

Then, Pam Churchill—the “slept-with-all-our-husbands”—Pam...