Summary

Bethie returns to her childhood home to attend the wedding of a childhood friend, Barbara Simoneux. Until now, she has been traveling the world, supporting herself with singing gigs and the cash she pickpockets from men whom she has promised sexual favors that she does not deliver. Bethie's mother, Sarah, considers her daughter's lack of self-care a disgrace to the Kauffman family's public image, and she nags Bethie about her weight. Sarah shows her love for Bethie by setting out outfits for the wedding reception on her bed. Sarah books hairdressing and dentist appointments for Bethie, at her own expense. Sarah bails Bethie out of jail after police catch her selling hashish at Barbara Simoneaux's wedding. Unwilling to confront her mother's disapproval, Bethie flees to New York.

While she is sitting on a park bench in Washington Square she meets Ronnie. Ronnie says...