Summary

Chapter 25 – Josie thinks of herself as a liar, from telling Miss Paulsen that “Passage to India” is under restoration to denying she knew who her mother was with to Patrick. As Josie thinks about everything around her, she realizes that Forrest Hearne believed in her in the few moments he knew her; and that someone who was with Forrest had also been to Willie’s. As Mardi Gras approaches, Willie’s house gets filthier and filthier. Willie explains she has made $3,000 from the House in one night – enough, Josie realizes, for more than a year of college. It is then that Willie reminds Josie it is her 18th birthday. She gives Josie a beautiful Lady Elgin watch as a gift, reminds her that she can be arrested now that she is 18, and then tells Josie to get the hell out.

Chapter 26 – Josie calls John...