Chapters 10 and 11 Summary

Phlox considers her relationship with Art to be love. She feels threatened by Arthur's obvious desire for Art. She reads to Art "The Story of O," her favorite book, which is sensual and sexual; she is obviously trying to draw Art in and make him attracted to her.

While Art and Arthur are drinking together, Arthur hints that Phlox is crazy, subtly criticizing her. When Arthur leaves the group abruptly to go to mass, Art and Cleveland continue drinking and talking. Eventually Cleveland tells Art he likes him, and Art tears up with emotion. Rather than walking home, Art accepts Cleveland's offer to stay over at Cleveland's father's home.

Cleveland's father was a closeted-gay psychiatrist, and his mother committed suicide by hanging herself. Art seems fascinated with this family and wonders where Cleveland's mother killed herself. At three in the morning...