Summary

The novel was published and Iris began to sell the book with drama and style. During an interview on national TV she agreed unflinchingly to have her long black hair cut off and in so doing identified with her novel's heroine, Florine, who cuts her hair rather than be forced into a loveless marriage. The ratings soared as did Iris's popularity as an author. The books sold wildly and Iris soaked up every minute of the fame the book provided. Josephine meanwhile struggled with keeping the secret in light of the novel's popularity. She and the girls watched the TV appearance at Shirley's apartment over dinner. A cellphone rang and Jo wondered whose phone it was. Finally, Hortense admitted to having a phone that she said a friend have given her because his parents were very rich and he had two phones. Josephine...