Who is Laura Stanley ('Katherine') from Women and what is their importance?

Laura Stanley ('Katherine') is about twenty-two years old and described by Henry as the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She has long hair, and Stanley refers to her as Katherine Hepburn. Married once, she became involved with a famous athlete after her divorce. Katherine still works at her ex-husband's office. She eats healthy food, avoids meat, and rarely drinks. Henry Chinaski is the third man with whom Katherine has had sexual relations. She is also one of the few women Henry actually fell for.