Summary

In Chapter 16, Alex leaves the hospital, with no plans to see Victor again. She decides to simply walk around New Orleans and try to forget her troubles. She has a drink alone at a bar, and then she calls Barbra on the phone. Alex once again tries to get Barbra to talk about her marriage, but Barbra simply expresses sadness that she will be alone without Victor. Alex says that she is alone as well, since Alex is divorced. Barbra becomes angry at this comparison and ends the call. Alex continues to wander New Orleans and wonder why Gary has seemingly not arrived in town yet. She thinks about Gary’s long-expressed wish not to be like Victor. Alex phones her daughter, Sadie, and advises her to simply try to have a civil relationship with her father (Alex’s ex-husband Bobby.)

Chapter 17 shifts focus...