Summary

Shortly after Rachel's brother Saul was diagnosed with liver cancer, his boyfriend Kirk broke up with him. They had been together for 20 years. Their apartment, located "in the upper reaches of Manhattan," belonged to Kirk (180). Saul was a librarian and had "no personal savings" (180). Rachel could not believe she had once been friendly with Kirk. He had a nickname for her, Sister Susie, and they had invented stories about this woman.

Outraged, Rachel griped to Saul about Kirk. Saul tried to remain calm. Kirk had yet to officially kick Saul out of the apartment. They were still sharing the same bed. Saul told Rachel the unkind things Kirk would say to him.

Rachel was "two years older" than Saul and felt protective (181). She had had her share of bad boyfriends, too. Her ex Nick's daughter, Nadia, lived with her. She was 26 and had...