Summary

In Chapter 1, 65-year-old Frances Price and her 32-year-old son Malcolm left a fashionable party in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Frances made the excuse that they had to leave because their cat was sick. The party's hostess fawned over Frances, and as they walked away, Malcolm revealed that he had stolen a picture frame from her home. They were approached by a homeless man who asked for money, and Frances gave him $20. A police officer asked Frances if the man was bothering her, and she said no, that they were old friends. Frances told Malcolm she had to meet with their financial adviser, Mr. Baker.

In Chapter 2, Back at the apartment she shared with Malcolm, Frances spoke to her best friend Joan on the phone. Joan and Frances met at summer camp as girls; Joan was friendless until Frances approached her at lunch, and...