Part One: Chapter Two Summary

David met Giovanni during his second year in Paris while he was still involved with his girlfriend, Hella, though she was then in Spain. David has just been kicked out of his apartment because he had accrued a significant amount of debt and is forced to rely upon the generosity of his openly gay friend, Jacques. Jacques also later refused to help Giovanni when he needed it most and feared that his refusal played a part in whatever crime Giovanni committed that led ultimately to his execution.

David and Jacques go to a bar frequented by gay men—including some rather flamboyant transvestites—the night after David is evicted. Giovanni had recently started there as the bartender and he immediately catches Jacques' eyes. David encourages him to try to pick him up, but Giovanni is...