Summary

In Chapter 23, Mika takes Penny to an Asian market where Penny buys several kinds of snacks. Mika notes Penny is “Drinking up the sights and smells like a stalk of bamboo starved for rain” (243). Mika introduces Penny to fried octopus. They sit down to eat, Mika noting Japanese consider it rude to walk and eat. Mika admires that Penny does not hesitate to try the new food. Penny announces she is considering having sex with Devon. Mika chokes and hopes she misunderstood. Penny says she is ready and that they have talked about it. Penny asks about Mika's first experience. She is as honest as possible, saying it wasn't particularly memorable or romantic, but was fun. Mika realizes she cannot talk Penny out of this. She asks about protection. Penny says Devon already said he will use a condom and Penny has been...