Summary

A group of CHA members forms the "Committee to Retake Nicotine" (231). The initiative soon dies when people agree Matt's center will benefit the community. Penny feels disheartened. Matt is now a community favorite, and she has lost all her friends. Worse, she is convinced her disdain for Matt and Jazz's relationship, "drove Rob and Jazz into each other's arms" (235). She becomes irritated by her housemates, "and nearly everyone in CHA" (237). Her confusion leads to hate, and her hatred leads to more confusion. Later, when Penny learns Rob and Jazz are not monogamous, she feels better.

Meanwhile, Jazz starts communicating with Matt again. Realizing she might love him, she invites him to San Francisco so they can talk.

On the phone, Penny tells Amalia about the Norman Baker Center. Amalia thinks the project is good for Matt and the community. Though Penny is annoyed...