Paul couldn't find Kyle, 19, or Kyle's girlfriend, Gabby, 28--his suite mates in an apartment off the Graham L train stop in Brooklyn--and was returning to Michelle when he realized he'd walked past Kyle, standing drunkenly alone in a dense area of people, as if at a concert.
-- N/A (Chapter 1 paragraph 18)

Importance: This quote is significant because it serves as a strong representation of how the author introduces ideas in a complicated and jumbled fashion. More importantly, the reader can pick up on the fact that there is something wrong with Paul.

Outside, on the sidewalk, Michelle walked quickly ahead with her hands in her jacket pockets, as if to better escape Paul with a more streamlined form, though also it was raining. Paul asked what she wanted to do. "I don't know," she said. "I'm not hungry anymore.
-- Michelle (Chapter 1 paragraph 32)

Importance: This signifies that Paul's relationship with Michelle is over. It also suggests that Michelle feels the...