Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1

The story begins with the author describing the teenage lives of Ria and Hilary Johnson. Ria is 16; Hilary is the elder sister. The girls talk about fellows. Hilary is much more experienced with dating and is a bit promiscuous. Ria is curious. Hilary tells Ria to keep her voice down because their mam (mother) will hear them and then no one will be allowed out of the house. Hilary tells Ria that her time will come. The girls also talk about their future plans. Ria wants to travel the world.

The girls' work history is also examined. Ria gets a job at a real estate firm. She does not know the business but is willing to learn and likes the job as well as her co-workers. One of Ria's co-workers, Rosemary Ryan, becomes a fast friend. Ria is envious of Rosemary's flair...