Chapters 13-19
Chapter 13
What Happens
Don encourages Evelyn when she begins rehearsals for Little Women but “had pushed [her] down the stairs nine days before.” As she prepares to leave, Evelyn examines her bruise in the mirror when Paula, the maid, comes back in. Evelyn yells at her, so Paula goes to the tabloids with information about Evelyn.
On set, Celia confides in the other actresses that she is “scared.” Evelyn remarks that Celia has an accessible beauty that makes her appealing to large audiences, while she and Ruby seem untouchable. Though Evelyn calls Celia out for pretending to be afraid, she already likes Celia.
Why It Matters
After reporting that Don supported her role in Little Women, Evelyn reveals another serious abuse incident. This contrast highlights the ups and downs of their relationship that have continued since she decided to stay in the marriage. When Evelyn meets Celia, she is irritated by what she calls the younger actress’ “‘aw shucks’ routine,” pretending to be naive. They engage in light, playful banter that begins a friendship that will only strengthen.
Chapter 14
What Happens
Evelyn tells Monique Vivant keeps trying to schedule a photo shoot for the cover story. Monique admits she hasn’t revealed the truth to Frankie, but Evelyn doesn’t judge.
Monique gets home and finds the box of photos. While looking through them, she finds a shot of herself at four years old with her parents. Monique thinks about what her father would say if he knew about her project with Evelyn.
Why It Matters
This chapter provides more backstory on Monique’s family and upbringing. She highlights her father’s comment that she should “find a job that makes [her] heart feel big” and knows he would be proud of her. She notes her biracial identity, as her parents were “a white woman and a Black man in the early ‘80s.” Monique remarks on “how beautiful [they] were together,” but as she was growing up, she “felt like two halves.” This detail about Monique’s identity links with Evelyn Hugo, who struggled with her background when she started working in Hollywood.
Chapter 15
What Happens
Don’s next movie has been successful, boosting his confidence. On set, Celia asks Evelyn to get a milkshake with her. Evelyn knows Celia wants to be seen publicly with her and reroutes them to reclaim the upper hand.
The actresses share their attitudes toward using others to get what they want. Though Evelyn claims she isn’t using Celia because Celia has nothing to offer her, Celia disagrees and claims she is the better actress. Celia proposes they help each other.
Sub Rosa publishes a story saying that Don and Evelyn’s marriage is troubled because Don wants a baby, but Evelyn cares more about her career.
Why It Matters
This chapter depicts Evelyn and Celia’s growing friendship. They are frank with one another: Evelyn tells Celia she must admit that she uses others to advance her career. On the other hand, Evelyn is “proud” of using people to achieve her goals.
The Sub Rosa story predictably makes Evelyn the villain, the unnatural woman who puts her career above family. The irony, of course, is that Don’s abusive behavior has caused their marriage to fail.
Chapter 16
What Happens
Harry and Evelyn talk about the Sub Rosa story. As Harry has done, Celia assures Evelyn that the report isn’t “that bad.” Evelyn is frustrated because they had just celebrated wrapping Little Women and their potential Oscar nominations.
Evelyn knows that Paula reported to the tabloid as revenge. Don next enters Harry’s office, asking Celia to leave,...
(This entire section contains 1278 words.)
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but Evelyn insists she stay. Evelyn fakes a miscarriage to win public sympathy. They set up a phone call from a doctor that Paula is made to overhear, followed by Evelyn’s loud weeping. Don fires Paula, and news of the miscarriage ends in the next Sub Rosa.
Why It Matters
Evelyn’s reaction to the Sub Rosa article demonstrates her obsession with her image. She cannot have this story poisoning her perception, especially when she should be nominated for an Oscar. Determined to turn the public tide, she fakes a miscarriage, and the follow-up story predictably creates sympathy for the couple. The tabloid admits they were wrong to think “Evelyn was pushing Don away.” She has successfully restored her reputation.
Chapter 17
What Happens
Celia and Evelyn drink wine and reveal their true names to each other. They each confess their admiration for the other actress’s appearance on screen. Celia asks Evelyn how she learned to be so strategic in her career, but she plays coy. They build a fire and burn the Sub Rosa article.
Celia asks Evelyn about her feelings for Don, and Evelyn admits that she “loved him once” and is still sexually attracted to Don. The two women realize they trust and feel safe with each other.
Why It Matters
The bond between Evelyn and Celia develops, setting the stage for their future romantic relationship. This culminates in Evelyn’s comment that her interaction with Celia in this chapter “was the most intimate [moment she’d] ever had with anyone.” When Evelyn loans Celia a shirt after she spills wine on hers, Evelyn says, “ I wanted what I had to be hers.”
Chapter 18
What Happens
Celia wants to avoid taking Robert to the premiere. However, once she sees him, Celia turns on her acting skills and pretends to enjoy his company. On the red carpet, Evelyn grabs Celia’s hand, and they wave to the cameras, creating a memorable moment for the paparazzi.
Once the movie begins, Evelyn realizes Celia’s performance is special, but she isn’t jealous; instead, she is moved and proud of Celia. Ruby gossips with Evelyn at the after-party before claiming that Celia is a lesbian. Evelyn has a visceral reaction. Ruby then says Don is with another woman upstairs, but Evelyn instinctually seeks Celia.
Why It Matters
Evelyn describes her developing feelings for Celia, first when she willingly highlights her friendship with Celia for the cameras at the premiere and then when she reaches over and takes Celia’s hand when her character dies. She recognizes that she should have felt “afraid or jealous or insecure”; instead, she was “happy” to think Celia would win the Oscar.
Perhaps even more significant is the conversation with Ruby when Evelyn hears the word “lesbian”: “The skin on [her] chest felt hot. [Her] ears burned.” Her intense physical reaction suggests Evelyn has realized a deep truth about her relationship with Celia. This is reaffirmed when Evelyn rushes to find Celia rather than confront Don.
Chapter 19
What Happens
Monique questions Evelyn about Celia. Evelyn admits Celia was “the love of [her] life.” Monique asks Evelyn whether, in the book, she plans to “come out as a gay woman.” Evelyn finds Monique’s reaction reductive. Monique apologizes, and they return to the night of the party. Evelyn confesses that she was jealous that Celia had been with other women.
Why It Matters
This chapter contains Evelyn’s admission that Celia was her true love. Monique seeks to clarify Evelyn’s sexuality; this leads Evelyn to deconstruct her feelings at the party. Evelyn explains that her attraction to Celia surprised her because she “thought [she] finally had a friendship with a woman” and that she had always been interested in men. Evelyn has to rethink her relationships with Celia and with Don.
