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The Price of Salt, or Carol Chapter 23 Summary

How It All Goes Down

  • Back in New York, Therese and Carol make arrangements for her to pick up the car.
  • Carol is late, as always.
  • She remarks that Therese looks different: "All grown up" (23.41). Is that code for old, like "You look tired?" Either way, Therese is getting this a lot lately.
  • Carol tells Therese that she lost everything in the divorce, including custody of her daughter.
  • She decided not to make promises and not to fight, because she worries her daughter won't want to see her anyway. She suspects Harge will turn Rindy against her.
  • Carol has moved out and taken a job selling furniture; she asks Therese if she would move in with her.
  • Therese says no—she is afraid Carol would betray her again.
  • After their meeting, Therese goes to a cocktail party for the cast of the new play she's working on.
  • At the party, she meets Genevieve Cranell, an English actress playing the lead.
  • Genevieve hits on Therese and Therese likes it because she reminds her of Carol.
  • As they flirt, Therese keeps thinking of Carol.
  • Then she realizes that she can't stop thinking of Carol, so it's Carol she should be with.
  • Genevieve invites Therese to her room for a private drink, but Therese declines.
  • She finds Carol at a restaurant instead.
  • Carol sees her and smiles. She waves, and "Therese walked toward her."
  • The end.