Now that James is out, he begins partying and hooking up publicly. He and Rachel refer to August as the “Gaynaissance” since it becomes a month-long party. Byrne is jealous of James’s newfound freedom and attempts to shame him for partying, though he and James are no longer spending much time together. Rachel tells James not to worry about what Byrne thinks. James tells her that they only have each other: “‘It’s just the two of us, at the end of the day, Rache,’ he said. ‘No one is going to look out for me the way you look out for me’” (144). Rachel sadly agrees, thinking of Carey’s inconsistency in making plans.

Rachel and James are unable to save money. As soon as they save a little, they go out to celebrate and wind up spending all the savings. They frequent a local bar where it is easy to steal drinks because people must leave drinks on the cigarette machine before they go out for a smoke. While they are there, Rachel runs into Carey. He is shocked that she is out since he thought she was broke and staying in. He feels angry and embarrassed; he told his friends Rachel is staying home.