Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
On opening night of the dance-brothel, no real customers arrive; only a terrified boy flees, forcing Birdie to pay the band and close in defeat. In the aftermath, Birdie finally tells Charlie that Garnett is trying to reclaim Meg and that the Heidelberg adoption is shaky, prompting a fierce confrontation.
The failure raises financial stakes while the Meg revelation pushes Charlie toward decisive, potentially risky action.
Summary
As stormy winds rattle the newly decorated yard, Birdie oversees final preparations for the club’s opening: rooms are stocked with sheets, clocks, and condoms; doors are locked; and the band led by Mr. Binny is set to play slow dances. Charlie drills the women—Flossy, Ruby, and twins Trixie and Dixie—on rules and the trouble signal while Birdie serves as gatekeeper selling dance tokens.
Despite lanterns glowing and the band ready, passing gawkers do not stop. After dark, a single timid young man arrives by taxi, panics at the threshold, and runs back to the cab. No other patrons appear.
At midnight, Birdie and Charlie pay the band, dismiss the girls, and confront the failure. Charlie proposes more advertising and, if needed, extending operations a few weeks, trying to salvage hope despite their thin funds and deadlines.
Pressed by the stakes, Birdie reveals the larger danger: Garnett is working to have Meg returned to the orphanage; the Heidelberg adoption was never proper; and Birdie recently spoke with Welty at the bank, though he knows nothing of Charlie’s whereabouts or the club. Birdie confesses she withheld this to stop Charlie from taking rash action that could get them all arrested.
Charlie, feeling betrayed and underestimated, grows furious. The chapter ends with their partnership strained: finances are dire after a failed opening, and Meg’s custody threat looms, pushing Charlie toward decisive—and risky—next steps.
Who Appears
- BirdieNarrator and gatekeeper; oversees opening night, pays the band, and reveals Garnett’s move to reclaim Meg, angering Charlie.
- CharlieOrganizer of rules and security; hopes to build business; learns of Meg threat and Birdie’s secrecy; ends furious and determined.
- Flossy (Frances)Manages practical tips for clients; waits with the other women through the failed opening night.
- RubyWorker in a striking red dress; waits for customers who never come.
- Trixie and DixieTwin workers in floral dresses; drowsy and idle during the fruitless opening.
- EsmeraldaServer/hostess; posts the menu and moves gracefully through the setup; present during the wait.
- Mr. BinnyLeads the small band, plays slow waltzes on cue; is paid despite no business.
- Young man in taxiThe single potential customer; panics at the entrance and flees.