60 pages • 2 hours read
Small Steps
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Chapters 29-32Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 29 Summary
Armpit flies first class to San Francisco, where he is met by a driver who takes him to the Wellington Arms Hotel in the heart of the city. Armpit worries about earthquakes, but his worries ease when he thinks about Ginny and how much she would love everything about this trip. He is given a room key to the restricted 21st floor of the hotel, normally reserved for VIPs. The two-room suite is luxurious, and he takes a much-needed shower before meeting Kaira. When Armpit is on his way to Kaira’s room, he is intercepted by Jerome, who invites Armpit into his room to see a baseball bat signed by Barry Bonds. Armpit is confused. He has no interest in baseball, but he plays along since Jerome is Kaira’s manager. Jerome insists that Armpit hold the bat and try a few swings, which Armpit halfheartedly does before excusing himself, thinking “that was weird” (218). When Armpit sees Kaira (with Fred standing beside her) he doesn’t hesitate to pull her in for a kiss. They smile and Kaira whispers, “I guess it was worth the wait” (219).
Chapter 30 Summary
San Francisco is much colder than Austin, and Armpit did not bring a jacket. Kaira picks out a $995 wool jacket for him at the gift shop, but Armpit chooses the cheapest sweatshirt he can find instead. Kaira and Armpit head out to explore San Francisco, leaving the hotel in a taxi with Fred following behind in another. Kaira gives their driver $50 to “ditch” the tailing taxi, which he does. Alone, Kaira and Armpit explore Chinatown, enjoying the city and each other’s company.
Back at the hotel, Jerome lets himself into Armpit’s room using a duplicate keycard that Aileen had made. Jerome plants a duplicate keycard to Kaira’s room on Armpit’s couch. He then collects strands of hair from Armpit’s hairbrush and finds a bloody Band-Aid that Armpit left in the bathroom and puts both in an envelope. Finally, he takes the knife from Armpit’s complimentary fruit and cheese platter.
Chapter 31 Summary
Kaira and Armpit leave the crowds in Chinatown for the cafés of North Beach where they sit and talk over cappuccinos and pastries. Kaira tells Armpit that she has to spend a day with a sick child for the Make-A-Wish foundation, and that she is dreading it, not sure what the girl wants from her. Armpit says simply, “Just look her in the eye. Let her know she’s real” (229). Armpit eventually tries to explain to Kaira about Felix and the letter, but he gets interrupted by a man wanting Kaira’s autograph. Once the man leaves, Armpit tries again, reminding Kaira about the letter she sent him. Kaira laughs and jokes when Armpit asks her to write him another, less embarrassing one, saying seductively “Maybe it will be more embarrassing” (230). Kaira finally understands why Armpit is asking when Armpit blurts out, “There’s this guy who wants to buy it for a hundred and fifty dollars” (231). Her amusement freezes, replaced by deep hurt. Armpit backtracks and tries to explain the complicated situation with X-Ray and the police, but it is too confusing. Kaira is furious and assumes that Armpit and his “friend” have set her up, “just another hustler. Anything for money” (232). Armpit responds by insulting Kaira, telling her that she doesn’t understand the value of money, that she doesn’t “have a clue” (232). Kaira throws her coffee at him and walks out.
Chapter 32 Summary
Armpit walks back to the hotel, regretting his idea to get a second letter, and questioning why he is even there. He has failed his economics class, and both he and X-Ray will probably go to jail. He thinks, “I’m the one who’s clueless” (235). Meanwhile, Fred is looking for Kaira on the Golden Gate Bridge. He has never lost her before and is worried.
Chapters 29-32 Analysis
Armpit thinks of Ginny as he arrives at the luxury hotel in San Francisco, and as he walks through the lobby, he imagines how he’s going to describe the scene to her: “‘Grand’ and ‘Spectacular.’ Those are the words he’d use when telling her about it” (214). Armpit does not think about telling his parents or other friends at school—only Ginny is mentioned, illustrating the depth of feeling Armpit has for her. Their relationship is the epitome of a pure friendship. There is no judgment or pity in their relationship, simply support and honest encouragement and enjoyment of each other’s company. Armpit has other meaningful relationships, but none are as uncomplicated, natural, and rewarding as his friendship with Ginny.
Jerome’s unsubtle plan is exposed when he persuades Armpit, who has no interest in baseball, to handle a baseball bat Jerome happens to have with him at the hotel. The importance of the interaction is highlighted by Armpit’s thought, “Well, that was weird” (218)—drawing attention to Jerome’s unusual behavior.
During Armpit’s visit to San Francisco, the stark contrast between Kaira’s wealth and casual approach to money and Armpit’s experience of relative poverty and frugality is addressed. The financial disparity between them is what causes their only rift. Kaira understandably believes Armpit is scamming her after he tries to explain why he must sell the letter. Armpit’s immediate reaction to her accusation is excessive and misplaced: “What do you know about money? [...] You say you want to just sing in places like this and pass around the hat. You wouldn’t know how to live like that. Here, buy a jacket. Only a thousand dollars. Charge it to your room. You wouldn’t have a clue” (232). With that one outburst Armpit manages to belittle Kaira’s dream that she just shared with him about singing on a small, pay-what-you-want stage without “bloodsucking agents or business partners” (228), and he throws Kaira’s generosity back in her face. Armpit does not follow his own advice that he just gave Kaira for the Make-A-Wish child: “Just look her in the eye. Let her know she’s real” (229). Armpit’s outburst about money reinforces Kaira’s own insecurities. When Armpit tells her that she doesn’t “have a clue” (232), Kaira understands that he hasn’t taken her seriously and doesn’t believe she can make it on her own, that he isn’t interested in the “real” Kaira, just her money. When Kaira asks if it was Armpit’s “friend” who kissed her, she is letting Armpit know that she thinks Armpit is the “friend” and their entire relationship has been part of his hustle. Since Armpit’s feelings for Kaira are real and he was telling the truth (albeit in a confusing way), he doesn’t understand her comment. If Armpit had focused on explaining the letter situation rather than letting his own insecurities about money overshadow the conversation, this rift would not have occurred, and neither would the devastating events that follow. Armpit’s confusion and musings following their argument show his ability for self-reflection. He acknowledges his mistake: “I’m the one who’s clueless” (235) and reflects on why he is really in San Francisco, questioning whether he is subconsciously attracted by Kaira’s wealth—without reaching a conclusion.
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