Kit’s best friend Vanessa is the first guest to arrive. She is hoping that Hud will “finally notice her in that way” (196). She compliments Kit’s outfit.

As more and more people arrive, Brandon begs Nina to take him back. He brings her downstairs, and she says that he’s embarrassing her. However, he takes his pleas public, loudly announcing in front of the party guests that he messed up and getting down on one knee to tell Nina he loves her. The whole room chants “Take him back!”, and Nina says okay under their pressure. 

Movie star Tuesday Hendricks arrives to the party and spots her costar Rafael Lopez. Tuesday met her fiancé Bridger at last year’s Riva party, but they have recently split. She wants to show her face in public as a gesture of defiance. However, when Bridger walks in, instead of confronting him, Tuesday runs away with Rafael. They both share the drugs they brought with them.

There are now over 70 people in the house. Jay is still waiting for Lara. Hud sees Ashley arrive at the party and is surprised that she decided to come. He wants to tell her about his conversation with Jay but isn’t ready.