The Chosen and the Beautiful

Nick arrives late for a lunch date with Jordan at New York’s Plaza Hotel, because Gatsby drove him into the city. Jordan tells him three stories: the one of the romantic Gatsby from October 1917 when he first met Daisy; an anodyne version of the story where Daisy weeps in the bathtub with Gatsby’s letter and is ready for the bridal dinner in half an hour; and one where the Buchanan newlyweds honeymoon in Hawaii and California and Daisy appears to adore Tom. Jordan met them in Santa Barbara because she was wintering there with her Aunt Justine. Then, the following April, the Buchanans’ daughter, Pammy, was born, and they set up in Chicago for three years before suddenly coming to New York. Jordan claims that the pair were “snug as oysters” before Nick and Gatsby showed up (127). She tells Nick that Gatsby is in love with Daisy, and he wants Nick to set up a meeting between the pair at his house. Nick inquires as to whether Daisy wants the meeting with Gatsby and Jordan ignores his question, reaffirming Nick’s obligation.

Nick invites Jordan for a Victoria cab ride around Central Park. They begin making out and Jordan finds another’s love bite on Nick’s neck.