When Alfred arrives at the clubroom, the party is in full swing. James, however, is not there. Major assures Alfred, whom he calls "champ," that James will show up. Sonny also refers to Alfred as "champ." It is not likely that either could grasp Mr. Donatelli's concept of the word contender.
Initially, Alfred says that he can stay only a few minutes and is in training. Twice he turns down Major's offers of wine. However, the seduction of the party gets to him. Major's girlfriend, June, introduces Alfred to her cousin Arlene, a black girl with a blond wig, dizzying perfume, and an easy attitude. Alfred is surprised at how comfortably she enters his arms to dance to the low, funky blues. From Major, Alfred eventually accepts half an orange soaked with vodka. Major assures Alfred that it is good for him. The party becomes "a sweet, sticky blur." Arlene encourages Alfred to try marijuana, which he does. The only light in the clubroom burns out. More wine and marijuana come around. Alfred feels like he is in a nice, dark movie.
The next morning, still at the party, Alfred feels sick, halfway between intoxication and a hangover. James finally arrives and appears to have been living the hell of an addict. His face is thin. His eyes are sunken. His suit looks too big for him. He has come for a fix. Alfred tries to apologize for the burglar alarm at the grocer and to remind James of their friendship.
"That was kid stuff," says James. He takes a packet of white powder from Hollis and prepares to have a fix; Alfred wants to stop him but is too stoned himself to speak. Alfred falls to the floor and passes out.
