Part 2 introduces the core conflict in Gilda’s story—hiding her true identity as a lesbian atheist under the guise of being a heterosexual Catholic woman at her job as the church’s secretary. Gilda learns that previous secretary Grace left behind several things in her office—an unfinished romance novel and emails from a friend, Rosemary, who doesn’t know Grace died. The romance novel contains Grace’s suicide letter, which will be discovered in Part 5. The thought of breaking the news of Grace’s death to Rosemary sends Gilda into a panic. Gilda pretends to be Grace and exchanges emails with Rosemary in the hopes of keeping the other woman happy. Rosemary’s husband dies in the course of their correspondence, making Gilda feel as if she can never reveal Grace’s death.

Gilda’s brother Eli’s mental health worsens as he spends most of his time drunk and stealing medication and money from the family. Eli’s mental health is a point of contention between Gilda and her parents: Gilda wants them to get help for Eli, who lives with them, while her parents think it’s offensive to suggest that their son struggles with his mental health. Gilda’s mental health also continues to worsen as her apartment becomes dirtier, and she can’t shower because the activity is too daunting.