Summary

The short story “Nairobi” by Joyce Carol Oates begins with Oliver buying Ginny an outfit at the shops on Madison Avenue. She tries on several outfits, and Oliver chooses what she is going to wear. He then buys her some jewelry and an expensive pair of shoes. Ginny decides not to take her own shoes back with her.

On their way to an apartment in an expensive area of New York, Oliver explains to Ginny how he wants her to behave, telling her that she should act bored and not take part in the conversation. In the lift on the way up, Oliver looks at his reflection, and Ginny realizes they make a good pair.

In the apartment, they meet Marguerite and Herbert Crews. Marguerite chats with Oliver and asks him to stay with them at the weekend, but Oliver says he cannot make it and that they cannot stay long wi...