Although it is banned, it attracts the attention of prominent and influential disc jockey John Murray (Bruce Davison) who, despite the negative attention of the song, credits Denise with sparking the craze for girl groups. Denise then suggests that she and Howard should write a wedding-themed song for the Luminaries. Howard says he does not believe in marriage, but when Denise reveals that she is pregnant with Howard's child, they are married and have a daughter. Life is idyllic for Denise with a family and successful songwriting career. Milner then recruits the beautiful English songwriter Cheryl Steed (Patsy Kensit), who immediately catches Howard's eye, and ultimately Denise's disdain. Cheryl diffuses the flirtation by informing the couple that she already has a songwriting partner—her husband Matthew (Chris Isaak). Joel tasks Denise and Cheryl with collaboration on a song for the ingénue singer Kelly Porter (Bridget Fonda). The women protest but, nevertheless, bond over the realization that the young songstress is in a closeted lesbian relationship. Their song "My Secret Love" is the hit that is born out of this situation. Denise arrives home unexpectedly and finds Howard in bed with another woman; not long afterward, she learns that she is pregnant with Howard's second baby; Cheryl convinces her to see an obstetrician, who safely performs an illegal abortion. Denise and Cheryl then become close friends. Over the next few years, Denise throws herself into her work and becomes highly successful. Having broken up with Howard, she has a brief but unhappy affair with the married John Murray, which ends when he moves with his family to Chicago. In 1966, Denise is despondent over the end of her affair with Murray. As a means of cheering her up, Milner finally offers to send Denise to the studio to sing for herself. As added incentive, he offers the production assistance of California wunderkind Jay Phillips to produce her single. She is initially hesitant, saying she finds the whole "surf and turf" sound laughable. She writes and sings "God Give Me Strength," and is delighted by Jay's skillful orchestral arrangement. Her record, however, bombs. Between the loss suffered by her foundering single and the advent of the British invasion. Milner's fortunes are depleted. Denise blames herself for making the song too personal and bankrupting Joel. He tells her she did more for him than she realized and that it was time for then both to move on.