Chapter 6 Summary

Brenda extends Neil's stay another week, until Labor Day, when Ron gets married. Neil will be her escort. The day after the wedding, Brenda will leave for school and Neil will return to work. The Patimkin family picks up Harriet at the airport. Neil ponders life without Brenda when she returns to Radcliffe, even though she has not hinted at ending their affair. He calls his Aunt Gladys to tell her he will be staying until Labor Day. She asks if he has clean underwear. Aunt Gladys is also concerned that he will stay too long and become too good for his family in Newark.

Carlota is cooking dinner in the kitchen and nibbles on the grapes. Neil shoots baskets on the lawn and practices golf swings. Nothing diverts him from his loneliness. He is sensing the hollowness that will come when Brenda...