Houston, Sophomore Year (pp. 90-97) Summary

In order to maintain his going-to-work pretext, Steve leaves home five hours before his homecoming date appointment. He goes shopping and spends a huge amount on clothing and other date accessories, and then goes to Doug's house to kill some time. His nervousness irritates Doug who is glad when Steve finally dresses up and leaves for his date. He arrives at Dub's house early and meets her parents with an awkward formality. He tries to remember and execute all of Sarah's directives as the night slowly progresses. The date is an agony of minute events for Steve and he is relieved when some friends show up at the dance. They actually dance, and Dub finally asks Steve to dance, although he declines. Instead, Dub dances with some friends and Steve watches her movements and becomes...