Chapter 8 Summary

At the beginning of 1919, Bess takes Willie to her house to meet her parents over dinner. Dinner conversation reveals that Willie's family is Catholic and the Endners are Baptist. Willie's family is from Ireland, while Bess's family is from Germany. Mr. Endner also finds out that Willie has been laid off from his past two job positions. When Bess and Willie meet the day after dinner, Bess tells Willie her father forbid her from seeing him anymore. Willie agrees to talk to Mr. Endner.

Mr. Endner tells Willie that he's not good enough for Bess. He even offers to write Willie a check if Willie signs an agreement saying he'll stay away from Bess. Bess and Willie secretly defy Mr. Endner and have secret rendezvous at Meadowport Arch. They also go with Happy and Eddie to one of the local bars to hang...