Chapter 11 Summary

The next day, John Nickel has to resist the urge to tell Marion that Fay wants him to marry her. He is aware that she wants him back, and at breakfast he asks her how her visit to the hospital went. They joke about the arrangement they will have taking care of Franklin if she returns. Franklin comes to the table and tells his father that he wants to be a drummer when he grows up. John is surprised that Franklin remembers watching him drum and can play perfect time with the spoons. Marion is mortified, but John leaves the Woodmoores' glowing.

When John arrives at Muddy's, Cyndi immediately accosts him regarding Carl. She is angry, too, that John has decided against giving her more responsibility, and he invites her to quit. Fay asks him if he has put any though into marrying...