Chapters 27 and 28 Summary

Chapter 27

Pat tries to encourage Reese about going out for the team, but does not know about the interchange with the coach. There is a big lunch after mass at the family restaurant which Reese refers to as a "manger scene." The Italian uncles outside the church may be talking tough about George Karras; George decides not to attend the luncheon.

Reese enjoys the maternal attention he is getting from pretty girls at school, but attends the festivities on this day reluctantly.

He watches Sam's reaction to the elaborately decorated restaurant, including seeing his own face painted on the wall. Sam and Reese have a glass of champagne. The family makes a grand entrance and is greeted with sentimental music and a long round of applause. The hired brides and grooms dance, then the crowd dance the Italian tarantella. Sam teaches...