Chapter 8 Summary

Kate's parents arrive at Dave's dinner party looking prim and proper. Behind them, Elsie arrives carrying a bag, which she refuses to let Dave take. She explains that she needs a hanky nearby; the word "hanky" is her code word for her handgun. In the midst of numerous questions directed at Dave, Michael Flynn asks about the tally marks on Kate's cast. Dave offers a lie about toe exercises, but Elsie immediately calls them on it, assuring them that the older people are not that gullible. Mr. Flynn then moves to question Dave about his sex life, and admonishes him to pace himself. When Dave then describes his lottery winnings, Mr. Flynn replies by stating that he does not gamble. Dave recognizes that Kate gets her drive from her father. He notes that this inhibited any time for playing in Kate's upbringing, as...