Dinner At The Homesick Restaurant

Jenny visits a priest with her third husband, Joe. She has one child named Becky; Joe has six children. Now working as a pediatrician, Jenny met Joe when Joe’s wife left and one of his children became sick. They discuss their children with the priest, who then leaves. After Jenny prepares dinner, Slevin—one of Joe’s children—is missing. She checks Slevin’s room and finds him on his bed, listening to music. Though he does not want to go to dinner, she urges him down the stairs. Sitting at the table, she realizes that this is where she will be “forever” (167). Jenny visits Slevin’s school; some of Slevin’s scores are “straight off the top of the charts” (167), but his grades are poor, and he has been cutting school. The teacher suggests that Slevin may be having emotional issues due to his home life. Jenny dismisses this idea but promises to speak to Slevin.

Jenny works in her practice, and Ezra takes her out to lunch. In a rush, they grab a quick hamburger at a fast food restaurant. Ezra appreciates the communal atmosphere. Jenny thinks he is “endlessly appreciative” (170). Ezra shares a recently rediscovered collection of old

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