The narrator planned ahead by cooking in the Crock-Pot and has fresh salad ingredients ready in the garden.
The family, consisting of five members, maintains the tradition of eating dinner together during harvest despite grown children having busy lives.
The children, though grown, choose to eat with their families except for specific days when they dine with friends or significant others.
Dinner conversation diverts to a man named Duke, whom the father, Joe, says was a well-liked and very athletic person.
Duke's handstand skill is highlighted and discussed, revealing Duke’s athletic past, including a brother named Sebastian who was a tennis player.
Joe and the narrator reminisce about watching Duke and Sebastian playing tennis intensely, knowing that Duke could never beat his brother.
It is revealed that Sebastian became a history teacher after his tennis career did not advance to the professional level.
As the dinner conversation changes course, Joe excuses himself to work in the barn, a nightly routine that the family knows is driven by exhaustion rather than necessity.
The family respects Joe's need for a post-dinner barn visit without arguing about his tiredness or the possibility to delay the chores.
As the story of the narrator's acting experience unfolds, we learn about her involvement in summer stock theater and past production of "Our Town."
The narrator meets and works with notable characters in the theater industry, including a celebrated stage director, Mr. Nelson, and the actor playing Uncle Wallace who is keen on making a good impression.
Duke, a fellow actor, and the narrator form a connection as they share memories, go for a walk by the lake, and Duke attempts to persuade her to smoke.
An intimate moment develops between Duke and the narrator, hinting at a developing romantic relationship.
The family's routine continues with phone calls interrupting dinner, Maisie leaving to help a neighbor with a sick calf, and discussions about pausing the ongoing family stories.
The narrator reflects on a time when the house was full of children and recognizes the rarity of having an empty house with Joe.
A humorous discussion about sexual appetite and memories between Joe and the narrator takes place, gently touching on their long-standing relationship.
The chapter ends with Joe asking the narrator to stay awake while he takes a shower, leaving the lights on in anticipation of one of the girls returning home.