Not a Date

Summary

• The chapter begins with Tova, the protagonist, arriving at Ethan's house for a scheduled dinner, insistent that it is not a date.
• She brings a bottle of wine as a gift for Ethan, sourced from Barbara who was keen for Tova to carry it along.
• Tova has agreed for a quick visit, as she's preoccupied with her upcoming move and research about a character named Daphne Cassmore. She ponders if Ethan might even be her friend.
• Tova finds Ethan's house intriguing, with an extensive record collection and framed concert posters of the Grateful Dead, Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. She finds Ethan's kitchen surprisingly clean and they engage in small talk.
• She spots a pair of Cameron's sunglasses and thanks Ethan for opening his home to Cameron. Ethan discusses his desire for a bustling family home, having grown up in a large family.
• Tova enjoys the meal Ethan prepares, until Cameron enters in a state of annoyance. He has a private discussion with Ethan out of Tova's earshot.
• During their absence, Tova decides to clean up the kitchen, finding it a wreck post-dinner. She washes the dishes and wipes down counters using an old t-shirt found as a rag. She reflects on the male tendency to hoard oddities, as observed in her husband Will and ponders Ethan's need for someone like her in his life.
• When Ethan and Cameron return, Cameron exits immediately, while Ethan seems tense. Tova confesses to cleaning up the kitchen, causing Ethan to become upset over the use of a specific old T-shirt as a rag, revealing it was a rare specimen from a Grateful Dead concert.
• Tova suggests using bleach to remove the red wine stain from the rag, but admits it will most likely fade the rest of the print too. Ethan appears upset but lets it go.
• Tova decides to leave in haste, despite Ethan's attempt to convey some important news - the original reason she was invited to dinner. The chapter ends with Tova leaving Ethan's house abruptly.