Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club

Florence narrates in 1956.

Florence, who dislikes surprises, attempts to convince her husband, Gustav, to turn back from his surprise trip to Bear Jaw to celebrate their wedding anniversary. She dreads facing Floyd and dislikes Gustav’s eagerness to have unprotected sex with the hope of conceiving, something Florence agreed to while drinking and doesn’t know how to take back. She looks forward to seeing Al, however, whom she still considers “the love of her life” and who still works at the Lakeside (201).

Florence and Gustav have dinner at the Lakeside with several of Florence’s school friends and their spouses. Florence admires the improvements made to the Lakeside, while Gustav notes the mounted deer head (which came from Archie’s house). As Gustav raises a toast to their 15 years of marriage, Florence sees that he will be an excellent father, even as she knows she will be a terrible mother.

When the promised live band fails to arrive, Gustav and some high school band members put on an impromptu performance. The whole restaurant joins in, playing or dancing. When Florence takes a break, she meets Al outside. Al is divorced; they discuss his potential upcoming date with a local widow. Al confesses he still has feelings for Florence though leaves it to her to decide what, if anything, to do with that information.