The next morning, Lawrence, Deuce, Junior, Mr. Dennis, Twyla, and Twyla’s mom drive to Charlotte. There, Lawrence sees all the large buildings, arenas, and people everywhere in his old city. Lawrence, Deuce, and Twyla wander around their giant hotel, checking out the pools, theater, and free snacks found on every level.

Deuce and Lawrence share a room. When they get back, Deuce asks Lawrence when he’s going to ask Twyla to be his girlfriend. He tries to convince him to do it that night. Lawrence dismisses him, thinking about how nervous he is. He is also afraid that he will lose her as a friend or, if she says yes, that he won’t know how to act as a boyfriend.

Deuce asks Twyla to play a game of chess in the lobby as an opportunity to get Lawrence alone with her. When the game is over, he suggests that Lawrence walk her back to her room.

In the elevator, Lawrence decides that he has to ask her, even though he is nervous and can hardly speak right.