e has two rocky relationships himself---with his wife and a girl friend. His girl friend is also alcoholic. She brought him to the facility. J.P. was brought by Roxy's father and brother.
While J.P. and the narrator are talking on the porch, Frank Martin comes out and tells a story about Jack London, a macho-type writer. It is a lecture disguised as a story. Frank ends it by saying, "We could have helped Jack London." Jack London died of alcoholism. "If he'd let us. If he'd asked for our help. Hear me? Like we can help you. If. If you ask and if you listen" (164).
The narrator is estranged from his wife, and his girl friend has not called since bringing him in. She might have cancer, but he doesn't want to know about it while he is in the facility. He hates her son, who is obviously rebellious.
As the narrator becomes more sober he thinks more about reaching out to his wife or girl friend, but he has left such wrecked relationships with both of them that he is afraid to call.
The narrator tells about another man who is in denial about his alcoholism and tells unbelievable stories which is not unusual for alcoholics. The narrator's appetite comes back and he eats Tiny's steak because Tiny is still shaken from his seizure.
The men watch TV. New Years Eve celebrations are on. Frank brings in a cake. J.P. tells the narrator his wife Roxy is coming to visit the next day. The narrator calls his wife. She's not home. He calls his girl friend, then hangs up because he decides he doesn't want to talk to here. He doesn't want to know if she has cancer.
The next morning---New Year's Day---J.P. tells the narrator that he told Roxy not to bring their kids. He is ashamed that he is an alcoholic and staying at Frank Martin's. Roxy arrives. The narrator feels drawn to Roxy. but Roxy and J.P. want to be by themselves. The narrator asks for a good luck kiss from Roxy, a reference to J.P.'s story when he first met Roxy. Roxy gives t...