How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I took the sign that Joe called him Pete, not Peter, as a good sign. I didn't hear then how Joe smacked his lips against the P and made it sound like an insult. I only heard the familiarity. (8.90)
When Peter first shows up for breakfast at the hotel, Joe acts like he doesn't remember serving in the war with him. But there's obviously some familiarity—and animosity—there. What's their history, anyway?
Quote #2
But here's the thing: Mom never had a nickname. Joe made it up. He conjured up the headline he wanted right of the air, like Mandrake the Magician. He sold it the way he sold appliances. (9.16)
Joe's a natural born salesman… which means that he's a natural born liar too. When it's just little things like elaborating their cute love story to the magazine, it's harmless—but later on, his lies take on a different, darker shape.
Quote #3
Mom and I never said anything to each other, but we didn't have to. She knew and I knew that it was better not to mention our drives with Peter. We struck a bargain, but we didn't have to talk about it. (16.54)
For some reason, Joe doesn't want Bev and Evie hanging out with Peter. But they're both infatuated with him in their own way, and so they agree to lie to Joe—or at least to omit the truth—when it comes to how much time they're spending with their handsome new beau.