AWLL3 — Book 5 — The Pumpkin Patch

Last updated through AWLL3.5 ch 68.

Book summary

AWLL3.5 The Pumpkin Patch spans July–December 2002 through the Adams household's post-Europe summer and a volatile fall. Birgit at fourteen drives the title: Kjell in Sweden, then Peter, Philip, Bob, Julie, and Tomás in Chicago — photography club, karate (under-eighteen championship), and her abandoned father fantasy. Steve juggles Bethany's Smart Teens; Smart Choices feud (lawsuit threats, vice-cop tangents, negotiated revisions), NIKA IRS audit, Cincinnati Volstead outreach, Arizona GlucoTech, San Francisco (Keiki, Raven mindfucks), and dalliances (Talia, Danielle, Sherrie). Jesse's undefeated hockey season, Scarlett/Larisa/Viktoria threads, and Ebele's family crisis run parallel. Book ends December 23: flight-delay flirtation with Emma, then Steve Samet at the door claiming to be Steve's half-brother — launching AWLL3.6.

Chapter summaries

• Chapter 1 — July 17, 2002, Stockholm, Sweden — A Pleasurable Night All-Around — Birgit loses her virginity to Kjell in a tent after the skating competition; Steve wins his bet with Elin and celebrates with Kara, Jessica, and Suzanne at the hotel.
• Chapter 2 — July 18, 2002, Östersund, Sweden — Swedish Friends, Russian Friends, and Ancient History. — Steve and wives visit Tina's farm; Ashley hears Tina's origin story. Officers' dinner in Russia; Jesse meets Svetlana Smirnova and Andrei's family.
• Chapter 3 — July 22, 2002, Saint Petersburg, Russia — You Impudent Whelp! — Jesse toasts with Russian officers, meets Svetlana's brother's hockey family, and flirts with the lieutenant; parents reinforce no-procuring rules for Birgit.
• Chapter 4 — July 24, 2002, Saint Petersburg, Russia — Age of Frustration — Svetlana visits Jesse's suite; Steve meets her in Russian. Katt counsels Jesse on age and consent after Mikael's disclosure.
• Chapter 5 — July 28, 2002, Stockholm, Sweden — Libidos Unleashed — Steve fulfills the Elin skating wager; Birgit spends the night with Kristina per Katt's arrangement while Kjell waits.
• Chapter 6 — July 31, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things — Jesse reconnects with Viktoria; Father Basil schedules a meeting about parish transfer. Hockey camp and goalie-coach work resume.
• Chapter 7 — August 5, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — YOU BASTARD! — Tom and Bethany feud cancels the welcome-home party; Jesse and Nicholas start hockey tryouts. Birgit and Peter's physical relationship escalates.
• Chapter 8 — August 6, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater — Birgit gives Peter his first blowjob and sex; nickname Pumpkin sticks. Jesse plans a scaled-back sauna party and discusses parental fear with Angelina.
• Chapter 9 — August 8, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — I'm Happy For You — Jesse and Viktoria reunite; Steve's lawyers dismiss Bethany/Rhodes tort threat over the book. Rachel thanks Steve for the McCarthy/Jenkins job and raises Ken Allison.
• Chapter 10 — August 11, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Dangerous — Angelina and new cheerleaders visit the sauna; Michael and Andi at a Sox game. Steve meets Sonya from Mayo — beginning of Rochester arc.
• Chapter 11 — August 13, 2002, Rochester, Minnesota — Time For the Next Stage of My Life — Steve and Sonya's hotel liaison; Jesse gets the season schedule. Coach Nelson demands effort from the hockey team.
• Chapter 12 — August 16, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — There Are Some Things a Dad Just Doesn't Need to Know! — Doctor Mary clears Steve for karate sparring; Birgit hosts a movie night. Jesse brings Robin home; Jennifer shares a family secret with Birgit.
• Chapter 13 — August 17, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Limits — Jesse and Robin in his room; Birgit buys and tests her first vibrator. Jennifer hints at Kara's hidden history.
• Chapter 14 — August 18, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — I'm Tendering My Resignation — Kristin and Erika's eight-hour Playroom session with Steve; Jesse picks up Scarlett. Birgit cleared for sparring; Peter routine established.
• Chapter 15 — August 24, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — And she's right! — Ashley's eleventh birthday; Steve spars with private students. Birgit competes at the karate tournament; homework assignments from Steve.
• Chapter 16 — August 27, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A First Takeoff — Jesse visits Larisa in DC; Michael starts robotics season. Birgit and Steve lunch date after tournament matches.
• Chapter 17 — August 31, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Necessary Changes — Birgit loses her karate bout to a tall opponent; Steve picks up Jessica from the hospital. Labor Day party prep; Angelina's basement dance.
• Chapter 18 — September 2, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Pumpkin Has a New Hobby — Labor Day attic dance stays platonic amid Bethany tension; Jesse and Estefana after Penny's party. Steve eyes the JAG lieutenant.
• Chapter 19 — September 6, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Not the Weakest of the Herd! — Steve's day with Julie; Jesse tells Angelina he won't go steady. Birgit's diner note to an older man draws Steve's protective review.
• Chapter 20 — September 8, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words — Philip won't see past Birgit's age; Steve teaches critical thinking at UofC. Birgit defends herself in Philosophy Club debate.
• Chapter 21 — September 12, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — The Return of the Well-Oiled Machine — Steve's Hiroshima ethics seminar with Al; Jesse's 5–0 shutout opens the season. Philip agrees to Starbucks dates; poker night.
• Chapter 22 — September 15, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — I Have News — Birgit's date with Philip — SCA, rapier combat, Magic. Antoinette's mindfuck assignment. Stephie divorces Ed, keeps Scheffler-Adams name.
• Chapter 23 — September 16, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — You're An Odd Duck! — Detective Shanahan asks Steve about vice cops and Julie Richman. Bethany's attorney offers a book-revision compromise.
• Chapter 24 — September 19, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Bluff? — Birgit dates Philip while seeing Peter; Steve and Liz prep a recorded meeting with Bethany. Matthew and Maggie stage-kiss talk.
• Chapter 25 — September 20, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Model Attitude — Philip watches The Princess Bride in Birgit's room; Nicholas's mom may let him stay at Kenwood. Birgit and Bob after photography club.
• Chapter 26 — September 22, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Compromise — Birgit bakes for Philip; Nicholas visits Jesse after his father's hospital scare. Tom, Bethany, and Steve negotiate book revisions.
• Chapter 27 — September 25, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A New Approach to Life — Matthew argues against socialism in class; Steve demos Phoenix browser. Birgit plans candid photos with Bob; movie night with gang.
• Chapter 28 — September 28, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Clothing Optional — Bob shoots Birgit's all-day candid project; Jesse tracks shifts as Pete starts in goal. Birgit learns family history from Kara.
• Chapter 29 — September 30, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — «Upphetsad» — NIKA IRS audit prep; Jesse tutors Ebele amid Robin's 'pervert' rumor. Steve considers SpaceX contacts.
• Chapter 30 — October 3, 2002, Oswego, Illinois — Delay of Game(s) — Matthew's Music Man performance; Birgit juggles Philip, Bob, Julie, and Peter. Jesse's team wins despite a bad high-stick goal.
• Chapter 31 — October 5, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Talented Tongues — Poker night with Nomura; Birgit and Bob photograph the game. Julie learns oral technique; choir Christmas music debate.
• Chapter 32 — October 11, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — I Am Going To Shoot Your Father! — Birgit flies to New York; Steve meets Volstead in Cincinnati and Aurora/Shannon in NYC. Vegas craps with poker crowd.
• Chapter 33 — October 12, 2002, New York, New York — New York, New York — Birgit and Marcella at Gotham Café; Steve with Aurora and Shannon. Jesse at Joyce's; Marcella's closeted life.
• Chapter 34 — October 13, 2002, Greater Cincinnati, Ohio — You're Still A Kid — Steve's Cincinnati farewell; Birgit and Marcella — age-of-consent reality. Gabriel the driver won't risk Illinois law.
• Chapter 35 — October 14, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Great Shot — Birgit teases Steve about Gabriel; photography with Bob. Philip returns — Birgit prepares for intimacy.
• Chapter 36 — October 19, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Negative Encounters — Birgit navigates Philip's inexperience; Jesse and Ebele in the mirrored guest room. Bob porch-collage project with Fangsu.
• Chapter 37 — October 21, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — It's Normal For Teenagers — Ebele's grandmother explodes over the sauna; Gbadebo Adeoye confronts Steve. Birgit threatens Troy for harassing Muslim girls.
• Chapter 38 — October 25, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Kara Decides — Kara books San Francisco for Keiki; Bethany and Beltway sniper news. Birgit and Philip at Medici; Audrey chats Steve up.
• Chapter 39 — October 27, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Sleeping Beauty — Birgit and Bob's sexual partnership; Fangsu wants Jesse's hockey introductions. Meghan will get Bob's photography secret.
• Chapter 40 — November 1, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Talia — Sheltered Talia/Elizabeth asks Steve to make her a 'bad girl'; sings Only the Good Die Young. First times in the Playroom.
• Chapter 41 — November 2, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Proposition — Ashley counsels Birgit on Philip's inexperience; Talia leaves for Starbucks. Marcella has an NYU girlfriend.
• Chapter 42 — November 5, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Fantasy — Birgit journals her father fantasy, then sets it aside. Dante sends Steve four acquisition targets. Danielle plans her Footloose church rebellion.
• Chapter 43 — November 8, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — One Seriously Warped Individual — Danielle's weekend with Steve; Birgit's Girl Gang on male behavior. Hannah learns Steve's type and virgin preference.
• Chapter 44 — November 9, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — That's…Crazy! — Jesse, Mitch, and Fangsu lunch; Viktoria wants sex in her bed. Danielle learns the triad is 'a circus'.
• Chapter 45 — November 11, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Bed Her Well! — Steve, Kara, and Danielle's threesome; Ashley defends Steve's dalliances to Stephie. Michael at robotics.
• Chapter 46 — November 11, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — You're Free — Danielle's deflowering watched by Kara; Francesca visits Jesse. Natalie explains the Compound's open culture.
• Chapter 47 — November 13, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Deal Maker — Steve drives Danielle to Trinity; Jesse and Missy at Tabitha's Starbucks. Alec will meet a prison contact.
• Chapter 48 — November 15, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Explorations and Missteps — Arizona trip prep; Birgit's threesome offer to Bob and Meghan. Philip says 'I love you' — Birgit must clarify.
• Chapter 49 — November 16, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Another Fine Mess — Steve counsels Kara on Birgit jealousy; Philip's misunderstanding. Bethany counselor licensing fight with Steve.
• Chapter 50 — November 16, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Do I Look Stupid? — Bethany settlement explained to wives; Birgit consults Katy on Philip. Luna's STI test for Jesse.
• Chapter 51 — November 20, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — What Are You Doing Here? — Missy and Jesse set nudity boundaries; Steve flies to Tempe for GlucoTech due diligence.
• Chapter 52 — November 20, 2002, Tempe, Arizona — Ups and Downs — Steve reunites with CeCe at ASU; GlucoTech meetings with John and Amelia. Miyu challenges Steve postpartum.
• Chapter 53 — November 23, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Truth and Reconciliation — 3–1 over Chicago Latin; Penny's deal with Birgit. Jesse and Missy detained by police at the Compound alley.
• Chapter 54 — November 25, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — I'm Anti-Stupidity — Police interview Jesse and Missy with Kelly Seavers; Waco/Ruby Ridge rap session. Neighbor incident resolved.
• Chapter 55 — November 27, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — You're Just No Fun, Dad! — Scarlett visits; Thanksgiving prep. Steve tells Birgit why father-daughter sex cannot happen — parallels Philip.
• Chapter 56 — November 30, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — You're Stalling — Birgit wins under-eighteen karate with a knee strike; Kevin's coach suspended. Kjell plans a Christmas visit.
• Chapter 57 — December 2, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Blast From the Past — NIKA Annex demolition planning; Missy proposes a threesome. Brenda gets a new phone; telecom monopoly debate.
• Chapter 58 — December 6, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Aren't You Curious? — Columbus weekend — Sheriff Emmy, Clarissa Saunders. Birgit's Bond movie night; Steve meets Sherrie in Ohio.
• Chapter 59 — December 7, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Who Provided the Referral? — Birgit and Tomás; Jesse and Zahra in the Jacuzzi. Peter and Luna after church.
• Chapter 60 — December 7, 2002, Rutherford, Ohio — A Surprise Business Proposal — Steve deflowers Sherrie; Jesse drives Luna to Orthodox Liturgy. Albert's flight training; Libby flirts.
• Chapter 61 — December 14, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — What a Bunch of Fucking Assholes! — Jesse stops Nicole's penalty shot; 3–1 over Oak Park. NIKA legal strategy; Ned offers Pittsburgh help.
• Chapter 62 — December 16, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — Are You a Cult Leader? — Nadia's dark-dreams chat; Jessica's fortieth birthday. Steve on consent philosophy with Philosophy Club.
• Chapter 63 — December 18, 2002, San Francisco, California — Hers and His First Times — Keiki's four-day San Francisco visit; Matthew and Maggie's religious parents. Zahra covers for Fangsu and Mitch.
• Chapter 64 — December 21, 2002, Chicago, Illinois — A Serious Mindfuck — Birgit and Tomás; Keiki departs. Raven's Philosophy Club / subversive recruitment over lunch.
• Chapter 65 — December 22, 2002, San Francisco, California — The Mindfuck Continues — Raven takes the red pill; Steve's seduction-through-ideas. Extended session expectations vs. reality.
• Chapter 66 — December 22, 2002, San Francisco, California — Holy God! — Raven's intense night with Steve; multiple orgasms before intercourse.
• Chapter 67 — December 23, 2002, San Francisco, California — Flight Delay — Raven's farewell; flight delay at SFO. Steve heads home for Christmas Eve.
• Chapter 68 — December 23, 2002, San Francisco, California — What is it you want? — Steve and Emma (Diana Dietz's daughter) flirt on the delayed flight; First Class upgrade. Ends as Steve Samet knocks at the door.