Act 2, Scene 1

The boys receive another letter from Eddie, informing them that he was briefly hospitalized due to exhaustion. Arty is unwell, so Grandma Kurnitz instructs Jay to deliver her notorious mustard soup to him. Jay mentions that men searching for Louie had called and left a message with him. The boys deduce that Louie is betraying the mob. Grandma Kurnitz enters the room, chastising Jay for taking too long with the soup delivery. Arty refuses to consume the dreadful soup until Grandma Kurnitz threatens him with force. After she departs, Louie enters, having just woken from a nap. He acknowledges Arty's courage for standing up to Grandma Kurnitz. Louie reveals he plans to leave that night before the men searching for him arrive and then heads to take a shower. Jay returns, upset that Grandma Kurnitz made him pay for three pretzels, claiming some kids stole them. Jay plans to ask Louie if he can accompany him when he leaves, hoping to earn money to support their father.

Bella arrives, announcing she intends to tell the family that evening about her upcoming marriage. She exits, and Louie re-enters the room. Jay asks Louie if he can join him when he departs, but Louie declines and becomes angry when Jay implies he doesn't want to engage in criminal activities like Louie. When Jay offers to carry Louie's mysterious black bag, Louie becomes enraged, suspecting the boys have been prying. He attempts to coerce Arty into opening the bag, but Jay bravely intervenes to protect a frightened Arty. Louie admires Jay's bravery but explains there is no work for him, as Louie is shutting down his operations and leaving town. Grandma Kurnitz enters and insists that Louie stay for dinner that evening as Bella requested. She returns some money Louie left on her dresser, refusing it because she disapproves of how he earned it.

Act 2, Scene 2

Eddie sends a letter to Grandma Kurnitz along with money for the boys' meals and Arty's medication. That evening, after dinner, Louie is eager to leave town but is delayed by Bella, who is waiting for the right moment to announce her plans to marry. Louie grows increasingly impatient and refuses to sit until Grandma Kurnitz scolds him. Unsure of how to begin, Bella receives help from Jay, who starts asking her questions. This leads to the revelation that Bella has been seeing the head usher at the movie theater. Louie, now worried, forgets his plans to leave. Bella eventually announces her intention to marry the usher, Johnny, who has a learning disability, and shares their dream of opening a restaurant together. When Louie presses for more details, Bella admits they need five thousand dollars for the restaurant and reveals Johnny has previously lived in a home for the mentally impaired. The family is stunned, and Grandma Kurnitz tells Bella to be quiet. However, Bella delivers a heartfelt speech about her desire to have children and promises they will be happier than the Kurnitz children because she will be gentler. Grandma Kurnitz leaves the room in response.

Act 2, Scene 3

Arty writes to Eddie, explaining that tensions have risen at home. Jay and Arty note that Bella has been absent for two nights. Aunt Gert emerges from Grandma Kurnitz's room, informing them that Bella has been staying with her, unbeknownst to Grandma Kurnitz. After Gert departs, Grandma Kurnitz emerges, visibly unsettled by the recent events. Bella enters the scene, but Grandma Kurnitz instructs her to leave.

The boys depart, and Bella confronts her mother, who tries to claim that Bella's...