Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Naomi learns Jeremy and Veronica are hosting a big sixth-birthday party for Teddy, inviting his entire class but excluding her. Teddy insists Naomi attend, forcing her to choose between discomfort and missing the event. Naomi resolves to go, underscoring the co-parenting conflict and Veronica’s encroachment.
Summary
Driving Teddy home from karate, Naomi lets him enjoy a cookie and notes he seems past the “elephant incident.” She asks about his upcoming sixth birthday, expecting to plan something herself.
Teddy reveals that Jeremy and “Ronnie” (Veronica) are throwing him a big party on Sunday morning and have invited his whole class. Veronica has promised an extra special present to make up for Teddy’s ruined elephant.
Naomi is blindsided and hurt that Jeremy organized the celebration without involving her, effectively positioning Jeremy and Veronica as a family unit. Teddy asks if Naomi will come; Naomi explains she wasn’t invited.
When Teddy insists he wants her there and says he will tell Jeremy to invite her, Naomi agrees. Despite anticipating an uncomfortable morning with Jeremy and Veronica, she commits to attending so she won’t miss Teddy’s birthday.
Who Appears
- NaomiMother and narrator; discovers Jeremy and Veronica planned Teddy’s party without her and resolves to attend for Teddy.
- TeddyTurning six; excited about a big party arranged by Jeremy and Veronica; asks Naomi to come.
- JeremyNaomi’s estranged husband; organizing Teddy’s class birthday party without inviting Naomi.
- Veronica (Ronnie)Jeremy’s partner; co-hosting Teddy’s party and promising an extra special gift to replace the ruined elephant.