Contents
Chapter 14
Overview
Naomi spots Veronica at a supermarket and follows her, culminating in a charged confrontation. Veronica coolly asserts her place in Jeremy and Teddy’s lives and delivers a veiled threat. Naomi realizes Veronica doesn’t love Jeremy but is calculating, and resolves to hire the recommended lawyer and fight back.
Summary
Naomi sees Veronica’s distinctive Jetta at a supermarket and chooses not to avoid her. She fights the impulse to vandalize the car and instead trails Veronica through the aisles, observing her and noting the attention Veronica receives.
After Naomi accidentally topples a cracker display, Veronica approaches, politely reintroducing herself. Naomi retorts that it is her house and rejects the idea of co-parenting with Veronica. Veronica insists she will spend time with Teddy, provoking Naomi’s anger and jealousy.
Naomi accuses Veronica of manipulating Jeremy and predicts Jeremy will tire of her. Veronica counters with claims of love but displays a cold, calculated demeanor that convinces Naomi she doesn’t truly love Jeremy. A clerk forces Naomi to buy damaged crackers, while Veronica pointedly warns that Naomi’s grapes are a choking hazard, implying a threat.
Shaken, Naomi pleads with Veronica to leave Jeremy, emphasizing the family being torn apart. Veronica refuses, asserts that Jeremy and Teddy are her family too, and warns Naomi not to interfere. The encounter ends with Naomi recognizing the danger and deciding to contact the lawyer Cora recommended and fight back.
Who Appears
- NaomiProtagonist; follows Veronica in a supermarket, confronts her, senses manipulation, and decides to hire a lawyer to fight back.
- VeronicaJeremy’s girlfriend; coolly asserts her role with Teddy, issues a veiled threat, and reveals calculated motives rather than love.
- Supermarket clerkHelps Veronica reach an item; chastises Naomi for toppling crackers and makes her buy a damaged box.