The narrator, Jody, shares her life story, beginning with her childhood in North Dakota. She and her brother Josh were constantly competing, encouraged by their father. After her parents' divorce, Jody's mother, who had been financially unstable, married a wealthy man named Steve. Jody moved in with them and was introduced to a life of luxury. She started attending a private school, where she became part of a popular group and engaged in reckless behavior.
However, Jody's relationship with her father and brother became strained. She forgot her father's birthday and hurt his feelings. She also began to feel uncomfortable with her new lifestyle and the people around her.
One day, Jody's friends caused chaos at her home, and she was forced to clean up the mess with the help of Darcy, the butler's daughter. Jody realized she had been trying too hard to fit in with the wrong people and decided to talk to her mother about her feelings.
That night, Jody overheard her mother arguing with Steve, who was cheating on her. Jody's mother was desperate to keep her happy and willing to tolerate Steve's infidelity. Jody realized that her mother had been trying to buy her love with material possessions.
Jody decided to leave the mansion with her mother, and they started a new life together. They rented a small apartment and began a home baking business, which eventually took off. Jody reconnected with her father and brother and found happiness in her simpler life.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Joey, is from North Dakota.
2. Joey's dad made him and his brother Josh compete for everything.
3. Joey's parents got divorced when he was seven.
4. Joey stayed with his dad, and his mom visited them on weekends and special occasions.
5. Joey's mom got married to a real estate magnate named Steve.
6. Joey moved in with his mom and Steve, and he started attending a fancy private school.
7. Joey became friends with the butler's daughter, Darcy, who shared his love for baking.
8. Joey got into trouble for smoking, but Darcy covered for him.
9. Joey's brother Josh planned a surprise birthday party for their dad.
10. Joey forgot to bake a cake for his dad's birthday and hurt his feelings.
11. Joey's friends trashed Steve's house during a party, and Darcy helped Joey clean up.
12. Joey had a change of heart and apologized to Darcy for his behavior.
13. Joey overheard his mom and Steve arguing, and he discovered that Steve was cheating on his mom.
14. Joey's mom decided to leave Steve and start a new life with Joey.
15. Joey and his mom started a small baking business together.
16. Joey reconnected with his dad and brother, and he kept in touch with Darcy.