Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Chapter 1

Beth tells her husband she only likes their baby, as she prepares to take their three children along on a trip to Chicago for her high school reunion. Beth deliberately tries to torture her husband, Pat, who manages a family restaurant named Cappadora's. Vincent, the eldest, is unhappy and distanced from his mother. Younger brother Ben in contrast, is an affable, undemanding thee year old. The marriage between Pat and Beth is strained, at best, and Beth is apparently not enjoying her roles as wife and mother. Pat is not invited on this trip.

Beth looks forward to getting drunk with her old friends from her high school, called Immaculata, particularly her best childhood friend Ellen and her first love Nick. She is in a childish mood, and has brought her husband's young cousin, Jill, along to watch the children...