On the first day of seventh grade, Peter worries that he will be treated like a new kid because his family spent the last school year living in New Jersey. However, to his relief, no one seems to have noticed his absence. Peter is relieved that Jimmy still attends his school, and as he spends time with Jimmy after school, Peter remembers the details of Jimmy’s parents’ divorce. Jimmy’s mother left him and his father, and although Jimmy doesn’t like to discuss the divorce, Peter knows it’s been hard on him.

At dinner, Fudge tells his family about his first day of school and how he already has a new best friend. Fudge tells Peter that his new friend’s first name is Rich, which is what Fudge wants to be when he grows up. The next day, Fudge brings Rich home after school. Rich’s family is wealthy, and Peter notes that Rich “brags about everything” (48); he tells Fudge and the Hatchers that his family has a beach house, and when he lost his first tooth, he got $80 from the tooth fairy and his family members. In addition to this bedroom, Rich has a separate room for his toys, and his grandma is “filthy rich” (45).