Along for the Ride

The next morning, Heidi is amazed that Auden found the mistake in her payroll. She’s so thankful, she offers Auden a position as her accountant. Robert and Heidi argue about Auden visiting not to work but to enjoy family time—Robert’s clear jab at Heidi for her not accepting Auden as a babysitter. Auden takes the job, agreeing with Heidi that extra money before school would be great.

Her brother Hollis calls and laughs about the picture frame and how he purposely wanted it to be “cheap and ridiculous,” to earn the “stupidest” graduation gift award” (77). He thought she could switch out the picture in the frame frequently, to have “lots of best of times, each one topping the last” (78). His idea resonates with Auden, inspiring her further to seek adventures.

Auden heads to the boutique for work, where Maggie, Esther, and Leah are busy pricing clothes. Leah shows her the back office and supplies. Auden is put off by the vividly pink and orange office, complete with Hello Kitty and boas, but Heidi’s background in business shows. Her books are organized, the mistakes coming in the last few months while she was pregnant. Auden revels in numbers that make sense—no drama or guessing, just straight answers.