Andy returns to Connecticut to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with her parents; her sister, Jill; and Jill’s husband, Kyle. She tries to explain to the family what she does at the magazine, but they have only a dim understanding, except for Andy’s sister:

Jill rolled her eyes and shot me a look as if to say, Cut the bullshit, Andy. We all know you’re probably working for a psycho bitch surrounded by anorexic fashionistas and are trying to paint this really rosy picture because you’re worried you’re in over your head (78).

In mid-December, one of Miranda’s many faux crises embroils Andy. The editor demands a copy of the new Harry Potter book for her twin daughters two days before its release. Andy must call the publisher and scramble to send the books to Miranda in Paris via a private plane. Over the weekend, Andy receives an icy phone call claiming that the books didn’t arrive.

Another weekend is ruined as Andy frantically traces the shipment. As it turns out, only one book was sent, but it did arrive on time. Miranda’s message was deliberately misleading. Andy thinks, “She’d called to drive me a little crazier, push me a little bit harder. She’d called to dare me to defy her.