Chapter 2 Summary

Astrid waits for her mother in Crossroads of the World, where her mother's office is located. She is drawing sketches of figures from books such as Carmen and Gretel. This is how she spends the summer. One morning, Ingrid leaves her office at eleven or so. Astrid assumes that she's taking her to an early lunch and is astonished to find that her mother is going on a date with Barry Kolker. She thought the gamelan concert would be the last time to see him.

Barry, Ingrid and Astrid are going to the racetrack in Santa Anita. Ingrid is disdainful of Barry's attire until she realizes that everyone else at the tracks is dressed like him. Her horse, Medea's Pride, wins. Uncharacteristically she laughs and hugs Astrid and Barry. Astrid's never seen her like this, excited and laughing. She seems so young. During...