According to this passage, Margarita’s thoughts help the reader infer that Mrs. Flowers “thinks of Momma as a friend”. Evidence is shown in the passage that when Momma and Mrs. Flowers are talking, Mrs. Flowers is giggling but not to make fun of Momma’s way of speaking but because of what Momma is telling her. Also, by mentioning in the text that they engaged in an “<em>intimate conversation</em>” shows that Mrs. Flowers is not embarrassed or does not feel superior to Momma. Instead, what this passage shows is that Margarita is embarrassed by Momma’s way of speaking: “<em>I waited for the ground to open up and swallow me</em>”.
Answer:
"ahead in your career" fits well here
1/2 of a serving is how much it is equal to
