Kate let herself in the front door with the key Carol had provided and found her host unloading the dishwasher in the kitchen. She snuck up behind her. “Need any help?” Kate said loudly.
Carol dropped a metal mixing bowl that clanged to the linoleum and wobbled under the table. She clutched her chest as she whirled around. “What in the world?”
Kate stood with her arms folded. “I thought since you were such a great help to me today, I"d return the favor.”
suchCarol smiled weakly. “It was no problem at all.” Her face wrinkled in confusion. “What did I help with?”
Kate put her hands on her hips. “As a matter of fact, a lot, as it turns out. You reminded me of the reasons why I live in a big city.”
Carol pretended to straighten a loose lock of hair. “I"m still not sure—”
Kate gave an exa
