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“A camisole.”

“Good. It’s probably better if you take the sweater off.”

Just as Annie reached for the bottom of her sweater, they heard a shriek and a thump upstairs.

“They’re fine. They’re just playing,” Helen assured her. Annie pulled the sweater over her head and set it on the counter. Crossed her arms over her chest. Licked her bottom lip nervously.

“Now what?”

“Now lean over, just here.” Helen put a dish towel over the edge of the sink and pulled the sprayer out. “I’ll try not to make it too hot.”

“I don’t mind it hot,” Annie said, leaning over.

“Yeah. I remember.”

She turned on the water and stood behind Annie, gently pressing her hips as she leaned over her to get her hair up from her neck and under the water. Annie pushed back a little.

Helen shifted, leaned against her harder.

Then she turned the water off and stepped back. A towel was wrapped around her shoulders.

“Come on, kiddo.” Sal had reappeared. “Have a seat.”

* * *

“Why are we taking the freeway home when it’s only one exit?”

“Because look: puts her right to sleep.”

Annie glanced back. Ashley’s chin was resting against her chest, her head lolling slightly to one side. She was out.

“I think she had fun.”

“She had a blast!” Helen said. “I haven’t seen her smile like that since well before Bruce left.”

“What about her mom? Did you have fun?”

“I had a nice time,” Helen said. “I’ve had enough Paula Abdul to last a lifetime. But I concede that she is a great dancer.”

Annie laughed.

“What time does your flight leave?”

“Seven thirty, I think.”

“You need a ride?”

“I was going to take a cab.”

“I can take you.”

“I don’t want you to have to wake up the kids.”

“Sal’s spending the night,” Helen said. “She’s probably asleep in my bed right now. She won’t mind staying through breakfast.”

Annie had thought that maybe, after what happened earlier in the kitchen, she might find herself upstairs again. But with Sal there, that dream faded away.

It was for the best. She’d catch her plane, they’d have some time apart to cool down. When she came back, the quarter would start, and that would be that.