Unwelcome Encounter

After dinner with Martha, Valerie looked at the time and thought it was almost time to go home. She wanted to take Martha back, but Martha said someone had come to pick her up.

"Do you want me to drop you off on the way home?" Martha smiled gently.

Valerie shook her head and said, "No need. Mrs. Thorne, I haven't shopped alone for a long time. Would you like to buy something to eat?"

After saying