“What the hell are you talking about?â€? Adam demanded.

“I’m talking about how absolutely insane it is that some slob like you managed to get her –â€? he gestured at Kate, “to live with you, and you actually develop all kinds of problems around it.â€?

“I knew it!â€? Adam acted like he’d won the fight. “You’re after my girlfriend!â€?

“Adam wants to live with me,â€? Kate said at the same time.

“Then why is it that every place I show you,â€? Joe spoke softly to Kate, knowing the truth would hurt her, and hoping that his tone could cushion the blow somehow, “you love and he hates it? It’s too high up, it’s too close to the ground, the sink’s too big?â€? He looked back at Adam, “What man even notices a sink?â€?

“It took up too much of the counter space,â€? Adam evaded.

“But you don’t cook,â€? Kate almost whispered.

“I think there’s more to it than that. Why are you constantly finding problems with otherwise great apartments?â€?

“Good question,â€? Kate sounded like it had just occurred to her. “Why is that?â€?