“Good idea,â€? Adam’s enthusiasm was too much. He’s not really that stupid, is he? “Hey, Joe, add ‘tool shed’ to the list, ok?â€? Yes, yes he is.

“You’ve got to be joking!â€?

“Speaking of carpentry, did you notice the detail on the cupboards?â€? Joe spoke loudly as he walked to the kitchen. Kitchen’s too small, he thought dismissively, you never even set foot in the kitchen.

Kate followed, stamping her feet a bit. Adam dragged after her. “The kitchen’s just fine,â€? she said defensively. “Look, the stove, fridge and sink are all in a perfect triangle, just like that cooking show said they should be. And there’s a microwave, a dishwasher, and a sink with one of those spray hoses.â€?

“And a garbage disposal,â€? Joe said pointedly.

“And a garbage disposal,â€? Kate added.

“It’s not good enough.â€?

“Wow. Joe was right. You’re trying to avoid living with me.â€?