He reached into his apron pocket and took out a thick folded cloth napkin.

He knelt down and held the folded napkin out to me so I could wipe off my shoe.

“Thank you,” I said.

“That’s very sweet of you.”

The heavy wooden door flew open so hard it slammed into the wall.

Vanessa filled the doorway, blocking the way out.

The bright light from the main floor outlined her heavy pearl gown.

She looked at Leo kneeling on the floor, and then at me.