Zoe's mother, Linda, came out of her bedroom, carrying a laundry basket. "Zoe, I'm doing a load of delicates if you have any to wash."
"Hello, Mrs. Gibson," Sarah said, politely.
"Hello, Sarah. What are you girls up to?" Linda said, politely.
"We just came from the mall, and Zoe picked up this cute top..." Sarah said.
"You didn't buy it for her again, did you?" Linda said.
"No, Mrs. Gibson," Sarah said.
Linda put a hand on Sarah's shoulder. "I understand the money isn't important to you...and I wish I had that problem...but..."
"I understand."
"Thank you. Now, are you staying for dinner?"
"Can I?" Sarah asked.
"You know you are always welcome," Linda said. "I mean, sometimes I wonder if your parents remember to feed you."
"They are out a lot," Sarah said. "I mean, business trips, charity dinners, business dinners..."
Linda sighed. All the money she could want, and she still felt a bit sorry for Sarah. The girl clearly preferred her best friend's family to her own. She hoped she'd been a good influence on the girl, for all the time she spent here.
