Maria made in a week, "is Rachel. I would be pleased if you used it. I am not some bitter old lady who needs to be reassured about how important she is.

“My husband is coming home in a few days," she said. Maria blinked at the sudden change of subject.

“He's a good man, but no better than I am when it comes to housework. In fact," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "he may be worse. He's an artist, and has a terrible habit of leaving his tools and brushes scattered all over.

"So I am wondering," she said, “if you might want to work for my family full-time. You would do what you already do, but we would be the only household you work for. You would have to quit your existing job, of course, but I can certainly improve on your salary. Heck, I would probably save money, considering how badly your boss is shafting the both of us. In addition to taking care of the house, you would also be responsible for my husband's workshop, if he chooses to move back here.

And sooner or Later Sarah is going to move out. She does a lot of the cooking for us now, so we are going to need someone to prepare meals."

"I can cook!" Maria said eagerly. Her head spun. This was a dream come true! “I love making good food! Although," she said, her voice faltering slightly, "my meals may be different than what americanos are used to."

Rachel laughed.

“Sarah is always trying out new recipes on Alex and myself," she said, taking Maria's hand. Her skin was dry and feverishly warm, the fingers seeming to tremble slightly.

“I think we can Live with what you make for us. Although if you ask, you might find that

Sarah is willing to teach you some of the recipes we're used to. And it would only be one meal a day, most times. We can take care of our own breakfast and Lunch.

“What else?" she continued. "Oh. Right. If you like, you can move in, as well. Rent-free. There is a small apartment over the garage which we've never used. It has its own kitchen and bathroom, and is hooked up to all our utilities, so you can avoid that expense. It's unfurnished, but we'll help you move your things up there if you like. It has its own entrance as well, so you would have complete privacy. You wouldn't have to worry about us barging in when you wanted to be alone.”

Maria's mind was a blank.

“Why do you do this for me?" Her accent deepened as her emotions threatened to take hold of her. She felt close to weeping. She had been living hand-to-mouth ever since she had graduated from her crumbling high school on the south side of Chicago.

For years she had cleaned the houses of the wealthy, getting a tantalizing glimpse of how they lived before being forced to exit, again and again.

"Why?" Rachel answered. "Because I can." Her hand gripped Maria's. "Too many people spend their time pushing others down. I want to Lift others up.

“However," she said, “there are a few conditions we must set."

“anything! Maria said eagerly.

The black-haired woman smiled, laying a finger on her lips.

“Be careful what you say. I might hold you to it." The look on her face made

Maria's stomach do a slow flip. She set her glass down on the table and moved closer. The click of the glass on wood was loud in the sudden silence.