“Can we quit looking for a job and go back to the park to see the drummers?” Kurt asked.

“Are you kidding?” Kim said. “I just started looking, And you know what Mom says: Awinner never quits, and a quitter never wins. The corner market is just up the block. Let’s try them and see if they have a job for me.”

Kurt and Kim found the corner market. A bell rang as they went inside. There were all kinds of things for sale in the market. The walls and shelves were jammed with boxes and bags and cans.

“May I help you?” asked the man at the counter. He was a nice-looking man with gray hair and glasses. He spoke with an accent.

“Are you Alberto?” asked Kim.
“Yes, I am.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Kim. She shook his hand. “I’m trying to find a summer job. Beth and Tom at the gym suggested that I come to see you.”

“I wish I had a job for you,” Alberto said with a shrug. “You seem like a nice kid. But it is bad timing, I just hired someone last week. But I’ll keep you in mind for the next time.”

“Okay,” said Kim. “Would you call me if something opens up? My name and number are written on this card.”
Kim was all set to go. Then she felt a tug on her arm.

“Kim,” said Kurt, “all this job hunting is tiring me out. I could use a snack.”

“Okay,” said Kim. “What would you like?”
Kurt said, “I would like a lime gelato.”
Kim paid Alberto for the gelato.

“I was hoping you might pay me,” Kim said gp Albans with a smile. “But look how things ended up—with me paying you!”

The man smiled and handed Kim some coins in return.