she turned on the curling iron that she used every morning to straighten her hair , then turned it off and threw it back on the vanity . `` but you do n't want just a friendship . '' a tiny old woman stood in the kitchen doorway . i have to let the ladder sway a little . `` the man who was brought to you , '' she said . i pulled my arms out of the sleeves long enough to take off my bra . she licked her lips , instantly feeling queasy from their harsh taste . 