"I have to beg him for it!" she said, half-aloud.

Tears welled in her eyes. She was preparing herself for a good cry when the phone rang.

"Hi, Tammy," the woman said after Tammy had answered. "This is Nora."

It was useless to attempt fooling Nora about anything. They had been friends since school, and she could read Tammy's mind just from the tone in her voice.

"Is it Kevin again?" she asked Tammy.

"Yes," Tammy answered in a whisper.

"Well, I've told you what to do about it, but you wouldn't listen," Nora said.

Tammy thought about the past two years with Kevin. At first, it seemed that they were perfectly matched. He had awakened her young sexuality, taught her everything she knew, and just when it was getting to be perfect, he seemed to have lost all interest in sex. Nora had suggested that Tammy get a lover, and Tammy had been scandalized at the mere thought.

"Did you hear what I said?" Nora asked, interrupting Tammy's thoughts.

"Yes, but…"

"Look," Nora said, "if you're not getting it at home, you have every Goddamned right to get it someplace else!"

Tammy started to say something, but Nora cut her off.

"Come on over, can you?" she said. "I've got an idea. I think you might be able to solve your other problem."

"What do you mean?" Tammy asked.

"Come on over. Now. You'll find out."

Tammy was torn between her love for Kevin and the unsatisfied desires of her body. She knew if she went over to see Nora, she might be convinced to do something she didn't want to do, but had to do.

She changed clothes and walked to the car, not even looking at Kevin.

"Where you going?" he asked over the roar of the motor.

"To Nora's," she answered.

"Have fun," he said.

"Don't worry, I will."

Nora greeted Tammy with a hug. "Sit down," she said, leading the depressed woman to the couch. Nora sat down beside her.