"You're nuts," Maggie said. "You're out of your tree. Go home? Why on earth would I want to go home? I'm having a great time."

"But this is not you, Maggie," Tracy protested. "It's not," Maggie said. "I suppose you'd have me with a husband and half a dozen kids hanging onto me."

"Yes," Tracy said. "That wouldn't be so bad."

"Well it might be all you want but it's sure not all I want," Maggie said. "You think about it. I have handsome men escorting me everywhere and I have lots of money. I'm a very lucky girl and you could be also."

"But Maggie," Tracy said.

Maggie placed her fingers over Tracy's lips.

"You just think about it," Maggie said. "You think about that hick town where nothing ever happens. You think about those screaming brats and dirty dishes. Think about it for tonight and tomorrow we'll talk again."

"I'm going home tomorrow," Tracy said.

"Okay," Maggie shrugged. "If it's really what you want. But you think about it tonight."

Tracy thought about it. She spent a sleepless night thinking about it. She really didn't want to go home. The more she thought the less appealing going home sounded. She could already see her parents' "I told you so" looks, and hear the disapproval of their voices.

Besides, it wouldn't be fair running out on Maggie. Maggie was sick. Tracy knew she was because no woman in her right mind would behave like Maggie had behaved. Maggie was sick and she needed help and Tracy was the only one who could give it to her.

Tracy decided she would stay for just those reasons.

She told Maggie at the breakfast table.

"To help me!" Maggie laughed. "Oh my God, that's a good one! To help me! Well if that's what you want then you're welcome."

"Today I get a job," Tracy declared. "I'll get it myself."