Laura ambled back to her bathroom and dressed herself in a daze.

Nothing seems to matter, dinner least of all. I have to change my life. I have to!

She was nearly ready when Betty came back to the bedroom to rush her.

"Jim's getting edgy, Laura. Hurry it up, will you?"

"Sure. I'm almost ready, Bet."

"You know, when he gets nervous about being late, it can spoil everyone's evening, he gets so grouchy."

"Jim? No-never. He's always so good-natured. There. I'm ready."

As they left the bedroom, Betty couldn't resist asking her sister. "What's the matter, honey?"

"Nothing."

I need to be fucked. How can I tell you that?

"Can't you tell me? It'll make you feel better, I'll bet."

"What's there to tell? It's just that I'm at the end of my rope."

"What do you mean?"

Laura gathered up her purse as she said, suddenly almost sober, "I need something, Bet. I'm dying inside. I need something, or I'm not going to make it!"

They joined Jim before Betty could answer Laura, but Betty was very quiet after that, worrying all the way to the restaurant.

As Jim parked the car, Laura and Betty waited in the vestibule of the restaurant. Betty put her hand on her sister's arm.

"Can I help, hon?"

"No, thanks, Bet. Maybe something will happen.

Chapter 2

The Birthday Present The birthday dinner was a mixed success. Laura was so appreciative because Betty and Jim were taking her out that she made a big effort to be cheerful and hide her feelings. A few extra drinks made all her troubles seem fuzzy and far away anyhow. However, every once in a while Laura would catch Betty staring at her, so she figured that her blues were showing, no matter how she pretended.