Sam thought about what Michelle said as she drove to Valerie’s. Should she be worried? She was. Should she break up with Valerie? The idea gave her a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Without a girlfriend, she would be just another middle-aged married woman in Hicksville, America, taking her kids to soccer practice. This image of herself was hard to accept.
By the time she pulled up at Valerie’s apartment complex, Sam was in a state of major confusion. She needed confirmation of the strength of her relationship.
Donna met her at the door.
“Sam! How ya doin’?”
Sam was taken by surprise.
“Cool. I mean…okay.”
Donna grinned and took Sam’s bag. Sam was torn between annoyance at Donna’s presence and appreciation of the woman’s friendly welcome. Inside the apartment, Valerie was no
