Page 67 of Books and Hookups

“Poor thing.” Carly stroked her side. “We rescued her from a puppy mill. She’d been used for breeding. Her fur was all matted, and her tail was just unspeakable. It all had to go. But it ought to grow back, and with a good diet and lots of brushing, she’ll be gorgeous. Though she’s already beautiful, aren’t you, Chanel?” She kissed the dog’s white blaze.

Savannah gave Carly a wry smile, then held out her palm for the dog to sniff. When the dog licked her thumb, Savannah scratched her under her chin. “Sounds like a familiar story. I’m an old, used-up mother too.”

We all protested, but Tessa was loudest. “Don’t say that. Don’t even think that. You are beautiful and valuable.”

“We all love you, Savannah,” Carly said. “What’s going on?”

She took a few seconds to formulate her words. “Remember how Jason cheated on me? Well, he…he’s still doing it.”

“He’s what?” I burst out. “What the fuck?”

“He’s been using a dating app,” she said.

“He’s married. Why the hell is he on an app?” Tessa said through a tight jaw.

“He…he called it a plea for attention.”

“Attention?” I snorted. “More like a plea for a divorce.”

“He didn’t even bother hiding it.” Savannah looked down into her lap. “He used his regular credit card, the one I pay with all the other bills. To, you know, buy the subscription and pay for…” She took a shuddering breath. “Dates.”

Carly plopped the dog onto Savannah’s lap. “What did he say when you confronted him?”

Savannah stroked Chanel’s ears. “Same stuff as before. That I wasn’t giving him enough…affection. Sex, basically. Menopause has been rough on me, and I haven’t felt…sexy, you know?”

Only Carly had started perimenopause, but we all rushed to say something, anything, to comfort her. “Not being able to trust your partner zaps libido too,” was my contribution.

Carly put a hand on her shoulder. “What are you going to do?”

“Divorce him,” I said, “obviously.”

Carly gave me a warning look. “It’s not that simple. Marriages can be complicated and messy. Savannah might not want that.”

“Or she might,” Tessa said.

“I want to think about it for a minute,” Savannah said. “He promised to go to counseling this time.”

“If you decide to end it,” Carly said, “I can refer you to my divorce lawyer.”

“No offense,” Tessa said, “but your lawyer sucked if she couldn’t get you out of that awful prenup. I know someone.”

“You’re probably right,” Carly said. “Though it turned out fine in the end. I’m free of my ex, and I’m doing great. Whatever you decide, you’ll be fine too, Savannah.”

“And we’re here for you,” I said. “Whatever you need.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, finally looking up. Her eyes were red and puddled with tears. “You three are the best. I’m so glad we found each other.”

Tessa reached across and gripped Savannah’s hand. “So am I.”

“Me too.” Carly squeezed her shoulder.

“God-fucking-dammit,” I said, wiping tears off my cheeks. “I’m glad too, but stop making me cry. What the hell is wrong with me?”

“Pregnancy hormones,” Savannah said. “They’re the worst. Have you had any new symptoms?”

I blinked and sniffled. “Stop worrying about me. Worry about yourself and what you need.”

“You should read The Book,” she said.

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