There had to be another way. She was tempted to pour herself another glass of wine but she decided against it. That wasn't the way to deal with her st...ess. The wine had already got her in trouble. Or at least, it helped to get her in trouble. Lani wondered if should would have been able resist Danny if she hadn't been intoxicated. How did other people deal with stressful situations?Lani's dilemma brought to mind a good friend of hers. Carolyn was two inches shorter than Lani but was 30 pounds. She made straight for Bed, Bath and Beyond and snared the most expensive pink silk sheets she could afford.What felt even better, she decided, was the warm woman who was snuggled up against her under those sheets. A few days ago, her niece was barely into her teens, but was an old soul who’d lived a miserable life until, against all odds, she was able to make it across the border and wind up in Daytown, her aunt’s name the only English she knew.Just then, Maria hugged her tia, sliding her hand. “So, who’s next?” asked Caroline.Maggie and Babs switched to Rock, Paper, and Stone to pick the next raconteur, and Babs won, so Maggie went next. She started, “Okay, this all happened back when I was in college...”Maggie Meredith had selected a large state school to earn her teaching degree at. The college was roughly an hour from her home, so that her parents could pick her up on weekends if she wanted, but the commute was too long for practicality, and she had to room in the freshman dorms.. He was breathing heavily, his chestheaving up and down as he did so. His eyes were closed and he had a verycontented look on his face. His breathing slowed and he eventuallyreached for a pillow and propped up his head. He opened his eyes andlooked at me and I said again, "Happy Birthday Malcolm." He said, "Thankyou Prissy-Sissy. That was the best birthday present anyone has evergiven me. Why don't you go change into your black nightie and come backto bed. I have some news to tell you."I rolled.