Lucio tried to smile, though aware of the irony that Piers had lost the love of his life just as Lucio had found his.

He felt his eyes widen. Is that how he saw Genevieve? Could she be the love of his life? Things had moved alarmingly fast, he knew, but maybe the old preacher woman had been right. Maybe Lucio had been waiting for Genevieve.

Perhaps he'd always been waiting for her.

You sure you don't want a beer? Piers asked, moving back to the computer and hitting the print key. You look like you could use a drink all of a sudden.

Ha! No. Lucio pulled himself together. So when will it be convenient for Jason and me to stop by?

Tomorrow would be fine. If I'm not here, please let yourself in. Piers set down his beer and retrieved the pages from the printer. Here you go.

Listen, Piers Lucio had already headed to the door but turned back toward his friend. We are having a get-together Sunday evening at Rick Rousseau's home in Sonoma. I would love it if you could join us.

Piers seemed surprised by the invitation. What's the occasion? Who's coming?

We're having a launch party for Petography. You can meet Rick's wife, Josie. And Genevieve will be there. I'd love for you to meet her. And Genevieve's friend Roxanne

A tiny crinkle formed between Pier's eyebrows. Lucio immediately regretted mentioning Roxanne, knowing his friend was notoriously uncomfortable in social situations and certainly not ready to meet someone new.

Piers quickly changed the subject. I haven't seen Rick since the funeral. Did I tell you he traveled to England for the service?

No, Piers had never mentioned that, and the subtle dig was not lost on Lucio. I know Rick would love to see you, he said.

I'm leaving for New York on Friday, unfortunately.

Really? Lucio smiled, knowing the trip likely meant a new assignment for Piers. Anything you want to tell me?

Piers laughed. Not quite yet, he said, grinning. What I'm saying is that I may not be home by Sunday. But if I am, I will try to make it.

Lucio thanked him for the e-mails. They shared a hearty embrace and he told Piers he'd see him Sunday, though he knew he wouldn't show.

Ginger met up with the girls Wednesday morning. As predicted, she'd canceled on Monday. She'd been a disheveled, exhausted wreck, and besides, she really did end up walking kind of funny. The last thing she needed was for eagle-eyed Bea to make an issue of it.

So Ginger spent Wednesday morning getting caught up with everyone. The earthquake had thrown books from the shelves at Bea's place. Roxie lost a few wine glasses and Lilith had freaked out. But Josie and Rick had felt nothing up in Sonoma.

Teeny had to take a couple Valiums, though, Josie said of Rick's best friend, a former Syracuse cornerback with a big heart and a fear of earthquakes.

Poor baby, Bea said. I'm looking forward to seeing him Sunday. It's been too long.

Ginger smiled. It amazed her how her circle of friends had instantly expanded to include Rick and Teeny. She could hardly remember a time when they hadn't been part of their group. While Josie and Rick were on their honeymoon, Teeny even joined the women for a drink once a week. They'd made him an honorary member of their girls-only club, a distinction Teeny embraced as only an openly gay man could.

Good news, Bea announced. I have at least ten more people from my canine agility organization interested in photos.

That's fabulous! Ginger said. Lucio will be thrilled.

Rick said he's talked to a few customers about the pet photography idea and they've been enthusiastic, Josie said. He's just waiting on the posters.

Excellent! Ginger said.

How long have you been sleeping with him? Roxie asked.

Ginger stopped walking. So did everyone else.

Seriously, Ginger, you didn't think we'd miss that development, did you? Bea gave her a crooked smile. I'll try not to be indelicate here, but you have the blissed-out look of a woman who's just hit the fucking mother lode.

Roxie shook her head. Good work, Bea. That wasn't indelicate at all.

My God, Josie whispered, grabbing Ginger's arm. That was fast.

Ginger winced, wishing she could disappear. She'd thought her best friends wouldn't notice anything different about her. How stupid could she have been?

You're even walking funny, Bea added.

All right, Ginger said, trying to gain control of the conversation. Can't I have a smidgen of privacy? I mean, really! I am an adult woman with my own life to live!

Josie shook her head to the contrary. Privacy didn't even enter into the equation when I was getting to know Rick. She narrowed her eyes at Ginger. At least %we're not spying on you!

Ginger truly regretted doing that to Josie, who had a valid point.

So? Roxie asked impatiently. What's the story with Rico Suave?

Oh, boy. Ginger had no idea where she'd begin or how much she'd reveal to her friends. It wasn't like she was obligated to tell them anything. Just because they'd invaded Josie's privacy didn't mean they could turn around and do the same to hertwo wrongs and all that.

I really wish you wouldn't call him ‘Rico Suave,' Ginger said. He's not a cartoon character. He's a remarkable mancreative, funny, charming. He just happens to look like a sex god. And the boys love him. And he's the best damn She paused. Anyway, I think I'm already

Ginger stopped herself, suddenly aware of the astonished expressions around her. My God! What had she been about to say? Out loud? For everyone to hear?

You're already what? Bea asked, her neck ratcheting forward. What? What? What?

There had been no closure for Ginger, so she really had no definitive answer for them. Once Lucio and the boys had devoured pancakes, bacon, and eggs, her new boyfriend had helped clean up and made his excuses for a rapid departure. He kissed Ginger on the cheek, right in front of the boys, and told her he'd talk to her later.

Lucio had called that night. They'd talked briefly, mostly tossing around ideas for the photo business, the boys hanging on her every word and making their own suggestions. He phoned once on Monday and again on Tuesday, but Ginger didn't pick up. She couldn't help thinking that Lucio was calling so he could say he did, though he was just as conflicted as she was. She sent her ideas for the Web page to him in an e-mail instead. She needed a little time and space to regroup, to let the hormonal chaos subside.

Unfortunately, there had been no subsiding. She would be seeing Lucio on Friday for the photo shoot, if not sooner, and she wasn't anywhere near her usual clearheaded self.

Ginger? Bea was still waiting for an answer.

You weren't about to say that you've already fallen in love with him, were you? Roxanne looked worried.

Josie patted Ginger's shoulder. I'd be the last person to judge someone for falling in love too fast. I sure could have used your support while it was happening for me, but I just didn't think I could share it with you guys at the time.

Ginger nodded. That must have been hard for Josie, falling in love with Rick immediately after their little group had made a solemn vow to be done with men forever and be content with their dogs.

Josie smiled sweetly at Ginger. But the situation is different now, right? she asked. We've promised not to hide stuff from one another again. We're here to help you, Ginger. We are your friends. Right?

Ginger nodded, the emotion rising up from her chest and into her throat. Maybe her pals really could help her sort out all these contradictory feelings. Maybe she'd be a fool to not take advantage of their collective wisdom.

She looked at the faces of her friends. They had circled her protectively as Dolores Park came to life, more dogs and owners showing up as the sun rose in the sky.