A little. I think I'm just tired. Genevieve tried to rise from the couch, but he grabbed her arm, gently pressed her down on her back and stretched out her legs. He got on top of her.

Guapa, he whispered, brushing her hair away from her face so that he could kiss her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, her chin. I worry about you, yes? I think you should see your doctor. It could be something serious.

Ginger was overwhelmed at the concern she saw in his eyes. She truly loved this man. He was everything she could ever hope for. But how would he react if she really was pregnant? He'd been so happy when she told him she wasn't! And later he'd said he might have been open to the idea if he'd met her earlier!

But it wasn't earlier. It was now. And he'd already told her he didn't think he would be a good father now.

Ginger kissed him sweetly on the lips and ran her fingertips down his rough stubble. She knew there was no point in freaking him out tonight. She would tell him when, and if, she had news to tell.

I'll make an appointment, she told him. But please don't worry. It's probably nothing.

The crease between his dark eyebrows deepened. I I love you with all my soul, pelirroja. I have never loved anyone before you. How can I not worry?

I love you, too, Lucio, Ginger said, raising her mouth to his. I know everything's going to be fine.

I'll be damnedit's official. Bea stood at the top of the hill at Dolores Park early the next morning, obviously near tears. She let Martina off the leash as they approached, whipping out the folded newspaper she'd been holding under her arm.

She held it up. A twenty-four-point bold headline ran the width of the front page, just below the masthead. It said simply:

GOOD-BYE, SAN FRANCISCO

Aw, man, that's so incredibly sad, Josie said, scowling. How long have you known?

Bea laughed bitterly. Are you kidding? I didn't know. Nobody did! They didn't bother telling those of us who were still employed.

You're kidding? Roxanne said.

I'm not. I just pulled this out of the newspaper box at the corner of Market and Sixteenth!

It was bound to happen, Ginger said, her voice quiet. At least you were one of the last few people in the newsroom.

Doesn't make it hurt any less, Bea said.

Josie patted her on the arm. Have you been thinking about what you might like to do?

Bea nodded. Actually, I've been thinking about getting into canine agility training as a profession. I'd need to get certified, but that wouldn't take too long.

Hey, and you could use your Petography picture on your business cards! Roxanne suggested.

I could!

Suddenly everyone turned to Ginger, who had been unusually quiet. She looked down at her shoes.

I didn't think you'd take this so hard, Bea said. I know you miss the paper, but you've been enjoying your work with Lucio, right?

Ginger looked up and tried to smile. I'm having more fun than I ever imagined I would.

Bea looked baffled. Then why the long face?

Ginger took a second to look into her friends' eyes, one at a time. This is a little embarrassing to tell you.

Uh-oh, Roxanne said.

What's wrong? Josie asked, stepping close.

Ginger wrapped her arms around her ribs, as if she were trying to prop herself up. Well, it's just that I've got a really bad feeling about something and I was wondering if you guys would let me vent for a minute.

Uh-oh, Roxanne said again.

I might need your help with something this morning, is all I'm saying. Is everyone free?

Bea laughed. Can't get much freer than the four of us. What's going on?

Wait. Let me guess, Roxie said. You think Lucio's going to dump you and you want us to help you spy on him! She pounded her fist on her thigh and shook her head in disgust. That low-down, dirty, no-good, chicken-shit motherfucker!

After a stunned moment of silence, Ginger said, Uh, nooo.

Bea looked impressed. That was a Pulitzer Prize-winning spew of obscenity, Roxhow long you been waiting for the perfect moment to unleash that puppy? Is it on the Web site yet?

Not yet, she answered, smiling big. I came up with it just a couple days ago. It's great, isn't it?

Josie clucked her tongue in annoyance and turned to Ginger. What's wrong? She touched Ginger's shoulder. Is Jason in trouble again?

Ginger smiled. No, in fact, it's the opposite. Since Jason's been helping Lucio, he hasn't had one truancy issue or curfew violation and his grades are getting a lot better.

Bea leaned back and examined Ginger studiously. So did Lucio take off with your credit cards? Steal money from your checking account?

What? Ginger's mouth fell open. God, no!

Savings?

No, Bea! Good Lord! He'd never steal money from me!

You think he's stepping out on you? Josie's eyes were huge.

No, no, no, no, no.

Then it can only be one thing, Roxanne said, reaching for Ginger's hand. He's going away on assignment, isn't he?

He is? Ginger's pulse spiked.

I don't know, I'm asking you! Roxie said, rolling her eyes.

Okay, girls, this is ridiculous. Just cut to the chase, will you, Ginger? Bea's voice suddenly grew soft. You're starting to scare me.

Okay. Okay. Ginger took a deep breath. Look, it could be nothing. It may be that I really am starting menopause. But I've got all this weird spotting going on and nausea and I'm exhausted all the time.

Her three friends said nothing. Roxanne looked like she'd stopped breathing.

Oh my God, Josie said, her hand flying to her mouth.

Yeah, Ginger said with an uncomfortable laugh. That's what I said.

What the fuck? Bea looked frantic. I don't have the slightest idea what you're all so freaked out about. What's going on?

Ginger sighed. I think I'm pregnant.

She's still holed up in the bathroom with Josie, Roxanne said, opening the door to Ginger's home, ushering Bea and Mrs. Needleman inside. Bea transferred the old lady to Roxie's care, and Roxie guided her through the foyer and into the living room.

They've been in there the whole time? Bea asked, incredulous.

Yeah, Roxanne said. She says she's never coming out and she won't let Josie out, either.

Well, this is just hellish, Bea said, throwing her car keys onto the front hall table.

You doing okay, Mrs. Needleman? Roxanne made sure she was seated comfortably on the sofa.

Oh, stop fussing over me. I'm fine. It's Genevieve I'm worried about. Mrs. Needleman set her big square handbag on the floor by her feet. Now, you go up there and tell her enough is enough.

Roxanne's gaze traveled to where Bea stood in the foyer, arms crossed and eyes rolling toward heaven.

Who, me? Roxie asked.

You and/or Bea. It hardly matters, Mrs. Needleman said. Just go up there and tell her that I am an eighty-four-year-old widow and I'm in no position to climb up all those steps, and, since she asked for me, the least she can do is be courteous enough to come downstairs.

I'll do it, Bea said. She ran up the steps, taking two at a time. She called out to Josie and Ginger once she got to the upstairs hallway, not certain which bathroom they'd been using as their positive-pregnancy-test fallout shelter.

We're in here!

Bea followed Josie's voice and stood in front of the door of the master bathroom. She tried the knob. It was locked.

Okay, girls. Open up. Bea listened as Josie tried in vain to get Ginger to agree to leave the bathroom. Bea heard Ginger crying, then the sound of the lock disengaging from the other side of the door.

Josie opened it a crack. Is Mrs. Needleman here? she asked.

Downstairs, Bea answered, poking her head inside to see Ginger huddled on the floor next to the Jacuzzi. And she said she's too old and frail to get up the steps. She said if Ginger didn't put on her big-girl panties and get down there in two minutes, she'll be leaving.