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"She isnt writing," Johnny said, and Kate could have coldcocked him for that

Tully looked disbelieving "Not at all?"

"Not that I can tell," Johnny said

"Quit talking about me as if Im not here," Kate said "I have a ten-year-old drama queen who plays every sport on the planet, takes dance lessons three times a week, and has a busier social calendar than the Sex and the City girls And dont forget about twin boys who rarely sleep at the sa they touch How the hell am I supposed to do all that, make dinner, do the laundry, clean the house, and write a book at the same time?" She looked at them "I knohat you both think What everyone seems to think Im supposed to make time to search for my authentic self Im supposed to need more than motherhood—and I do, damn it—I just dont kno Im supposed to do all that and still be in the carpool lane on time "

In the silence that followed her outbreak, a log dropped in the fireplace,thump

Tully looked at Johnny "You asshole "

"What?" He looked so perplexed, Kate alhed

"She cleans the house and picks up your laundry? Cant you get someone to clean, for Gods sake?"

"She never said she needed help "

Kate hadnt realized until that h her, loosened the muscles in her back "I do," she finally admitted to her husband

Johnny pulled her close and kissed her, whispering, "All you had to do was say so to him

"Enoughher ar them to us on the deck "

Kate let herself be led outside Once there, she smiled at her friend "Thanks, Tul I dont knohy I didnt just ask for help "

"Are you kidding? I love bossing Johnny around " She sat down into the nearest Adirondack chair In front of theed yard, lay a silvery ribbon of foa sound of the waters rise and fall filled the night

Kate sat in the chair beside her