“Joe says the same thing, but he sort of has to.”

“You’re so lucky to have him.”

“And I know that. You’re going to find your true love, too. I know you are.”

Abby shrugged off Janey’s certainty. “I don’t care about that anymore. I’m going to focus on me for once. I’m going to let loose and do all the things I’ve never done because I was too busy trying to be the perfect girlfriend, the perfect lady. Enough of that.”

Janey eyed her with trepidation. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m not quite sure yet, but this is going to be my summer of rebellion, so look out.”

“You’re totally freaking me out right now.”

“Maybe it’s time I freaked everyone out. I spent my twenties waiting for your brother to decide to marry me, and I’ve spent the first part of my thirties working like a dog and waiting for Cal to marry me. I’d say it’s high time I busted loose and let off some steam.”

“What does ‘letting off some steam’ entail, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“For one thing, I’m going to start swearing. I plan to do some partying, probably some drinking, and if all goes well, perhaps some sex just for the sake of having sex. No relationship required.”

Janey’s mouth fell open. “I can’t see you doing any of that.”

“Because I’m too good to be true. Enough of that…bullshit. It hasn’t gotten me any of the things I truly want, so maybe if I’m bad for a while, I’ll find what I’m looking for.”

“Abby—”

“Don’t. Please don’t. You can’t possibly understand how frustrated I am. You have a husband who absolutely adores you and a baby on the way, a career in the works that’s perfect for you. It’s all fallen into place for you, Janey.”

“It’s not all perfect.”

“It’s pretty damned close.”

“Yes, I suppose it is, but still—”

“Don’t worry about me. It’s high time I shook things up a bit, wouldn’t you say?”

“I, um, well… Will you promise me you’ll be careful? I’ll be so worried about you getting hurt.”

“I’ve already been hurt plenty, and I’ve survived. I think I can survive one wild summer.”

“If you say so,” Janey said, but she didn’t seem convinced.

The more Abby thought about it, the more certain she became that busting loose for a few months was exactly what she needed to get past this latest setback in her life plan. At the end of the summer, she’d reevaluate where things stood, and maybe then she’d have an idea of what her next step ought to be. Until then, it was high time she had some fun.