Grier Rating: A***
Frances has been married to Bill for many years. Their son, Bob, is in high school. Frances had been left alone too often. Bill's occupation with business, his insensitivity, his indifference had drained their marriage of meaning and warmth. Yet, it never occurred to her to think of divorce – or to have an affair with another man. It was easier to shut herself off from all desire, all feeling. It was like being dead... but it was safe. Then she met Mary Baker – Bake, for short. Bake... with her dark, knowing eyes, her young body, so alive, so full of passion and hunger.
Shy Frances is drawn to Bake immediately and accepts her invitations for socializing... which leads to a certain amount of drinking and flirting. Before long, the relationship becomes much more than just a friendship – the two fall hard for each other and Frances becomes Bake's girl. It's not a smooth road for them, though, as Frances is married... still living at home with Bill and her son. With Bake's encouragement, Frances regains strength as an individual and finds employment outside of the home. The independence she gains as a result of having her own money does wonders for Frances. For the first time in her life, she feels confident and courageous – strong enough, perhaps, to consider pursuing a new life for herself. Can she trust Bake's feelings for her? Will she leave Bill and her son? Can she trust Bake to stay with her if she does divorce her husband? Will our lovers fight against all odds to make their relationship survive?
