I smiled and looked around the table. It was like I had three Stepford wives, with their matching dresses and grins. Is this what unbridled debauchery had brought me? I guess we could handle it -- that we did handle it. And we came out the other side stronger, better, and happier. It had seemed improbable at times, and there had been scares. But, fuck, what a reward. What a glorious peak to have reached.

I clinked my glass with a knife and gave a goofy smile. It was wholly unnecessary. I only needed to speak up.

"Girls," I said, raising my glass. "This is an extraordinary evening. Never in...