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voice startled Barbara.
    “Uh, hi, Gillian. I’m doing well . . . very well.”
    “Did I get you out of bed? It’s only ten-thirty.”
    “I like to go to bed early during the week,” Barbara said. “Remember, I’m dealing with a middle-aged body that needs a lot of rest.”
    Gillian laughed. “Oh, yes, I forgot. How’s the makeover going?”
    “Great. I took your advice and got a new hairstyle. I’ve also lost weight. I don’t know how many pounds, but size twelve skirts are loose on me. I got a receptionist job in a career counseling office, and I have a male companion.”
    “I’m impressed,” Gillian said. “You certainly didn’t waste any time adapting to your new life. It looks like you will be fine once the tablet expires.”
    “Oh, I wouldn’t say that yet. I still have a lot to accomplish.” Her voice sounded less confident.
    “What do you mean?”
    “I want an amazing life, one like Belinda Armstrong’s,” Barbara said.
    “Belinda got that life through her husband, Paul. Can your male companion provide for you in this way?”
    Barbara thought of Graham’s kind eyes and considerate behavior. He was a nice man. But he could only offer her an upgraded version of the life she was leading on her own. She wanted more than that. She wanted the summer home in the country and the condo in the city. She wanted the spring weekends in Paris and Christmas in Hawaii. She wanted Belinda’s life and more. She sighed as she thought forward to the day she would have to break it off with Graham.
    “I am not depending upon Graham or any other man to give me what I want. I will get it on my own.”
    “But how will you do that, Isabella? Not even Belinda could have accomplished all of that on her own.” Gillian paused.
    “Say it. She was a Bella with all her looks intact. I know that Belinda is my mother.”
    “Have you thought of calling and asking for help? She might be able to arrange something for you.”
    “She’s already done that. She sent her husband to get me settled in one of his older buildings.”
    “You’ve met Paul Armstrong? When did that happen?”
    “I don’t recall seeing him. According to the superintendent’s wife, he brought me to Carden and got me settled in the apartment. He arranged for one year of free rent. And that’s all I can expect from Belinda and Paul Armstrong.”
    There was an awkward silence as Gillian digested this information. “I could help you out financially once your money runs out.”
    “No, Gillian. I don’t want handouts from you or anyone else. I have some ideas on generating more money, but it may take a while to make a fortune.”
    “What do you have in mind?”
    “I have the basic outline for a self-help book for middle-aged women trying to reinvent themselves.” She added, “Once it’s out there, I’m convinced it will do well.”
    “Ask your Numbers mermaid to give you one of the speed burst buttons. That will allow you to write two, three, or ten times faster than normal. You could probably finish the book in a month or two. And once you finish it, I can help you get it published. I know a literary agent here in Chicago.”
    Barbara was overcome with gratitude. “And you would do that for me? We haven’t even met.”
    “But we will, once the book is finished.” Gillian became more animated. “You can come down here for a visit. We’ll go shopping and see a few shows. I’ll introduce you to some interesting men who—”
    “I’ll take you up on everything except the interesting men.” Barbara spoke with growing excitement. “I think I’ll contact Lisa738 tonight. I want to get started on the book tomorrow.”
    “Good night, Isabella.”
    “Good night, Gillian.” She added, “Oh, and it’s Barbara now.”
    “Of course. Good night, Barbara.”
    Barbara leaped out of bed and pressed the green button. A surprised Lisa738 appeared before her.
    “It’s been a while, Isa— Barbara. How are you doing?”
    Barbara chose her words