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online courses.”
    “One of our former counselors interviewed some of our clients for a class. She ended up dropping the course and left us shortly afterward.” Janice shook her head. “That information is a few years old. It needs updating.”
    “I am willing to update, sort, and organize the information. I could write a summary for a future newsletter.” She quickly added, “I would only work on the report during the afternoons, and I would still attend to my receptionist duties.”
    “How ambitious of you! Go ahead. Let me know what you come up with.”
    Barbara practically jumped out of her chair. This was almost too perfect. She would gather more material for her book, and she would earn a writing clip. Everything was falling into place.
    The research project was a daunting one. Even with the speed burst button, Barbara found herself slowed down by the updating process. There were over fifty clients in the research study and Barbara had difficulty locating all of them. In the end, she conducted thirty-four telephone interviews. Barbara was intrigued by her findings. The majority of the women had completed their online programs and secured jobs in their fields of study. She found herself fascinated by these highly motivated and articulate women.
    The entire process took two weeks to complete. Afterward, Barbara spent one afternoon writing her article. When she was satisfied with the result, she placed it in Janice’s inbox and waited to hear from her.
    It didn’t take long. The next day, Janice called her into the office, smiled appreciatively, and motioned for her to sit down. She held up the report. “This is outstanding work, Barbara. I have decided to forward this article to a few national counseling journals.” She paused. “That is, with your permission.”
    “Of course. I’m flattered that you would take so much interest in my work.”
    “You have a distinctive voice,” Janice said. “Have you ever considered writing as a career?”
    “I’ve been working on a self-help book. I completed the first draft a few days ago. I’m letting it sit for a while before I start polishing.”
    “I’m impressed,” Janice said. “What are your plans for the book?”
    “Gillian, a friend who lives in Chicago, knows a literary agent there. I will send the final draft to her.”
    “Before you do that, show it to me. In my younger days, I worked as an editor for Harlequin. I would love to read and edit your work. And I don’t mind if you work on your manuscript during the day. Just be discreet, and be sure to attend to your reception duties.”
    Barbara couldn’t believe her luck. Only last night, she had started to wonder about her writing ambitions. Was she good enough? Who would read her book? She marveled at how things were turning out.
    She smiled warmly at Janice. “Thank you so much. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. I hope to repay you someday.”
    Janice put up her hands. “When I opened up this counseling office, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my clients. Although I don’t think of you as a client, I like to think that I have made a difference in your life.”
    Barbara’s eyes filled with tears. She was truly blessed to have obtained this job and have found such a supportive employer. She started counting her other blessings. Graham was a wonderful companion who made so few demands on her. He was willing to wait patiently until she was ready to take the relationship to the next level. Although Hannah was younger, she was a great sounding board. She enjoyed her telephone conversations with Gillian and looked forward to meeting her in Chicago.
    Janice frowned. “Is everything all right, Barbara? Do you need a drink of water?”
    “No, I’m fine. I’ve just been thinking about all of the good people who have come into my life since I moved here to Carden. I didn’t think I could ever be happy again.”
    Janice smiled sympathetically. “There is life after divorce.