Between Land and Sea Read online

  After two weeks in her new workplace, Barbara knew that her colleagues had partners, children, and grandchildren that took up most of their free time. Both Hannah and Sandra had boyfriends. As for the Traychuks, Barbara did not feel too comfortable starting any relationships with them. While Bob was very friendly and polite, Rita rarely smiled whenever they met in the lobby or parking lot. Unless she planned to live like a hermit, she would need a friend in Carden.

  Barbara and Graham dined at the Carden Inn and ended up talking into the early hours of the morning. They were the last to leave the restaurant and then spent some time walking in the nearby park. Afterward, Graham insisted on driving her back to her apartment. They made plans for a Sunday hike.

  And so began her relationship with Graham Scott. Barbara looked forward to their time together, and she found herself contributing more to the lunchtime conversations with her coworkers. The other ladies were pleased she had found a male companion so quickly. Soon Barbara and Graham received a number of weekend brunch and dinner invitations.

  As her social life picked up, Barbara found that the days and weeks went by swiftly. She was depending less and less on the tablet as she adapted to the human world, and her mermaid memories were slowly fading away. She was surprised when she received a late-night call from Gillian a few weeks later.

  “Greetings, Isabella. How are you doing?” The low, husky 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 carefully. She did not wish to confide in Lisa738, who might easily pass on any information to Annabella. “I’m well, thanks. I need your help with some of my tasks. I’d like to complete them faster and take on more interesting assignments. Is there some kind of button that will give me more speed?”

  “What kind of tasks are we talking about here?”

  “I want to write faster.”

  “Write faster? That’s all you want to do?”

  “Yes, anything wrong with that?”

  “No, nothing at all.” Lisa738 looked flustered. “Now what type of factor do you want to apply?”

  “I want a factor of five.” Barbara calculated that she could easily write four pages each evening without the button. With a factor of five, she could write twenty pages a night and complete the first draft in less than a month. She smiled in anticipation as she picked up the shiny button that appeared on her tablet. She peeled off the coating, applied it to her left temple, and waited for the unsettling sensation.

  Lisa738 was watching her closely. “You are acting more confident and content in your new life. Have you met anyone?”

  “Thank you. I’m starting to adapt to my new world, and I am grateful for all your help.” Barbara deliberately yawned. “Now, I must get back to bed. I have a busy day ahead of me.”

  Chapter 7

  Barbara accepted Hannah’s offer of a used laptop computer and started writing. She decided not to tell anyone else until the first draft was complete. Although she had sounded confident when speaking with Gillian, Barbara still had a few doubts about the book’s success. There were so many self-help books out there, and Hannah had told her that very few agents took on new, unpublished writers.

  After reading and studying various self-help books for businesswomen, Barbara decided to use a lighter approach. She found most of the popular business books dry and repetitive. Many of them were geared toward younger women or women with business degrees. There wasn’t much out there for middle-aged women who suddenly needed jobs but were forced to compete with younger, better-educated women.

  Barbara prepared an outline and mapped out twenty possible scenarios. Each chapter would open with a folk tale about an emerging butterfly. She would personify each stage of the metamorphosis—egg, caterpillar, imago, butterfly—and demonstrate how an egg evolves into a beautiful butterfly. The rest of the chapter would include tips and practical strategies for middle-aged women attempting to reinvent themselves. Each chapter would end with suggested exercises and references. The title was still u
p in the air. For now, she was using a working title—On Becoming a Butterfly.

  Barbara continued to see Graham on the weekends but limited the time she spent with him during the week. She discovered that the speed burst button also increased her speed with writing and producing work-related documents. To her chagrin, Barbara found herself looking for extra tasks. She reorganized files, tidied her desk, and started the monthly report two weeks before it was due. Janice also noticed her increased efficiency. After a few days, she called Barbara into her office.

  “I knew you would outgrow your job, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly,” Janice said. “Are you bored, Barbara? If you want to look for another job, I would be more than happy to recommend you. I don’t want to hold you back.”

  Barbara panicked. She could not afford to lose her job. Not now. Not until the book was accepted by an agent. Darn that speed burst button! Unfortunately, she couldn’t turn it off.

  “I love my job here, and I enjoy working with you and the other ladies. I have no desire to go anywhere else.” Barbara paused. “Maybe I could take on an extra project or two. As I was cleaning out the cabinet, I noticed a large file on distance education. It looks like someone worked hard to collect a lot of information about middle-aged women taking 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. I’m so glad you moved up here, and I am certain your other friends are as well.” She checked her watch. “I’ve got an appointment with a sales rep in a few minutes.” She patted Barbara’s shoulder. “We’ll continue this conversation later.”

  Barbara went back to her desk. She spent the rest of the afternoon working on next week’s report and reorganizing her desk. Tomorrow she would begin the second draft. With her special powers, she could easily complete it in a week, but she didn’t want to arouse Janice’s suspicions. She silently cursed the speed burst button. She was tempted to ask Lisa738 to undo it. Was that even possible?

  Don’t be silly. You will need that speed when you write full-time. Barbara was pleasantly surprised by that thought. She closed her eyes and visualized a future where she wrote prolifically and produced at least one book a year.

  She looked about the comfortable office that had become like a second home. Deep down, she knew it was only temporary, like her life in Carden. At some point in the very near future, she would be leaving this entire life behind. Graham, Hannah, Janice, Sandra, and all the other ladies in the office would become pleasant but distant memories, stepping stones to a new and more exciting life.

  She had not forgotten about her past life in the mermaid kingdom. Nor had she forgiven Annabella and Mirabella. Both mermaids had attended to their own needs and ignored hers. Mirabella had not even bothered to help her own daughter adapt to this new world or, at the very least, contact her. Her grandmother had shown her true colors when she had savagely cut off Isabella’s hair and aged her beyond recognition. She would prove to her mother and grandmother that she could flourish in this human world, even without her Bella looks and powers.

  Chapter 8

  Depending on the workday, Barbara had between two and four hours to write, more than enough time to complete the second draft by the end of two weeks. With her evenings free, she decided to spend more time with Graham. So far, their relationship had been limited to a few casual outings a week. They enjoyed long hikes and were movie buffs. He was pleasantly surprised when she offered to cook dinner for him.

  She picked up the tablet and pressed the green button. Lisa738 appeared. “Greetings, Isa— Barbara. What can I do for you today?”

  “I’m giving my first dinner party and I’m not certain—”

  Lisa738 interrupted, “You need a Specialist Skills button. No problem, but I think you should know that you are only entitled to two more of these buttons during the coming year.”

  Barbara made a mental note to ask Gillian for more information regarding the tablet. “Of course. What will I be able to do with this button?”

  “You will be able to whip up any dish in any cuisine. You will also have an extensive knowledge of the ingredients and nutritional value of any meal you create.”

  “Like Martha Stewart?”
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br />   Lisa738 laughed. “Martha Stewart. Rachel Ray. Nigella Lawson. You will be able to hold your own with any of them.” She pointed to the new button that appeared below the screen.

  Barbara picked up the button, peeled off the coating, applied it to her left temple, and waited for the unsettling sensation. This time, the experience was more intense. Barbara lost her balance and had to hold on to a nearby chair for support.

  Lisa738 winced. “I forgot to warn you about the power of the Specialist Skills buttons. You may need to lie down for an hour or so. Are you planning a large dinner party?”

  It must be very lonely for Number mermaids in the underwater kingdom. Barbara recalled her few interactions with them in the kingdom. She knew that they spent long hours in front of terminals and did not socialize with the other mermaids. She decided to be kind. “No, it will just be Graham and me.”

  Lisa738 nodded in approval. “You have a male companion. How is that progressing?”

  “We’ve been going out for almost two months now. Our relationship is a comfortable one.”

  “Is that enough for you? In spite of all that has happened, you are still a Bella. You need and deserve passion.”

  Annabella had briefed Lisa738 very well. Barbara chose her words carefully. “It is enough for right now. He may not be the man of my dreams. I thought I had that with Andrew, and you know how that turned out.”

  “That was only one experience and, from what I gather, your only experience with human males. They are not all like that. There are handsome, dynamic men out there who—”

  “Like Paul Armstrong?”

  “I made it clear it to you that he is off limits. I cannot discuss—”

  “I know who he is, and I know that Belinda is my mother.”

  Lisa738’s eyes widened and she gasped. “I must go now.” She faded into the screen.