Thank you so much for your time. Josie tucked the photo into the pages of her notebook and crammed everything into her bag, then stumbled to her feet. You and your late husband shared a beautiful life together, and again, Im sorry for your loss. She headed for the door. Ill call to let you know the day we plan to run it.

Stop right there, Miss Sheehan.

Gloria was fast for an old lady. When Josie turned, she was already right behind her. The woman examined Josies face with a fierce curiosity that had nothing to do with the obit and everything to do with her odd behavior.

I apologize, Josie sputtered, letting her shoulders droop. I just…

Im… look, I just figured out that Im really, really late for something.

Another interview?

A life.

Glorias pensive smile returned. She took one of Josies hands in both of hers and gave it a friendly squeeze. She looked Josie right in the eye.

Ive always believed that if youre breathing, its not too late.

Josie laughed. Thats what her dog-walking friends always said, usually after theyd reamed her for stumbling into yet another going-nowhere relationship.

Great. Thanks again. Josie reached behind her and fumbled for the doorknob.

Ask the universe for what you want, dear girl. Mrs. Needlemans face turned serious. Be very precise in your request. Put it in writing and wait for it to come to you. It always does.

Josie frowned. Shed seen that garbage on TV oncesome woman claimed she wrote a list of all the qualities she wanted in a man and then met her soul mate in thirty days. Josie had laughed long and hard at that, seeing as how the universe couldnt even get her order right at the Dairy Queen window.