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soon they’d be down to only a single cigarette a day. When that day finally arrived, they had both vowed to toss their cigarettes away for good.
    Ida looked down her slim, patrician nose. “All right, I suppose you all have a right to know.” She gazed at the three other women seated around the table. “I’ve just learned that I’m going to have an opportunity to audition my new line of cosmetics for The Home Shopping Club.” There, now it was out.
    Toots looked at Ida as though she had a horn growing out of her head. Sophie curled her lip in disgust. Even Mavis looked shocked. Jamie, ever the diplomat, busied herself washing the baking sheet.
    Toots finally took control. “Ida, darling, I realize how successful you’ve become, and I completely respect and admire you for all you’ve achieved.” She paused, thinking of what to say next. “But this . . . There are limits to one’s entrepreneurship! Don’t you think this is taking your cosmetics just a bit too far?” For a brief second, Toots had to wonder if Ida had totally lost her marbles.
    Ida rolled her eyes. “I am not referring to Drop-Dead Gorgeous . Good grief. Did you actually thing I would . . . Oh, never mind. Of course you would think that.”
    Sophie pulled her chair away from the table and got up. “I’m going outside. Now. Something tells me that whatever is about to come out of her mouth is about as important as this hot smoke I’m about to suck into my lungs.”
    â€œSophie, you’re being rude,” Mavis said. “Now, sit back down and let us hear what Ida has to say. She would do it for you, wouldn’t you, Ida?” Mavis sent an overly sweet smile winging across the table.
    Ida raised her perfectly arched eyebrows. “Truthfully? Probably not, so go ahead and blacken your lungs. I want another cup of coffee, anyway.” Ida got up and brought the pot of coffee over to the table. Meanwhile, Sophie scurried out the door, where she lit a cigarette and took several quick puffs before stepping back inside.
    â€œQuick, grab a camera,” Sophie said as she made her way over to the table. “This must be special, because I don’t think I have ever seen Ida carry a coffeepot. Period.”
    They all laughed. Even Ida smirked as she took her seat again.
    â€œShut up, Soph. Let’s hear what Ida has to say,” Toots declared, becoming impatient with the silly bantering.
    â€œOkay, but don’t expect a drumroll from me,” Sophie said as she plopped back down on her chair.
    More rolling of eyes around the table. Jamie, who still had not said a word, continued to scrub the baking sheet until it gleamed.
    Ida straightened in her chair and adjusted her shoulders before responding. “You all act like a bunch of teenagers. I swear, it’s hard to believe you’re as old as you are.”
    â€œAnd you’re just as old, so go on. Spit it out. I have things I have to do today,” Sophie said, her voice full of annoyance.
    â€œSophie’s right. We all have a busy day ahead. I have to take Bernice to rehab today. Spill it, Ida, so we can all go on with our day.”
    â€œThe Home Shopping Club is interested in my new line of cosmetics, and before you say another word, they’re for the living. The long-lived, actually. I’m going to call the new line Seasons.”
    For a few seconds, the kitchen was totally silent. Then they all started talking at once.
    â€œWhen did this happen?”
    â€œHow did you manage to do this without our knowing?”
    â€œIt’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” Mavis finished.
    â€œIt’s early, Mavis,” Sophie added. “Just wait. Maybe they’ll find a cure for cancer this afternoon.”
    Toots actually clapped her hands. “Girls, be quiet! Ida, that’s fantastic news. Of course you’ll share the details,” Toots said, more a question