Recently widowed but putting a brave face on it all, Helens only problem, it seems, is the imminent arrival of her fortieth birthday, not something she can possibly avoid, ignore, or sulk about with friends like Leoni and sisters like Julia around. And there is much to celebrate. A beautiful new flat, gorgeous hospitable neighbours, and a delicious sense of freedom that only money can buy. Until, that is, money becomes the one big fat problem in Helens life and she becomes part of the unwilling army of the employed. But it is no ordinary job that Helen is qualified for, in fact she is qualified for precious little, which leads to her first encounter with the boss from hell.