"Certainly" replies the genie, and disappears into a puff of blue smoke.
You stand around for a moment or two, unsure of what to expect. After about five minutes have gone by, you start thinking about all the details that you left up to the genie.
"Wait a minute," you say out loud, "I never specified how long Lydia's 'temporary' mermaid transformation should last!" You realize that she might remain a mermaid for years, or, worse yet, she may return to her human form before you are able to do the deed. "I need to get in touch with her," you yell, as you reach into you pocket for your cellular phone. In a second, the small screen reads "Calling Lydia" and you place the phone to your ear. One ring, two, three..
"Hello," Lydia's voice states flatly. You are about to speak when she continues, "I'm not near my phone right now, but leave me a message and I'll get back to you just as soon as I can. BEEP." You are about to leave a message when you realize it's far too long a story to explain to her voice-mail. You disconnect from the call and think for a moment. Where would Lydia be at 3:45 in the afternoon on a Saturday?