Nita's phone sounded a reminder notification to let her know that it was time to go to Mrs. Foster's house. She walked out of her apartment and thought about the group date. "It was so much fun", she thought, "Why don't more people do them? Maybe, after we get to know the men a little better, we can do another one."
Mrs. Foster was not in her garden when Nita arrived, so she walked up onto the porch and rang the doorbell.
Mrs. Foster's voice called out from a distance, "Come around back, Nita!"
Unable to see Mrs. Foster, Nita stepped off of the porch and walked to the back of the house. She was making holiday wreaths out of dried flowers, large seeds, leaves and evergreen boughs. Stepping up into her sun room, she motioned to Nita to join her. "Have some water."
Nita opened the plastic bottle and took a few sips. "Thanks, Mrs. Foster."
"Anytime, sweetie." Mrs. Foster patted Nita on the back of her hand. "We don't have much time. I want to talk to you."
"OK." Nita replied.
"I just want you to know that I'm proud of you. I remember the darkness that seemed to be following you and it is gone. You've been reading about healthy dating, getting support from professionals and associating with like-minded friends. You're taking positive steps to move your life forward. I wanted you to know that I noticed." Mrs. Foster offered Nita an encouraging smile.
"You know, I consider you to be one of the people who helped me during that dark, difficult time in my life. I am so glad it's over. I will always be grateful to you."
The doorbell interrupted Nita's words.
"OK Nita, go on out through the front door." Mrs. Foster whispered. "When I hear the car drive off, I will come behind and lock it. I'll see you when he drops you off. Don't worry about how late. I'll be up."
Mrs. Foster stayed in her sun room, out of view, as Nita answered the door.
"Hi Nita. Are you ready for some football?"
Nita smiled. "Of course I am. I've been looking forward to this, ever since our last date."
"Your words are music to my ears!" Nathaniel gave her a peck on the forehead, grabbed her hand and walked her to his car.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Two Friends and a Book
Chapter 2 Glad-Fun
Chapter 3 Pot-Luck
Chapter 4 We Want to Give You Away
Chapter 5 Telephone Book Club
Chapter 6 Speed Dating
Chapter 7 Mysterious Envelope
Chapter 8 Hook Up - Work Out
Chapter 9 Thoughts and Emails
Chapter 10 Mrs. Foster's Garden
Chapter 11 Online Dating
Chapter 12 Mixing It Up
Chapter 13 Planning Together
Chapter 14 Writing a Reply
Chapter 15 Going Through the Closet
Chapter 16 Singles Conference
Chapter 17 Elle Opens Up
Chapter 18 Decompression
Chapter 19 Lunch Date
Chapter 20 Help for Hard Questions
Chapter 21 Delivering Baskets
Chapter 22 Hannah’s Surprises
Chapter 23 Group Date
Chapter 24 Sitting in the Sun Room
The Romantic Misadventures of a Modern Woman Page 7