(Aside 3)-A Helping hand deserves another

Hannah felt more than a bit excited at the prospect. She had a feeling there was something different about her new neighbor and, after their talk in the store, she was sure of it: the woman was here to stay! A young college-age daughter, recently widowed, and looking for a job meant that she was looking to settle down, put some roots into the ground, and maybe it would stick this time? Heaven knew she needed the female companionship. Men were fine, don't get her wrong, but there was just something that only another woman, a mother to boot, would get: women need other women. Sometimes, if only to have a target to bitch about to another friend.

She pulled up the help-wanted section at her desk and scrolled through them, making sure that things would be easy enough to sort through and list. Perhaps over a cup of coffee? That would be nice, the woman definitely looked like she had an eye for fashion from the way she was dressed. It was a bit surprising that she still didn't wear makeup, the natural look definitely suited her, but that would be easily explained by the fact she was still settling in. A selfless parent, sacrificing her convenience for her daughter's comfort...she could understand that (or would've, if she had a daughter...)

This looks promising...and this one...and this one...

Greta found herself also equally as happy, though for other reasons. She was sure of it now, her intuition almost always served her right. The woman was level-headed, had her priorities straight in terms of settling in, getting her daughter's home set up, and then figuring out how to find employment. It wouldn't be too hard in this town. There was just not enough women out there in the workforce to help supply the local businesses run by female bosses. The town had prided itself on its diverse business marketplace but there just was not enough young blood to help staff them. With someone like Erin there, well, it would be a start.

She also knew that Erin would be a godsend for Michael. If only that knucklehead would put down his badge and realize that women like to be pursued, not chased... She swore that she would strike while the iron was hot and here was her chance to snag a good one. She didn't need grandchildren, she already had 4 of them. She just wanted to see her son happy and Erin would be the ticket.

_Every woman has needs, _she nodded to herself, she's been alone for over two years. That's more than enough time...