When you thought there was no one

 It was a whole new world to Tammy. Well, she'd never been in such fixes in all of her life. Of course, it had been pretty lonely, until now.

The boys showed up on the Fourth by eleven in the morning, bringing all sorts of food from watermelon to fried chicken and cold salads. She didn't have to do a thing.

"Well, isn't that the way it should be?" Carol asked later once the party was done with Naoki and Tyra included. Somehow, Tammy ended up at Carol and Tom's in the evening. She really hadn't meant to go there, but Naoki insisted since Tom (Tyra's dad wanted to get to know her).

"I guess." 

Although, Tammy felt she needed some time to herself. Have a couple glasses of red wine and sort it all out. And of course, wondering if the kids went to visit Boone's mom and Tammy's horrible ex. Of course, Alfie said they were going straight home before the fireworks were in full force. They didn't want the baby to get sick. 

But she was surrounded by more food. This time a comfort casserole and lots of salad. Of course, that's went the coupling began. Jo, her next-door neighbor was there. They'd met briefly when she moved in. He'd even taken a look at her water heater and her air conditioning just for good measure. She was slightly suspicious of him then with that quick smile of his. He smiled so much, she couldn't even see his eyes.

And then to have him there eating like a teenage boy.  Of course, Tom was giving her twenty or so questions about her and Naoki and how hard it must have been. It only made Tammy more quiet.

Finally, Naoki and Tyra left, and the men went outside to look at a motor in Tom's garage that he wanted to fix so Tyra would have her own vehicle. Of course, it hadn't run since 2019.

"Why did you invite him?" Tammy's eyes sprang open as if she swore she would never go on a blind date.

"I'd hardly call it that," Carol shrugged at the matter. "You've met him. He's all alone. You're all alone. His auto repair business has lasted, well since I've been here. He's just a neighbor. A confirmed bachelor, I reckon. Besides, he's been raising his sister's kids."

"Kids?" Just what she needed some horrible teens showing up.

"Relax, they got families of their own. You know, they'd rather be out with friends, just like our kids." Carol told her as she was putting the leftovers away. Before she knew it Carol had a glass of red wine poured for her. At least they had that in common.