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Lizzie waved as she opened her car door. “See you next week!”

I watched her start the engine and drive off, nearly speeding as she merged onto the street and zoomed through the yellow light. The intersection by the library was a busy one, and it was rush hour. She really took a risk, but if I had someone to rush home to, I’d do the same.

I walked to my cute gunmetal gray Chevy Trax, noting it was the perfect size for me and met all my needs. I liked a smaller, more manageable vehicle, and it had all the amenities. I got it for a steal last year when I traded in my decade-old Dodge. It might not be the most amazing car on the road, but I was thrilled to finally drive something new.

By the time I drove up my driveway and parked under the carport, the sun glittered on the horizon, casting everything in its wondrous shimmer. It was too pretty not to sit and watch from my porch swing, so I grabbed a big glass, dropped in a few cubes of ice, filled it with lemon and sweet tea, and parked my weary bottom on the seat.

I stayed long after the sun faded and the sky began to populate with bright, twinkling stars. Gently rocking, I enjoyed the quiet neighborhood as people headed indoors and retired for the evening. I’d long ago finished my tea and set the glass on the nearest table. Sinking into the cushions, I relaxed as the hustle of the day finally disappeared, and I could take in the pale glow of the fairy lights strung up around my porch in peace, the only illumination other than the moon and her starry companions.

If only I had someone to share this with, I lamented in my head.Maybe I should try a few dating apps again.

I doubted they improved since I deleted them, finding few I could match with that weren’t looking for a hook up.

My phone buzzed with an incoming call, and I picked it up, glancing at the screen. My adopted mom, Sabrina. She was a sweet lady, and I felt lucky to have her in my life.

“Hi,” I answered as I swiped right. “You’re calling late.”

“Hey, sweetie. Just thinking of you.”

Aw, I loved hearing that. “I feel special now.”

“As you should.” I could almost hear her smile it was so big on the other end of the line. “So, I’ve got a dinner this weekend.”

Uh-huh. There it was. The real reason she called me.

“Yes?”

“I’ve invited a few friends. You should come.”

“Sabrina,” I began, guessing she decided to hook me up with a potential date again. It was the third time in six months. “I’m not interested in dating right now.”

“Honey, I know that’s not true.”

“Okay. I’m not interested in dating anyone you introduce to me,” I clarified. It sounded harsh, but the last two times were a disaster. She didn’t have a clue about what type of man I was attracted to or what I looked for in a guy.

“Your standards are too high,” she complained. “If you would just open yourself to the possibility.”

“Sabrina, my answer is no.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “I’m just looking out for you. I know you’re lonely.” She sniffled, and I felt guilty. “Could you maybe reconsider?”

I sighed. “Not this weekend.”

“Alright. I’ll move the dinner to next weekend. Okay?”

“Fine.”

“You’ll come?”

If I didn’t, she’d just keep trying. “Yes, but this is the last time. You need to agree. No more setting me up after this.”

“I can agree to that.”

Good.

“Just so you know, I still think you’re special. Every single day. I thought so the first time we met you with your pretty brown hair in braids and your little glasses perched on your button nose.” Her voice cracked. “I just want to be in your life, honey. I need to know you’re happy.”

“I know. I appreciate that, Sabrina.”