The Widow next door

I retired early at 49. I was divorced at 45; my ex-wife was paid out fully and the children had their trust funds. I bought a cottage, nothing special; I just wanted something smaller. I lost all interest in my career, so I retired. Never a party person, a quiet life is what I just wanted. At my new home, a neighbor (44) was recently widowed; her children were making their own way and had left home. She had a job and was doing okay, then the trade war started, and her employer closed down the business. Due to uncertainty of supply and the president's changing tariffs again and again. Suddenly unemployed, no jobs were available either. I was looking for a cleaner; my neighbor applied. I hired her mainly because she lived next door; I was otherwise occupied with selling off assets to reduce my workload even further. My neighbor found other cleaning work to increase her income. To make it easier for her, her work hours cleaning my home became flexible. I didn't care as long as it was done; I learnt to cook from my late grandmother. It had become a sort of hobby for me, so I started making extra and having dinner with my neighbor cleaner. We were just friendly, not seeking any relationships at the time. Then one rainy night, she stayed the night, which has become a regular thing now. Still no relationship other than friends with benefits, but it is developing. I've started thinking of a relationship with her, but I'll take it slowly and let her take her time. I'm hopeful.