**Chapter 3: "A Spark is Lit"**

As they walked away from the club, Dorothy couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just met someone special. The cool night air seemed to vibrate with the promise of new possibilities, and she felt a sense of excitement that she hadn't experienced in a long time. Her friends, sensing her distraction, teased her good-naturedly about the handsome stranger. "So, what's the story with Mr. Blue Eyes?" Rose asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Dorothy shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just a guy I met on the street," she said, but she couldn't help smiling. Blanche raised an eyebrow. "Just a guy? He seemed like more than just a guy to me." Sophia, ever the pragmatist, chimed in, "Did he have a good Medicare plan?" Dorothy laughed. "I didn't ask about his health insurance, Sophia." As they continued walking, Dorothy couldn't help but think about Lucas. She had felt a spark of attraction that she couldn't ignore, and she was eager to see him again. Her friends, noticing her preoccupation, decided to tease her a bit more. "Maybe we can help you get ready for your coffee date," Blanche suggested, winking at her. Dorothy rolled her eyes. "It's just coffee, Blanche. Don't get ahead of yourself." The next day, Dorothy woke up feeling a little nervous. She had agreed to meet Lucas for coffee at a quaint little café in Coconut Grove, and she wasn't sure what to expect. As she got dressed and ready, her friends offered her words of encouragement. "You go, girl!" Rose said, pumping her fist in the air. Blanche gave her a more practical tip. "Make sure you wear something that makes you feel confident and beautiful." Dorothy took their advice to heart and headed out to meet Lucas. As she walked into the café, she spotted him sitting at a table by the window, sipping a cup of coffee. He looked up and caught her eye, smiling as he stood up to greet her. "Hi," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "You look lovely." Dorothy felt a flutter in her chest as she smiled back at him. "Thanks," she said, taking a seat across from him. As they ordered their coffee and began to chat, Dorothy felt a sense of ease wash over her. They talked about everything from books to music to their favorite movies, and she was amazed at how much they had in common. As they sipped their coffee, Lucas reached out and touched her hand, his fingers brushing against hers. Dorothy felt a spark of electricity run through her body, and she knew that she was in trouble. She was attracted to him, and she couldn't deny it. As they finished their coffee and prepared to part ways, Lucas asked her if she'd like to join him for dinner sometime that week. Dorothy agreed, feeling a sense of excitement that she hadn't felt in a long time. As she walked home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she had found someone special. And as she drifted off to sleep that night, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Lucas.