Need advice for a WW who left Part 3

[dwh15]

Well, I broke the news of the new job to WW tonight. I started out sending it in a text, then she immediately called. She said there was too much to discuss to stick to texting. So we talked for around 30 minutes; the longest we've spoken in several weeks. She did the basic congrats, asked some specifics, and then of course wanted to know how much it paid and if she could rely on financial help in the near future. I didn't give her salary info, but just said it wasn't as good as I had hoped but better than unemployment. Also told her no help at all until end of September, but then we could discuss. I am considering giving her some assistance to help with meals on nights the kids come over, even if it's in the form of a gift card to a local grocery store. I'll have to think about it.

Also told her i would be covering me and kids on new insurance but not her. It was simply too expensive. She seemed a little surprised but said she understood and that she would be applying for state assistance. I told her that she should and was surprised that she had not already done so. She was apparently waiting to see how things panned out with my job sitch first. Anyway, I put that idea to rest, so now she'll be trying for Medicaid. She may as well get used to reality now.

She will be coming to my house for a couple of hours 2 days next week in the middle of the afternoon to check on kids and feed them lunch. They don't start school until following week and I didn't feel comfortable having them home alone most of the day. I could have driven home every day at lunch, which is what I will end up doing the days she does not come, but it saves me some trouble and will give her time with S16 and S10, whom she rarely sees. She actually seemed pleased about the idea and was surprised I suggested it. She also mentioned taking the rest of her clothes, which I agreed was a good idea, although it did hurt to hear it.

She went into a little bit of info about her job and how she was worried about losing it. I listened closely and validated where possible, never offering opinions. I finally told her I had to get going, although I felt she wanted to continue talking. So overall, pretty proud of how I handled the convo. I feel as if she still really wants us to be good friends and could tell she missed talking to me, but I'm not opening that door again. I admit, I'm feeling a little down now, and it was really nice speaking to her so comfortably, but I stuck to DB principles. It's still early in my journey, and I know that anything can happen in the next few months.