After they patched things up on last week’s episode of 90 Day: The Single Life, Natalie and Josh took a huge step.
She met his family. His teenage son, but also his ex-wife.
This was a big deal for Natalie, who is neurotic, deeply emotional, and not a clear communicator.
Despite having kicked him out of her hotel room not so long ago, she wants Josh.
Knowing that she may need his ex’s approval to keep dating him is driving her up the wall.
Meeting his ex, well, that comes with its own pitfalls, as she learned on Season 3, Episode 6.
Natalie Mordovtseva stayed an an AirBnB
Josh had booked Natalie’s stay at a rental house in Scottsdale. Most people might be delighted, but Natalie felt fixated upon seeing his home. That is not an unreasonable request, but Josh’s kids were at his house, so that’s too big of a step for them to take just yet.
But Natalie is moving in that direction
Despite only going on a handful of dates so far, Josh is ready to introduce Natalie to his ex-wife, Candice, and to his 16-year-old son, Jett.
This is going to be a big deal
If Candice doesn’t like Natalie — or she has behavioral issues in front of the family — Josh might break up with her. It will be a casual day out, but pivotal in their relationship.
Natalie has concerns
She admits to Josh that she doesn’t feel that it’s normal for people to be friends with their exes. We have seen this attitude before on this franchise, even though many many people are friends with their exes — especially when they are co-parents. Obviously, some relationships end in abuse or cheating or bitterness, but that is not universal. Josh acknowledges that his situation isn’t universal, either. But it’s what works for his family.
Oh no, she’s hot!
Natalie says in person and in her voiceover that Candice is intimidatingly beautiful. We have to agree. And we can also note that Josh seems to have a type, physically speaking.
Natalie feels like she did not dress for the occasion
She wore a simple black tee because she’s going to meet Josh’s family, and because they’re spending the day fishing on a boat. Had she realized how Candice would be dressing, she might have made different wardrobe choices. Honestly? Maybe Natalie made the right call here, even if she doesn’t think so. Candice was probably feeling similarly about her own outfit.
Candice and Jett both seem very nice
She’s gorgeous. He’s a handsome young man, and very well-mannered despite the inherent awkwardness of literally every part of this. He’s appearing on reality TV for the first time while meeting his dad’s semi-famous girlfriend, but you wouldn’t know that he’s not a pro from watching. Also, he and Candice both managed to pretend to not notice Natalie shoving Josh’s hand away when he suggested that she and Candice compare tattoos.
So, who is Candice?
She told the camera about herself. Candice and Josh have known each other since they were in their late teens. Now, they have a very amicable co-parenting relationship — and they’re still best friends. They tell each other about how their days went, and people who see them out together often assume that they are still a couple. But they’re not.
Natalie learns to fish
Interestingly, this was an activity that Mike Youngquist really wanted Natalie to enjoy during their engagement and marriage. Jett actually gives Natalie a few pointers, and she seems to get the handle on it, despite not really understanding the purpose. Honestly? Same.
Natalie then chats one-on-one with Candice. Candice, she learns, has a boyfriend. And she has only met a couple of women whom Josh has dated before. When asked, Candice admits that these other women were a little different than Natalie — younger, for one thing. Candice also says that she did not ask Josh about the breakups, as it was not her business.
Natalie takes all of this to heart
She feels that Candice is being shady, though Candice was only answering her questions.
So, the day was a semi-success
But Natalie plans to tell Josh her expectations. She wants a family — she wants to have kids. She knows that this is a risk, as he may not want to have more children and not see a future with her. But this is something that they both need to know about the other if they are to continue dating.