I think that’s true for most people - you can find people attractive that you get to know through your work, community or social life that you otherwise wouldn’t notice if they were a stranger walking down the street.
With young people, that’s compounded by their hormones and natural curiosity. Add into that that teenagers probably perceive young adults as more experienced and worldly, which is appealing when you are eager to get out and experience the world for yourself. She had a career, Salford Quays apartment, a car (Audi?) and the disposable income to buy the kid a Gucci belt.
So I understand the young lads being infatuated but objectively, she’s very ordinary.
