Groceries Grandchildren and Love

To those who help carry groceries

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"Can I help you somehow?"

I had parked at the grocery store to pick up a few things and was walking toward the store. I woman came out, pushing a cart full of groceries and simultaneously trying to herd four little children toward her car.

I had to see whether I could help, and she was thrilled by my offer.

"If you could just take the cart, I'll grab the kids! My car is the blue minivan."

I headed for the minivan, and she triggered the back to open. As I finished loading the groceries in the back, she got the last child in and closed the door.

"Thank you so much for your help! I'm too old for this!"

"These aren't your children?"

"No, my grandchildren. My daughter's car, too."

I laughed. "I have trouble believing you are old enough to have grandchildren!"

"That's very nice of you, but I have three more, in addition to these."

"Amazing, I seriously had you pegged at about 35."

"I'll accept that compliment. I'm nearly 10 years past that!"

"I would not have believed that! How have you stayed so young? I mean, I'm 49, and no one I went to high school with looks as good as you!"

"That's nice of you to say! Look, I have to run. Get these kids home. Could we exchange numbers and get together over lunch sometime?"

That's why I called Mona two days later, setting in motion events that would change both our lives!

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"Mona, this is Mark. We met in the parking lot of the grocery store a couple of days ago."

"Hi Mark! Thank you again for your help. I don't know how parents do it! I'm too old to herd kids anymore."

"I still have trouble believing you about being in your mid-40s!"

"I'll tell you what. Ask me out for dinner and I'll bring my driver's license to show you."

"It's fake! For when you get carded."

Mona laughed. "That hasn't happened in a long time."

"After you show me your ID, maybe you can share your secret for youth."

"It's a deal! I'm available this Friday."

"Let's see... I can reschedule Candy... Friday works!"

"So, Candy is my competition. Sounds like a stripper."

"No, Candy is my niece. Candace. I'm taking her out for ice cream, but Saturday works just as well."

"I'm so embarrassed! Here I thought you were giving some line about all your other babes."

"Other babes? Are you including yourself?"

"You'll have to decide that, Mark. I'll present the evidence."

"I like your style! Can I pick you up at 7, or would you like to meet somewhere?"

"I think you can be trusted. Seven is good. I'll text my address. How should I dress?"

"Let's plan on a nice dinner at Le Capanne. Dressy. I'll wear a suit."

"Sounds good. I love to dress up! I look forward to seeing you Friday, Mark. 7 pm."

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I stopped by a florist on Friday afternoon and purchased a large bouquet to give Mona. Something about her makes me want to impress her. She is certainly beautiful, but I loved how much fun she was to talk to on the phone.

At 7 sharp I rang her doorbell. I heard footsteps, heels on a wood floor, and the door opened. Mona! What a babe!

Hi Mona! I brought you some flowers to brighten up your house."

"Thanks, Mark. Come on in while I put these in water. Follow me."

She headed into the kitchen, and I followed. She found a vase of what appeared to be lead crystal, filled it and arranged the flowers in it.

"What room did you have in mind for this? Where do you see me enjoying it the most."

"Certainly not the kitchen! I would think you get the maximum pleasure in your bedroom!"

"Hmmm, but not alone, surely."

"Well, a beautiful woman such as you surely has many ways to find pleasure."

She laughed. "I love sexual banter with you! We should be going. I can always move these later."

Mona was gorgeous in her little black dress! It showed off her legs (it ended about 5 inches above her knees), her figure, and her cleavage. No wonder she likes to dress up!

I opened the car door for her. Mona kissed me on the cheek.

"What was that for?"

"For the flowers, for being a gentleman, and because I wanted to."

I walked around the car and got in. It was about a 20-minute drive to Le Capanne, and we kept up a fun conversation.

Mona reached across the center console and put her hand on my shoulder.

"Thanks for asking me out, Mark. You probably think I get asked out all the time. Truth is, I'm usually at home and the grocery store is not a place where I like to get hit on."

"We were at the grocery store!"

"Not inside. We were in the parking lot, and you didn't hit on me. You rescued me."

"What if I rescued you so I could hit on you."

Mona got on her knees on the seat, leaned across and kissed me on the check.

"You didn't."

As we walked through the restaurant, heads turned to watch her. My head didn't need to turn; I was following her, looking at her ass!

We ordered our food.

"Mark, tell me about yourself. I mean when you aren't rescuing babes in parking lots."

"I'm 49. I have 4 children, ages 26, 24, 22, and 19. The older three are married, living within an hour of here. The youngest is attending Harvard. She's pre-law."

"Why are you single?"

"Ahhh, that! I'm single because my wife decided to bed her best friend's husband."

"Ouch. Why didn't you marry the best friend?"

"There has to be some level of interest! I had none. Zilch."

"What kind of work, Mark?"

"I'm an attorney. Corporate attorney. That is, I'm general counsel for a large high tech company. I have 3 other attorneys on my staff, so I mostly look busy and watch them work."

"How long have you been there?"

"Seven years. They recruited me from one of the law firms in the city. I refused at first and they kept offering more. I finally gave in when I figured they were going to pay me more than I was worth."

"I have a hunch they knew exactly what they were getting and still thought it a bargain!"

"Mona, tell me about you."

"I'm... Well, Mark, I'm ordinary. I'm 44. I married my high school sweetheart while we were in college. He eventually went to law school and was hired by a large L.A. law firm. We had three children. They are now ages 24 and 22. There are two of the 22s, twins. All are now married."

"And your husband?"

Tears formed in her eyes. Oh, oh! I may have stepped in it.

"Three years ago, Paul was driving home late one night and was hit by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the freeway. He died at the scene."

"Oh, Mona! I'm so sorry!"

I reached out and put my hand on hers.

"It's ok, Mark. I had to tell the story at some point. I keep thinking the loneliness will end, but it keeps going. I'm so sorry! I'll be right back."

With that, she hurried the direction of the rest rooms.

Wow! Everyone has a story. Mona looked so put together, in control, but inside there was all this pain!

Mona returned quickly.

"I'm so sorry, Mark. I just lost control and wanted to repair the damage to my makeup. Here I am hoping to impress you, then I run off to cry!"

"You're human. Genuine. You suffered a big loss. Is it too painful if I ask what Paul was like?"

"Paul was the love of my life. We dated as juniors in high school and fell in love. There was never any doubt we would marry. I never loved anyone else. We had a great marriage--the normal arguments and make-up sex, of course! He's the only man I've ever had sex with.

"Paul was great at saving money. He was careful and carried a large life insurance policy so I would be taken care of. I wasn't happy about the cost. How's that for irony! I got $2 million, and Paul paid about $30,000 for it!"

"Paul loved you, Mona."

She wiped away more tears. She reached for my hand and held it.

"I know, but just this past year I've realized it's time to get on with my life. I moved here because the twins are both married and living here. But I need to find someone to share my life with. I'm sorry, that's too much on a first date."

"Not at all! I'm honored you've felt you could be so open with me.

"By the way, where's that driver's license?"

Mona got it out and with a smile, handed it to me.

"California license. Mona Jackson. Height, 5'3". Weight..."

"Hey! You can stop reading there! Just skip to the age."

"OK, let's see... that makes you 44, almost 45." Her weight was listed as 115.

"I never would have believed your age without seeing that, Mrs. Jackson."

"Mrs. Jackson? You make me sound old! I guess that's my name, though."

"Mark, was the divorce painful?"

"No. Discovering her infidelity was! After that, the divorce was a relief."

"Did your divorce divide the children, I mean as far as their loyalty to you?"

"Not at all. One of them found out about the same time as me what was going on. Heard from a friend of a friend. That kind of thing. Told the others. Our oldest confronted her and told her what she thought of her mother. The others saw it the same way. I'm close to them all."

"That's great. You deserve it, Mark."

Our dinner was served. Delicious, as usual at Le Capanne.

"Have you been here before, Mona?"

"Never, but I hope you'll bring me here again!"

"That answers a much later question! I'd love to!"

A first date is often confusing. Trying to read the other person's thoughts. Do you want to go out again? What do I do when I walk her to the door?

I got out of the car at her house and walked around to open her door. I held out my hand to help her. I couldn't help myself. I had to take another look at her legs. Glorious!

We walked up to the door. She turned, equally nervous, I was sure!

"Thanks, Mark. I'm really glad I met you and that you asked me out. I had a wonderful time. In case there's any doubt in your mind, I would love to see you again. Soon."

"You make my life easier by answering the question I was about to ask."

"Yes, I would like you to kiss me."

I did. Tentative at first, it grew in time and intensity.

"Mark, you're the first man I've kissed since Paul died. Other than Paul, the first since high school. That kiss was fire! I think we should stop there, or I'll be moving the flowers into the bedroom tonight."

I laughed. "It's nice to know you enjoyed it as much as I. When can I see you again?"

"Mark, I'm alone. Not working. Not seeing anyone else. I want to spend time with you. Is that enough for a bright attorney to figure out?"

"I think I can take it from there! Do you use email? Sometimes texting is just too brief to be useful."

"I'll text my email. I'd like that."

She kissed me on the cheek. A lingering, soft kiss.

"Good night, Mark. Thanks for the wonderful kisses."

"Good night, Mona, I'll email you tonight. Watch for it."

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I know I haven't dated anyone since I married, but that was a wonderful evening. Mona is gorgeous, but her loss explains why she is available.

Both of us suffered losses, but in some ways hers was worse. Death is so final. It ends everything except love. Divorce kills love first. What follows is less painful.

Dear Mona:

Thank you for a wonderful evening. While I enjoyed the dinner, your company meant much more to me. When I met you, I was struck by your obvious beauty, but I only saw the outside. What I saw of you tonight, on the inside, impresses me far more!

You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. I'm saddened to learn of your loss; No one can ever take Paul's place in your heart, but fortunately, we are capable of infinite love and don't need to divide and ration pieces of that love. You will love again, with all your heart!

I'm going to be direct, because it's my way of communicating clearly. I like you a lot. I want to toss my hat in the ring, figuratively speaking, as a candidate for possession of your heart. I know, that's a lofty goal! Possibly unattainable.

Perhaps we are not intended for that. Perhaps you will not like me, or I you. Or perhaps we will discover love again. The only way for us to find out is to spend time together.

I failed to ask you tonight about things you like to do. For all I know, you're a professional bowler. Probably not. Perhaps it's billiards. Again, unlikely. Skeet shooting? Gymnastic swimming? Dirt bikes?

The only thing I'm certain of is how much I look forward to kissing you again. That's a skill you have honed!

I don't want to ask you to a movie, just to sit in silence for 90 minutes. Mini golf or horseback riding might not be a path to your heart, either.

Would you be willing to dress up again tomorrow night, but allow me to cook dinner for us? Not quite so dressy, perhaps. Business casual, whatever that means on a date!

May I pick you up at 6 pm?

Mark

P.S. Do you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions?

I read it over a few times. Is this right. Too forward? Not enough?

Good grief! Quit second-guessing and send it!

I waited tensely for 20 minutes. Finally, an email appeared in my inbox.

My dear Mark:

That email made me cry. (You had that effect on me tonight!) Yours was one of the sweetest emails I've ever received! I'll likely keep that forever.

I enjoyed dinner with you immensely, aside from my crying time-out! I'm sorry for that!

Mark, there is something special about you. Yes, throw that hat! Please!

I also do not now run track, throw the javelin, or play center on a WNBA team. Just in case you wondered.

I would be thrilled to be your guest at dinner tomorrow night! Is there anything I can bring or help with?

With eager anticipation,

Mona

P.S. No allergies or dietary restriction. I don't know what you have planned, but I'm a carnivore. I like steaks medium-rare and my kisses well done.

I laughed over her wonderful humor, but I needed to reply.

Dearest Mona:

This is Mark again. The one whose hat is now in your ring. (That almost sounds like a metaphor for something sexual!)

No, you may not help this time. Perhaps next time we will cook together. That will be the acid test of us getting along! Two chefs in the kitchen!

Please just bring yourself, and all that intrigues me about you. Including, but not limited to, your lips.

At least as eager as you,

Mark

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I invited her without knowing what to cook. Something that doesn't result in horrible breath!

I was looking through my digital file of recipes. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. I'll serve it with a Beurre Blanc sauce over asparagus. I took a cooking class one summer. I think it was the summer after Summer left me. How's that for confusing!

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Early the next morning I set out to pick up the lamb and a few other ingredients I lacked. I also picked up some flowers, two bouquets. One for my dining table and one for the living room.

I need a dessert! Apple crisp! I can cook that this afternoon. I need apples!

At 11, I drove over to get Candy. Her mom, my little sister, said ice cream for lunch was a great idea. She would never had said that with her first child!

Candy's favorite is bubble gum ice cream. I've only found it at one place--the same place Candy discovered it. The only place we go now. She was thrilled!

I had her back home at 12:30 after ice cream with her "favorite uncle." I might have coached her to say that to my sister!

Early afternoon I cut up the apples and got the apple crisp pan in the oven. I began cutting up things I could do in advance and putting them in small cups I use for cooking. I got the seasonings measured, where accuracy mattered.

I uncorked my favorite wine. A local Merlot.

Tan slacks. Light blue long-sleeved shirt. Leather belt. Comfortable slip on, leather shoes with tassels. I'm really not that way about clothes. Mona matters to me!

Just prior to leaving to pick up Mona, I put the lamb in the oven. I had already made the sauce for the asparagus and just needed to warm it later. I really only needed to roast the asparagus quickly after I got back.

I rang her doorbell a few minutes early.

"Mark! I'm so happy to see you again!"

Mona came out, locked her door and kissed me on the cheek. She was wearing a wonderful floral dress. Very fashionable length at mid-calf. Mid-beautiful-calf!

"Hi Mona! I've been looking forward to this since last night!"

I opened the car door, and again when we arrived at my home.

I gave her a quick tour of the kitchen, living room, and pointed out the guest bathroom.

"Doesn't this house have a bedroom?"

"It has three. One is my office, the second a guest bedroom. The master is at the end of the hall."

We walked down the hall, and I walked into the bedroom. I had long since redecorated with a more masculine bedspread and pillow coverings. Sheets also, although those were not visible. My master bedroom is quite large, so even a king-sized bed, such as mine, does not look big.

Mona stood and looked over the room for several seconds.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No... It's just... Oh, it's silly of me! Never mind!"

I walked over to her and took her hand. "What is it, Mona?"

"I'm embarrassed."

"Well, my hat's in the ring, so a little embarrassment is not likely to make me change my mind."

"Ok, I warned you. I was standing there wondering what it would be like to be in that bed with you. Aren't I awful?"

"Mona, don't worry. Someone else stood there earlier and had that very thought."

"You did?"

"Yeah. I decided I wasn't interested in being in bed with me!"

She started laughing and came into my arms.

"I love your sense of humor. Even when I say something like that you make me laugh and not feel embarrassed anymore. That's a skill, Mark!"

She kissed me on the cheek again. We walked back to the kitchen.

"Mona, I need to cook now. Everything is cut up, measured, ready to go. If you want to stand here and watch, fine. Just don't expect to do any of the work. This is my treat for you!

"If you need to warm anything for later kisses, this might be a good time."

Mona took the hint and kissed me. It was soft and long. My heart was beating.

We ended the kiss and breathed heavily.

"Ok, I think that's ready to serve. Just keep it warm."

I took the lamb out of the oven and scooped juices over the individual cutlets I cut from the full rack earlier. They needed a few minutes to rest. I put the asparagus in the top oven on high broil. I put the apple crisp in the lower oven and set the temp to 150. Just get it warm.

The sauce was in a pan on the stove, so I turned that on to low and stirred it.

"I love watching you cook! It's refreshing to see a man skilled in more than one room of the house."

"Yeah, I have really good garage skills too! I suppose bathroom, too, but that may be a little too personal!"

"I find myself laughing a lot with you. It's wonderful, Mark! Really, it is."

I walked over to Mona and took her in my arms.

"I'm so happy you're here tonight. Thank you for clearing your calendar on such short notice."

"I've been looking forward to this since you asked me last night. Are your emails always that fun to read?"

"Oh, yes. I'm famous among local lawyers for my emails!"

Mona was laughing again.

"Mark! You are easy to love. So charming and not at all impressed with yourself."

"Damn, a local attorney said that very thing in an email to me last week!"

Mona was wiping away a tear. "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed being with a man this much."

"It was probably in bed."