As much as I hate shopping at Walmart, periodically, I make the sacrifice and do a little shopping. It was a Sunday afternoon and I needed a few items that would have required me going to a couple different stores. Instead, I decided to go to Walmart and get it all done at one place. I prefer locally owned stores, but sometimes convenience overrules loyalty.
I walked in and went to the pharmacy department first and picked up the items I needed. From there, I went to the home goods department. Then, I went to the grocery side of the store. I am a people watching person, so I am always looking at the people shopping. I am a curious person and I get entertainment to see how people dress in public.
It wasn't long before I spotted a lady from behind with grey hair. It was nicely styled and grabbed my attention. I noticed she was short and a little fluffy. I wanted to get around so I could see her face. I watched as her and her husband rounded the end of the aisle to go on the next aisle. I did the same and was able to see her from the front. She was an attractive lady and I wanted to look at as much as I could of her body. I was engraving her figure into my mind. I noticed everything about her. I managed to make eye contact with her a couple times and we smiled at each other.
I followed her around a little while until I was able to get the courage to speak. Her husband was not too cordial but she was very nice. I learned her name was Vivian and his name was Abel. While we struck up a conversation, Able decided he was going look in the hardware department for a little bit. Vivian and I continued to talk. The conversation was mostly about current events and the weather. During the conversation, I learned she was once a school cafeteria manager. She was impressed with my work but I assured her it was nothing glamorous. People always perk up when they learn I work in the medical field.
We stood in the aisle for about 15 minutes talking and I figured it was time to let her continue her shopping. I didn't want to be over bearing. I gave her a little hug as I was starting to walk away and she surprised me with a kiss. She also let me know that she thought I was very sweet. I told her that I thought she was an attractive lady and it was very nice talking with her. She told me that since all her children moved away, they very seldom get company. She said she would like to invite me to visit with her and Able sometime. With that, we exchanged phone numbers and continued our shopping.
A few days later, my phone rang with a number I didn't recognize. I answered it thinking it was one of those scammers or telemarketers. She identified herself as Viv and I quickly recognized the voice and knew it was Vivian. She started by saying her and Abel was talking and they would like to invite me to dinner one afternoon after work. I graciously accepted and agreed to the next evening. I told her I would get off work about 4:30pm and go to their house after that. She gave me the address and directions. I was familiar with the neighborhood so I didn't think it would be a problem for me to find the house.
Once it was time for me to get off work, I went to the bathroom to freshen up as best I could at the office. I brushed my teeth, brushed my hair and washed my hands. I took a final look in the mirror then went to the time clock to leave or the day. As I walked out the building, I told co-workers bye and continued on my way. I am sure they could see I was a little more anxious than usual to leave the office.
I drove over to Vivian and Abel's house, which was only a few minutes from my office. It was a nice brick home situated on a corner lot. I saw they had access from the front but it appeared they entered from the side street. I parked in the drive way behind their vehicles and approached the door in the garage. Vivian opened the door and she had a big welcoming smile on her face. Abel was sitting at the table and stood up to welcome me to their house. I sat opposite Abel while Vivian continuing preparing the meal. The aroma in the house was telling me it was going to be a delicious meal.
While Vivian finished with the meal, Abel brought me around the house showing me his handywork. Able was a self-taught craftsman and was proud of his projects throughout the years. As we were looking around, Vivian called to us announcing dinner was ready.
When we got to the dining room, our meals were served and set in our places. Vivian had done a wonderful job. I couldn't wait to taste the lasagna and salad she prepared. As we began eating, Abel brought up a topic that surprised me. He mentioned that every year he goes spend a week or two with his daughter, from a previous relationship, in Texas. Even if he and Vivian were married for over 40 years, his daughter never accepted her into the family. Abel and his first wife only lasted 2 years before they divorced and Vivian was involved in the family not long after that so I guess his daughter never accepted her. Because of that, Vivian never accompanied him when he went visit.
Able and Vivian talked about it and he asked if I could look after her while he was gone. He asked if she could call me if she needed anything and also if I would mind just calling or stopping in to check on her a few times. He said he would be gone two weeks because he was not sure how many more times, he would be able to make the trip. Of course, I told him I would be happy to do that.
After we finished eating the meal, Abel went in the den to watch TV and I helped Vivian clear the table. She was telling me how pleased she was that I accepted the task. She said Abel never had a problem before with her being alone. She didn't know why it was important to him this time but he hasn't shown any caring emotions to her in the last 10 years or so. She told me they have drifted apart and it bothered her at first but she has adjusted and lives with it now. She misses the attention but she figured that was all a part of growing older.
