Here’s another one of my attempts to get published in Woman’s World.
Liz pulled her Mercedes into the grocery store parking lot and jumped out. She had an hour for lunch and had to shop fast. She wasn’t ready for tonight’s Labor Day barbecue, but she promised Mitzi she’d bring her famous salsa. She grabbed a cart and sped into the grocery store. She whizzed through produce grabbing tomatoes, peppers, onions and cilantro.
As she zoomed passed the refrigerated items, she noticed a man with a small child. She stopped her cart and thought, “I know that guy.” Something in the way he stood, in the manner of his stance reminded her of someone. Who was it? She looked back and he was gone. He reminded her of someone…someone nice, the pleasant memory was coming back.
Years ago, when she was married and her children were small, she and Mitzi took their kids to Frontier Park. She remembered seeing a tall man there. The way he stood was both distinct and impressive. Oh, yes, it was Mitzi’s cousin. What was his name? Marvin, Martin….Marty! Yeah, Marty. She did, in fact, meet him, and what was pleasant about the memory is the way he made her feel. He made her feel seen when she was going through a hard time in her marriage. His warmth and kind eyes were genuinely caring and understanding.
“Marty. That’s it.” She said out loud and woke from her reverie. Remembering her immediate task, she chided herself, “Focus, Liz.” She got the tortilla chips and then made her way to the bakery. She turned the corner so fast that she nearly knocked over a little boy.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Are you OK?” Liz stooped down to the little boy.
“Watch it, lady, you trying to run me over?” he snapped back with a pugnacious grin.
“No, no, I’m just in a hurry.” She chuckled and stood up. She was met with the same kind brown eyes she remembered. It was Marty. Older, distinguishably gray, and still tall.
“I’m so sorry.” She blushed.
“It’s OK; it’s usually Eddie the one running into people. Don’t I know you?” Marty asked.
“Yeah, I recognized you too. You’re Mitzi’s cousin?”
“Yep, that’s me,” he confirmed. “And don’t tell me, you’re Mitzi’s friend from the park…hold on, I can remember. Liz! But I forgot your last name.”
“That’s OK, it was Garcia then, but now I’m back to my maiden name.”
“I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, no, that’s a good thing,” she replied. “So you still have small kids?”
“He’s not mine, I mean, he’s not my kid…he’s my grandson.” Marty explained. “Eddie, this is Liz…Liz, this is Eddie.”
“Nice to meet you,” Eddie said sheepishly. He then tugged on his grandfather’s sweatshirt. “Can I please have an ice cream?” Marty mouthed “wait”.
Liz stooped down again, and put out her hand, “Nice to meet you, Eddie.” Eddie reluctantly shook her hand.
“I can’t believe you have grandkids. We’re not old enough to be grandparents. My kids are still in college.” She laughed.
“Well, technically, that’s old enough.” He smiled warmly, and Liz’s knees went a little weak.
“I guess you’re right…” she conceded. “So you still live around here? I thought you moved.”
“We did, but after my wife passed, and my son convinced me to move back here.” Marty added. “Less lonely.”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Thanks, it’s been tough. But things are getting easier.” Marty answered her in a way to deflect the awkwardness.
Liz checked her watch, “hey, I’ve got to go, only an hour for lunch.”
“What…you’re working on Labor Day? That doesn’t seem right.”
“I know! But someone’s gotta delivery the Labor Day babies!”
“Doctor?” He quizzed.
“No, midwife.”
“That’s very rewarding work…bringing in new life,” he approved.
“It is, every life is so special, but today is a big joke…’cause Labor Day and, uhm, yeah, you know…;” She began stumbling over her words. “Anyway, it was really nice seeing you again.” She blushed as she turned her cart to leave.
“Hey, Liz, are you going to Mitzi’s tonight?” Marty wondered.
“I’ll be there with my infamous salsa!”, she announced, pointing to the contents of her cart. “You?
“I wasn’t planning on it, but I guess I will now.”
“Maybe we can catch up then.” She hoped she wasn’t being too anxious.
“I’d like that.” He said. “See you tonight.”
Liz felt that feeling again of being seen. Putting his arm around Eddie’s shoulders, Marty said, “Come on, Eddie. We gotta go, Papa’s gotta get ready for an important party tonight.”
“Can I get an ice cream…please, Papa?” Eddie begged.
“Sure…let’s go.” He laughed and winked at Liz.
Liz walked away laboring to breathe.
FROM THE SHOE 