Lucky Man
"Look at this parking lot. You can't even fit a bicycle in between the cars." Peter continued to assess the area for empty spaces. "This is what we get for waiting till the last minute to shop on New Year's Eve. Toni, I'll pull up in front of the store. You jump out. Meet you after I park this beast."
"Okay, remember to bring the grocery sacks," instructed his wife unbuckling her seat belt. "We don't need much. Meet me at the fresh meat counter."
Nodding his head, he replied, "I've never seen this parking lot so full. I'll probably have to park across the street at the mall." He turned to his wife and smiled, "Now get in line my sweet. We want to make this a short shop."
The automatic doors welcomed Toni into the supermarket. She stopped before the next set of doors opened. This is ridiculous. All the shopping carts are gone. She grabbed the last red plastic basket sitting on the floor.
The second set of doors opened. The determined shopper continued undaunted by the long lines. Toni arrived at the fresh meat and seafood counter. "Excuse me sir, is this the end of the line?"
Without looking at her, a man in a blue coat standing in front of her answered, "Yes!"
She watched as shoppers navigated the line to view the available selections. Four butchers assisted every customer with smiles to calm their uneasiness. Every sale ended with a Happy New Year.
Toni unbuttoned her wool coat, untied her magenta scarf, and placed it in her basket. She passed time by circling items in the store's flyer to complete her shopping list.
"Excuse me Miss, is this the line for seafood or meat?" Asked a man facing her with a fedora, tweed jacket, glasses, and goatee.
"Thanks for calling me miss," responded Toni, lifting her head from her makeshift list. “I don't think they divided the line."
"Well, I'm in a hurry. I was hoping I could get in a shorter line," replied the man as he wiped his glasses. “Now, what is on sale?"
She waited for the man to raise his head before replying. When his eyes met hers, she did not answer.
He took a deep breath. Put his glasses back on his face. His cheeks flared red with embarrassment. "I'm an inexperienced shopper. Forgive my terrible manners."
The young woman recognized the apology. "I know what I want.” Would you like the weekly sales flyer? You can look through it as you wait in line."
"That's kind of you." The man answered as he shifted from one leg to another. "Do you have a lot to buy?"
"Are you in a hurry?" Toni responded with a soft smile.
"Well, my wife's out of town visiting our daughter. I'm suppose to bring some fish to a friend's house for a New Year's Eve party. I can't decide between the salmon or halibut."
"Do you know if your host prefers wild caught or farmed fish?"
He looked up from the grocery ad and asked in a louder voice, "Are fish farmed?"
Trying to assess his needs, she inquired, "Do you and your wife and shop together?"
Shaking his head while untying his scarf, the man answered. "I never go to the grocery store." He surveyed the area and asked in a softer voice, "Is it always this busy?
Sensing the shopper's anxiety, she offered her help. "If I'm going to be your shopping assistant, call me Toni."
"Oh excuse me, I'm Isaac."
"Nice to meet you."
Toni explained the difference between farmed and wild caught fish. She gave him the details of when halibut and salmon are in season. She explained the terms 'fresh' and 'previously frozen.' "It looks like I'll be next. I'm waiting for my husband, why don't you get in front of me."
Isaac stepped in front of the resourceful shopper. He handed her the flyer. "Thanks for your help." He selected his order with swift precision. As he turned to allow his assistant shopper to step up to the counter he said, "Thank you, Toni. Does your husband know he is one lucky man?"
"Who's a lucky man Isaac?" Pete's voice boomed over Toni's head "Do you shop here often?"
"Pete! My wife left for New York to immerse herself in new role as grandmother. Are you here shopping for your wife?"
"No, it seems you two are shopping together."
Isaac turned, winked at Toni who was giving instruction to the butcher. "She only gave me her first name. She took pity on an old man abandoned by his wife."
"Don't consider it pity. She talks to everyone. I can't leave her alone too long. She picks up strangers on a regular basis."
"I hope you know she is a keeper. You’re a lucky man. So glad you accepted our offer to teach in our department."
Toni joined the two men and handed the basket to her husband. Isaac tipped his hat towards the generous woman and pronounced, "Don't ever stop talking to the world. Your help eased the task. You'll be a bright addition at the faculty soirees."
He tucked his fish under his arm, tipped his hat towards Toni, and smiled. He stepped closer to Pete, placed his free hand on his shoulder, "Cherish her, you lucky man. You're a very lucky man."