The woman adjusts the baby more securely on her hip.
“He’s six months.”
“What’s his name?”
“Samuel.”
“No way! That’s my grandfather’s name. I knew there was something about the little guy I liked.”
The woman laughs but loses the happiness just as quickly as it came.
“Well,” Elliott continues, “I believe I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for Samuel here. How about we take a trip down the baby aisle together?”
“Oh thank you.....”
“Elliott.”
“.....Elliott. Thank you. I am so embarrassed. I’ve never had to do anything like this before but I’m desperate. It’s either this or head to the nearest soup kitchen but I don’t have a car and I don’t want to expose Samuel to the elements.”
“I understand...."
“Karen.”
“....Only a great mom would brave asking a stranger for help. I’d be honored to help you guys out. Truly, it would make my day.”
Both Elliott and Karen, with Samuel in tow, headed toward the baby aisle. I decide that this will be the extent of my eavesdropping, that I won’t risk the possibility of further humiliation. I am firm in my decision. Maybe another second wouldn't hurt.
I crept one aisle over and listened to their progress. A little old lady rushed past me in her cart, eyeing me strangely. I know, I’m insane grandma.
“So, what does Samuel like to eat Karen?”
“Oatmeal. He loves banana oatmeal.”
I hear box after box toss into a cart. Karen laughs.
“He doesn’t need that much,” she says.
“ I’m sure he doesn’t but I just want to make sure. Alright, how about these? I remember when my little sister was about Samuel’s age she couldn’t get enough of these.”
“Okay,” Karen says, her voice teetering on a sob.
I bring my hands to my face and feel something wet on my finger tips. Oh great, you’re a sap Julia Jacobs. I hear Elliott give her some space. I remember thinking how thoughtful it was for him to want to give her back her dignity and how that small gesture wasn’t lost on me. Even as vulnerable as she has made herself, Elliott still treated her with respect, never taking advantage of her like some men would or treating her like she’s incapable of taking care of herself or her baby. To him, she’s just a woman down on her luck at the moment.
“What size diaper is he in Karen?” I hear him raise his voice so she can hear him.
“He’s in a size three now,” she says, then sniffs.
“Alright.”
I hear a box slide underneath the cart. After a few seconds, I hear him pile things inside. He’s not even asking if she needs it, he’s just doing it.
“Elliott,” Karen’s shaky voice says, “that’s enough. You’ve done more than enough.”
“You’re denying me a glimpse of what this will be like in my future,” he laughs. “It’s fun Karen. Gonna’ deny me that?” He teases.
She laughs.
“Alright, well, do you think we have everything?”
“I think he’ll be able to eat for a month.” She sniffs. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. So, what about you? What will you eat?”
“I’m fine. I can figure it out on my own. You’ve done more than enough.”
“I believe you,” he says. “Indulge me though. Follow me.”
I hear his cart rumbling down the aisle and I haul my ridiculous feet to the end cap opposite the direction they’re traveling. When he passes my aisle, I almost trip over myself racing to the other side, trying to eavesdrop yet again. Grandma is plainly gawking at me now. I shrug my shoulders and lean down to get a better grip on their friendly conversation while I trail him all around the market.
He gets her all sorts of non-perishables. Smart, I think, but he also gets her a few staples like milk and eggs. When they head towards the checkout counter I follow closely and lean near the end cap to listen in.
They talk about her life at home, where she works, and what Samuel’s habits and talents are. Elliott comments on what a well behaved baby he is, how smart he seems to be, and what an amazing disposition he possesses.
I find myself drawn to Elliott then, like a string connects our hearts and that string is coiling tighter and tighter, drawing me closer and closer to him. I realize that I’m seeing Elliott at his best and the ironic part is that he isn’t even doing this in show. This is genuinely who he is. As far as he’s concerned, no one knows what he’s doing and that melts away one of the protective layers I’ve so carefully built around my heart.
It clamors in that instant and I begin to daydream what it would be like to run my fingers through his hair and hold his face in my hands. If I could, I would let him know just what I think of what he’s doing. Perhaps I’d do just that with a kiss. What would that be li....
“Boo,” I hear from behind me.
I jump and shriek. Everyone’s eyes turn my way. I can’t see Elliott but I’m more than positive he and Karen are looking our direction, as curious as the rest of the store’s patrons are. I hit Sawyer.
“Sawyer!” I whisper yell.
“Julia!” He mocks, holding his gut in laughter. “What the heck are you doing?”
I start laughing with him.
“Nothing. I’m just a big buffoon. Hanging on the end cap like an overgrown monkey.”