Thanksgiving

Chapter 2

When we walk into Grey's Market our appearance makes heads turn. The employees know who I am and that Christian and I own the store. Suddenly cashiers who were standing idly begin cleaning their counter, stocking their bags, adjusting their aprons, and nervously attempting to look busy. When Christian took over he made some changes which made some enemies. However, the store now houses the largest wine and beer selection in Seattle and was recognized as one of the 'greenest' in the country. Owners and managers from other big chains have been flocking here to watch and learn. The employees have no reason to fret from me. As long as I can get what I need for my family I'm happy.

"Mrs. Grey!" says a short, chubby man in baggy khaki Dockers, a blue button down shirt, and lime green bow tie, as he steps out of a front office and stumbles up to me with nervous excitement. "What brings you into our store on this fine Saturday?" he asks as he grabs my hand with both of his and shakes it with vigor.

Mr. Porca is the morning manager for the store. Always aiming to please, he comes across as needy and a little geeky. His hair is greasy and his face is still breaking out from pubescence which happened a good 30 years ago. A patchy attempt at a goatee grows around his mouth and chin. When Christian bought the store, I made sure Mr. Porca kept his position. He knows his job, knows how to keep the public happy, and he only works 6am to 12pm. His main job is making sure the shelves are stocked and the stockers know what their jobs are for the day. In his eyes he owns the store and probably knows more about it than anyone else. "We're shopping for Thanksgiving, Mr. Porca." I say with a smile.

"Oh, Mrs. Grey, please call me Peter. If there is ANYTHING you need today, please just holler. I'm so happy to see you here today." Suddenly he grabs me around the waist capturing my arms and hugging himself to me. His head resting on my chest. The embrace is so tight I nearly lose my breath.

Just then, Taylor steps up and puts his hand on Mr. Porca's arm. "Sir, please step back," he says in an authoritative voice.

"Oh, yes! I am so sorry, Mrs. Grey. Please accept my apology. I'm just so happy to see you." He steps back and attempts to flatten out my sweater.

"Sir!" says Taylor again, "please."

Mr. Porca seems frazzled as he looks between Taylor and I, he starts to say something but decides better of it. He turns away and retreats to the manager's office.

"Well that was odd." I say to Taylor who just nods and steps back. I wonder if when he was hired by Christian he'd thought he'd ever be protecting someone from an overzealous grocery store manager. "Please, don't mention this to Christian." I beg as I pull out a cart.

"Can I ride?" asks Ted as he holds onto the cart.

"Not today, buddy – we're going to need all the space we can get. We're buying a lot of stuff." Dinner will include Mr. and Dr. Grey, my father Ray, my friend José, and his father José Sr. along with the 10 of us. I love to cook but have never done it for so many people.

Ted nods agreeably and walks by my side as we begin working on our trek through the store. When I'm pushing the cart, Ted is by my side – on a few occasions I nearly step on him when I trip over him being so close. If Mia or Kate are pushing the cart, he has his hand in mine. Most moms would treasure time alone with her sisters without their children, but I cherish every second I have with my sweet little boy. He is so much like his father I often feel like I have to keep him protected from the world to ensure he has a normal and safe childhood.

"I'm impressed!" says Kate "Gail- I mean Mrs. Jones really made this list perfectly. Not only is it in order by aisle, but in order in the aisle! If I skip something on the list, I know I missed it on the shelf somewhere!" She scrolls through the list that I texted her.