Oranges or Tangerines

Sometimes love comes when you least expect it....even in the fruit isle of a supermarket.

Part One

Rain beat down on Sarah's windshield making it nearly impossible to find a decent parking spot at the local market. Tired after a long day at work, she let out a loud sigh as she drove around squinting through the rain. It was already dark, making the task more tedious.

Spying a car pulling out several rows away, she raced rather uncautiously to get the spot. Luckily, she beat the other two drivers who lurked like vultures over the desirable space.

Having forgotten her umbrella, she ran into the market looking like a drowned rat. Too tired to worry about her sopping hair and running mascara, she grabbed a cart and began the mundane task of getting food for she and her four year old son, David.

Mobs of people scurried about. She dreaded the thought of waiting in a long line. Her feet ached and the dampness had begun to soak through her shoes.

With a cart full of David's favorite cereals, milk, and other necessities, she headed for the fruit isle. Happy that his goodies were on sale, she wanted to indulge in herself. She loved fresh fruit but often went without because the prices were too high.

Raising a son alone was hard, but she managed. Since the death of her husband, things were tight. She did everything she could to keep the house, but that meant accounting for every penny she made from her meager salary as a retail manager. Sometimes she thought her fifty plus hours a week were in vain.

The texture of the oranges felt wonderful to her. The dimpled skin and soft fruit made her mouth water. Carefully choosing just the right ones, she placed them in a bag, smiled and headed for the check out.

"Excuse me," she heard. "Are these oranges or tangerines?"

She looked into the deepest blue eyes she'd ever seen. Her pulse raced as he stood just inches from her. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air, tantalizing her and making her cheeks flush.

He towered over her five foot three frame. His double breasted suit and striking features made him look like he stepped out of a magazine.

Momentarily lost in his eyes, she quickly gained her composure and looked at the fruit he was holding -- suddenly aware of her flattened hair and smudged make up.

"That's a tangerine." Her cheeks remained pink. "The oranges are right there," she said, clearing her tightened throat and pointing to the next row of fruit.

"Thanks." His smile tugged at her. Quickly turning away, she felt warmth radiate throughout her body. The sparks of desire hadn't been felt since her husband's death over a year ago. My God, she thought. What's going on with me?

Flipping though several tabloids while waiting in line, the voice behind her sent shivers down her spine. Her heart fluttered in unexpected excitement.

Part Two

Sarah didn't know if she should turn around. She couldn't be rude, however. He'd only said hello.

"Hello", she stumbled out, aware once more of his effect on her -- her racing pulse, heated blood and dancing butterflies in her stomach.

She took a deep breath in a failed attempt to appear casual.

"Thanks for your help back there. I've never been good at knowing which fruit is which."

His gaze was so penetrating. Sarah was mesmerized. Several seconds of swimming in the deep blue pools of his eyes elapsed before he asked, "Are you okay?"

She wanted to die! What was she doing? Feeling like a complete fool, she said, "I'm sorry. It's been a really long day and I'm just tired."

He smiled, and she knew he felt something too. Or was she being presumptuous? Either that or he was some kind of creep. She just met this man! In a supermarket no less! Logic kicked in fast as she heard the check out woman say impatiently, "Ma'am, could you please hurry up?"

"Oh my God," she said, turning away from the captivating stranger. She tossed her groceries onto the belt as her face burned.

"Here, let me help you with that." He reached for the bundle of wood at the bottom of her cart.

"No, I can get it."

Sarah felt a thud to her head that nearly sent her off her feet.

They stood holding their foreheads, laughing.

"Oh My God! Are you okay?" She wanted run, but at least he was laughing.

"Yes," he said, still massaging his aching head and chuckling. "This time, please, let me get it."

She didn't want to injure him again. She allowed him to lift the heavy bundle of wood onto the belt.

"Thanks." Their eyes locked but this time she wouldn't let herself look like a love sick girl. She turned abruptly to pay the cashier, who by this point was grinning at the her.

He started placing the few items he'd bought on the belt. Sarah counted less than ten and wondered why he didn't use the express lane. Not wanting to give it any more thought, she turned to him.

"Goodbye. And thanks again."

He smiled, teasingly rubbing his head. "Goodbye. I'll have to wear a helmet the next time I come in."

They smiled and Sarah headed for her car. It was pouring in sheets.

She ran through the drenching rain and couldn't stop thinking about him.

She didn't even know his name!

Finally, she spotted her car. She was soaked to the bone as she began loading the bundles into her trunk. It was cold and raw, but she was warmed by thoughts of the stranger.

Part Three

The wind slammed the trunk down. Fortunately, her head wasn't under it. Rushing to the car door, she jumped in, drenched.

It was already dark. The only thing Sarah wanted was to get David and go home.

She put her key in the ignition and heard a clicking sound. The car wouldn't turn over.

"Oh no. Don't let this be happening."

David was supposed to be picked up by quarter of six. Reaching for her cellular, she phoned the daycare center. She'd been late before due to overtime at work and could tell by the woman's voice that she was none too pleased.

"But my car won't start! What do you want me to do?"

"Call Triple A." She hung up.

Sarah didn't belong to Triple A. Wherever she could cut expenses she did. Now, however, she questioned her choice.

"Damn it. Start will you?" One more attempt and nothing. Frustrated, she got out into the driving rain and opened the hood. She didn't know what she was looking for, but remembered her husband doing it. With only a small keychain flashlight, she could barely see.

"Need a hand?"

Startled, she turned, barely able to see through the rain and was looking right into the eyes of the stranger.

The engine wasn't sparking, but she sure was.

"Hi. I don't know, thanks. I don't even know what's happened. The only thing I'm certain of is that I have to pick my son up and this heap won't start."

Holding his umbrella over the both of them, he handed it to her and said, "I'm parked just a few cars down. Let me put these away and I'll be right back."

"Are you sure? You don't have to do this. You're going to get soaked."

"Don't you worry about me. I think you're the one who's water logged." He smiled that magical smile again and even in her predicament, she was able to laugh.

He returned a minute later with a much larger flashlight. Sarah held the umbrella over him as he poked and prodded, checked wires, tested the battery, etc.

"Thanks so much for doing this. I feel just awful."

"It's not a problem, but I would like to know the name of my damsel in distress."

"It's Sarah," she smiled at his description of her. "And what's your name, my hero?"

"Max. Now, why don't you get in the car, and when I tell you, try to start it. Don't touch the gas, though."

Sarah waited for his signal.

"Okay!"

Nothing. Not even a click.

He got into the passenger seat and looked at her. He was soaked, too.

"I'm sorry. All this for nothing and your soaked. Thanks anyway."

"Well, I tested your battery and there's plenty of juice. Your lights go on. With all this rain and it's pretty tough to see what the problem is. What are you going to do?"

The thing was, Sarah didn't know what she was going to do. How she longed for the days when she could call her husband. But, he wasn't there.

"I'll try my sister. I'm not sure if she's working the night shift or not. She's a nurse."

"Do you mind if I wait while you call her? I'd hate to leave you stranded."

"No, that's okay, but you really don't have to."

"Yes, I do."

"But you must need to get home. I don't want to put you out."

He looked at her and she diverted her attention from him to the phone. There was something very powerful going on between them, and she didn't have a clue as to who he was. He could be married!

"The only thing waiting for me at home are some fish, and I'm sure they'll be fine." He laughed and it was contagious.

Sarah made the call and got no answer.

"She must be working."

"Anyone else you can call? Your husband?"

Immediately she felt her expression change. A knot formed in her stomach. It was still so hard.

"He died about a year ago."

Max was silent for a moment and then touched her hand. "I'm so sorry. I hope I didn't upset you."

Shaking her head, she said, "No, it's okay. You're right. If he were still here I'd be home already." She suddenly looked at her watch and panicked. "Oh no! It's six-fifteen. The daycare center is really going to charge me for this one!"

"Come on. Let's go get your son."

Sarah's mind was reeling. She trusted Max, but didn't know why. She was in an awful position and needed his help, but what if he was some sort of sociopath? She didn't know, but her instincts told her it was okay.

"Are you sure? Really, this is too kind."

"We'd better hurry. Pop your trunk and I'll pull my car up. We'll put your things in my car."

She waited in the rain with an armful of bags, wanting to be ready for him.

He pulled up and helped her with the rest.

They pulled out of the parking lot and went to get David, her waterlogged car left behind.

Part Four

When they finally arrived at the day care center, poor David was the only child left. Sarah felt awful and Mrs. Lindle didn't make it any easier.

"Mommy! Mommy! I thought you forgot about me!" He wrapped his small arms around her legs.

"I don't need to tell you that this can't happen again. One more time and he's out." She sneered at Sarah.

"Mrs. Lindle, really. I did call to let you know my car broke down. It wasn't deliberate."

"I'd call it negligence."

"What?" She was dumbfounded. Why that old...

"I'm sure you don't want the authorities involved. Next time, be here on time."

With that, she closed and locked the door behind her leaving Sarah and David on the porch.

"Are you okay, Mommy?" His wide eyes looked up at her and whatever anger she'd felt towards Mrs. Lindle dissipated.

"Sweetheart, I'm fine. Now let's get home. You ready to run?" It was still pouring out.

"Yep. But, where's your car, Mommy?"

Sarah had forgotten to tell him. What would he think of her, taking a ride from a complete stranger? It went against everything she'd taught him.

"Well, honey. When I was at the supermarket my car broke down and a very nice man helped me. As a matter of fact, he brought me here to get you and to drive us home."

"Is he over there?" He pointed to the shiny red Volvo in front of the building, jumping with excitement.

"Yes, that's him. His name is Max. Let me put your hood on. Now, on three. One...two...three!"

They ran full speed towards the car through the wall of rain and sleet.

The car was toasty warm, and with David secured in the back, Sarah turned to Max.

"It's getting real slick out there. I think things are freezing up."

"We'll be fine. Who's this little guy?" He extended his hand to the six year old. "Hi. I'm Max." He smiled.

David took his hand -- acting more like a little man than a boy and said, "Hello, Max. My name is David. Nice to meet you. Thanks for helping my Mommy out."

Max looked at Sarah in amazement. "You're quite the young man, aren't you?"

"Mommy teaches me manners all the time."

"Well," he chuckled, "I'd say she does a good job. Ready to go home?"

"Do you know where me and Mommy live?"

Sarah realized she hadn't told him. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's only about a mile from here. I'll point the way."

They drove through the icy rain, Sarah navigating. The almost slid through one intersection. Sarah gasped.

"Wow, it's getting bad . I am so sorry for putting you through this."

"Like I said, it's not problem. Plus," he added with a grin, "we're in Volvo. We'll be fine."

They both laughed.

After about ten minutes, Sarah pointed to a right hand turn up a long, stone driveway. "This is it."

"This street is your driveway?" Max laughed.

"It's not a street, it's just a very, very old farmhouse with a driveway that's a nightmare to plow!"

The car slid on the frozen stone as they made the steep ascent to the house. Finally, they pulled around the U-shaped drive and stopped in front of the porch.

"Mommy, can Max come in for some hot chocolate? I want some."

Embarrassed, Sarah said, "David, I'm sure Max has things to do and it's getting very bad outside. Of course," she paused and felt her cheeks flush when she looked at him, "he is welcome. It's the least we could do."

Their eyes locked and Sarah felt the same sparks she had in supermarket. His eyes seemed to twinkle.

What was it about this man?

"I'd love some hot chocolate, David. Thank you." He turned to Sarah. "You sure I'm not putting you out?"

"Oh no. Hot chocolate on a cold night is a ritual with David and I."

With that, the three of them went to the trunk and grabbed the groceries. After fumbling for her key, Sarah opened the door and three of them, wet and cold, entered the warmth of the house.

Part five

"David, go to your room and put something warm on."

He scurried up the stairs, stopping halfway up to give one of his best smiles to Max. His little face lit up. "Thanks for bringing me and Mommy home."

"That's quite all right," he said, following Sarah to the kitchen with an armful of groceries.

"You didn't have to bring all those in. I would have gotten them." She looked into his deep blue eyes -- lost in them again. Neither one diverted their gaze and she felt like she was looking into the eyes of someone she knew before.

Impossible, she thought! I don't even know his last name. My God, what am I doing?

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing. Why?"

"You were thinking about something. I could tell."

"Oh really?" Their playful dialogue excited her in ways she hadn't felt in a very long time.

"Yes, really. What were you wondering?"

"Honestly? I was just thinking that I don't even know your last name and I'm about to have hot chocolate with you." She laughed.

"Good point. Well, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." His flirtations were getting to her as she tried to appear unaffected by him.

"It's LaRoy. Now, what's yours?" He wandered over to the wood stove.

"It's Parks. Why were you grinning?"

"I don't know, actually. It's kind of amazing to me that we just met and I'm more comfortable around you than most people."

Taken back by his remark, and feeling the same way, she quickly began warming the milk for their hot chocolate and didn't reply. She couldn't admit it. She was so unsure of her feelings, but knew that there was something going on. But what? Falling in love with a complete stranger only happened in the movies.

The kitchen and living room consisted of a wide open space with the couch serving as a divider between the two. She watched as Max peered into the stove and poked the wood. His suit jacket was draped neatly over the antique rocking chair and his sleeves were rolled up.

"Looks like it needs more wood. Do you mind?"

"You don't have to do that! I'll take care of it."

"Nah. I always loved these old stoves. Please, allow me. We don't want burnt milk."

They laughed. He was right.

She couldn't take her eyes off him no matter how much she chastised herself for staring. His powerful fore-arms bulged as he lifted four pieces of dried wood with ease from the rod iron holder.

What was that smell? The milk! Putting her eyes back where they belonged, she began stirring. Thankfully, she spared herself the humiliation of burning it in the nick of time.

She filled three mugs with rich, hot chocolate and David came bounding down the stairs in his pajamas.

"Is it done Mommy?"

"Sure is. Why don't you sit at the table?"

"Can I go sit near Max instead and drink it in the living room? Just this time? Please?"

Sarah was amazed at her son's reaction to Max. He typically didn't take so quickly to strangers, especially a man. Since the death of his father, he usually withdrew around adult men. Not with Max, however.

"Well, if you're careful I'll allow it this time. But, you know the rules. No eating or drinking in the living room." She brought the tray of three steaming mugs over to the coffee table. "Since we have a guest, it's okay this time." She winked at her son, who giggled in return.

The three of them sat, warmed by the fire, sipping on their hot chocolate. Max on the couch, David right beside him and Sarah watching in wonder from the chair.

Part Six

David looked up at his mother. "I'm hungry."

"You know, you're right. We should have had dinner by now." She tussled his hair.

"Can Max stay?" He flashed his boyish grin at Max and he returned the gesture.

"Honey, I'm sure Max has things to do." Her cheeks turned crimson as she headed for the kitchen. "Of course," she looked back to find him gazing at her, "He is welcome to stay."

She quickly turned her head -- diverting her eyes from his. She was amazed. Every time their eyes met she felt as if she'd known him before. It spread right to the depths of her soul.

"Well," he got up and looked out the window, "it's getting pretty nasty out. I think a nice warm meal before I tackle the snow sounds wonderful."

"Snow?" Sarah ran to the window. The snow was falling heavily. "I didn't know they were forecasting this."

"Well, you never know around here. New England weather is about as predictable as the stock market."

They laughed.

"I suppose you're right. Well, you are welcome to stay. I was planning on just pasta and salad. Is that okay with you?"

"Beggars can't be choosers," he smiled and she felt her heart flutter.

Oh boy, she thought, watching the water come to a boil. I've got to get a grip on myself!

When the pasta was ready, she asked David to wash his hands and face, which he did reluctantly. The three of them sat for dinner. She'd decided to dress up the meal a bit with some garlic bread.

"Yummy, Mommy," David said, twirling the long strands of pasta around his fork.

"I second that," Max smiled, twirling right along with him.

"You two," Sarah said with feigned sternness, "don't play with your food."

The three of them laughed.

"Okay, I'll behave," said Max, "but David has to, too."

"Deal." David extended his small hand to Max and they shook on it. Sarah felt a warmness envelope her heart. She watched in fascination as a bond formed right before her eyes.

After dinner, Sarah asked David to get ready for bed. Even though it was Friday, she liked to keep him on a routine. She'd let him stay up for an extra half hour, but he was only six.

She cleared some of the dishes and stood at the sink. She felt the energy of Max standing behind her. It was like heat and electricity. She turned around to find him holding a handful of dishes.

"What are you doing? I'll take care of this. Sit down and relax." She took the dishes from him, all too aware of the sensations throughout her body. She quickly thought of something to say to escape the feeling. "Would you like some coffee?"

"It's the least I can do and yes, some coffee would be wonderful. Where do you keep it? I'll get it going."

She looked at him curiously. Gorgeous, helpful, liked her son, her son liked him and now he was willing to make coffee! He had to be married, he just had to be! A man like this doesn't stay single and he was so comfortable around a mother and her son.

Max must have noticed the change in her expression. "What's wrong?"

She didn't know what to say without embarrassing herself. She hadn't noticed any wedding ring, but that didn't mean anything. Although, she thought, he did say that all he had were some fish waiting for him at home. But, what if he was lying? She was very confused. Her guts told her he was telling the truth. He didn't seem the type to lie.

"Come on," Max said teasingly, "spit it out. What are you thinking?"

"Well," she said, handing him the coffee can and pointing to the coffee maker. "I don't know. You just seem too good to be true. Please, " she looked down for a moment, "don't misunderstand me. Do you mind a personal question?"

"Not at all, as long as I get to ask one back."

"Well, fair enough." She hesitated before the words came out. "Are you sure you're not married?" She regretted her question as soon as she asked it. What business of it was hers?

"I was. Once, a long time ago."

Something in him changed. His vibrant, bright and playful eyes now looked sad and melancholy.

"Did I offend you?"

"No," he shook his head and stared out the window above the kitchen sink, just inches from her. It was snowing hard, now. "Five years ago my wife and son we killed in a car accident." He paused and Sarah could feel his pain. God, did she know the feeling. Fortunately her precious David was spared.

"Oh, Max, I'm so sorry."

"That's okay. I know you know how I feel. It happened just around this time of year." He poured water into the coffee maker and continued talking as he added scoops of freshly ground beans to the machine. "I have to say that the past five years have been tough. Especially the holidays. I don't know why I'm burdening you with all this. You've got a full plate of your own. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," she placed her hand on his arm and he faced her, their lips within inches of each other. "I know the pain, but I don't know what it's like to lose a child, too. I can't even imagine it." Her eyes watered as she stared into his. "I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to tell me."

"Mommy? Can I watch my favorite show?"

Startled, she looked at her little one, Max smiling at him. "Yes, since it's Friday."

"Could I join you David?" He turned to Sarah, "I don't want to wear out my welcome."

"Not a problem, if you can handle his favorite t.v. show!"

"Yeah! That'd be cool!" David jumped up and down in excitement.

"Okay," Sarah said, "get ready for Bumbly the Bear." She laughed. "I'll bring the coffee right over. How do you take it?"

"Cream, no sugar. Thanks."

Before she knew it, David grabbed Max's hand and led him to the couch. He told him to sit and expertly worked the remote control, putting on his favorite show.

Sarah stood watching from the kitchen with an overwhelming feeling that this wouldn't be the last time she'd see Max LaRoy.

She brought their coffee over and joined them on the couch. Sarah on one end, David in the middle, and Max on the other.

This felt too right.

Meanwhile the snow was piling up and they didn't bother to check how bad it was getting as they were happily lost in their new world.

Part Seven

David was nuzzled against Max.

"I think he's sleeping," he whispered to Sarah.

She went to gather her son in her arms. Max stopped her.

"Do you mind if I carry him? It's been so long. I know that sounds foolish..."

"No it doesn't. Here, you take him and follow me."

Max bundled David up in his large arms and he looked so much smaller than he did when Sarah carried him. He was getting quite heavy for her to take up the stairs, but Max did it with such ease.

"Right in here," she whispered.

She watched as he placed David gently in his bed, covering him with blankets. He kissed his forehead softly. "Nice meeting you, buddy."

When he turned to Sarah, his eyes were misty. She could only imagine the memories that were flashing through his mind. Her heart ached for him.

They tip-toed downstairs and sat back on the couch. An old movie had just started.

"Oh, I love this! An American In Paris!"

"Are you serious?" Max looked astounded.

"Yes. Why? Is it too 'girly' for you?" she teased.

"No, that's not it." He was far away.

"What is it?"

"Well, my wife and I used to love watching these old movies. It just brings back a lot." He looked at her, his deep, blue eyes captivating her. "Being around you makes me feel things I never thought I would again and I don't understand. It's been five years of grieving, of empty dates that didn't feel right and of being alone." He sighed, "And here you are, Sarah Parks, a woman I met in the grocery store who feels more real to me than anyone I've met and makes me feel more alive than I have in a long, long time."

She was speechless. It was as if everything he said could have come out of her mouth. Mustering up the courage to speak, she said, "I think I know what you mean. My friends have introduced me to men and to be honest, I only had one in this house and David couldn't stand it. And it was only for five minutes! I don't know what it is about you, either. There's no rational explanation and I'm one of those people who tries to find one all the time. I've been afraid to feel and I still am. All I know is that being around you feels okay and that's different and crazy and you name it!"

Max moved closer to Sarah and gently touched her satiny skin. Shivers ran down her spine. It felt like an eternity since she'd been touched that way. Her mind kept telling that this was nuts. None of it made any sense and she hadn't the slightest clue of who Max was. Her heart told an entirely different story. It told her to let go and allow herself to feel.

Their eyes never left each others as he moved closer to her face. He turned his head and gently kissed her ear causing her body to blaze with passion. His mouth softly kissed her cheek and she had to catch her breath. As his hands ran through her silky, long hair, she became so overwhelmed with emotion that she began to cry.

"Oh Sarah. Sweet, sweet Sarah, " he whispered. "I know. I really do know how you feel right now." He cupped his hands around her face and looked into her green eyes. His were also full of tears.

They sat and held each other for a long time, with no words spoken.

The End

As the movie neared the end, Sarah realized that she was laying on the couch with Max. Her head was nestled upon his chest and she looked at him. He was sleeping and she hadn't the heart to wake him. Getting off the couch easily, she went to the linen closet and grabbed an antique quilt. It was old, but very warm. She covered him with it and stared at him for several moments before going upstairs. She took a pen and paper from the coffee table and left him a note: I didn't want to wake you. Hope you don't mind. Coffee's on. Sarah.

She smiled as she placed it on the table and went upstairs to bed. She knew common sense would have told anyone, including herself, that you don't allow a strange man to sleep on your couch. But this was different. God knows why, she thought, but this is different.

________________________________________________

David bounded downstairs in his typical fashion and Sarah could hear him from her bedroom. "Max! Max! You slept over!" He pounced on Max and woke him from his slumber.

"Well," he said, looking around with foggy eyes, "it looks like I did. I think your Mommy left me hear because it snowed so much that she wanted me to be safe."

Grateful for his explanation, Sarah quickly dressed in some sweats and headed downstairs.

"I hope you don't mind, Max. I didn't have the heart to wake you and like you said, those roads were really dangerous last night."

He winked at her. "I slept like a log."

"Well, the coffee's done. Would you like some? And David, let's get you some cereal."

"Sounds great," he said, making his way to the kitchen.

David and Max were seated at the table, the basket of fruit Sarah purchased in the middle.

"Max, are these oranges or tambourines?"

He laughed and looked at Sarah, who had a knowing look in her eyes.

"Why don't you ask your Mom. She's an expert on these things."

"Honey, it tangerines, not tambourines," she giggled. "These are oranges." She placed her hand on one of them and found Max's covering her own.

"You don't know how important a question that is, David," Max said, looking deeply into Sarah's eyes. "Probably one of the most important ones I've asked in my life."

They lost themselves in each other's gaze and David began laughing.

"You two are silly! Now could you please move your hands so I can have an orange?"