A FLEETING moment of eye contact, a few playful words and one missed opportunity have turned an ordinary shopping trip into a half page ad and a community-wide search for a mystery woman.
Harry Turner is usually known for his conversational rapport, however, one recent trip to Salamander Bay Aldi left him wondering whether he had met someone who left him speechless.
It all began during a routine trip to the supermarket around noon on Thursday, October 22.
Harry spotted an attractive woman in one of the rear shopping aisles. Trying not to make his interest too obvious, he admitted to turning around to see whether she was wearing a wedding ring.
Unfortunately, her hand was covered, leaving him none the wiser.
However, she certainly caught his attention.
“She ideally fitted my criteria … height, appeal and size,” Harry said.
Thinking little more of the encounter, Harry continued with his shopping before heading to the checkout.
After unloading his groceries onto the conveyor belt, he wandered off to collect a small carton of beer.
When he returned, there she was – the mystery woman, unloading her shopping directly behind his.
Their eyes met before she headed off to pick up a bottle of wine.
Harry returned for a second case of beer, and as he approached the checkout, conversation began.
What followed was a brief exchange about their respective alcohol choices, however, it was the eye contact that Harry remembers most.
“It was 100 per cent eye-to-eye contact, as though nothing else mattered,” he recalled.
For a man who prides himself on being able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, Harry’s next move was surprisingly out of character.
He finished paying and, without thinking to continue the conversation or ask for her details, he left the store.
It wasn’t until he was driving home that reality struck.
“I’m thinking, ‘you idiot Harry, for not keeping the conversation going! This is not me as I’m known as ‘Have a Chat Harry’!”
Determined not to let the opportunity disappear completely, Harry turned to social media, posting a light-hearted appeal in a local Port Stephens Facebook group titled “What Are My Chances?”
The response was far bigger than he anticipated, with hundreds of people commenting and offering encouragement, suggestions and a little matchmaking support.
While the post generated plenty of interest and good humour, the mystery woman has yet to make contact.
Now Harry is hoping to widen the search and give fate a second chance.
He has a fair idea of the woman’s description and says he would be delighted if she recognised herself and reached out.
The mysterious lady is described by Harry as “Aussie white caucasian, approx 165cms in height, average size, fair hair and a magical smile.”
His message to her is simple.
“I really liked our moment at Aldi, especially the eye-to-eye contact.
She has a beautiful smile and I would love to see her smile again.”
Harry says he felt there was a connection, despite their brief conversation, and would love the opportunity to take her out for dinner and a glass of wine to see where the conversation leads.
And if things go well?
“Then the flowers would be presented!”
For now, Harry is leaving the next move in the hands of the mystery woman, while a growing number of curious locals wait to hear whether his unexpected Aldi encounter will turn into a true Harry Met Sally romance.
After all, in a community where familiar faces and chance encounters are part of everyday life, who knows where a simple trip to the supermarket might lead – hopefully to Harry’s second chance!
See Harry’s Facebook post and NOTA advertisement, BACK PAGE.
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