Page 22 of It's a Widow Thing

“Seriously?” Daniel asked. “It’s our night out. We’re supposed to be having fun.”

“That’s what I want.” Michael turned his attention to the specials board. He didn’t want to make a big deal about this. “I don’t need alcohol to have a good time.”

“I’ll have a glass of merlot,” Daniel said, seeming dejected as the waitress went off to fetch their orders.

“I know you’re mad about Mom, but is everything okay with you?” Brian asked Michael.

“My doctor wants me to cut back on drinking,” Michael said. “But thanks for making a big deal about it.”

“Sorry.” Brian sighed and unwrapped the napkin from his silverware. “I should have known that would be part of it.”

“It’s okay. I appreciate that you guys took my health into consideration with the restaurant choice. That was nice.”

“Alyshia reminded me of it before I left the house,” Brian said.

Daniel cleared his throat and elbowed Brian, but didn’t say anything.

“What’s going on with you two?” Michael asked.

Brian and Daniel exchanged glances, then Brian set his sights on Michael. “Alyshia also told me about the woman in your building. Serena?”

Oh, Lord.He adored his sister-in-law, but he was going to have to share a little less during their phone calls if she was simply going to turn around and spill the beans to Brian. “Her name is Sabrina. And I can’t believe Alyshia told you guys about this.”

“Is she really a widow?” Daniel asked. “That seems like a lot for someone like you to deal with.”

“Someone like me? What’s that supposed to mean?” Michael couldn’t help but feel insulted.

“It doesn’t mean anything other than the fact that you have never dated anyone who had that sort of baggage. Or at least not that I knew about.”

There was that word again—baggage. Michael was starting to hate it. “Sabrina is amazing. And I appreciate that she’s willing to share her history with me even though she’s had a tough go of it. I’m sure it’s not easy.”

“Is it weird? Feeling like you have to live up to her dead husband?” Daniel asked.

Michael’s first instinct was to argue with his brothers, but he’d asked himself the very same question, although perhaps not in as rude a manner. “We’re taking things slow. But yes, it’s a lot of pressure. I’m just trying to be as sensitive as possible to what she’s feeling and what she’s been through.”

“You really like this woman, don’t you?” Brian asked. “I can hear it in your voice.”

Michael tried to hide behind his menu, if only to mask the heat rising in his cheeks. “I do. I like her a lot.”

The waitress came by and delivered their drinks. “What can I get you to eat?” she asked.

“I’ll have the penne alla Vodka,” Daniel said.

“New York strip, medium rare,” Brian said.

Michael tried not to think about the deliciousness of his brothers’ potentially artery-clogging menu choices. “I’ll have the salmon Nicoise salad, dressing on the side.”

Brian raised his glass when the waitress left. “To a new baby for Daniel, and possibly a new beginning for Michael.”

The three clinked their glasses and they all took a drink, while Michael wondered if that really would prove to be true for him. Things with Sabrina were so new. So fragile. A lot of days, his health made him feel like he was running out of time, which was diametrically opposed to what Sabrina wanted and needed. “Well, I don’t know where it’s going, but so far so good. Sabrina and I really enjoy each other’s company.”

Brian snickered. “Is that what we’re calling it these days? Enjoying each other’s company?” He even made air quotes.

“For your information, we haven’t had sex yet. We’re taking it slow.” Michael could hardly believe it, but he was immensely proud of this. He had never taken it slow with a woman. He was generally a sex on the first date kind of guy, and he’d lost count of the number of times he’d been out with Sabrina. With any other woman, it would have been beyond time to make his move, but he was dedicated to letting her dictate the timeline.

“Okay, I know I’ve already asked this, but I think it bears repeating. You really do like her, don’t you?” Brian asked.

“Yes, Bri. I do.”