“I didn’t mean it like that,” Brian said. “It’s been a while since—”
“I know.”
“I was asking because you don’t go on dates. You haven’t since Heather died. I wondered if you were moving on, or just testing the waters.”
Shaun wondered the same thing. “Yes. Both.”
Because he was. He wasn’t sure he was ready to commit to a lifetime commitment again with anyone, but he wasn’t against spending some time with Winter. She was fun. Funny. Hard-edged. Different from his wife in so many ways. But he liked that about her. He didn’t have to worry about her reminding him about Heather.
In fact, thinking about Winter, he didn’t seem to think about Heather nearly as much.
He glanced at his cell phone.
The little light was blinking.
It’s twelve degrees out there. – Winter
He smiled.
I’m not afraid of the cold. Are you? – Shaun
It didn’t take her long to respond.
I’m not cooking. – Winter
I’ll cook. You bring some wine. – Shaun
What time? – Winter
When does the shop close? – Shaun
6. – Winter
So 7? – Shaun
Fine. – Winter
He sent her the details of how to get to his house, and she replied with a thumb’s up. He assumed that meant she would be there.
Brian glanced at Shaun. “Another date?”
“Dinner.”
“Same thing. Where?”
“My house.”
“Wear a condom.”
Shaun glared at him.
But the kid had a point. Might not be a bad idea to pick those up at the store on the way home. Just in case.
11
Friday Night
"What in the Hallmark Movie is this?" I muttered as I climbed out of the car.
