Page 31 of Absinthe Minded

One look at her and my frustration melted. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, with almost no makeup, she stole my breath. “It is now.”

“Yeah, okay.” She gave me side-eye.

Until that morning, I’d never understood why she couldn’t take a compliment. When I’d overheard the tail end of the conversation between her and her mother, it’d taken all of my restraint not to tell the woman to go to hell—no mother should speak to their daughter like that. But I’d recently learned it took more than giving birth to make a woman a mother.

No wonder my ending our relationship the way I did had hurt her so deeply. She had to know I was lying about my reasons and had filled in the blanks with God knows what.

I decided then and there to make it my mission to make her see her beauty. “You look nice.”

Maggie shrugged. “It’s as good as it’s going to get.”

I opened the front door for her. “Looks good to me.”

She ignored my remark. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Maggie’s shoulders tensed, but she got into my car.

I kept my mouth shut during the drive. She glanced in my direction when we went over the Crescent City Bridge and exited on Camp Street, but didn’t say a word.

The woman needed to let loose and have fun, and there was no better place to do it than the French Quarter.

“It’s late, most kitchens close at ten…” She sounded like she wanted to bolt.

“I know a place that stays open late. The food’s great, but the owner’s a dick.”

Maggie shot me a dubious look.

“I’m kidding. Trust me.” I pulled into a parking spot behind the building.

“This is reserved for owner. There’s a sign.”

“I won’t get towed.”

Maggie motioned to the line of people stretching out the main door and down Ursuline Street. “We’ll never get a table.”

“You’re going to have to learn to trust me.” I ducked into the service entrance.

“Uh huh.” She glanced around the busy kitchen and smiled.

“Gabe!” Enzo embraced me, something he hadn’t done since our brother’s funeral. I didn’t trust it. “How are you, man? I heard you’re a dad. Congrats.”

I slapped him on the back harder than necessary and pulled out of the hug. “Thanks. Ma called the entire family?”

“Yeah, you could say that.” Enzo smirked. “As for the other half of the news, good luck. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

My mouth went dry. Had my mother told people I was engaged, too?

Recognition dawned on my brother’s face. “Maggie Guthrie? My God, it is you. It’s been a while. How are you doing with all this?”

Maggie’s smile faded. “I’m all right. You should stop in and visit the kids.”

“I’ve been meaning too. I’m sorry, without Joe…” He drew her into a tight hug and kissed her cheek. “You’re a good woman. What are you doing with this loser? I never would have guessed he’d be shacking up with you.”

“Why don’t you quit hitting on my date and get us a table, will you?” I laced my fingers with hers.

Much to my surprise, Maggie didn’t pull her hand free.

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