Tony put a little box in the inside pocket of his jacket and zipped it up to his chin. He hoped he had made the right choice. When he first saw them in the shop-window he knew she would like them. They were very nice, elegant but simple too. Like her. So he bought the earrings. It was a little more than a just-friendly present but it didn't say too much either. His wallet felt a little lighter though. But hey, it's Christmas.
He really wanted to spend a nice Christmas. He was starting to understand that it was okay for him to move on. He had to, anyway. It was a new step in their lives. For him and Samantha. It would be great for her to have a woman around — although he thought he was doing a pretty good job so far. And he was glad to see that his daughter seemed to get along fine with her. Gina was really a nice girl, she could make a good mother for Sam... Tony began to panic a little. No, not a mother. Even if they started dating it didn't mean she would replace Marie.
Marie will always be Sam's mother and his wife. The only true love of his life. He wasn't ready for that kind of commitment again. He wasn't ready, or willing, to give his heart to someone else. Especially if it meant getting hurt at the end. But Gina knew how he loved Marie. She would never push him to do something he wasn't ready to do. She was patient and caring. She'd understand. Tony finally calmed down. Maybe they'll date. He didn't know yet. He'll see what happens. He had time.
Tony didn't expect to feel so light this evening. Somehow, deep inside, he felt guilty for enjoying that new sense of peace. Even though he knew he had the right to enjoy it. Marie must be up there smiling down at us, he thought. Right before she was gone forever she told him she wanted them to be happy. But she also knew how much he loved her and that no one will ever replace her in his heart. And in Sam's. And because of that, it was okay to date Gina. Even to have feelings for her — or anybody else for that mattered. It was just different. It was okay. He was okay.
This was as far as he could go for now. Tony took a deep breath. The air was cold. People were rushing on the streets. There were Christmas lights everywhere. He felt like spending the evening in Manhattan. He needed a little time for himself. It had been a crazy day and he was tired but he didn't feel like heading home yet. He wanted to enjoy his evening. As he hustled his way through the crowd Tony spotted a restaurant. The window was illuminated and appealing. Usually he didn't go to that kind of place. His wallet wouldn't let him. But well... once doesn't make it a habit.
People would probably look at him funny with his jeans and jacket. Tony laughed at the thought of him in the middle of all those business men in suits. That should be fun.
A blond woman with a briefcase just entered the restaurant. He followed her inside.