He knew why he'd wanted to, but why he'd let himself actually head across the backyard and knock on the door was a mystery.
He normally had more control over himself, but since Ruth Baker moved in next door, he'd been slowly losing control.
Nick shook his head. "Don't worry, Katie. I'm just having a disagreement with Miss Baker."
"About me?"
"No, sweetie." Ruth bent down and got almost face to face with his daughter. "It's not about you."
"Then what are you arguing about?"
Nick was both proud and angry at the same time. Proud that Katie could see through it their empty reassurances but angry that he'd let his frustrations out to the point where they had to reassure her with those empty reassurances.
Nick put his hand on Katie's shoulder, and she turned toward him and lifted her face up to speak to him.
"Dad?"
Nick crouched down beside her and gave her a smile. "Katie? Honey?" He turned to look at Ruth and he saw the concern in her features. "I owe Miss Baker an apology."
He put his hand out and Katie took it, giving his hand a squeeze.
He felt like a total ogre.
Straightening, he looked at Ruth and saw her looking back at him.
He could tell what she was thinking.
Not because he could see into her head, but because he'd seen that look on his own face before.
She was waiting to see if he'd disappoint her.
He had a feeling that she didn't expect a lot from him.
How could he blame her?
He was upset at himself.
Nick opened his mouth and hoped like hell he wouldn't make an even bigger ass of himself.
"I'm sorry, Miss Baker." He swallowed hard but the knot in his throat wouldn't move. "I can't explain why I'm like this tonight. I just know that you don't deserve my bad attitude or manners. Will you please accept my apology?"
It didn't take more than a moment or two for her to speak, but during that time he felt like a wretched fool.
When she smiled at him, he felt his heart clench and release in his chest.
"Of course, I'll accept your apology, Mister Stone."
"Nick." He held out his hand to her. "Please, call me Nick."
Her smile almost brought him to his knees. "Of course, Nick." She reached out her hand and took his hand in hers, giving it a good strong shake.
When she let his hand go, he looked down at his empty hand and let it fall to his side.
He swore he could still feel her hand in his. "I... Did Katie get a chance to ask you about the Tea thing?"
Ruth shared a look with his daughter, and he wanted the earth to open up under his feet and swallow him whole.
When she looked back at him, he could see the light of humor in her eyes. "Yes, she asked me about the Tea thing."
