“Oh, I’m sorry, Nick. I was in such a hurry to get home to you guys it slipped my mind. You feeling okay?”
“Yes. Grace is lying down. I gave her some Tylenol. She didn’t seem to have a fever, but I wanted to prevent it from coming on.”
“Are you guys hungry? Maybe grilled cheese would hit the spot tonight.”
“Yes,” I hear from the kids, but no response from Nick.
I place Olivia on the couch to look over the boys’ shoulders at the game that has their attention rapt and walk over toward Nick. Placing a kiss on his cheek, I’m more than a little crushed when he doesn’t return the gesture or attempt to provide any affection, physical or otherwise. “What’s wrong? I got warmer receptions from my patients today.”
“It’s just been a long week.”
Biting my lip, I try to give him some space. He doesn’t get this way often. And given we don’t have much privacy in this house, it’s probably not best to push it. “I’m going to shower quickly and then make the kids some dinner. Any idea what you’d like?”
“I’m not hungry,” he says almost dismissively.
Something had to have happened for this abrupt change, but after the emotional rollercoaster with Mark today, I’m feeling too fragile to attempt opening a can of worms that should best stay closed. Walking past him to the bedroom, I find some casual clothes to wear and start the shower. I need to rinse this day away and come out with a new attitude. I’m not letting Nick bring me down. He’s probably tired and stressed about rescheduling his patients today. Hopefully, when I tell him Rachel is taking the kids tomorrow so we can be alone, that will help.
Stepping out of the shower, I grab my towel and quickly dry off so I can dress and get to work on dinner. This shower is undoubtedly much different than the one last night. No one is standing with a towel at the ready tonight. Is he mad at me for all of the missed opportunities for sex? He can’t possibly be mad at the kids.
Padding out to the kitchen, my hair still damp, I reach into the cabinet for a frying pan. Turning to the pantry, I retrieve the bread, some chips, and a jar of applesauce before heading to the fridge for butter. Once the skillet is warm enough, I make quick work of making their warm, gooey sandwiches. Wanting to avoid irritating their tummies with too much sugar, I opt for water for each and place dinner on the table.
“I’m going to go check on Grace,” I tell Nick, sliding my hand up his arm, hoping he’ll see I’m not letting his current mood sour mine.
Upstairs, I find Grace curled up on her side, fast asleep. The glass of water on the bedside table beside her appears untouched. Resting the back of my hand on her forehead, I’m relieved to find she doesn’t appear to have a fever. Probably the quick thinking of her father. I place a light kiss on the top of her head and carefully tiptoe out and back down the stairs. You can tell this crew isn’t feeling their best. They aren’t making a peep. But I guess it could be the grilled cheese. Or the gaming system.
Had Nick purchased it so they’d be preoccupied? Had they been causing too much havoc here with him? His current attitude is making me all cringy.
As I round the corner to the kitchen table, I notice the kids have almost scarfed down their entire meal in the short time I was upstairs. Hopefully, the magic tummy medicine will keep holding steady. Turning to Nick, I start to tell him about tomorrow evening when I’m cut short.
“I’m going out,” he advises with his back to me.
What the heck?This isn’t like him. But I’ve had a hard day, too. I’m not going to beg him to talk to me. I’ll find solace in my sweet kids, and if he can’t find an attitude adjustment before he returns, then tomorrow evening, while Rachel is watching our babies, I’ll go to the damn spa!
CHAPTERTEN
Nick
“Nick. It’s good to see you. It’s been ages.” Sebastian stands to give me a hug, and I realize he’s right. It’s been way too long.
“You look good. How’s Isabella?” I ask.
“Still short and sassy. Just the way I like her.” He chuckles with a sparkle in his eye.
I still can’t believe he’s finally settled down with one woman. “Good.” I return his grin. Happy looks good on him. “Looks as if everything’s going well for you.”
“Yeah. I’m doing great. Been going to the gym, doing yoga and meditation. I’m embracing my Zen. Maybe you need to try the same. You don’t seem like your usual self.”
The bartender approaches, sliding a cocktail napkin in front of me. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll take a glass of whatever my friend is having and a burger with everything.”
He nods and walks away, leaving me to my loaded thoughts.
“Well? You sounded like you had a lot on your mind on the phone. And now you look like your dog died. What’s up, man?”
“Ha. I can’t imagine if we added a dog to the mix.” Looking up at Sebastian’s blank expression, I know I need to get this therapy session underway. “I think I’m going through a midlife crisis. I’m just not-”
“Nick. You know I love you like a brother. But if you’ve stepped out on Kat…”
