“First,” I tick off my points on my fingers. “I don’t know you well enough to get any sort of gift from you. Second, people don’t give apology gifts, and third, if they do, the gift is usually something the person you’re apologizing to likes, wants, or needs.”
“Come with us and tell me how to apologize to you properly. That way, I’ll know for next time.”
Oh my goodness, he doesn’t give up. It’s flattering in a way, but I can’t play this game. Especially not with someone who knows my daughter and can influence her happiness.
“Next time?” I raise a brow. “Why would you think there’s going to be a next time, Mr. Grimm?”
“I told you, call me Tate.”
“You don’t like me. So why do you want me to come?”
He shrugs. “I just do. I know losing your husband must be difficult, and today is supposed to be a fun outing. I thought you might enjoy it. If you hate it, I’ll join you in complaining because I don’t really want to go either.”
“Do I look that pathetic?” It’s a real question, not something said to antagonize him.
“Not at all.” He extends his hand toward my head, which makes me worry a leaf or something flew in my hair. “May I?”
I nod, wanting him to remove whatever it is he sees. To my surprise, he pulls out my claw clip. Threading his fingers through my hair, he spreads it out and over my shoulders.
“You look sad,” he says, cupping my face. “Beautiful,” he’s quick to add. “But very sad.”
Why is there a swirling sensation in my belly?
Chapter 8
Tate
“That was so much fun! Thank you for inviting me!” Gemma beams. Hopefully, that will score me points with Teddyandher mother. I need the woman to forgive me. Ever since the rugby match debacle, my nephew won’t let me hear the end of it. He’s worried her dislike of me will cause problems for him.
“Told you. Uncle Tate’s the best.”
“Hear that?” I turn to Gemma’s mom, whose name I still don’t know. How have I spent an afternoon with her and haven’t bothered to ask? It’s not like I could pick it up listening to the kids speak to her, either. Gemma calls her Mom, and Teddy refers to her as Mrs. Robbins. “I’m the best.” I toss her a wink, then address the kids. Since when did I start thinking of twenty-year-olds as kids? “The team gathers out front for a meet and greet after the games. Go mingle with the guys and take some pictures. I have business to attend to.”
“How long will you be?” Teddy asks. “I’m getting hungry.”
How? He had two hotdogs and a bag of popcorn. What I wouldn’t give to be young again, with an over-accelerated metabolism.
“Half an hour at most.”
“Wait!” Gemma’s mother reaches for my arm, bringing a smile to my face. I’m surprised at how much I appreciate the gesture. “Where are you going?”
“To break some hearts.” I walk away, leaving her speechless. I’m sure if I give her time to recover, she’ll have something sassy to say that I’m not going to like. Part of me feels like a coward because I rush off before she can recover and say anything. Regardless, I can’t think about her right now. I have other things I need to take care of.
A short man in a purple suit and gold crown waits for me at the other end of the stadium, along with my agent. I’m out of time, I have to give them my decision. It shouldn’t be hard, but I didn’t come home to the States with endorsements, and the ones I have overseas are drying up.
