When the door opened and Neal asked what was up, her mind went blank for a minute. ”I didn’t not show.” The words tumbled out and she shoved her hands into her back pockets. ”I mean…I know I didn’t…there was a break-in and by the time I checked the clock it was after three. I didn’t just not show up, I meant to be there and I’m sorry.”
She could see into the room and saw that Henry was already asleep. Jeeze, what time was it? Great job, Swan. ”I’m sorry, I didn’t think he’d be asleep already. I should go, this was…” She trailed off. ”Sorry.” She turned to leave, feeling thoroughly ridiculous. If Henry was asleep it was obvious that Neal didn’t need to be told about not giving him soda close to bed time.
The sheer thought that Emma had meant to be present at the lunch date Neal had invited her to but simply hadn’t been able to make it, made Neal feel a lot better about the entire situation. His expression softened, from somewhat surprised into something akin to a smile, and he was ready to tell her it was all okay and that they could have lunch another day, when she changed her mind and turned around.
He hesitated for a moment; should he let her go her own way, if she had already decided to turn around and leave? No. This was just the right opportunity for them to sit down and talk, and he wasn’t going to let that go by without taking the chance. Leaning in just as she took her first step, he placed a hand on her shoulder, gently bringing her attention back to him.
“He went to bed early, was tired after a whole afternoon of swordplay at the park. Come in, it’s no trouble. ‘Sides—I’ve got hot cocoa inside if you want.”
