He cleared his throat a little and uncrossed his ankles, crossing them again with the other leg on top. Sometimes, if he was completely honest with himself, being around Henry when he was younger had been difficult because of how openly emotional he was. It made Nick close up in response and pull away, and maybe, maybe, it had been a slight relief to not have to deal with it on a frequent basis when Henry finally detached himself from the family.
And sometimes, he was just very busy and not paying enough attention when he should be. If he didn't make the effort now, it would only happen all over again.
Maria was giving him a pointed look like he should say something, and he cleared his throat again. "You used to cry a lot when you were a boy," he said. And then because maybe that wasn't really the right angle, he added, "I don't remember doing that, but I'm sorry. I guess I've been a jackass to you." He folded his hands in under his armpits, his body language a bit defensive.