It was unusual to hear noise in the loft that wasn't caused by himself. Of course, he had lived alone for years. The foreign noise was going to take some getting used to.

Sterling took another sip of the tea he had made himself. The loft was certainly too big for just one person. He never really paid that much mind when he had first gotten it. It was a thought that had only recently begun to stick in his mind.

From his seat at the table, he eyed the kitchen, ears picking up the footsteps from that direction. He watched as Olivia entered the room, already dressed in one of her favorite sun dresses.

His mind lingered on that observation. How long had she been living with him that he already knew her preferences in clothing?

"Morning, dad," she chirped as she walked to the refrigerator.

"Morning," he mumbled, mind still in a fog.

She paused as her hand reached for the refrigerator's door handle. "Something wrong?"

He stared blankly at the half-filled tea cup. "It's just... I'm still not accustomed to having you around." He smiled bitterly. "The last time I had seen you walk around me, you were still young." Sterling gave her a glance. "Well, younger."

Olivia gave him a sad smile. "I'm here now, aren't I?"

He nodded. "I guess that's what matters."

She returned her attention to the refrigerator and its contents.

Sterling couldn't help but to continue looking at her. In her time with Livingston, she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman.

She looks just like her mother, he thought suddenly.

The thought made him clench his jaw.

"Dad?"

Sterling blinked. "What?"

Olivia shook her head. She shut the refrigerator and walked over to the table. "There's something you're not telling me," she said firmly, taking the seat next to his.

You truly are your mother's daughter, he thought. "You remind me so much of your mother."

Her face went blank immediately. She glanced down at her lap, unsure of what to say.

"Listen, Olivia, it's not a bad-"

"I think she'd be happy that I'm with you again," she said, cutting him off.

In spite of himself, Sterling smiled. Deep in his gut, however, he knew that was a lie. Olivia's mother had resented him for months before she finally worked up the courage to file for divorce. She seemed happier when she had left than she had been when they had gotten married. Happy as could be and more than happy to take their daughter with her.

"I know that I'm happy to have you here," he replied.

Olivia smiled. "Thanks, dad." She stood and kissed him on the cheek. "You should shave," she said as she returned to the refrigerator. "You're starting to look like a hobo."

Sterling chuckled. His beard was growing rather thick, but he didn't mind. It wasn't as if he was going to kiss anyone anytime soon... Although there was a fellow Interpol agent who was absolutely smitten with him. Beautiful young woman, but far too clingy for his tastes. He had tried to let her down gently far too many times, but she was determined. And hard-headed.

"Dad?"

"What?"

"Did you hear anything I just said?"

He sighed. "No. Sorry. What did you say?"

She shook her head, amused. "I said that a couple friends invited me to go shopping today. We're going to the new mall they built by Baker Street."

"Okay, then. Remember to keep your phone on you."

"I know." She walked back over to him and gave him another kiss on the cheek. "I love you, dad."

"I love you, too," he replied.

She gave him a little smile as she walked out of the kitchen.

Sterling continued to sit at the table long after the door closed, eyeing his half finished cup of tea. It had been so long since he had the responsibilities that came with being a father. He was out of practice.

He picked up his cold tea and took another sip. "Perfect time to refresh my memory."