Stuck with Mr. Grump

5. Emilia

CHAPTER 5

Emilia

F or some reason, people tend to underestimate me. Anika once told me it’s because they take one look at me with my blonde hair, blue eyes, and innocent face and decide that I’m this cute, sunshine-y girl next door.

I’m the opposite of that, though. For the first twenty years of my existence, the word “sunshine” couldn’t have been used to describe any part of my life. I’ve gone through shit, and I’ve only just started appreciating the finer things in life. My coffee shop is a part of that journey. It’s mine.

And I’ll be damned if some guy with millions in his bank account, with his custom-designed suit and sharp jawline, is going to walk in here and demand I leave my shop. That’s not going to happen. No fucking way.

Sterling Harrington’s brows furrow, a hint of irritation flashing in his pretty green eyes. And I hate that I’m noticing how pretty his eyes are right now, but they’re so distracting. How anyone can talk to him without getting lost in them is beyond me.

But I’d like to think I’m made of strong stuff.

“I’m here to have a reasonable conversation with you, Miss Cameron. I’m sure if we could just talk about it and negotiate, we’d find a common middle ground that’s favorable to everyone involved,” he says.

“Not interested,” I reply smoothly.

A muscle ticks in his jaw and for some reason a part of me wants to push him. Make him lose control. He’s like a six-foot-tall tightly wound ball of tension. Show me what you’re really made of, Harrington. Game on.

“Why aren’t you interested?” he asks tightly.

“Because selling my café isn’t an option. Especially not to the company responsible for the decline in my business.”

“Decline in your business?” he asks with a scoff.

I cross my arms, meeting his gaze head on. “Yes. Ever since Harrington Holdings opened that new shopping mall nearby, my customer base has dwindled. Small businesses like mine are struggling to keep up.”

He straightens, a defensive edge to his posture.

“The mall has provided numerous opportunities for the community. If your business is suffering, perhaps it’s due to other factors.”

My jaw nearly flies open. Oh my God, the nerve of this man.

“Other factors? This café has been a staple in Edenton for years. My customers value the personal touch, the community feel, things a corporate mall can’t offer.”

His expression hardens. “Be that as it may, the reality is that businesses must adapt to survive. From what I can see, your establishment could use several improvements. The décor is dated, your marketing efforts are minimal, and your menu lacks innovation.”

His blunt assessment feels like a slap to the face.

“Excuse me? This ‘dated décor’ is what gives my café its charm. And as for marketing, I rely on word of mouth and loyal patrons. Not everyone wants a flashy, impersonal experience.”

He exhales sharply, clearly losing patience. “Ms. Cameron, sentimentality doesn’t pay the bills. Selling now would provide you with the capital to start anew, perhaps in a location more conducive to your business model.”

Anger flashes through me. “Start anew? This isn’t just a business to me, Mr. Harrington, and I’m not going to let you bully me into abandoning it.”

“No one is bullying you. I’m offering a practical solution to an inevitable problem.”

I take a step closer, my voice low. “The only inevitable thing here is that I will fight for my café. Now, I think it’s time for you to leave.”

His jaw tightens. “Be reasonable, Emilia.”

“Don’t call me that,” I snap, my eyes narrowing into a glare.

For a moment we stand in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, his lips tilt up in a smirk.

“Alright then, I’ll leave. But trust me when I say this, darling. You don’t want to fuck with me.”

Oh, please. “Go fuck yourself, Mr. Harrington.”

He glares at me for a second before turning and exiting the café. As soon as he’s gone, I release a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Damn, that was intense. I really didn’t mean for the situation to escalate that much, but something about that man is really infuriating. It’s pretty obvious he’s gone through life without being told no or had anything taken from him.

I look forward to knocking him down a few pegs.

Seeing as I’ve basically declared war on a multimillion dollar corporation, I decide it might be a good idea to see an expert who could give me some advice on my position. And that expert is… my dad.

I pull up to my dad’s house, a classic two-story home nestled on a quiet street. It has a well-manicured lawn with a garden on the side that my stepmother Priya tends to every single day. I walk up the stone pathway leading into the house and I don’t bother knocking before I push the door open.

As soon as I do, I’m immediately assaulted by the delicious aroma of dinner. The house is pretty warm on the inside and I can hear the distant clatter of pots from the kitchen, which means I came at the exact right time.

“Dad,” I call out, stepping into the living room.

“Is that my beautiful daughter I hear calling out for me?” a soft baritone voice questions right before I step into view.

I laugh as my father, Jeremiah Cameron, rises from his favorite armchair, a broad smile spreading across his face. He’s in his early fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He pulls me into a big warm hug that I will never grow tired of.

My dad’s a really warm person. He just exudes kindness. Which is why it makes me tear up at times that I missed out on experiencing his warmth in my childhood.

“It’s good to see you, Dad,” I murmur.

“You too, sweetheart. How have you been?”

“Good, good.” I shrug.

He offers me a knowing look, “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? Considering I just saw you two days ago, I’m guessing something’s wrong.”

“Nah,” I say, waving him off with an innocent expression. “I just missed you.”

His eyes twinkle. “I’d believe that if I didn’t know you were lying. But I’m not going to complain about seeing you, Em.”

“Is Priya in the kitchen?”

He nods. “Yeah, she’s making dinner.”

I grin. “I see I have perfect timing, as always. I’ll see if she needs any help.”

He gestures for me to head inside and I do, making my way to the kitchen, the scent of the food growing stronger. Priya is standing at the stove, her long dark hair pulled back into a neat braid. Her caramel skin glows in the warm light and her bangles jingle softly as she stirs a pot.

“Hi, Priya,” I greet, leaning against the doorway.

She turns, her face lighting up. “Emilia! What are you doing here, honey?”

I step over to give her a hug as well. I can’t think of anyone more well suited to each other than my stepmother and my father. The two of them just have the same energy; they’re perfect for each other. They’ve been married for over twenty years and their marriage is still as strong as ever.

“I just came for a quick drop in,” I tell her on a shrug.

She gives me a look, her brown eyes shining with disbelief. I groan softly, looking up at the ceiling.

“Why do neither you or Dad believe me on that?”

“We’d have an easier time believing you if you came home more often,” Priya says, pinching my cheeks. “But you came at the best time. I’m making honey-chili chicken and rice. Nothing too special.”

“It’s always special when you make it, Priya,” I say sincerely.

She smiles. “Why don’t you set the table? Dinner will be ready soon.”

I immediately get to it, grabbing plates and utensils. I still plan to ask my dad about the café, but I’ll do that after our meal. We have our food at the table and after thanking Priya and raving about how amazing her cooking is, because it really is, we get to eating.

They both ask me a few questions, nothing too serious. At least until Priya asks if I’ve gotten a boyfriend. My answer is short and sweet.

“Nope.”

She sighs. “Honestly, honey, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You’re young and gorgeous and amazing. Anyone would be lucky to date you.”

“That’s true,” my father agrees, reaching for his glass of juice and taking a huge gulp. “But I also wouldn’t mind you moving back in here and living with us forever.”

I grin. “Dad…”

“What? I miss you and your sister. I don’t understand why you both felt the need to move out.”

“Because we’re independent young women who can’t live with their parents for the rest of their lives?”

He makes a face at that. “Says who?”

“I don’t see you petitioning for Carson to move back home,” I point out. “And he’s been gone for ages. Plus he doesn’t even live in Edenton.”

“Carson’s a big boy. You and Nika are my babies.”

I smile, my heart swelling at his words.

“But really, Em. You need to put yourself out there. Let yourself fall in love, be happy,” Priya states.

“Those two things don’t necessarily go together,” I point out.

The both of them nod in agreement, understanding in their gaze.

“You’re right about that, honey. But you won’t know unless you try.”

I clear my throat. “Honestly, no one’s even asked me out or anything.”

Priya gasps. “Don’t even think about lying, Emilia Cameron. Nika told me all about that guy who always comes in to buy coffee at your shop.”

I inwardly groan. Anika and her big mouth.

“Yeah, but he just comes in and smiles a little at me. He hasn’t really said anything. I think he’s shy.” I shrug.

“Aw, that’s adorable.”

“Who is this guy? Where does he work?” my dad asks curiously.

“No,” I say, pointing my fork at him. “There’s nothing going on between me and him. Retract your claws, Daddy.”

He beams at that. The conversation dies down and we finish our meal. I help Priya load the plates into the dishwasher and once we’re done, the three of us head into the living room.

“Alright, come on,” my dad says, leaning forward in his chair. He’s fond of a direct approach. He’s always saying that whatever problems we have, we bring them straight to him. “Lay it on us, darling. What’s wrong?”

Priya bumps her shoulder with mine at my side, a silent encouragement.

“I wouldn’t say something’s wrong, per se. I might just… need a lawyer.”

The both of them are momentarily silent at that. Then my dad chuckles.

“What did you do, baby? Kill someone?”

“What? No! But it’s nice to know you’d have my back if I did.” I grin.

“We’d bury the body for you if you needed us to, honey,” Priya adds supportively.

“I need the lawyer because I might be entering into a legal battle with Harrington Holdings.”

Dad’s eyes widen in surprise. “Why?”

“I had a visit from Sterling Harrington earlier today?—”

“Oh, yeah,” he interrupts. “I heard Sterling was back in town. How is he doing?”

I huff out a breath. “I couldn’t care less about how he’s doing, Dad. They want me to sell them my café. They’re looking to acquire the land my shop and the surrounding shops are on for some new development project.”

“Hmm,” he says thoughtfully. “That’s a tricky situation. And you have no interest in selling?”

I shake my head, “Absolutely not. And even if I did, I wouldn’t sell it to them.”

“The Harringtons aren’t bad people, sweetheart,” Dad says on a laugh. “I’m good friends with Sterling’s dad, actually. Although I haven’t seen him in years.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better or worse about the hell I’m about to raise on them?” I question.

My dad’s blue eyes narrow.

“Just kidding, Dad,” I mutter. “Maybe. It’s just Sterling Harrington really pissed me off. And I was already angry about that shopping mall and how it’s making things so bad for small businesses in town.”

“But you can’t blame Harrington Holdings for wanting to make the town better, sweetheart,” my dad offers.

“Sure I can,” I reply cheerfully. “At the very least, I can stop them from building whatever resort or golf course they plan to put on the land they acquire.”

“I don’t think you can stop them, honey. But you can delay them,” he says, eyes twinkling. “First, tell me what Sterling did to piss you off?”

“What didn’t he do? He was just really rude and arrogant, Dad. He was a jerk.”

“Sterling’s a good kid, though,” Priya interjects with a small smile. “I remember when they were little. Sterling would be at our house all the time. He practically ate dinner here every single night as a teenager. He and Carson were glued at the hip.”

“I’m sure he was the most adorable teenager,” I say sarcastically. “Now he’s a man intent on ruining my livelihood.”

Dad chuckles. “Sterling can be a little rough around the edges, from what I can remember. I blame that on him being raised mostly by Sebestian. His grandfather was especially hard on him.”

“Everyone in that house except Steven was hard on him,” Priya adds. “I can’t imagine how he’s feeling now with all the rumors. Steven was his only support in that house, and if it turns out that he’s not his real father…”

My dad sighs. “I hope it all works out for him.”

“Hello,” I say, waving my hand in the air between them. “This isn’t a pity party for Sterling Harrington.”

“We’re not pitying him, honey,” Priya corrects. “We’re just sympathetic towards his plight.”

Honestly, I do feel a bit bad about what he’s going through. But any sympathy I could have had for him eroded after our conversation today.

“Be that as it may. Dad, I need suggestions on how to bring him down.”

“You’re really serious about this?” he asks on a smile.

I nod. He takes in my expression before clearing his throat. He pulls off his glasses, which is when I know he’s really getting down to business. He might be blind as a bat without them but hey, visual effect, right?

“How far are you willing to go, hon? The best thing you can do in your position is to delay the project, which will no doubt be a lot of trouble for the company.”

My dad used to be a property manager before he retired, which is how I knew he’d have good advice for me on how best to handle this matter.

“But it’s not like they can force me to sell it or take the matter to court, right?”

“No, I don’t think it works like that. You have a lease agreement that protects your tenancy on the land for a specific period and they can’t illegally bulldoze your shop or push through with the development without your consent. At the end of the day, you currently have the power. You’d be a pretty big thorn in their side if you stand your ground, because they wouldn’t be able to proceed.”

I beam at that. “That’s just what I needed to hear, Dad. Thank you.”

“But if they’re intent on acquiring the land, honey, it could be way more than you can handle,” he adds. “How about you have another conversation with Sterling? I’m sure you can come to a good enough compromise. I say you milk them for as much money as you can for the shop and start anew. How does that sound?”

“Not interested,” I murmur, my back hitting the back of the couch.

I understand he was a businessman and he’s always going to consider maximizing profit; Carson takes after him in that aspect. But I really can’t imagine selling my shop. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I was so happy to have finally built something, made my mark in this town. I finally felt like I belonged, and losing my shop feels like I’d lose that feeling.

“If you’re really set on keeping your shop, honey, then your dad or Carson could talk to Sterling for you,” Priya suggests warmly. “I’m sure they could get him to back off. Find somewhere else. Edenton’s a big town. There’s always new places to develop.”

“Asking Dad or Carson for help is the same as admitting defeat to Sterling Harrington,” I scoff. “That’s not happening.”

I don’t miss Priya and my dad trading a look. And then she gets this smile on her face that causes me to narrow my eyes.

“What?”

“Nothing, darling,” she replies. “But it does feel like this entire thing is personal. Maybe you’re acting like this especially because of Sterling.”

I don’t miss the suggestion in her tone. I groan softly.

“Please don’t tell me you think this is all because I might like him. I’ve met him twice and both those encounters have left a bitter taste in my mouth. Plus, isn’t he married?” I question. “I met his son the day Nika, Carson, and I went to their estate for a visit. He’s an adorable kid—I’m sure he gets that from his mom.”

“Sterling was married, but I heard he got divorced a while ago.”

“That information is honestly irrelevant to me.” I shrug. “Can we please stop talking about Sterling Harrington now?”

Priya links her arm with mine, her gaze heavy with suggestion. “Just saying, your dad and I didn’t like each other either when we first met.”

“Please, stop,” I say, shutting my eyes to get rid of any mental imagery that threatens to arise.

“Honestly, sweetheart, all I can tell you is that you should do whatever you think is best. We’ll support you regardless.”

“I know you will.”

I have no doubt that there’s nothing there’s wouldn’t do for me. I wonder if they’d go to the same lengths for Anika and Carson. Probably not. I’m sure they don’t think they owe them as much considering they raised them and took care of them throughout their childhood.

A part of me wonders if there’ll ever come a day when my family doesn’t treat me differently because of the guilt they feel. I’m beyond grateful that they care so much, but the reality is that they’ll always look at me through this special lens. They’ve treated me with kid gloves since I showed up on their doorstep four years ago.

I don’t think that’s how family is supposed to be.