Stuck with Mr. Grump

22. Sterling

CHAPTER 22

Sterling

I ’m seated at a timeworn booth at Mckinley’s, a restaurant that’s been a fixture in Edenton for as long as I can remember. The leather seats are faded now, by decades of sunlight and countless conversations. I remember a younger version of myself seated at this same spot with Carson, the two of us talking about things that don’t matter anymore.

It’s been two years since I’ve been in this town, but it hasn’t changed much. It still feels familiar in a way I imagine it always will. The clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversations mixed with the soft strains of an old jazz record playing in the background all creates a soundtrack for my nostalgia.

I glance at the clock on the wall. I’m anxious, or maybe terrified. I really fucking hate waiting for people. My thoughts are interrupted by a smiling waitress who asks if I’d like anything. I respond with a slight shake of my head and she leaves.

As soon as she steps away, Anika arrives. She spots me and immediately walks over to the booth I’m seated at.

“Sterling,” she greets, sliding into the other side.

“You’re late,” I can’t help but mention.

She chews on her bottom lip. “I’m sorry. How are you? How have you been?”

“Fine,” I reply simply. “You?”

“I’ve been okay. I’m, um, sorry for your loss.”

My chest clenches. It doesn’t matter how many times those words are said, losing Marissa will never hurt less.

“Thanks,” I reply gruffly. “Listen, Nika, there’s no need to beat around the bush. We both know why I asked to meet up with you. Where’s your sister?”

She releases a ragged breath, avoiding eye contact. “It’s been two years, Sterling.”

“I’m very aware,” I state. “That doesn’t answer my question. I already asked around. Emilia moved out of town a couple of weeks after I left. Why? Where did she go? Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. She’s safe,” Anika quickly assures me. “I just—I’m not sure if she’d want me to tell you.”

My eyebrow arches. “Tell me what?”

“Where she is.”

“Why wouldn’t she? Has she—” I pause, unwilling to put it into words lest I speak it into existence. “Has she met someone else?”

Please don’t tell me I was too late.

Anika snorts. “That’s like the least of your problems.”

“So she has?” I grit out.

“She told you she wouldn’t wait for you, Sterling,” Anika states. “But don’t worry. She’s not with anyone at the moment.”

I exhale softly. “Okay. So why can’t you tell me where she is?”

She hesitates. “I guess I’d better let Emilia explain everything herself. She’s with Carson. She moved to Greenville and is currently living with him.”

My brows furrows. “Why did she move?”

“You’d have to ask her. I’m only telling you where she is because the look in your eyes tells me you’d find out eventually on your own.”

She’s damn right I will. I came back to Edenton for one reason and one reason only. And I’m not going to stop until I get her back.

“Thank you for telling me,” I say to her sister.

Anika’s brown eyes peer at me curiously for a second. “Sterling, she’s happy right now. And I don’t mean how she was when two years ago. She’s not pretending anymore—she’s really found inner peace, happiness.”

Well done, angel. I’m glad she kept her promise.

“I’m not going to ruin that, Anika. That’s the last thing I’d want to do.”

“You might not intend to, but it could always happen. I’m a sucker for epic romances and I think what you two have is really special. I’m so glad you’re back, but the truth is, you really broke her heart when you left that last time. I know you didn’t have a choice; I understand the choices you made. But she’s my sister and I was the one who held her while she was crying on the floor, wishing you didn’t have to leave.”

My stomach takes a nose dive, plunging to the ground. I always knew I hurt Emilia when I left. She tried so hard to keep up a brave face, but I could tell. I just didn’t realize I caused her so much pain.

Fucking hell, Sterling .

“I’ll fix it,” I assure Anika. “I’ll fix everything.”

She smiles sadly. “I really hope you can. When are you going to Greenville?”

“Right now,” I reply. No time like the present. Two years has been more than enough time. “Don’t tell her.”

“What?”

“Anika. Don’t warn her I’m on my way to Greenville.”

“A surprise sounds like a bad idea,” she says nervously.

“it won’t be a surprise, per se. Just don’t tell her. We both know your sister—if she knows I’m coming, she’ll steel herself, maybe hide how she’s really feeling. She won’t give me a chance if she’s able to prepare for my arrival.”

I can see her thinking over my words. Finally, she shrugs.

“You’ll have to go through Carson before you can get to her, anyway.”

I groan softly. “Great.”

“Don’t look so glum. Your best friend has been your most vocal supporter since you left. You’d be surprised.”

“That doesn’t sound like Carson,” I say warily.

“Two years is a long time. A lot has changed since then,” Anika states, getting to her feet.

She’s right. I’m not the same person I was two years ago. I worked hard to attain this version of myself. A version not broken, or tainted by grief. A version I want so badly for Emilia to be proud of. No, I know she’ll be proud.

I’m just scared she won’t want us anymore.

I stand as well, offering the littlest Cameron a small smile. “Thanks for this, Nika. I owe you one.”

She waves a hand in the air. “You can thank me once you’ve fixed things with my sister. Good luck, Sterling. It’ll be probably be much harder than you think.”

“When have things with your sister ever been easy?”

She and I walk out of the restaurant together, separating once we get to the parking lot. I release a deep sigh as I head over to my car, glaring at the person standing beside it. A shorter, more annoying version of me.

My brother stands there with his signature smirk, arms crossed over his chest. He’s dressed in baggy black pants and a matching vest and shirt that in my opinion makes him look like a twink.

“Stop following me around, Spencer,” I grit out upon arriving at my car.

“And miss all the fun? No way,” he replies with a chance. “Was that baby Cameron I just saw you with? She grew up a lot. Think I’d have a shot with her?”

“Keep your paws off her. I’m serious. Leave her the fuck alone.”

“You’re right. It’d be too much to have two Cameron sisters in the family,” he says easily in agreement. “So, where’s the love of your life?”

“None of your business,” I mutter, pressing the button to unlock my car.

“Oh, come on, baby bro. I’m bored. You’re the reason I came back here in the first place.”

“You’re here because Dad made you come back,” I retort.

He had to be forced and blackmailed. If Spencer had a choice, he would never step foot in Edenton again. Too many bad memories from his past.

“Where are you going?”

“To Greenville,” I answer because I know he won’t quit until I do.

“Oh, fun. I’ve been wanting to enjoy some time in the city. Edenton’s too boring. Want to hit a club with me there later tonight?”

“I’d rather chew grass,” I say drily.

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever. I’m going with you.”

Without waiting for any further arguments, he walks over to the other side of the car, opening the door and entering. I sigh, asking God for strength. Two years ago, I would have told him to fuck off. Actually, two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to stomach the thought of seeing his face let alone having an actual conversation with him.

I really hated my brother, and that hate only grew when it was revealed he was the one that leaked the news about my paternity. But I think Marissa dying really put things into perspective. For all of us. We had to think about how short life really is.

Spencer’s changed. I don’t want to say he’s turned a new leaf, because he’s still the same jackass intent on making my life miserable.

But he apologized. And we have a relationship somewhat akin to brotherhood now. I don’t hate him anymore. So even though I know it might be a bad idea to let him come with me, I start the car regardless, driving toward a woman I’m hoping still cares enough about me to give me a chance.

Like Anika said, I need to go through Carson before I can figure out where Emilia is. I feel like I’m playing a game of Where’s Waldo and my patience is slowly running thin. A quick text from Carson had him asking me to come to his company.

Cameron Financials has grown a lot in the past couple of years. No longer a start-up, it’s a company that rivals some of the best in the game at the moment. And Carson built it all himself. I’m proud of him, how far he’s come.

When Spencer and I arrive, we’re shown to a lounge and served some refreshments. It doesn’t take long for the CEO himself to appear.

Carson walks in, wearing a dark blue suit sans tie because no matter how successful he is, he’s still the same unserious dumbass I knew growing up. He surprises me with a small smile when our eyes meet. Then the smile subsequently falls when he notices who’s beside me.

He groans, taking a seat opposite my brother and me.

“Hey, Ster. Missed you,” he mutters before jabbing his thumb in the direction of my brother. “Why’d you bring him?”

“Nice to see you too, Mercedes,” Spencer says with a shit-eating grin.

I massage the corner of my forehead with my fingers. Spencer’s been calling him that stupid nickname since we were kids.

“My name’s Carson, dickhead.”

“It has ‘car’ in it, doesn’t it? And you should be flattered. I could be calling you Toyota.” My brother smirks.

I jab my elbow into the side of his stomach. “Behave. What are you, five?”

“Right, you need to ride his dick so he’ll let you date his sister. My bad. Sorry, Carson ,” Spencer states.

My eyes fall shut as I groan.

“Should have left him at home, Ster,” Carson says, but he has on an amused smirk. “Nice to see you haven’t changed, Spencer.”

“Change is underrated,” he replies. “Hey, since this is your city, what do you say about us hitting the club after you clock out of work?”

He went from teasing him to inviting him to party. The duality of Spencer Harrington.

Carson shrugs. “Sure, I’d be down.”

My eyebrows rise. I’m well aware of the problems Carson’s had in the past when it came to partying too much. He must read the expression on my face.

“It’s fine, Sterling. I’m older now. I can handle myself. Plus, someone’s gotta watch him right?”

“Right,” I murmur. “Whatever you both do is frankly none of my business. I’m here to see Emilia. Where is she?”

Carson leans back in his chair, expression growing serious. “Why should I tell you?”

“Because I want her back,” I say hoarsely. “It’s been two years. I missed her.”

He huffs out a breath. “I’m glad you came back, man. I was frankly this close to calling you myself, but Emilia’s stubborn. And I wanted to give you more time.”

This is weird. I thought he’d be wanting to punch me in the face for hurting his sister. I guess Anika was right and he’s changed. But why?

“All will become clear eventually,” Carson says, reading the expression on my face and confusing the hell out of me. “As for Emilia, she’s at work right now. But she should be leaving there soon. After that, she’s got a hot date.”

My heart stops for a moment. “Come again?”

“You heard me. She’s got a date. You really chose the best time to come back, man. It’s her first date since you left. Took a lot of convincing before she agreed to give the guy a chance.”

I clench my jaw. “Where’s she meeting him?”

“You’re going to crash her date?” my brother asks, glancing at me.

Carson’s the one to reply with a chuckle. “That is exactly what he’s going to do. I like the way you think, Ster. And I absolutely support you crashing the date. I’ll give you the location and everything.”

“You don’t like the guy?” Spencer frowns.

“There’s nothing wrong with him, per se. He’s just boring. My sister deserves better. I’d say she deserves you, actually,” he states, looking at me. “But you have a lot of work to do to prove it to me. You have a lot of work to do, period. I’ll be watching you, Sterling. The way you handle things from now on is going to show if you’re meant to be together or not.”

I’m getting tired of all the vague comments. I’d ask him to explain further but my senses are wired. I’m more concerned about the fact that Emilia’s meeting someone else. I imagine another man touching her and my vision goes red.

She’s fucking mine.

Carson’s happy to provide the address of the restaurant where she’s meeting her date. He wishes me good luck as we leave. Spencer decides to drive, because I haven’t stopped clenching and unclenching my fist since I heard what Carson said. We arrive at the restaurant soon enough. It’s fancy, probably one of the most exclusive dining spots in the city.

My stomach twists into knots as I stare up at the building. Stepping out of the car, Spencer claps me on the back.

“You need to chill, Sterling. I’m pretty sure we’re this close to crossing into stalker territory,” he states, his easy manner a stark contrast to my simmering mood.

I shift his arm away, my eyes fixed on the glimmering glass doors. “Let’s just go.”

We stride to the entrance. At the door, we’re greeted by one of the employees who offers us a polite smile.

“Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?”

I exchange a look with Spencer, a silent conversation.

“No, we don’t. But my brother can sort that out,” I say, my tone clipped.

Spencer steps forward smoothly, his voice warm yet commanding.

“Spencer Harrington, nice to meet you. And that’s Sterling Harrington. If you’d be willing to make one exception for us, we’d just like to see something in the restaurant quickly.”

The employee frowns. “We can’t do that, sir. Company policy. You need a reservation to walk in.”

Spencer flashes him a charming smile. “Let me talk to your manager. I’m pretty sure our grandfather’s friends with the owner of this place. He’ll help smooth things over.”

The Harrington name always opens doors. And while I’d usually dislike doing something like this, the situation is urgent and there’s no time for false modesty. One call later and we’re being led inside. The inner door opens to reveal the lavish interior of the restaurant.

The ambience is hushed and refined with the low murmur of conversation and the gentle clink of glasses. The tables are adorned with delicate silverware and pristine linens. I scan them, my eyes flicking from one table to another, looking for her.

Finally I spot her at one of the tables in the far back. Emilia is radiant under the soft glow of the muted lights. Her blonde hair cascades in gentle waves around her shoulders, and her blue eyes are wide and luminous. One look at her takes my breath away. If there was ever any doubt that this woman is the one for me, it all disappears at the sight of her. She’s still as beautiful as ever.

The man she’s currently talking with has his back turned to me. She’s laughing softly at whatever it is he says and the sight makes my blood boil.

Suddenly, like she can feel my eyes on her, Emilia looks up. And I watch as she turns pale in a matter of seconds. Her eyes grow wide, surprise and something else I can’t quite decipher filling them. I watch as she says something to the man in front of her before she slowly rises from her seat, walking over to where we’re standing.

“That’s her, right?” Spencer murmurs from beside me.

I ignore him, too fixated on the woman that fills every inch of my vision. The dress she’s wearing brings out the color of her eyes. She looks incredible and every speck of longing that I’d been pushing down rises to the surface as she moves even closer.

She stops in front of me and I notice she’s recovered from her shock.

“What are you doing here, Sterling Harrington?”

Fuck, I missed her voice. I missed everything about her, actually.

Since I’m too busy staring at her and committing every inch of her to memory once again, my idiot brother decides to step up. He moves forward, stretching his hand toward her.

“Hey, I’m Spencer Harrington,” he states. “And I have heard so much about you, you have no idea.”

Emilia blinks but accepts the handshake all the same. “Nice to meet you,” she says softly.

“Spencer, you can leave now,” I speak up, looking at my brother.

He makes a face. “So it’s use me and dump me now? You got your girl so you don’t need me anymore?”

I roll my eyes. “Spencer, go. Thanks for all the help, but I can handle things from here. I’ll see you later.”

He arches a dark eyebrow before shrugging, placing his hands into his pockets.

“Bye, Emilia. Good luck,” he says, offering her a short wave before leaving.

Once he’s gone, I turn my attention back to the blonde woman that just might drive me crazy.

“Hey angel,” I say, my voice controlled, a subtle undercurrent of irritation and relief interwoven into each syllable.