Page 66 of Stuck with Mr. Grump

I frown. “And who would be the invitees?”

My kid’s turning six and as far as I know he has no friends in town, or anywhere, really. Something I’m hoping changes when he starts kindergarten soon. I tried to put it off because I was worried he’d be too antisocial to fit in, but after seeking expert opinions, I’ve been assured that putting him in an environment with other kids will only help him.

“I was thinking we could invite the Camerons. His nanny told me he likes one of them, the new one. Sean keeps asking to see her.”

“Her name’s Emilia,” I state. “She’s my assistant.”

“Yeah, Jeremiah told me,” my dad says with a smirk I do not like. Not at all. “He also informed me the two of you have a relationship of some kind.”

“A professional relationship,” I affirm.

“Sure. Let’s go with that. I’d like to meet her. She’s been so busy working with you and you’ve been busy as well. The party will be a chance for you to kick back and rewind.”

“This all feels like an elaborate plot,” I mutter. “Father, please mind your business.”

He chuckles, the smile lines around his mouth becoming more apparent.

“This isn’t about you, Ster. I genuinely just want to meet her. And it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Carson, as well.”

“He’s too busy being a big shot in Greenville.” I smirk.

“Exactly. Jeremiah and I want to get all the kids together. I was going to call Spence as well.”

My lips immediately pull into a scowl. “Don’t.”

The past weeks without my brother have been blissful. I’d rather not see his smug face unless I have to.

Dad sighs. “He probably wouldn’t come anyway. So, what do you say?”

“It seems you and Jeremiah have it all planned out,” I concede.

“Great. Invite Emilia for me. I’ll make all the preparations.”

“No problem. Is that all? I’m running late for work.”

“No,” he replies lowly, his expression growing serious. “Where’s Sean’s mother? Will she also be absent for his birthday?”

My jaw tightens. “I don’t know where she is.”

“This is ridiculous. A person doesn’t just cut contact for months,” he says angrily. “Sean’s going to ask for her as well. Especially on his birthday.”

“He told me one of his birthday wishes is to see his mom,” I say, frustrated, as I run a hand through my hair. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, Dad. I’ve tried but I just can’t reach her.”

“Do you want me to talk to some of my contacts? If she won’t appear on her own, we could make her.”

“I’m trying to give her time. She asked for time when she left,” I murmur.

“It’s been long enough,” Dad states.

“I know. I’ll figure it out, don’t worry,” I tell him.

“Alright, son,” he says on a sigh. “Get to work. See you later.”

He claps my shoulder affectionately before heading into the house. Once he’s gone, I exhale a breath, thinking about Marissa for a couple of moments. I have a bad feeling about all of this. But I can’t concentrate on that right now.

Especially not when I have so much to do. Before heading into my car, I send a text to Emilia. I’ll see her in a couple of minutes once I arrive at the hospital, but she’s made an unspoken rule that whenever we’re at work, our relationship is strictly professional.

I would applaud her efforts if it didn’t fucking piss me off.

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