Page 81 of Stuck with Mr. Grump

“Her babysitter’s going be here in an hour so just help me with her until then.”

“Got it,” Carson states. “It’s fine. I don’t have to be in for work until later. We’ll be alright.”

“Okay, and you know where her food is, and make sure to warm up the milk before giving it to her.”

“Emilia. I’ve watched her an uncountable number of times. Would you quit being so anal and get going for your appointment?”

I blow out a breath. “Fine.”

Leaning down, I press a kiss against my daughter’s head before kissing Carson’s cheek as well.

“Bye. Love you both.”

“Oh, and one last thing, muffin,” Carson states, halting my steps. “Thought you should know Harrington’s back in Edenton.”

I choke on air, turning around to face my brother, who has on the most annoying smirk. He lifts my daughter in his arms, waving her tiny hands at me.

“Have a nice day at work, Mommy,” he says in a baby voice that only serves to piss me off. And then he switches up, sounding serious. “Your reckoning has arrived, little sister. Hope you survive it.”

Fuck my life.

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?”

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