Page 83 of Stuck with Mr. Grump

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.

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