Page 16

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.