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“It’s okay, though,” I say to myself. “I overcame insurmountable odds to be where I am today. I’m not going to let a shopping mall stand in the way of my dreams.”
With renewed determination, I turn back to the financials, ready to strategize and adapt. This café is more than just a business, it’s a reflection of my passion and drive to not just succeed but to live. It’s the first thing I’ve ever owned and I’ll do whatever it takes to save it.
An hour later and not one person has walked into the café. Which is ridiculous. It’s ten in the morning, surely people need coffee to function. I know I do.
When the bell at the front door chimes, I practically jump out of my seat. Then immediately deflate when I see it’s my sister. She struts into the shop in her wedge heels, black jeans, and crop top, looking like she’s walking on a runway and not into an empty coffee shop.
She beams when she sees me and I’m about to smile back when my gaze is drawn to the shopping bags in her hand. I gasp like I just witnessed a fucking murder, my hands going over my mouth.
Anika startles. “What is it?”
“Nika,” I start, my voice low, “are those shopping bags from the new mall?”
She pauses, looks down at her hand, and then shrugs. “Yeah, I needed new clothes.”
“You betrayer,” I say accusingly.
Anika laughs. “Don’t be dramatic, sissy. It’s not like I went to a café in the mall or anything like that.”
“We should be boycotting that place,” I insist. “Not giving our money to the capitalists.”
“Technically you’re also a capitalist considering you have your own business for profit,” Anika points out.
“I don’t need you to show off that you minored in marketing right now,” I say tiredly.
I guess she can see that I’m genuinely upset because she sighs softly before coming to stand beside me. She throws an arm around me, rubbing my shoulder comfortingly.
“That bad, huh?”
“No one’s walked in here all morning,” I complain.
“Have you considered what Carson suggested? This place is amazing, but people are always intrigued by something new. What if you moved your café into the mall? I’m sure he could make it happen for you.”
I balk. “You want me to join my oppressors?”
“Okay, calm down, drama queen.” Anika giggles. “Come on, I came because I was excited to show you this new purse I got at the mall for Mom. They just opened a new Chanel store and I thought it looked cute.”
“She’ll love it,” I say on a smile.
We take a seat and Anika proceeds to show off the contents of her shopping bags. She’s always had good taste and she even got me a cute bracelet so I have no choice but to forgive her disloyal actions.
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Sterling’s back in town,” she mentions.
“Who?” I ask, confused.
“Sterling Harrington,” she reminds me.
“Oh. My arch nemesis,” I mutter, wondering why I should care about his presence in town.
I think back to the rumors surrounding him right now and immediately feel bad, though. If he’s had to return to a place he hasn’t stepped foot in for five years, then things must be really rough.
“You’ve never even met the guy and he’s already your arch nemesis?”
I shrug. “Every Harrington’s my arch nemesis, Nika. Anyway, so is Carson coming back? I know he’s been worried about his friend.”
She nods, “Yeah, he’ll be here in about in a couple of hours. We’re driving up to the Harrington mansion. Do you want to come along?”
“Why would I do that?”