Rascal (Rascals Book 1)(51)

Emerson shook his head. “He’s never helpful,” he said shortly. “Everything he does comes with a price. He just hasn’t revealed it yet.”

“That seems kind of . . . paranoid?” I asked gently.

“You don’t know him the way that I do,” Emerson told me.

“Maybe he’s changed,” I suggested.

“Maybe,” Emerson said, but he seemed doubtful.

“Maybe he’s trying to be nice,” I offered. “What would happen if you let him?”

Emerson sighed and gave me a smile. It was a little forced, but some of the tension left him.

“Pretty sure I can’t say no to you,” he said, pulling me close.

“I like the sound of that,” I told him, and rewarded him with a kiss.



When it came time for dinner, we were seated at the same table with Emerson’s parents, with Henry and Emerson next to each other. I crossed my fingers under the table, hoping that Emerson would be able to give his father the benefit of the doubt and that they would stop circling each other like wary animals.

“How is the bar coming along?” Emerson’s father asked as we were served our salads.

“Good.” Emerson stabbed at his food with more force than seemed necessary.

I put my hand on his leg and gave it an encouraging squeeze. He gave me a smile and tried again.

“It’s going really well,” he said. “Business is booming and we’ve already been getting a lot of great press, thanks to a friend of Alex’s.”

“Rascals generates its own good press,” I spoke up. “It’s an amazing place—great vibes, wonderful food, and delicious beer. It’s going to be the number one bar in the neighborhood in no time. I just know it.”

Henry nodded. “And your investors are pleased?”

“If you’re talking about the rest of the guys, then sure, we’re all very pleased. But it’s still very early,” Emerson stated. “We probably won’t start making a profit for another year. Which is to be expected.”

“That’s better than expected,” his father noted. “That’s quite good planning there, son.”

I thought that Emerson would be pleased with the compliment, but he just nodded, his lips pressed into a thin, straight line.

“I’ve taken the time to speak to a few other potential investors,” Henry announced. “And if the bar is doing as well as you say it is, then they will be very interested in buying out the current partners and re-launching Rascals as a franchise.”

I stared at him. What was he talking about? Buy the bar out from under Emerson?

Emerson looked pissed, but he kept his voice level.

“We’re not interested,” he told his father.

“You haven’t even taken a look at what I’m proposing,” Henry argued, but Emerson shot him a look.

“You haven’t even taken a look at the bar,” he responded. “You don’t know anything about Rascals. It’s unique. It’s not part of a chain or some faceless bar where no one knows anyone.”

“I know that you can do better than just one little bar,” his father told him. “You’re a Hayes, for God’s sakes. You shouldn’t be managing a bar. You should be building an empire of them.” A sneer appeared on Henry’s face. “Unless you’ve decided you want a mediocre life.”

“I’m not having this discussion with you,” Emerson said firmly, but his father ignored him.

“Where’s your ambition?” his father demanded.

“Just because my ambition doesn’t match yours, doesn’t mean I don’t have any,” Emerson said through gritted teeth. “My version of success is just different than yours.”

“That’s just an excuse,” Henry argued, his voice growing louder.

They had begun to attract attention from other tables, which Emerson seemed to notice. He got up from the table, throwing his napkin down.

“I thought that your relationship with Alex was a sign that you were finally willing to rejoin the family.” Henry stood up as well, the two of them nose to nose. “Because she understands what you have to do to succeed.”

“And I thought that maybe, just maybe, you could be proud of something I’ve achieved, instead of just tearing me down.” Emerson turned and stormed

out of the ballroom.

I got up to follow him, but Henry grabbed my arm.

“Convince him that this is for the best,” he told me. “You can bring him around.”

“This isn’t my place,” I tried to argue.

“You want what’s best for him, don’t you?” Henry didn’t even wait for my response before steamrolling on.

“We’re in this together, my girl. Convince Emerson to franchise the bar, and I’ll make sure I bring my future business to your firm. You help me, I help you.”

I was speechless. Emerson had been right. All of his supposed kindness and caring had just being laying the groundwork for some quid pro quo. I wanted nothing to do with it, but I wasn’t about to dump my drink on his head and make a scene like I wanted to.

Instead, I pulled my arm out of his grasp and summoned all my best fake manners. “I should go now,” I said with a grim smile. “Lovely to see you both again.”