Headline Love

The Bodyguard

I admit, I was quite taken aback

Most of those snobbish reporters would try to fight their way through me after realizing I am Alice and Oliver Ettie's bodyguard yet this one just looked at me up and down as though I were a painting to look at. 'So miss, please move out of the way', I instructed again

Ignoring me, she sighed, 'Let me talk to them', she repeated for what seemed like the 3rd time, 'If you're so paranoid, you can join in on the conversation just let me have a few words with them'

Her big brown eyes looked up at me and the sun melted them into a toffee like colour. Glancing to the side I noticed she didn't carry any bag or purse or even a big fancy camera that usually jutted out from the hips of other reporters. If I didn't know any better I'd assume she was just an ordinary girl. 'Sorry miss', I rejected making her cherry lips pout, 'My job is ensure the Ettie's safety and privacy which means no strangers near them'

I swept back my coat to let the sunlight shine against my leathery pistol, 'Now back off'

Her eyes locked on the gun and she sighed, 'This won't be the last time we meet', she spewed venomously, 'Mark my words....uh-'

She stuttered in embarrassment as I hid my amusement y holding my breath

'Well, I'll be back', she threatened in a tone too innocent for her own good, 'I'll talk to the Etties one way or ano-'

I turned at the last moment, cutting her off by walking back to the two I had to protect whilst hearing the girl scream and curse at me from behind loudly. I let out a low chuckle, never have I met such an eccentric reporter. They're all the same most of the time, boring clothes and an even more boring voice, at least she had character.

Alice Ettie smiled at my face, 'You look..less serious today', she pointed out in a melodic British accent, 'Did something happen?'

My face resumed back into it's default expressionless mask before clearing my throat, 'Everything's fine', I reassured her as Oliver Ettie flocked to her side, 'You're expected to be at the opening of Mazie's Diner in 15 minutes, shall we?'

DeleteCreated with Sketch.

The ambiance was cluttered with groups of hired reporters and celebrities, clustered amongst themselves like bees at a flower. I on the other hand was pushed to the front entrance where I would survey those entering and leaving the arch diner door throughout the evening.

I blocked out the shrill laughing and clambering crowds a long time ago. My job wasn't to party or have fun like my clients or as they would like to tell me, family. My job was to protect them. The Etties, Oliver and Alice who were the biggest stars in Canada during their reign in the 20th century when good futuristic films were starting to make an entrance.

'Reed!'

I turned at the sound of the familiar deep voice to see Mr Ettie walking over with a swirling gold drink in his hand. Without warning, he clamped his free hand on my shoulder rocking me forward slightly, 'Lighten up', he encouraged quietly, making sure to smile for any hidden cameras surrounding us, 'It's a party, have some fun'

'I'm working sir', I answered without lifting my tone, 'You and Mrs Ettie should be the ones having fun, not me'

His fingers tapped against the dark fabric of my coat while he continued to swirl his drink with a deep sigh, 'You work too hard baby bear', he whispered before placing the drink in my hand, 'Take a drink, if anyone asks why you have that tell em to talk to me'

He patted my back and summoned the laughter before placing his arm around another fellow actor near him. I watched them shake hands and snap a few photos from my position, the condensed chilled water seeping through my leather gloves as I remained fixed on all the smiles around me. Looking down at the spritzy beverage, I shrugged and tipped it towards my mouth letting the sweet and sour liquid gush down my throat with my tongue jumping at the taste of decadent coconut and pineapple with a hint of scorching rum to finish it. 'Oh shit', I realized, licking the rest of the godly drink off my lips 'It's good, too good'

In fact it was so good that my eyes ended up averting from the giant front door allowing a girl in a checkered skirt with flowing dark hair to waltz in with the brightest smile it could blind the sun.