The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Emery

Dad, Noah, and I had a big meeting with a potential investor today so needless to say, my stress levels were through the roof. I was relieved when I got a text from Mila asking me to meet her for happy hour drinks after my day at one of our favorite little bars back in Arbor Acres.

It's a great place with a nice patio that always has good live music. Mila always picks this place because she loves listening to the people perform. I always try to tell her that she should get up there and play her guitar, but she always refuses.

When I arrive, I'm feeling exhausted after a long, stressful day. Mila is sitting at a table in the back of the bar with Theo. I take a moment to watch their interactions, if only because I'm curious.

Theo is looking around the bar, alert and ready for anything. Mila is tapping her fingers on the table in tune to the music playing. She looks at him, then quickly looks away several times. Neither of them are saying a word to each other.

When Theo catches me looking, I offer an awkward wave. Only when I approach the table does he get up from his seat and goes and sits in a corner with a perfect vantage point of both Mila and the exit door.

Prepared for anything, that one.

Good. I'm glad my friend is well protected.

Mila jumps up and hugs me.

"How are you doing?" I ask carefully as we sit back down.

Mila bites her lip nervously, looking over to where Theo is sitting, still on high alert. "I'm not used to being so...watched."

"I know it's awkward, but he's doing his job."

"He doesn't talk, Emmy."

"Like he can't talk?" I ask curiously.

She shrugs. "I mean, I've heard him speak, of course. Just in monosyllables."

"For some reason that does not surprise me..." I chance a look over at him. Theo's got his eyes trained on a group of patrons that just walked in and stepped up to the bar. He looks almost monstrous in the dim light, with his foreboding scar and black jacket. He's been guarding Mila for over a week and the fact that he hasn't really spoken to her does seem slightly odd, but not unexpected.

"I made him muffins," Mila whines, throwing her hands over her face. "He looked at me like I was a complete weirdo."

"I'm sure he appreciated it..."

"I think he hates me."

"He doesn't hate you," I tell her, rolling my eyes. "He's just got a job to do."

"You know I like to talk!" Mila mutters. "It's so strange having someone around all the time that doesn't even respond to me when I speak. When Grant was my guard, I knew all of his kids' names, his wife's favorite flowers, and his favorite vacation spots within a day!"

"It's different now. There was that direct threat and-"

"Don't remind me," Mila moans.

The server comes over and takes our orders. I get a martini, of course, and we get a few apps to share. Mila fusses with the straw of her cocktail.

"I feel like such a loser. This poor guy has to follow my every move and I hardly ever do anything at all..."

"Makes his job easier," I shrug.