The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Emery

I run a brush through my hair nervously, not really knowing why I should bother or care about my appearance right now. One, two, three, one two, three. I brush in intervals of three until I'm satisfied. Harrison is taking me on a double date with some potential client, someone he wants to acquire to impress his father. It's officially the first time I'll be somewhat alone with Harrison in over two years.

My stomach coils in misery.

I shakily grab my eyeliner and attempt to put it over my lids as I hear a knock on the door.

"Come in," I call, expecting it to be Mom or maybe Bridget. When I see Mila open the door, I inwardly kick myself. Her eyes take in my appearance and the sympathy on her face turns to annoyance. She asked if I wanted to hang tonight and I told her I couldn't because I wasn't feeling well.

"So, this is you sick?" Mila scoffs. She's holding two containers. One of which contains homemade soup, the other with some sort of baked good.

"Mils..."

"Why did you lie to me?" she asks, confusion etching her features.

It's definitely clear that I am not sick – given the fact that I'm wearing a little black dress, heels, with full hair and makeup done.

"I'm sorry," I tell her. "I am."

Mila sets the containers down carefully on my dresser.

"I brought you homemade veggie soup and some pumpkin muffins..." she grumbles. "Hope you feel better..." she goes to turn away. I jump up and grab her arm.

"I'm sorry I lied."

"Do you have better plans with someone else?" Mila asks, gnawing the corner of her lip unhappily. I feel so bad for lying to her. I hate lying in general, but especially to Mila. I take a deep breath and lead her over to my bed, setting her down.

"No..." I say, kneading my hands together. "I didn't want you to know where I was really going."

Mila raises a curious eyebrow.

"I'm going on a date with Harrison," I say, holding my breath for the backlash.

Mila blinks her big green eyes at me. I watch as her brain works, watch as the confusion etches over all of her features, as her brow furrows.

"Okay. Are you insane?" she finally asks. She throws her hands up. "Em!?"

"I know," I blink slowly, looking down at my feet. If I keep eye contact with her, she'll see it all. "He...wanted a chance."

If this lie is going to work, I have to convince Mila.

Mila scoffs. "He hurt you. He cheated on you...several times, might I add!" she snaps. Mila jumps to her feet and stands in front of me. "Look at me, you coward!"

I wince as I blink up at her.

Mila's eyes scan mine, narrowing a bit.

"Why?"

"Why what?" I ask.

"Why are you giving him a chance? I thought the last time was the last time. That was almost two years ago, Em. You've been doing so well!"