The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Emery

6 Months Later, April

The little bar near Berklee's campus is crowded with people. Bridget, Helena, and I manage to find a place to stand near the side of the small stage. I take a look around and take in the college-aged students that flood the bar. Theo Tomlin stands ominously in the corner. He tries his best to blend in with his ballcap and hoodie, but he's one of the biggest guys I've ever seen.

Our guard stands on the opposite end of the bar. Ever since the war began between our syndicate and the Cosa Nostra, we don't go anywhere without protection.

I'm still living in Rhys' apartment building. He still drives me to work every day. We still only ever talk about work, the goings on of the war with the Cosa Nostra, and absolutely nothing personal. Ever.

Not since that night.

They never found Harrison's body, but his father gave up on the search, coming to the conclusion that his son most likely got in some sort of trouble. They had a small memorial service for him back in February, which we all showed up to to be polite.

Good riddance.

Mila takes the stage with her guitar.

"WOOO HOTTIE!" Bridget catcalls.

Mila smiles at the bar. She likes performing here some Saturdays. I think it's a stress reliever for her amongst the chaos of her demanding grad program.

"Hey, I'm Mila," she coos into the mic. The crowd cheers wildly. Mila grins, pushing her honey-colored curls out of her face. I love seeing my best friend on stage. Where she's mostly awkward and modest in real life, she becomes someone new onstage. I always see the bright, sunny, beautiful parts of Mila, but they seem to come out clearer when she's playing an instrument, losing herself in the music.

Mila starts strumming the guitar, leaning into the mic as she starts singing a cover of "Yellow" by Coldplay. The crowd is enamored with her rich, yet sweet voice – the perfect balance of drama and softness.

Once the song ends, the crowd goes wild. Mila's cheeks go pink as she grins widely, showing off those dimples.

She goes into a cover of "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac.

Everyone is mesmerized by her, captivated. It's the quietest the bar has been all evening.

I let myself look over to where Theo Tomlin stands, watching. His eyes, which normally scan any crowd with fierce intensity, are fully trained on Mila. Theo's dark eyes are fixed on her, along with everyone else, as she plays her guitar passionately.

Mila hits a high note and the crowd goes wild.

I smile up at my best friend and cheer loudly.

She grins as she sings the last chorus.

"Thanks everybody!" She waves sweetly once her set is over and skips off the stage, allowing the next open-mic performer to go.

Mila squeals as she jumps into mine, Bridget, and Helena's arms. "You came!"

"Duh!" Helena laughs. "We wouldn't miss it!"

"You were INCREDIBLE!" Bridget squeals.

Mila blushes. "Thanks..."

"You were amazing as always." I kiss her cheek. "Do you want a celebratory drink?"