The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Emery

"So, when is he going to propose?" Mila asks playfully. I give my best friend a deadpan look. She giggles as she sips her coffee.

We're grabbing a coffee and catching up before Rhys, Noah, and I fly out to Chicago this afternoon.

"Weirdly enough...I wouldn't be opposed," I shrug.

Mila gasps excitedly. "Emery Ann! You have changed!"

I blush furiously.

Mila leans forward, gripping my hands. "It's a good thing," she smiles. "I'm so, so flipping happy for you!"

"Thank you. I'm happy," I smile wider despite myself. "I really am."

Mila giggles, my happiness has always been hers, and hers mine. I realize how lucky and rare it is to have a best friend like her.

"You'll have to tell me absolutely everything that happens in Chicago!" she beams.

"We'll be working!" I blush.

"Right," Mila raises a brow, "As if that has ever stopped you."

"Tsk, tsk, Mila!"

Mila snorts as she takes another long sip of her coffee. She looks over her shoulder to where Theo sits on his own, surveying the place. I smile a bit, liking that he takes such good care of my friend.

She turns back to me, but her cheeks are a bit redder than they were before.

"How are things going for you?" I ask.

"School is...fine," she clears her throat. "It's a lot of pressure. I don't know. They're so freaking competitive!"

"Don't let the noise bother you. You're the best of the best."

She smiles warily.

I look over at Theo then clear my throat a bit. "And...how's all that?"

"All what?" Mila asks, playing dumb.

"Being followed around by a big scary dude all the time?" I snort.

Mila blushes harder. "Theo isn't so bad..."

I narrow my eyes at her. "I never said he was..."

The truth is, I like Theo. He rarely speaks, but when he does, it holds weight. He's all business, all the time. And I appreciate that he always, always puts my best friend's safety first and foremost.

"In fact, I really like Theo," her voice goes a little high. "He's a good friend!"

"Friend?" I ask, surprised.

"Yup!" she chirps.

"I'm glad to hear."

Mila sniffs awkwardly and shifts in her seat. "Stop looking at me like that, Emmy. It's not like that..."

"But you clearly want it to be."

"Theo is the picture of professionalism," she hisses.

"That sounds frustrating."

She gives me a look and I chuckle.

My phone buzzes and when I see Dad's name on the caller ID, I tell Mila I'll be a moment then turn away to answer it.