Chapter 12

**Blue**


Artemis watches me through the window of the car until I can't see him anymore. Something happened just as he was about to follow me. One second he'd been holding my hand and it felt...nice. He seemed so set on going somewhere with me to buy clothes and as much as I hate admitting it, I wanted him to come. I never did things like that with anyone. Honestly, I didn’t spend much time with anyone at all. Bucky hangs out with me for about an hour every night and although nice, it didn’t feel like eating with Artemis did.

I feel surprisingly comfortable with him. We should have a level of comfort between us if we'll be married, but it felt easier than I expected especially since we don't know each other. Don’t get me wrong, the man has some serious personality flaws, but it’s nothing I can't handle. I've had to deal with my share of personality-stunted men.

“Miss?” My mind had been too distracted to notice one of the men in the front seat had been talking to me.

“I’m so sorry. What was that?” My face flushes in embarrassment, but thankfully they don’t seem to notice.

“Where would you like to go? There are a few popular stores nearby.”

“OH um…” I consider it for a second and I know it would be better to go to one of those places, but I don’t want to.

The outfit I’m wearing now is proof that whatever is in those stores won’t suit me.

“Is there a thrift store around?” I ask cautiously.

I don’t know if Artemis gave them orders to take me to a certain place, but if not I want to go somewhere that feels…familiar.

“There’s one a few miles away.” The man in the front passenger seat says.

The driver glances at him, and it looks like they have a quick silent conversation.

“Of course, we can take you there, Miss.” The driver says.

He’s older, but you wouldn't be able to tell if he didn’t have some grey in his hair. He's just as big as the other guy and has his hair cut in a short military style, unlike his completely bald partner.

“Just call me Blue.”

He smiles at me through the rearview mirror. “Okay, Miss Blue. I have to say that’s a unique name.”

It’s pretty normal for people to be curious about my name, but I don’t always like to give the full story behind it, so I keep my replies simple.

“Yeah, it’s a childhood nickname that I adopted as my real name since it seemed to suit me.”

He chuckles. “It does, especially with the hair.”

“Yeah, I figured I would lean into the idea completely.”

“It definitely does that. Can't say I've seen many people brave enough to sport that color.” The second guy says with a grunt.

He looks to have a permanent grumpy expression on his face, and he is huge! He’s African American but has certain features that make me wonder if he is mixed with something more. It’s his eyes. They are a bright Grey color. Of course, I could be wrong. Most people have a hard time placing me, too. I’m light-skinned but not pale, and I have dark brown eyes. My hair though is different. It used to be an odd shade of brown. I had two different colored browns thread through the dark strands. The lady who first died my hair tried to beg me not to cover it, but I would rather not look like the old me. I wanted a new identity, one that I chose.

It starts to rain outside as if the universe sensed the melancholy churning in my thoughts. I try hard not to think of all the things that happened back then, but it happens. Especially when it leaves physical and mental scars on you.

The three of us stay silent for a while, but I force myself to snap out of my funk and get to know my new companions.

“So what do I call you guys? I don’t think guy 1 and guy 2 make much sense even in my mind.”

That makes guy 1, aka the driver, laugh. “My name is Bryant, Miss Blue. My grunting, scowling partner is Dane.”

“Nice to officially meet you both. Thanks for taking me to do this. I guess my current wardrobe won't cut it as Artemis’s Fiancé.” I say with a weak laugh.

“Is what you're wearing your usual style?” Bryant asks.

“No way. Abigail got this for me. I lean toward more vintage styles, mostly because I shop the thrift stores, and they don’t usually carry the latest styles. I don’t mind though. I get some pretty cool stuff, but I’m hoping maybe I can also find a sewing machine while we’re there. That way, I can repurpose a few things and give them some personal touches. Although I'll also have to learn how to use one to do that.”

Bryant laughs. “Don’t worry, Miss Blue. My wife knows all about that sort of thing. I’m sure she would love to show you. We never had a daughter, and my sons show no signs of settling down. I’m sure she would like a young woman to share her knowledge with.”

That perks up my mood quickly. “Really? That would be amazing! Thanks, Bryant.”

“It’s no trouble, Miss Blue.”

When we arrive at the thrift store the rain is less intense, but Bryant climbs out of the driver’s side of the car with an umbrella in hand. Dane is the same, but Bryant opens my door and moves the umbrella to cover me instead of both of us.

“You’re getting wet!” I’m ready to ask him to share mine, but Dane hands him another one when he joins us.

“Don’t worry, Miss Blue.” He gives me a reassuring smile, but I shake my head.

If he thinks I’m going to be okay with him treating himself less kindly to put my comfort first, then we'll have a problem. He’s here to protect me but he's also a person. Artemis might be fine brushing people off and ignoring their feelings but I won't. Besides I like them!

Dane walks ahead and opens the door for us while scanning the parking lot. I don’t think any of those crazy people following me will come looking for us at a thrift store, but I'm glad Dane is so thorough.

When we enter, there's a circular checkout counter right in front, and in the center of it is a woman who smiles the moment she sees us.

“Welcome folks! Please let me know if you need any help.”

“We will. Thank you.” I tell her before scanning the shelves and heading toward one that is marked dresses.

This place is huge so it could take hours to look through everything. Since I doubt we have that kind of time, I look for certain colors that catch my eye.

“We’ll let you explore,” Bryant says from behind me, and I stop to look around for Dane.

He’s speaking to the woman at the counter and for a second I think he might be flirting, but by the look on the woman's face, I doubt it.

“Okay, thanks, Bryant.”

He nods and walks off to join Dane. They’re probably explaining why two giant men are walking around with me, so she doesn’t assume I’m here against my will or something. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame her for assuming I’m in trouble given the size of those guys.

I let them handle things and continue looking through the rack I picked. The set-up of this place is different from where I usually shop, but I get the hang of their organizational system quickly enough. After a few minutes of browsing, I have a few things hanging over my arm. In total, they come out to about twenty dollars, which is a steal. There are a few pieces that aren’t quite right, but a few adjustments will make them look nice. Once I’m happy with my clothing choices, I move toward the back where they have other household items. I look through every shelf, but I don’t see a sewing machine among any of the other items.

“Can I help you find something?” I jump at the unfamiliar male voice and whirl around to see a man in an apron standing behind me.

He shoots me a smile that would probably make most girls weak in the knees. Strangely enough, I don’t feel that when I look at him. Stupid Artemis and his handsome face, ruining all men for me. I’ll have to kick his ass for that later.

“Wait. Aren't you that girl from the Twitter post?”

Shit.

“I don’t think so. You know, I think I found everything I need.” I shuffle off as quickly as I can toward Bryant and Dane.

When they catch sight of me, their faces tighten with confusion and worry. They must recognize the fear on my face.

Bryant steps forward before I reach them, and Dane moves to stand beside me while searching the store for any threats.

“We have to leave. Now. A guy back there recognized me.”

Bryant’s brows rise and fall into a determined look. “Let’s move.”

He gently takes me by the elbow and ushers me toward the exit, but we both stop when we see the crowd forming outside.

“How did they find me?”