Chapter 17

**Artemis**


Anger, as I've never felt, roared inside me when Blue walked out of the bedroom looking like a carbon copy of my sister. All except for her signature blue hair. I hated every bit of it and the worst part was that I couldn't understand why it bothered me. I never cared what other women wore, but she isn't just any woman.

Then I remember what she said last night. We never got around to returning her stuff to her and she had to run out of that clothing store before she could buy anything. That made me pissed at myself for not thinking ahead and making sure she had some basic items delivered at least.

It's clear I'm not excelling in my role as her fiance. Fake or not it seems harsh not to take into consideration even a few small comforts. She had to sleep in one of my shirts last night for god's sake. Although I am man enough to admit I liked seeing her in something that's mine. Seeing her like that had more effect on me than it should have. Something so small and yet my body reacted instantly.

My brain must have acted on those thoughts while I was sleeping because I woke up to Blue in my arms. She fit so perfectly and felt so right that ended up just going back to sleep and shutting off my alarm as well. All those good feelings shattered when Rhea came to tell us about lunch. I was instantly in a bad mood and then saw Blue like this.

Then bringing up her being a musician when I wasn't even sure if I wanted my family to know everything about her yet. She shared some things with me that were personal and I'm not sure she would be comfortable with my family knowing.

The fact we wouldn't see them until Sunday had me too lax and I hadn't thought about what to tell them. Now we have no time to get our stories together and my sister in the car with us didn't give us a chance either. I guess we'll have to wing it and hopefully end up on the same page. Not likely since we haven't spent enough time together to know what the other is thinking.

This is going to be a shit show.

When we arrive at the club I'm wound so tight that the slightest thing could set me off. Blue's studying glances are making matters worse. I don't want her attention on me right now. What I don't expect is the feeling of calm that came over me the second her arm was resting against mine. That simple touch had turned into a balm for my anger.

That all washes away though when I hear the familiar sound of my mother's voice. My whole body goes ridged at the sound and by the look, I get from Blue she can sense it as well. Still, she puts on a smiling face and greets my mother politely. I'm almost proud of her for keeping her cool. Then my mother has to ruin that small sliver of light by laughing at Blue's name I'm guessing.

My anger returns with a vengeance and it's all pointed in one direction. As much as I dislike my family on a good day I have never disrespected them outright, especially in front of people. Today though...I was ready to put my mother in her place for good. Then Blue stepped in and defused the situation before I could do anything.

She laughs softly. "I know. It's not a typical name but you gave your children very unique names as well and they suit them just fine. There is something special about being different, isn't there?"

My mother had stops laugh and I see her face tighten which is impressive since she's had many rounds of botox over the years.

"Yes, you're right. Now come join us." My mother turns in such a dramatic way that her dress sways around her.

We follow her to a large table and I see several familiar faces. I'm surprised to see my sister Athena is with them and her husband as well. I also spot Tet and his wife and also Max Rhea's husband. Then I feel the intense glare of my dear old dad. He eyes Blue like she is a buzzing fly he's ready to swat away. That makes me feel bold and I lift my hand and press it against Blue's lower back to guide her to the table.

She stiffens under my touch but must catch on to what I'm doing and quickly relaxes.

"Everyone! This is Blue, Artemis's fiance." Mom announces when we arrive at the table and loud enough for the people around us to hear.

Blue pauses and glances around. I notice the tips of her ears turn bright red and my annoyance builds even stronger. If my mother isn't careful I'll be making a scene that she won't like. Blue just smiles through it and waves shyly.

I pull out a chair for her next to Rhea who quickly greets her husband with a kiss. He smiles up at her like she hung the moon and has been looking at her the same way since they met. The guy is a goner.

Blue slides into the seat with surprising grace. I lean over and shake Max's hand before turning to my other brother-in-law and doing the same. Once we're all seated the table fills with silence. No one dares speak first. It feels like we're all holding our breath waiting to see what will happen next. I decide to finally break the silence.

"So what do we owe this impromptu lunch to?" I ask trying to sound polite but by the way, my father's face turns slightly red I haven't succeeded.

"To celebrate your engagement silly! This is very exciting news though I wish you would have told us personally so I had more time to plan." My mother says.

"Plan what?" I ask her.

She sighs in exasperation but keeps on smiling. "Your wedding of course. I mean we haven't much time since your birthday is on Sunday, but I figured a wedding would be a perfect way to celebrate both!"

Shit.

My plans to elope are suddenly up in flames.

"That's a short time to plan a wedding." Blue points out sounding a little panicked.

I have the urge to comfort her so I reach over and grab one of her hands that are clenched on her lap. She looks at me in surprise but I slid my fingers under hers until I can thread them together. To my surprise she lets me. In fact, she squeezes my hand in thanks or punishment I can't tell.

"Very true Blue, but it can't be helped. Don't worry I will take care of everything. I still have idea left over from when Athena was married." My mom smiles and empties her martini glass.

She lifts it in the air and a waiter suddenly appears with another. I assume she told them she would need several for this meal. Maybe I should do the same, but I hate how drinking affects me. I like to keep my head clear and drinking mutes good judgment.

"Wow, that's convenient and handy given the short timing," Blue says with an awkward laugh.

She looks my way and I see the panic in her eyes. She's trying hard to mask her feeling but I can see it. Also, she's squeezing my hand hard enough that it's starting to feel numb.

"How did you two meet?" My father asks suddenly.

Everyone looks at him and then at us.

Shit!

"Well..." I start but Blue taps her finger on the back of my hand.

When I look at her she shakes her head just enough for me to see. Then she smiles and I see a hint of mischief in her gaze.

"That's a funny story." She starts and I feel nervous for the first Timothy Smart me in a long time.

What is she about to tell them?

"So I was playing at Monica's Cafe like I do every Tuesday and Artemis walks in to get a cup of coffee. I didn't notice him because I was too into my playing, but when I was finished he walked right up to me. He stood out like a sore thumb but I thought he was handsome, so I didn't point that out. He told me that he was impressed with my performance and that he would like to get coffee with me sometime. He handed me his card and rushed out because he was running late. Me being the klutz I am, I lost the card and figured he would forget all about me. Then suddenly people were coming up to me on the street and asking me if I was some girl from twitter." She smirks at me and now I know she is up to no good.

The little minx.

"I had no idea what they were talking about until Artemis found me. Then it all made sense. I hadn't given him my number and he wanted to meet me again so badly that he was willing to do anything to find me. I was of course flattered and agreed to a date, but that wasn't what he wanted. He said the moment he saw me he knew I was the one for him, and when he knows what he wants he doesn't waste time. He must have sensed I was a hopeless romantic and spontaneous because when he asked me to marry him I agreed."

I know for a fact my family won't buy that story, but they also won't make a scene calling her out about it either.

"That is so sweet. I knew my brother was a secret romantic at heart."

Like hell I am.