Chapter 17

Distractions Part 3

A/N: This chapter is the continuation of the last one. It starts out after the dream.

RECAP:

"Why can't you just accept the facts? I. Love. You."

"I'm a cop, remember? Always suspicious."

"How can I make you believe me?" I asked more to myself than to her.

"Prove it." She challenged.

"Oh, I intend to."

Artemis' POV:

"Artemis? Artemis?" I awoke to a very differentr voice. A deep, masculine voice and a large hand shaking me.

My eyes opened reluctantly, my thoughts still wholly absorbed in the dream that I had just had. "Butler." I mumbled groggily.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty. Have sweet dreams?"

A the mention of the word 'dreams' my mind wandered back to what I had just awakenend from. "You have no idea." I said unconsciously, touching my still tingling lips.

"May I ask what you dreamt about?"

"Nothing really." I said, wishing he would just drop it.

"Holly?" he asked smiling.

"Of course not." I said looking away to cover my slight blush.

"Hmm, then why were you calling her name?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly how long have you been there?" I asked. I was afraid of what he may have heard. This coupled with my latest reading selection, may tell a lot more than I wish to reveal.

"Not long." he shrugged evasively.

I decided to just let it go. Butler was like a rock. There was no moving him. And definitely no weasling information out of him when he didn't want it weasled. And unfortunately, this was one of these times. "So, what did Juliet want?" I asked instead.

"The usual. Me to carry her bags to the car, as if I was doing nothing else."

"But you weren't ." I chuckled.

"That 's not the point."

"What is the point then, old friend?"

"The point is that I am not a pack mule." Butler said in his voice that was closest to pouting.

"I seriously doubt taht anyone could ever mistake you as a pack mule."

"True." he chuckled.

"Now, I must admit it. I'm curious."

"About what?" Butler asked feigning uncertainty.

"You know what." I snapped aggravated.

"I'm quite sure that I don't."

"Juliet's new friend." I sighed. "What's she like?"

"She's nice. Calm and gentle, but still not a pushover. She has clearly defined limits and a good sense of honor and humor."

"Hmm, impressed?" I asked, noting the pride in my old friend's voice.

"A little. And you know how hard I am to impress."

"Yes, I do." I laughed at the thought. "I'm curious. What does she look like?"

Butler raised his eyebrows once again. "Why?"

"Curiosity?"

"Killed the cat." Butler said trying to hide his smile. "But if you wish to know, so be it."

"About time," I mumbled to myself.

"She's pretty."

"Pretty?" I asked. In the current standards pretty wasn't a good adjective. Many girls were typically nice to look at, but had no... spark. She was probably just another face in the crowd.

"Um, well she was tall for her age. Tan skin, probably natural. She had really big, piercing green eyes and long wavy blond hair. She seemed all real, you know. No make-up, but Juliet may change that. She did have a ton of cosmetics." Hmm, pretty. But she was probably a bimbo from California or France who wanted to see the land of the leprechauns.

"Oh, and Juliet wanted me to tell you something." he smiled. I'm sure it's nothing good. "What is it this time? Not another blind date?" Every since it became apparent that I liked girls, Juliet had made it her mission to 'hook me up.' She always came up to me with 'the perfect girl' though I always plead off. If there's one thing I truly hate, it's being blind. Whether blind to knowledge or a date, I can't and won't deal with it.

"Well, she did command me to invite you to where they'll be tonight."

"And where is that?" I asked.

"The Phenom"

"Hmm," I murmered.

Just as I was about to speak, I was interrupted. "Artemis, could you come here please?" my father called from his study.

"Coming." I called to him "Hold that thought." I said to Butler.

"Of course."

"Yes, Father?" I said entering his study.

"Have a seat, Arty." he waved indicating the large armchair in front of him. Of course, I immediately sat.

"What did you need me for?" I asked.

"Well, I was a little curious..." he said

"About what?" I asked confused.

"I came into your study and found you asleep. I didn't have the heart to wake you, so I just let you sleep. But I wanted to talk to you."

"I'm all ears, Father."

"Well, it's about you. You haven't went or done anything yet, and I'd hate to have to take it into my own hands."

"That won't be necessary." I gulped. "I will make arrangements to do something."

"Be sure that you do." my father nodded.

"Is that all?" I asked already standing to leave.

"Yes, you may go." he smiled at me.

"Butler," I called as I once againg entered my study.

"Yes Artemis?"

"Do you know what we're doing tonight?"

"The same thing, we do every night. We're going to try and take over the world." Butler snickered.

"Hahaha, very funny. Honestly, Butler." I shook my head.

"So, what are we doing tonight?"

"Going out, of course." I said and Butler's eyebrows raised again. Butler was getting into the habit of doing that around me.

"So where are we going?" he asked probably expecting me to say the opera or the theatre.

"The Phenom." I grinned as his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.

"Is there any particular reason why you want to go?"

"Can't I be a normal guy, going to the club?"

"No." he answered without hesitation.

"Gee, thanks" I grimaced.

"I calls 'em as i sees 'em." he smiled. "Now, why do you really want to go?"

"Distractions..."

A/N:

Whoo-hoo! Another chapter down. Anyway, the next chapter will be one about Juliet and Holly. I hope to udate this story soon. Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Remember to read and review.

Remember: Reviews= happy camper. Happy camper= quicker updates. Quicker updates= you reading more. It's a cycle keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply

Einstinette