"You’re glowing."
"Not you too!"
Reed chuckled. "Did I say something wrong?"
I released a sharp exhale as I pushed the shopping cart down the aisle. "No, it’s just Tori said the same thing, and now hearing it from you... means she’s obviously right. Spoiler alert, I don’t like it when she’s right all the time. She always rubs it on my face. That menacing bestie of mine."
"Can’t blame her. You look more beautiful with that glow on."
I whipped my head to him, and he looked away, clearing his throat.
A blush crept on my cheek, followed by a smile. "I never realized a black wig looked that good on me," I said, flipping the hair.
I wanted to get the things I needed at a local store, hence the disguise. I never thought there would come a day when I would have to wear a wig just to get groceries, but here we are. My face is well known in the city now, and wearing just my glasses didn’t seem like a good idea.
"But I always look beautiful. It’s a charm of mine," I added.
"Not like this. This looks unique." His smile faltered. "You must be having something special with Mr. King."
"Special..." I said. "I think you could call it that in a way. I’ve been so nervous about it. I mean, we’ve had a good number of dates, so I don’t know why I can’t stop shaking in anticipation."
"It means you’re really looking forward to it."
"You have been with Ares for a long time. Do you have any idea if he would want an ordinary activity?"
Reed blinked, confused.
"I mean, like something not fitting for a King."
"I’m sure what you have planned will be welcome."
"Really?"
He sighed in defeat. "I don’t know. Mr. King isn’t someone you can read like a book."
Great! The suspense continues. I just hope this doesn’t blow up on my face.
"Excuse me," a middle-aged woman came to us.
I tensed thinking she had recognized me or something.
The heat of the leaked image was still on. It was gonna take a while before everyone stopped talking about it. Tori did mention I shouldn’t panic because Ares’ fast actions made it easier.
"Sorry, but I just wanna say you two look great together."
"We’re not together," Reed said quickly. "I’m actually her—"
"Yes! Thank you!" I grabbed his arm. "Don’t mind my boyfriend, he’s like that sometimes."
"Oh..."
"When he says we’re not together, it means we’re not siblings. Ever since we started dating, we get that a lot."
She giggled. "Same thing with my husband, too, and we have been together for years. I still don’t get that resemblance thing, though."
"Right?"
She looked at Reed. "Hold on to that one, I can see it in your eyes." She winked before leaving.
Reed and I quickly peeled away from each other, the air around us suddenly awkward.
"W-We shouldn’t forget that we’re in disguise..." I said to Reed. "Telling people you’re my bodyguard for one."
"Of course, Mrs. King."
"Catherine," I corrected. "You’re not helping."
"I thought we were going with the sibling route?"
"She said we looked great together. Hello? You could see she believes we’re together together."
He nodded.
"I do wonder what she meant by she could see it in your—"
Reed snatched the shopping cart from me. "We should finish up. Nico would likely be getting impatient by now."
"Tell that to the line." I pointed out. "The other checkout is out of service."
"Fuck!"
"At least it’s smaller this time," I said, pulling my notepad to make sure everything was accounted for, but the instant I turned the back of the yellow paper...!
"Fuck!"
"What? Did you forget something?’
"Like five ingredients!" I was already cutting out of the line.
"Wait! Where are you—"
"Hold the line! Just give me a few minutes." I hurried to the next aisle, grabbing the hand basket on my way.
I knew I saw it somewhere around here, but I forgot to pick it up. Making another turn, I found it.
"Yes!" I shoved the spices into the basket, pausing to read through one.
I think I might have to call Granny for this. Which one was it again?
"Hey!"
I turned, adjusting my glasses. "Theo?"
"I knew it was you! Can’t fool me with that wig."
"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, looking around.
He smiled. "I should ask you the same. What’s Mrs. King doing in a place like this?"
"Well, before I was Mrs. King, this was my stop for quick groceries." I raised my bucket. "And they have most of their things brought in from the countryside, so... What about you? Why are you here?"
"Actually, I just came for something..."
He had no basket on him or a shopping cart, nor did he look like he was in the middle of shopping.
Odd.
"It’s nice that we crossed paths. It’s been a while. Also, did you see the papers? Are you okay? It must’ve been a shock for you."
"Photoshop! Midnightians are always cooking up a story."
"They always do. I’m glad for you that it was Photoshop. It’d be a shame if Mr. King... you know."
"Right... I’m gonna go now. I’m trying to hold the line, and you should be quick too if you don’t wanna spend hours here."
Theo smiled. "I’ll keep that in mind. Can we hang? As friends, really, I’m not trying to woo you anything. I just want us to get coffee, that’s all. You love coffee, right?"
"W-Who doesn’t? I’ll... um... think about it..."
I turned to leave, a frown twisting on my face. When I moved to the next aisle, I came to a halt, feeling all kinds of wrongs, so I went back, stopping abruptly when I found Theo gone.
I caught him moving to the right, so I followed. He went through a door that said employees only. I swept my gaze around, but there was no one. They were all busy at the checkout.
"Walk away, Catherine," I said to myself, but I was already dropping my basket and slipping through the door.
After a brief walk, I came out through the back entrance of the store. I hurried to catch up, crossing over to the next street that was lonely.
I hid behind a wall close to a dumpster when I spotted a Mercedes-Benz parked. What’s a car like that doing in these streets? Maybe it’s Theo’s? He was standing close to it.
The door was opened by the driver, and a woman emerged, my breath hitching.
Agatha.
She cupped Theo’s cheek with her hands and kissed him.
HOLY SHIT!
I backed away too quickly, stepping on a can, prompting a noise. I was about to run when someone grabbed me from behind and silenced me with a hand over my mouth.