Percy POV
"Bro, are you sure that you want this job? I didn't want to say it in front of Thalia, but I've heard bad things about the boss," Jason expressed.
"It can't be that bad. Thalia recommended the job."
"The boss's last five secretaries quit. They couldn't deal with the strict rules and stringent demands. Everyone's saying that the boss is horrible."
"I don't have many other options," I replied.
Ever since I decided to interview for a secretary position at Olympus Architecture, several of my friends were calling me with grave warnings. It was strange that so many people were against me taking this job.
I was driving to the hospital to visit Tyson. Hestia and Tyson went ahead of time. I had to leave Estelle at our neighbor's before joining them. He was having a checkup since his chemotherapy will start in a couple of days.
"I don't want the job to be too much stress for you, especially since you're already dealing with a lot of stress."
"It's fine, Jason. I'll (at least) attend the interview," I responded. "Besides, Thalia gave a personal recommendation on my behalf. She'd kill me if I wasted it."
"That is so true," Jason chuckled.
"Anyway, how's your crush on Piper going?" I asked with a smirk. I turned the corner and drove into the hospital parking lot. Many cars were bustling around.
Jason groaned. "Not so good. She doesn't even know me."
"That's true," I laughed. "However, you need to talk to her if you want her to know you. It's your fault for not growing some balls and talking to her, bro."
"It's harder than you think."
"NO, IT'S NOT," I exclaimed. "Just call her, and say hi."
Piper McLean was my friend first. I introduced Piper and Jason at a cocktail party a few months back. Ever since then, Jason was head over heels for her. Of course, Jason is not the smoothest with girls.
Generally speaking, that's my forte.
"Can't you host a party with our friends and invite her?" Jason asked. "That way I can have a reason to interact with her."
"I'm NOT hosting a party just to give you the possibility of talking to your crush. Jason, this isn't high school. GROW UP AND BE A MAN."
I finally found a parking spot and turned off the engine. I held the phone to my ear and got out of the car. I don't like coming to the hospital. Based on personal experience, It's a place where bad things happen. For example, it's where I lost my parents, Sally and Paul.
"Ugh, why can't I be smoother with the women?" Jason grumbled.
"Everyone has their flaws, bro," I replied while smirking. "Anyway, I'm at the hospital, so I'll call you later."
"Okay. Say hi to Tyson for me," Jason stated. "Also, please reconsider about the job. The boss (your future boss) has a really bad rep."
"It's fine, Jason. Will do," I said before hanging up.
I pushed the phone into my pocket before walking into the hospital. It was a big hospital with a bunch of shiny machines. I was glad that Tyson was receiving treatment at a facility like this.
The pediatric oncology department is on the second floor. Dr. Apollo's office is also located there, and that's where I'm heading.
Tyson was getting his measurement when I came into Dr. Apollo's office. Hestia was getting more information about cancer from Dr. Apollo. My little brother wasn't paying them any attention; he was just doing what the doctor was asking.
"All right, Tyson. Please lift your arms," Apollo instructed.
Tyson obliged as I sat next to Hestia. I winked at Tyson, which made him chuckle. That earned a stern glare from Dr. Apollo, which only made us laugh more.
After the physical exam, Tyson sat next to me. I patted his shoulder before telling him that we'll be going for ice cream afterward. He got excited about cotton candy ice cream.
"Thanks, Percy," Tyson cheered.
"All right, everyone. I'm going to keep it simple for you guys. This cancer is not good, but it is treatable. We will start the first round of chemo on Wednesday. Tyson will probably experience symptoms, but that is expected."
"Essentially, I want you guys to stay strong," Dr. Apollo affirmed. "Things can get worse before they get better."
Tyson stared at the doctor glumly. I nudged him to cheer him up. I didn't want Tyson to lose his confidence or his optimism. He's a happy kid, and I want him to stay that way.
While ruffling his hair, I managed to make Tyson chuckle.
"We appreciate all your help," I replied firmly.
"Absoltuely. If you have any questions or concerns, you know where to find me. Also, Hestia told me about your interview. Good luck."
"Thanks. It seems like I'll be needing all the luck in the world."
I was starting to get nervous about this job. Jason, one of my closest friends, was warning me that my potential new boss is a demon. Other people also said the same thing. The COO of Olympus Architecture has a mean reputation.
After all, the boss's last five secretaries quit within a few weeks.
However, the boss can't be that bad. Right?
***
I was surprised that the receptionist at Olympus Architecture was a middle-aged woman. I don't mean to be stereotypical, but receptionists are usually young and attractive.
However, the woman was warm and caring. Her nametag read Martha.
"Hello, Martha. I'm here for the secretary interview," I acknowledged.
Martha looked up in surprise. She immediately fumbled with her phone and texted someone. Then, she looked towards me and smiled.
"Sorry if I seemed a bit surprised. We've been hosting interviews all week. However, only two applicants (including yourself) came for an interview today."
"Really? Why? It's a fairly lucrative job," I expressed.
I leaned against the front desk in the lobby. The building's architecture was similar to Poseidon's. It was clear that this company designed all the Olympus infrastructure.
"Yes, but reputations can be scary."
"Right."
Jason wasn't exaggerating then. The boss must've been mean or strict if their reputation was enough to cast people away. Furthermore, I didn't adequately prepare for the interview because of everything going on with Tyson.
I was just hoping that I could BS my way through the interview.
"Anyway, please sit at the waiting with the other applicant. We will call you shortly for the interview," Martha said warmly. "And, good luck."
"Thank you, Martha."
I walked towards the waiting area, where one other person was sitting. A small coffee shop was situated to the left. The whole lobby was large, and people were bustling about. It was closer to the end of the day, so most employees were leaving.
However, they strictly dodged the waiting area, which is strange.
No employee got closer than a few feet towards the sofas. Magazines were on the coffee tables surrounding the couches. This building has more gray furniture.
I gazed at the other applicant.
For a few seconds, I was transfixed on her. She was wearing a business formal red-orange dress. It hugged her perfectly and emphasized her perfect, womanly curves. She was sitting like a professional, which only elevated her physique.
Blonde hair trickled over her shoulders, and she had fair skin as well. She was reading a book, and I couldn't help but watch her eyes as they darted over the page.
Gray, stormy eyes. They were stunning.
I'm competing against her. I'm screwed, I thought to myself.
When I sat down on the sofa next to hers, she finally looked up. She was very attractive. The young lady had a powerful, professional aura, but you can sense a dangerous side to her. Regardless, she was beautiful and radiant as the sun.
Her gray eyes studied me as I studied her. We were the same age. However, she was much quicker in analyzing me because she turned back to her book in a few seconds.
"So, uh, you're here for the secretary position?" I asked casually. My voice was suddenly very dry, probably because of her.
The woman looked up again. Her gaze was cold. It sent shivers and nerves through my body, but I didn't look away.
"I suppose that I am. You?" Her voice was slick and bold. She could easily command the attention of everyone in the lobby.
"Yup. But, now that I'm here, I'm losing hope of getting this job," I answered.
"What makes you say that?"
"You," I replied honestly. "I'm running against you, and I'm going to lose. I mean, the boss man would more likely hire you than me. He'd much rather come to work where a pretty woman will be waiting every day."
"EXCUSE ME?" she snapped.
"Err, sorry, but that's the reality. He'd much rather have you as a secretary."
"Do you not know the COO of this company?" the woman asked. "Haven't you done any research?"
"Not really. I've been preoccupied recently."
I shifted my position to unbutton my blazer. It was much more comfortable to sit after unbuttoning the coat. My gaze fell upon the woman, who was simply glaring at me.
"Look. Statistically speaking, the boss is most likely a middle-aged white man. He'd much rather have a pretty, female secretary," I explained.
She pondered my explanation. "I suppose that's very logical. However, it also shows that you're very unprepared for this interview. You have no confidence in yourself, and it's pathetic."
I gaped at her. I wasn't expecting a straight insult.
Before I could say anything, Martha came over and gently tapped the blonde woman's shoulder. "Annabeth Chase, it's time for your interview," Martha nodded.
Annabeth stood up confidently and followed Martha towards the elevators. My gaze lingered on her backside. Yup, that dress was very nice for highlighting her physique. I couldn't stop staring at her until the elevator doors closed behind her.
She was beautiful and feisty.
Yeah. The boss would find her attractive, and that would obviously influence his decision to hire her. If I was the boss, I'd go for Annabeth Chase.
I waited for half an hour before Martha called me.
Martha escorted me towards the elevator before swiping her card and clicking the button to the top floor. "The boss's office will be at the end of the room. It will obvious," she explained with a warm smile.
"Thanks, Martha."
The elevator ride up was daunting. I took the chance to gather my senses and breathe. I needed this job to support Tyson's treatment. I have to try my best.
The doors opened to reveal a large room.
Several cubicles were set up, and most of them were empty. It was the end of the day, so most of the employees were leaving. There were other employee elevators in the building, and a group was waiting in front of them.
They looked towards me with pity and sympathy.
"You shouldn't have come for this job," a woman acknowledged. The others nodded at the warning. Then, their elevator opened, and they left.
I sighed while walking towards the boss's office.
It was located at the very end of the room. A straight aisle led towards the boss's double doors, which were fuzzy to block the view into the office.
It was a cool design. A break room was to the left of the boss's office. Almost every professional building has break rooms for employees to get food or coffee. I stood in front of the boss's office and stared at the desk next to the doors.
This was the only empty desk. It was meant for the secretary. After all, the secretary should always be near the boss.
I took a deep breath before knocking.
The doors clicked, and I pushed my way into the office. My eyes widened as I stared at the young, pretty woman sitting in the leather seat.
Her piercing gray-eyed glare froze me in place.
Annabeth Chase isn't an applicant. She is the boss. Suddenly, I thought about our conversation downstairs and mentally cursed myself.
Holy shit. I'm screwed. Dam.