Percy POV
Dear Percy,
It's Rachel, but you probably already knew that. I was going to call you, but I decided that a more intimate letter would be best. I've missed you, Percy. How have you been?
I received your job application for Dare Industries, and it got me thinking. I've been thinking lately about all the mistakes in my life. One of my biggest mistakes is breaking up with you. I've missed you over the years, and I realized that I still have feelings for you.
Do you remember how we first met? I was getting my hair and makeup done backstage at Goode High's production of The Greatest Showman. You were taking care of the lights. I accidentally tossed my blue hairbrush at you. When you looked at me in frustration, a connection ensued. I still think about our relationship? Do you?
Anyway, I know that time has passed. History cannot rewrite itself. I'm writing this letter with a different purpose in mind. As I mentioned, I received your job application. If you would like a receptionist or assistant job at Dare, it's waiting for you, Percy.
I know that you don't like working for the Olympus Magnate. This is another option for you to break free.
I hope to hear back, Percy.
Love,
Rachel Elizabeth Dare.
I finished reading the letter in confusion. I reread the letter twice more before simply staring at the words on the light red page. Of course, Rachel would hand-write a letter on red printer paper. She was always artistic that way.
Rachel and I dated for three years. We graduated together and dated during college. Then, I dropped out of college after my parents died. She broke up with me a few weeks later (when I needed her the most). I was heartbroken, but I managed to move on. I was not expecting this letter from her.
She was offering me a job.
Indeed, I don't like the Olympus Magnate. However, I'm not sure that working for my ex-girlfriend would be any better.
Regardless, after looking at the job application, I realized that the assistant job at Dare industries is so much better than working for Olympus. Dare industries is a private corporation that lends many benefits (including medical insurance) to its employees.
I sighed while contemplating the job.
I was only starting to like my job working for Annabeth. We have a deal going, and it was making the job a lot easier. I was also getting closer to Annabeth. There was more to her than being a mean boss.
She cared about her image and her company. Furthermore, Annabeth is the most intelligent person I've ever met. I don't necessarily want to quit on her.
However, I couldn't ignore the benefits of Dare Industries. One, it's not a part of the Olympus magnate, which I hate. Two, it provides a higher salary and better benefits. Three, Tyson's health would be helped by those benefits.
I gazed at Rachel's phone number on my phone.
I've been contemplating calling Rachel for the past hour. I didn't know what to do, but I had to look out for Tyson and my family first.
The phone was ringing quietly. It took Rachel a few seconds to answer my call.
"Hey, Rachel. It's Percy," I acknowledged.
A few seconds of silence continued. Then, Rachel spoke up in her smooth, expressive voice. "Percy. I'm so glad that you called me. I wasn't sure if you received my letter. Or, I thought that you would just ignore me"
"I almost did, but you offered me a job."
"As you know, my dad owns Dare Industries. Unfortunately, he forced me to work for the company a few years ago. Surprisingly, your name came up in our recent job applications."
I couldn't imagine Rachel being the boss of a corporate business. She would wear formal clothing and have her red hair in a bun. Her green eyes and freckles would make her an attractive boss, but I still couldn't see it.
Rachel is an artist. She loved painting. I still have her portrait of me somewhere in storage. She was an amazing artist, but it seems her dad finally forced her to take on the family business.
"Yeah," I answered. "I've been looking for work. I have a job now, but it's for the Olympus Magnate. How did you know where I work?"
"Percy. I haven't forgotten about you. I still see you from time to time. At least, I visit your social media," Rachel expressed.
I sighed while sitting on my bed. I didn't know what to say. Getting back together with Rachel is a bad idea. She broke my heart, and I couldn't let her break me again. Regardless, I still think of her from time to time.
Rachel cleared her throat.
"Anyway, the job is still open. You'd work for a colleague of mine as a personal assistant at Dare Industries. You'll like the job. It's easy and good."
"What does it entail?"
Some commotion in the background interrupted Rachel. "Look, Percy. I have to go now. We can talk more about this in person. Are you okay with meeting at Demeter's Cafe in Midtown at our usual time?"
Our usual time was 5 o'clock on Wednesdays. During college, we'd meet there after Rachel's classes would end every Wednesday.
Rachel was suggesting a coffee date like we used to have.
"All right, Rachel. I'll see you there."
I hung up and simply stared at my phone. This job will be worth it for Tyson's health, I reminded myself. However, no part of me wanted to quit working for Annabeth. There's something about her that I find intriguing.
Annabeth Chase challenges me in a way that no one ever has. Maybe, I find that attractive. Her beauty, intelligence, and power are all attractive qualities.
Furthermore, I'm helping Annabeth with becoming a 'better' boss. She's relying on me, and I hate the notion of letting her down. However, Rachel's job was much better and easier for me and my family.
Gods, what should I do? What is the right choice?
Dare Industries or the Olympus Magnate? Rachel Elizabeth Dare or Annabeth Chase?
***
Compared to Athena, Annabeth is an easy boss. As soon as I walked into work on Monday, Athena Chase yelled at me for not having coffee ready. Then, she yelled at me for drawing a design on the coffee.
Athena Chase was a middle-aged woman with striking gray eyes and dark straight hair. Her Gucci business dress elevated her powerful aura.
Similar to Annabeth, Athena doesn't smile. She was critiquing Annabeth all morning. In every meeting, her storming eyes would follow Annbaeth's every movement. Annabeth was aware of her mother as well.
Athena's presence was negatively affecting Annabeth, who was usually so calm and focused. Now, she was slightly off.
I understand that it's Athena's company, but this is just too much.
"So, you've finally met Athena Chase. What do you think?" Silena asked.
"She's ten times worse than our boss. Anytime I'm complaining about Ms. Chase, remind me of Athena," I commented.
Silena and Katie laughed while we enjoyed lunch.
"Now, you know where Annabeth gets it from. Just a few years ago, Athena was our boss. Our lives were actual hell back then. Annabeth's presence made the company better even if there's still a lot of room for improvement," Silena explained.
"Wait, you were here when Athena was the boss?" Katie asked.
"Yes, I was," Silena answered. "I almost quit many times. However, I received a promotion, and I couldn't leave the company anymore.
"Anyway, let's talk about your love lives," Silena interrupted.
Katie and I gaped at her straightforward nature. Silena loves talking about love. It was weird. She was so in love with Charles, but I was still single. Katie is dating my friend, Travis Stoll, but their relationship is still fresh.
"We covered this last week. Not a lot changes in a week," Katie stammered.
"Yeah. Let it go, Silena."
Silena Beauregard pouted while crossing her arms. "You guys are no fun. The best part of work is picking up the relationship gossip. I can help ya'll out."
"I don't doubt that Silena," I chuckled.
As Katie and Silena talked about the perks of being in a relationship, my mind wondered. I was single, and I don't mind. I'm smooth with girls, and I have plenty of romantic interactions. I was just single at the moment since Calypso isn't an option anymore.
I started thinking about Annabeth Chase. She was stressed out and troublesome all day. She barely asked me for things because her mother was always around her.
She wasn't getting a single break.
I could tell that Athena and Annabeth don't have a normal mother-daughter relationship. I felt like Athena is too strict (to the point where it comes off cold) towards her daughter.
I finished lunch quickly and rushed upstairs. I got an idea.
I knocked on Ms. Chase's door, and it unlocked after a few seconds. Athena and Annabeth were sitting at the desk. Athena was going off about some Olympus projects.
Annabeth simply nodded along, but her gaze traveled to me.
"Oh, Mr. Jackson, what are you doing here?" Annabeth asked. She was faking her surprise since she was the one who unlocked her office door.
Athena glared at me for interrupting her monologue.
"Ms. Chase, we have a meeting across town in thirty minutes. I came to remind you of the meeting," I informed. Annabeth looked confused as my gaze narrowed on her. Come on, I expressed with my eyes.
Suddenly, Annabeth nodded with a smile.
"Right. Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Jackson."
"I didn't know you have a meeting," Athena affirmed. "I saw your schedule this morning. I don't remember a meeting at 1:30 pm."
"You may have missed it, ma'am," I covered quickly. I avoided her hard glare and turned towards Annabeth again. "Ms. Chase, we should leave now to avoid traffic. Since Ms. Athena Chase hasn't eaten yet, she can enjoy lunch in solitude."
I spoke quickly to avoid Athena's protests. She seemed ready to say something, but Annabeth sprung to her feet.
"I agree. This meeting will bore you, mother."
I started walking out of the office before Athena could say anything. Essentially, I was forcing Annabeth to follow me by not waiting. We left Athena Chase in Annabeth's office. Neither of us spoke until we were in the elevator.
"I thought that you could use a break from her. No disrespect to your mom."
"Thank the effing gods, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth exclaimed in relief.
Out of excitement, Annabeth wrapped her arms around me. I froze as she embraced me tightly. I didn't know what to do. However, she pulled away too quickly for my liking. Why couldn't she hold on a bit longer? I thought to myself.
I gazed into her sparkling gray eyes. Stunning.
"Thank you so much for getting me away from her. I don't know how much more I could take. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother, but she's a lot," Annabeth explained. "When she's here, I can barely get a word in."
"I thought so. Do you want to get coffee, boss?" I asked quietly.
"Yes, please."
Ms. Chase and I walked into the parking lot. I drove her to a nearby coffee shop that sells excellent hot chocolate. We sat in a booth near the back. We spent almost an hour there, simply chatting and talking. I got to know her a lot more, and she got to know me.
She tried talking about work, but I purposefully strayed away from work topics. Annabeth needs actual breaks. As the COO, she's under so much pressure and stress.
I'm taking it as my job to relieve her.
We focused on other things. Athena and her dad are divorced. Frederick Chase remarried Helen, and Annabeth has two half-brothers. She doesn't spend much time with her family though. I told her about Tyson, Estelle, and how we live with my aunt. I also told her about my unpublished book.
"What's it called and when will you let me read your novel?" Annabeth asked warmly. She was smiling today. I've never seen her smile so much.
I like seeing her smile.
"It's called Say Hello to the Stars. You can read it when it's published like everyone else. My family and friends haven't even read it yet."
"I'm going to buy the first copy," Annabeth affirmed. "I want to be the first to read it."
That made me feel really special. A lot of my friends say the same things to me, but Annabeth's words had an impact. I couldn't wait for her to experience my work.
For some reason, I want her to be the first to read my novel.
"Sounds like a plan," I smiled.
We continued to talk and laugh at the coffee shop. We were sitting across from each other, and every sentence (every word) brought us closer together.
I temporarily forgot about all the troubles in my life.