Percy POV
I came shopping for a new suit. The Olympus Magnate was hosting a business formal for all the executives in the brand. That's the reason why Athena Chase was visiting the town. All the CEOs and representatives are attending the formal.
As Annabeth's secretary, I had to come.
I didn't want to go to the formal. I have no interest in my father's business brand. I don't want to be too ingrained in the Olympus Magnate. Plus, I don't see my father.
However, according to my boss, I don't have a choice. She needs me at the event.
As such, I needed to buy a new suit. My heart sank as I stared at the price tag of the navy blue suit. Have you guys ever felt this way? You see the price tag of something, and your heart sinks. I am feeling that right now.
The cost of this suit would care for three weeks of groceries at my house. It would be enough to pay half the month's rent.
I don't like telling people that I'm poor. I didn't tell Annabeth because I don't know. I don't want Annabeth to look down on me. I'm starting to like her, and finances shouldn't be a barrier between me and my boss. Although, there are probably other barriers between us anyway. However, she wouldn't be the richest girl that I've dated.
WAIT, HOLD UP.
I am not dating Annabeth. I'm not interested in her like that. I can't even believe that I thought that. Snap out of it, Percy.
I shook my head while grabbing the suit. My heart sank once more when I had to buy a new tie.
"This is such crap, bro," I exclaimed. "I can't believe I have to spend this much money on clothes."
"Welcome to the business world," Jason clapped my back. "I can't believe you agreed to attend the formal. It's going to be fun."
"No, it's not," I grumbled.
I bought the suit before Jason and I walked out of the mall. The Grace siblings were also attending the formal. Pretty much, anyone powerful or employed in the Olympus Magnate will be at the business formal. I didn't know what to expect. Jason has invited me for the past few years, but I refused to go.
"Stop being a negative Nancy," Jason chuckled at his joke. Jason is the type of person to laugh at his own jokes; he's not exactly the funniest guy.
"I'm not being negative. I just don't want to come to the formal. I don't want to see Posieodn, and I have no interest in the business."
Jason softened while we walked to my car. He knew all about my history with Poseidon. Of course, Jason and Thalia despised Poseidon for how he treated my family. The world of business is filled with successful people, but they aren't the kindest or most loyal.
I also don't care about business. I am working for Annabeth's company out of necessity rather than desire. While I was starting to enjoy Annabeth's intriguing presence, the job wasn't my cup of tea.
If it were up to me, my occupation would be an author.
I wouldn't have to worry about any other job because my books would sell all over the world. That was the dream. However, some dreams can't be a reality. At least, not yet.
"Well, I'm happy that you're coming," Jason said. "I guess that you'll attend events if Annabeth asks, huh?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You're smitten for your boss. You're doing everything that she asks. You're even spending more time at work and with Annabeth."
"Dude, she's my boss. I have to listen to her," I affirmed.
"Yeah, but you don't need to enjoy Annabeth's company. You don't need to schedule breaks for her, take her to coffee, or defend her against her strict mother," Jason paused to breathe. "Just admit it. You fancy the boss."
"No, I don't. Shut up, Jason," I stammered defensively. My face heated up, causing Jason to laugh.
"How did you even know about all that?"
"Thalia is best friends with Annabeth. Girls talk, Percy."
He continued to laugh as I pulled out of the parking lot. My mind wandered to my interactions with Annabeth Chase. She's an interesting character. She has high walls up, and she doesn't let a lot of people in. Even I'm barely scratching the surface. However, even the crumbs of her life and personality are fascinating to me.
I wanted to get to know her. I want to keep her safe and happy, but I assumed that I was just being a good personal assistant. That's all.
Annabeth is my boss.
A relationship with her is not appropriate or allowed. I don't like her like that. With a silent confirmation, I shifted the conversation away from Annabeth.
Instead, Jason and I talked about all things irrelevant (as guys usually do).
***
By the time I arrived at Demeter's cafe, Rachel was already waiting at our usual table. Demeter's cafe is a cozy coffee place. It was designed like the coffee shop in the Friends tv show. Demeter owns a coffee franchise, so these cafes are all around the country.
They are sponsored by (you guessed it) the Olympus Magnate.
When I first started coming here for coffee, I didn't even know that the coffee business was linked to Olympus. Somehow, it seemed like Olympus had its brand in everything.
I took a deep breath before walking towards my ex-girlfriend. I haven't seen her in over two years.
Today, she was dressed in a flowy yellow dress. It was simple, but it looked beautiful on her. It was a good contrast to her vibrant red hair. Her green eyes sparkled while gazing at me. She stood up and smiled brightly.
"Percy, it's so good to see you," she expressed.
"Hi, Rachel."
Her arms hesitantly wrapped around my neck as we embraced. I gently squeezed her before letting go. We were sitting near the front window.
For a second, we were staring at each other. She looked older and more mature. Her hair was straightened now, and her freckles were lighter on her pale face. Rachel still looked beautiful. No surprise there.
"I'm glad that you agreed to meet with me," she said. "I ordered a caramel cappuccino. That's still you're favorite, right?"
"Yeah, it is, but-"
"I even remembered to tell them to use blue foam. I know that you won't drink anything here unless there's a blue color present." Rachel smiled at me.
"Thanks, but we're here for business, Rachel."
We have a long history. We've dated for over two years, and she was a big part of my life back then. It took me a long time to move on.
I don't like revisiting my past. Since I was a child, I always looked forward. I don't like looking back and pondering how things could have been. You can't change the past, but you can influence the future.
Rachel frowned while leaning forward. Her fingers tapped my hand, which was resting on the table. I flinched at her touch but didn't pull back.
"I meant what I said in the letter, Percy. I missed you a lot and breaking up with you hurt me way more than I care to admit. I'm so sorry."
Rachel was being genuine. She is creative and kind, and she doesn't lie. I nodded in response.
"I forgive you, Rachel, but I don't know what else you want from me."
"I want you to consider trying us again. We had a real connection, and we loved each other. I want our relationship to blossom again," Rachel replied earnestly. Her green eyes sparkled while gazing into mine. Her face shone with hope.
"I don't know if that's a good idea," I answered. "I'm here about a possible job, Rachel. Can we focus on that?"
Just then, our coffees arrived. Of course, Rachel ordered herself a strawberry shake, and I received a blue-frosted cappuccino.
It halted our conversation, but I didn't mind.
I took a tentative sip and smiled in satisfaction. There's nothing like a cappuccino from Demeter's. It tastes like heaven in a cup. I learned some of my coffee-making techniques at this cafe.
They were paying off at work. Annabeth doesn't compliment me much, but I can tell by her facial expressions that she enjoys my coffee. Her gray eyes lighten, and she licks her lips slowly as she absorbs every taste. Every morning, I can't help but stare at her as she drinks the coffee that I made.
"Anyway, I do have a job if you want it. It's the same job that you have now, but the salary and the benefits are better at Dare Industries," Rachel explained. "No matter how you look at it, this job is better for you."
"Um, I'm sorry if I shouldn't ask this, but why do you need the money so bad?" Rachel asked politely.
"It's personal, Rachel. We just need the money," I whispered.
My mind wandered to Tyson and Estelle. Estelle was the same as always. She's just an innocent little kid. Tyson gets sick a lot because of the chemotherapy. Hestia was helping him a lot during the day while I take over in the evenings and at night. However, Tyson is getting accustomed to the new lifestyle.
He's a strong kid, and he's gonna get through this.
I'm going to make sure that my baby brother gets cured of cancer. After seeing his performance for the past two months, Dr. Apollo is optimistic that we are headed in the right direction.
"All right," Rachel replied sadly.
She continued to explain the details of the job. She even explained the work of Dare Industries and described the boss that I would work for. I listened intently; it was truly a better job than what I have now.
However, I still couldn't make up my mind.
"Um, do you have an answer about the job?" Rachel asked finally.
"I still need to think about it, Rachel. There's a lot of other factors that I need to take into account."
Annabeth was a huge factor that was troubling me. I didn't like the notion of leaving her even if being her secretary is difficult. There's something about her that pulled me in. I felt like a magnet, stuck to her.
I also have good friends that I didn't want to leave. Silena and Katie would be so mad if I resigned from this job. According to them, Annabeth became a lot nicer after I joined the company.
Rachel touched my hand again while I was distracted.
"I wish that you could've given us another chance. It would've made what's coming at you a lot easier," Rachel whispered. She started getting ready to leave.
I stared at her in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"All I can tell you is that you should expect a call from Poseidon. Your father wants to speak with you. He has an offer for you, Percy."
I gazed at her retreating figure.
Rachel walked out of the door where a car was waiting to pick her up. Her driver opened the door for her before they drove away.
I had no clue why Poseidon would call me.
He doesn't even care about me and Tyson. He doesn't deserve to be in our lives after walking out on us. Poseidon didn't even try contacting us after he left.
So, why the sudden interest?
What is Poseidon planning for me, and how is Rachel involved?