Percy POV
"Congratulations, Percy, on the publication of Say Hello to the Stars," Artemis exclaimed.
I smiled while raising a glass of champagne. They were paying for the bottle because I'm not spending that kind of money on alcohol. Besides, the Hunters were throwing a celebratory toast for me and the editors.
"We're proud of the book, and we can't wait for it to get out in the world," Zoe agreed. The other editors cheered in agreement.
"What made you all change your minds?" I asked.
"You probably already know the answers to that question. The truth is that blood doesn't make a family. Your decisions do," Artemis expressed. "After all, I'm related to the Olympus Magnate by blood, but I still decided to break away. Same thing with your aunt Hestia."
"If you don't want to be related to Poseidon, no one can force that on you. It wouldn't be right for us to hold prejudice."
That made me feel so good. "Thank you for understanding."
We were sitting in the same board room of the Hunters that I had my interview in. Artemis sat at the head of the table while I was sitting in my usual seat. The celebration was lively, and I still couldn't believe that this was happening. Of course, I have so many people to thank. The first revision I made to my mock-up was an update to the acknowledgments.
I wanted to give everyone the proper credits. This included giving credit to the artist of the cover, Artemis and the Hunters (specifically, Zoe), and most importantly, Annabeth Chase.
Without Annabeth, this would not have been possible. She talked to Artemis and explained my situation. She made them understand that I am NOT a part of Olympus.
"So, when should we publish the novel?" I asked.
My hand clung to the final copy of my novel. It was a few weeks after I received my mock-up present from Annabeth. I had to spend a lot of time with revisions and reading, but it was all worth it. They gave me three copies of the final version.
I loved the cover, the message, and the novel. It was perfect, and I was so proud.
"The book is ready. We're ready to publish at any point. However, as the author, why don't you decide on a date, preferably soon?" Artemis said.
We were nearing the middle of June. Summer has been easier for my family. Tyson doesn't have school, so when he's off chemotherapy, he has a lot more time to relax. His health is improving as well when you discount the symptoms of chemo.
Things were finally looking up.
I only have one dilemma. Poseidon and Dare didn't do anything. Poseidon made a big announcement at the formal, but he didn't follow up on it. That seemed too good to be true. A businessman isn't going to lose a deal like that.
I couldn't help but feel like something is stirring. I just didn't know what or when.
I smiled while looking around my editing and publishing team. I knew exactly the date that I wanted to publish my book.
Plus, the plan would allow a few weeks for publicity.
"I would like to publish the novel on July 12th if that's okay," I answered. I clutched the final copies of my book in excitement.
"Why that date?" Zoe asked curiously.
"A person who is very special to me was born on July 12th. I would like to surprise her on her birthday with Say Hello to the Stars."
"Aww. That sounds so romantic," an editor cooed.
Artemis and Zoe rolled their eyes. From what I understand, many of the Hunters led lifestyles that don't involve relationships, especially with men. However, some of them were still flexible in their personal lives.
I chuckled while sipping on some more champagne. It felt weird to drink in the morning, but I couldn't deny the celebration.
I've been so happy recently.
Grover and Juniper are engaged now. My book is being published. Tyson's health is going in a bright, positive direction. And, Annabeth and I are getting closer. I can't deny my feelings for her anymore. However, she's my boss, so I knew that it wouldn't be appropriate. It's against the rules. Our relationship is against the rules.
Regardless, I'm not fighting my crush on her any longer. I have a deep love for Annabeth Chase. There's no point in denying it.
However, Octavian, Poseidon, Dare, and Athena are all still in the picture. They were like vultures flying around us and waiting to claw in.
I have to be careful.
***
I received a horrific email on Tuesday. I wasn't expecting it, and I didn't want it. The email was an invitation to a social between Olympus Sails and Dare Industries. Rachel and I have to make an appearance together according to the email.
Of course, that meant nothing to me. I'm not going.
"Hey, Percy, can I speak with you in my office?" Annabeth asked. I quickly grabbed an Amazonian project folder and followed her.
"I received this report from Ms. Arellano a few hours ago. I have the project details for you, Annabeth. The Olympus Airlines renovations are going according to plan, and they are working quickly," I explained.
I settled the folder on her desk in front of her. She didn't bother with the documents; instead, her piercing gaze locked onto my face.
"I suppose that congratulations are in order," Annabeht smiled. There was a sort of mischievous glint in her expressions.
"About my book?"
"About your union with Rachel Elizabeth Dare. I received the social invitation as well. Percy and Rachel will be making an appearance together," Annabeth said slyly.
I groaned while sitting in the chair opposite of her. Only her desk separated me from Annabeth, but that small distance felt like a thousand miles.
"Can you stop smiling?" I said helplessly. "You're laughing at me."
"I AM NOT," Annabeth laughed openly. I shook my head while still appreciating the sound of her melodious laughter. Her smile illuminated the room.
From her large windows, I saw that it was raining today. Thunderstorm.
"Besides, I'll never stop laughing at you." Annabeth wiped a stray tear from her eyes as she calmed down. Then, her face turned serious. "I bet that this doesn't bother you that much. After all, you're reuniting with your high school sweetheart."
Her gaze narrowed on me. She searched my facial expressions for anything that would contradict her. However, my whole demure contradicted her statement. I have no feelings for Rachel, and I don't want to be with her. As attractive and rich Rachel was, she doesn't matter to me as Annabeth does.
Annabeth smiled while leaning back in her seat.
"Boss, you know that I don't want this," I paused. "I thought that if I ignored the situation long enough, it would blow over."
"That is such a stupid plan, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth exclaimed. I rolled my eyes. It was just like Annabeth to call me stupid, and it doesn't even phase me. To be honest, it's endearing at this point. Only she could insult me like this and not mean it.
"I'd like to see you come up with a better plan."
"Oh, my plans would be ten times better than yours," Annabeth challenged. "For starters, I would take things into my own hands."
"I don't buy it, Annabeth. You're the boss of a luxurious company. I doubt that you're much of a rebel," I shot back.
My sea-green eyes were looking into her gray ones.
She was taking my challenge seriously, and I couldn't help but feel like things were gonna get exciting soon.
Suddenly, Annabeth stood up and walked towards me. She stood right in front of me, and her gray dress hugged her in a sexy manner. I resisted the urge to reach forward and grab her waist. Instead, I looked up and refocused my attention on her face.
"I can be a rebel," Annabeth stated. "I can break the rules."
I stood up as well. Only inches separated our faces and our lips. My gaze lingered on her soft, pink lips. I so wanted this, but I was still uncertain if it was okay.
Annabeth is very good at masking her emotions, especially at work. Usually, I can read her stress and anxiety, but I have trouble analyzing other feelings.
"Come on. We're leaving the office right now. Let's go break some rules and get some revenge," Annabeth instructed.
"Wait, it's the middle of the day?"
"So what? I didn't think that you'd shy away from breaking the rules. I thought you were the rebel," Annabeth commented. I shook my head and followed her out of the office.
She wouldn't tell me what she was planning. We simply got into my car, and she told me to drive. Based on her directions, we were heading to Dare Industries' headquarters. I was so confused, but I did as she instructed.
The security to Dare's parking garage let us in when he saw me. Of course, everyone at Dare Industries probably knew me considering the recent news.
"I don't understand why we're here," I said again.
"Go to parking spots near the main door. That's where it will be." Annabeth looked inside her purse again before smiling.
"Annabeth, I was kidding about the rebel comment before."
"Well, I'm not kidding. I can be a rebel and break the rules. Besides, considering everything, I thought that you'd want to give Rachel some payback."
"This isn't actually Rachel's fault," I said earnestly.
I parked the car several yards away from the main doors. Most of this floor was reserved parking, so that was the second rule that we broke that day.
"Rachel could've warned you. Based on what you told me, there were several opportunities for her to do so. Didn't you talk to her in person a few months ago?" Annabeth asked. I nodded in agreement.
"If she had warned you, you wouldn't have even been at the formal," she continued. "Then, you wouldn't even be in this situation."
That's so true. It's something that I thought about all the time.
I turned off my engine and looked at her. We were sitting in the cement parking garage. This parking garage is ugly compared to Annabeth's. But again, Annabeth designed her building and its structures herself. Of course, the infrastructure would be amazing.
"So, what are we doing here?" I asked.
"I figured that some innocent payback would be good for you. Plus, it will prove to you that I can break the rules and be okay with it."
Annabeth's voice was dense and firm. Even though she was talking about breaking some superficial rules, her tone illustrated something else. She hinted that her rebellious nature goes beyond simple rules. I couldn't quite understand the hidden message behind all this.
What is she trying to tell me?
What does she mean by being a rebel and breaking rules?
Annabeth sighed and shook her head in disappointment. Clearly, I wasn't understanding what she was trying to say, so she moved on.
Instead, Annabeth pulled two cans out of her purse. Spray-paint.
My eyes widened as I stared at her in shock. I wasn't expecting her to whip out two spray-paint canisters from her purse. Suddenly, I realized that turning into vandals today.
"We can't," I hissed while looking around frantically.
"Come on," Annabeth ordered.
She got out of the car and walked towards Rachel's car. She owns a green BMW, and that's only one of Rachel's several cars. I've been to Rachel's mansion before, and there's a whole gymnasium just for the Dare car collection.
"What if there are cameras?" I asked. "This isn't right."
"There aren't any cameras in the parking structure. Olympus Architecture helped construct this building, so relax. Why'd you turn into the goodie-goodie all of a sudden?"
"I'm not a goodie-goodie. I've been arrested before, and I don't intend to spend another night in jail," I explained.
"I want to hear that story later," she laughed.
Annabeth put one can of spray paint into my hand. It was chalk-paint that was easily washable. Since it's raining today, the chalk would wash off before Rachel got home.
Before we knew it, we got to work.
We sprayed chalk paint all over the green BMW. We drew various designs and structures (some were inappropriate). Annabeth and I kept laughing as I got some innocent payback.
"This barely counts as revenge, Annabeth," I exclaimed between laughs.
After we got back in my car, she tossed the empty cans on the floor. Her hands were smeared with red chalk, and she looked so amazing.
We settled into a comfortable silence. This was a lot of fun. I was not expecting it from Annabeth, but it only elevated my attraction to her.
Gods, I'm falling in love with her.
She gazed into my face.
"You see, Seaweed Brain. I can be a rebel. I'm okay with breaking the rules with you," Annabeth paused and smiled. "Are you willing to do the same?"
The answer is YES.