Okay, so I know I said I wouldn't update again but this storing is pouring out of me- I CAN'T STOP WRITING. I am not ditching my other story but I'm really enjoying writing this one :) Pleasre review, follow and favorite!
Annabeth POV
"You did what?!" I shrieked.
"Oh relax Annie," Thalia said innocently.
"I can't believe you Thalia!" I yelled.
"It's not that big of a deal, Annabeth. Jeez, someone is overeating….."
"Don't give me that tone," I said, glaring down at Thalia. "You told your cousin I'm his type? Now he probably thinks I want to date him or I'm desperate-"
"Annabeth, you are totally taking this the wrong way!"
"How do you even know I'm his type in the first place?"
"He likes Zoe Nightshade and you remind me of her."
"I remind you of that airhead?"
"She's not that bad."
"Oh, yes she is. Can't you tell she is totally seducing your brother every time she comes over?"
"Wait… what?"
"Never mind. Point being… omigods! You are the most annoying best friend ever! What will happen when I meet your cousin? How embarrassing is that going to be?!"
"It's not going to be embarrassing."
"When do I not embarrass myself Thalia?"
"Oh…" Thalia bit her lip. "You're screwed."
"Thalia Grace!"
"I was kidding," Thalia laughed. "Don't worry Annabeth, Percy is the sweetest and least judgmental person I know."
I sighed, "Whatever Thalia, I'm going to bed."
"It's only nine o'clock."
"I'll go bother Jason then," I said, standing up. "I've had enough of you."
Thalia rolled her eyes, "You know you love me."
I couldn't help but chuckle as I stood up and walked down the hallway towards Jason's room. You might ask, you live with your best friend? But you're way to young. Well, I'll explain. Thalia's dad owns a very successful airline so he's a millionaire. He never visits Jason and Thalia though and their mom died when they were very young so they're on their own. Zeus- their dad- bought them a deluxe penthouse suite. Thalia and Jason live by themselves and I pretty much live there whenever I feel like it. My mom is always working so she's never really home. My dad, stepmother and stepbrothers live back in San Francisco so my living options are:
Mom's apartment (which she's never in)
Thalia and Jason's penthouse suite
You can tell why I mainly stay at the Grace's residence. Anyways, I walked down the hallway towards Jason's bedroom. I knocked and he said, "Come in." Jason's room was huge. On the opposite wall of the door was a gigantic window with the view of the New York City skyline. He had a king size bed, corner desk, gaming area, big closet and cabinets that were full of who knows what. The room was pretty much colorless besides the gray walls and white/black sheets on the bed. The whole penthouse was modern.
"Hey Annie," Jason said.
"What'tcha doin?" I asked.
"Some homework," Jason responded. "Gods, I can't believe the weekend is half over already."
"Well, at least winter break is in two weeks," I grinned, sitting down in one of his beanbag chairs.
"I know right. I'm so tired of school," Jason chuckled.
"So… how's Piper?" Immediately Jason's cheeks flushed but he didn't say anything. "Oh come on. Lie to Thalia, but you don't have to lie to me. I know you like her."
Jason smiled, "Piper's good."
"That's all?"
"What else do you want me to say?"
"Admit that you like her."
"Fine, I like her."
"When are you going to ask her out?"
"I don't know," Jason nervously started to rub his neck. "Are you sure she likes me?"
"Of course I'm sure! Do you see the expression on her face whenever you mention Zoe."
"What do you mean?"
"Open your eyes Jason! Whenever Zoe comes over she totally throws herself at you. Piper is jealous that you spend an hour and a half every Friday night with her!"
"Oh…."
"Yeah, "oh" is right. Don't be nervous. Just ask her out!"
"Thanks Annabeth," Jason smiled.
"No problem," I stood up and ruffled Jason's hair. "Going to bed, love you."
"Love you to."
I walked out of his room and made my way to my room. The penthouse had four bedrooms. Thalia's room, Jason's room, the spare room and my room. Even though my room wasn't as big as Jason's and Thalia's, it was still huge in my opinion. My bed was pushed up against one wall. On the opposite side there was my desk and then all my books. My closet was right next to my door and the back wall was a big window. The walls were gray with little swirly designs at the tops. I loved it.
Besides the fact that I lived in a penthouse, I got to experience it with two of my closest friends. Thalia and I had been friends since day one and Jason and I always had that brother-sister relationship. I seriously loved them both to death.
"Annabeth!" I turned around and saw Thalia in the doorway.
"Yeah?"
"Can you come to the café tomorrow?"
"Sure, how long though? I have to work at the library tomorrow."
"Only for about a half an hour. I want you to meet someone."
I groaned, "This isn't another one of your blind date schemes, right? Last time it did not go well. I mean, really? Connor Stoll?"
"It's not a blind date," Thalia chuckled. "But I have to say the Connor Stoll thing way hilarious."
I glared at her, "I'll come, don't worry."
"Thanks, you're the best," Thalia grinned. "Well I'm watching re-runs of American Horror Story so if you want to join just come in my room."
"Thanks but no thanks," I said. "Taking a shower then reading for an hour."
"Okay," Thalia said.
When Thalia left I sighed and started to get read for my shower. I took off all my clothes and put on my fuzzy pink bathrobe. I then got my pajamas and headed into the bathroom across the hall. I turned on the water, set down my stuff and then took off my bathrobe. The water was soothing after a long day of dog walking through central park. My job sucked but I needed the money. Since I was fortunate to live with the Grace's (most of the time) I needed to start saving for college. It was junior year and I was really desperate to get into an amazing college.
When I got out of the shower I dried off, slipped into my pajamas and ran back into my room, shutting the door behind me. I picked up my book and opened it to where I'd left off. Every so often I'd glance at the clock. Ten, ten-fifteen, eleven, twelve, one. Now it was almost two o'clock in the morning! Where had time gone? I set down my book and turned off the lights, making sure not to wake anyone up. Though I doubted either Grace siblings were asleep. Thalia's normal "bedtime" was around three and Jason usually was playing computer games under his covers.
I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. The faint sound of traffic twenty floors below was soothing. The tick of the clock broke the silence. Eventually I drifted to sleep.
"Wake up!" something fluffy hit me really hard.
I yelped and sat up in bed, "What the…"
"It's almost twelve and you promised you'd come to work with me!" I squinted and saw a very angry Thalia standing above me with my fluffy owl pillow raised and ready to strike.
"Twelve already?" I asked in a groggy voice.
"Yeah. Jason is at work. Now com'mon. Rachel will kill me if I'm late," Thalia pulled me out of bed and literally shoved me into my closet.
I blindly looked for something decent to wear. If I was meeting someone I better look nice. I picked out some skinny jeans, a cute blouse and my favorite cashmere sweater. I put my hair up into a messy bun and slipped on my red toms.
"You look cute. Like someone who walked out of a J-Crew clothing catalogue," Thalia commented as I walked out of my bedroom towards the bathroom.
After brushing my teeth, using the bathroom and trying to make myself look decent Thalia yanked me out the door. We rode the elevator towards the bottom and jumped into a cab. We rode in silence because Thalia was texting someone and I wasn't about to strike up a conversation with the cab driver. When we arrived in front of the little café we both scrambled out. Inside Thalia told me to sit down.
"Thalia, I'm starving!" I complained.
"I'll have someone take your order in a minute. Just look at the menu," Thalia said.
"Fine," I grumbled. I looked at the menu. The two eggs any style with a side of either bacon or ham with any kind of toast sounded good. The door jingled as I was admiring the beverages. A couple minutes later I decided what I wanted. Now, where was Thalia to take my order?
I took out my phone and was about to send an angry text to Thalia when someone above me said, "Hello, welcome to Delilah's café. What can I start you off with?"
Still looking at the menu I said, "I would like a decaf coffee with a little bit of…." When I looked up my jaw dropped. I had never seen this guy here. He had messy black hair, the most gorgeous sea green eyes, a cute lopsided grin and fairly tan skin.
"A little bit of?" He asked.
"A little bit of sugar," Dammit, my voice cracked and I probably was blushing.
"Alright-y then," The guy said. "I'll be back with your drink and then I'll take your order."
I nodded, my eyes still wide as saucers as the guy walked towards the back to make my drink.
"He's hot, right?" I jumped, as Thalia appeared right behind me.
"What?" I said.
"Don't play dumb Annabeth," Thalia said. "I know you were totally checking Percy out."
"I… no way... how dare you…. Thalia Grace!" I spluttered.
"Thanks for making that a clear sentence," Thalia chuckled.
I glared at her, "When is this person who you want me to meet coming?"
"Oh, you just met him," Thalia said. "Annabeth, that was my cousin Percy Jackson."
If possible my jaw dropped more than before, "Excuse me?"
"You heard me, Percy is my cousin. Percy is the guy who I told you were his type."
"Are you kidding me?" I said. "How am I his type? He's so… so… so…"
"Hot?"
"Shut up!" I snapped.
"Here is your drink," Percy came into sight and placed down a cup of the most amazing smelling coffee. "Now, what can I get you to eat?"
"I'd like the two eggs -"
"Scrambled with the bacon and wheat bread. Make sure there's a side of butter to," Thalia finished for me.
"And how do you know that's what she wants?" Percy asked.
"Because she's my best friend you idiot. She lives with me. You don't think I know what she eats every morning for breakfast?"
"I… that's… what… wait…" Percy was now stuttering just as I had.
"Percy, meet my best friend Annabeth Chase. Annabeth, meet my cousin Percy Jackson," Thalia said.
"Hi," I squeaked, holding out my hand. Percy shook it and I almost died. His hand was huge but really soft.
"So, you are the girl my cousin claims I might like," Percy raised an eyebrow like he thought I was some kind of joke.
"Yeah…."
"Well, I honestly thought she was kidding about you. Let me put in your order and I'll be back," Percy walked off.
"Thalia!" I said. "Stop trying to play match maker!"
"Hey, you two would be the cutest couple ever," Thalia said. "Besides, you need a boyfriend. Every Friday night I come home from a party top find you sulking around in your fuzzy bathrobe with a cup of tea and a book. Do you not know the meaning of YOLO?"
"Don't even start with me Thalia."
"Live a little, okay?"
"If you haven't notice, I am fully alive."
"Okay, put in the order. Beat it Thalia," Percy said, sliding into the chair right next to me.
"Wow, someone's polite," Thalia said sarcastically, but she smiled and walked away.
"So, tell me about yourself, Annabeth Chase," Percy said.
"Well, I live with Thalia and Jason most of the time. My mom has a little apartment in downtown Manhattan but she works all of the time and spends the night at her boyfriend's almost every night so there isn't really a point to living with her. My dad, stepmom and stepbrothers live in San Francisco but I'd rather be here. I go to Goode High School, I'm a junior and I love architecture. My life pretty much revolves around reading, writing, working as a dog walker and part time librarian."
Percy nodded, "I just moved back here. My mom loves to move around. I was born here but moved to Miami at the age of two. I lived there for ten years until I moved back to New York for three years. I then left at the age of twelve for LA but now I'm back. My dad died when I was a baby and my mom hasn't bothered to remarry. I'm going to go to Goode, I'm a junior to and I love to swim. I spend most of my time at the beach and since yesterday I am officially a Delilah Café employee thanks to Thalia. Also, music is a huge part of my life. I sing and play the guitar."
"Got any siblings?" I asked.
Percy's face darkened and I immediately regretted the question, "I… I had a little brother but he passed away when I was ten due to brain cancer."
My heart broke a little, "Oh. I'm sorry about your loss. I'm sorry I even brought it up."
"S'kay," Percy mumbled.
"Who do you know here so far?"
"Thalia, Jason, you, Rachel and Zoe," Percy responded. Zoe… I thought disgustedly.
"How do you know Zoe?"
"She went to my high school back in LA."
"That's a strange coincidence that you both moved to New York."
"Yeah."
"So, do you sing professionally or something?"
"Nah, I sing covers on Youtube."
"That's really cool."
"Check out my channel, PercyJackson, and tell me what you think."
"Will do," I pulled out my phone and made a note about Percy's channel.
"What do you like to read?"
"Mostly mystery and fantasy."
"That's cool. I don't do much reading due to my dyslexia and ADHD but I like listening to books."
"Don't feel to bad about it, I have ADHD."
Percy smiled, "Really? You seam like a pretty calm person."
"Ask Thalia and she'll say otherwise," Percy chuckled. "What was your favorite thing about LA?"
"The beach. What do you like most about New York?"
"The buildings and statues. I love to really admire the structures and how each thing is built. Isn't it interesting to just look at a building and think about how it doesn't fall over? Also, I love the different parts of the city. There are so many different designs and styles. Each part has it's own story I guess."
"I've never thought about New York in that way."
"Well, then you have not lived."
We sat there for a couple minutes, asking more questions and chuckling over things. Percy was a great guy. Funny, sweet, polite, down to earth and may I had REALLY ATTRACTIVE.
"Here is your food," Thalia finally was here with the food. "Get back to work kelp head."
"Okay pinecone face," Percy got up. "Pleasure talking to you Annabeth."
I smiled weakly, "Nico talking to you to."
"See you around," Percy winked and then walked off to other tables.
"Holy shit," Thalia whispered excitedly, taking the seat Percy had just vacated. "He's already flirting with you!"
"What are you talking about?"
"That wink!"
"Oh come one Thalia!"
"I'm not joking with you Annabeth, that was definitely a flirtatious move," Thalia squealed.
Suddenly the bell jingled and I saw Luke come. I had never told Thalia this because only a week ago he had been her boyfriend but I thought he was pretty hot. But ever since he had cheated on her I now thought he was a complete ass.
"What the fuck are you doing here again?" Thalia shouted. "Get out of the café now you asshole!"
"Thalia, I just want to talk," Luke said, taking a step forward.
"Is talk code for make out or something?" Thalia shrieked, shoving Luke towards the door.
"Stop it Thalia," Luke tried to push Thalia back but his hand swung the wrong way and slapped her across the face. Thalia looked at him with pure anger on her face, but before she could do anything Percy stormed towards Luke and put himself between them.
"What the hell man?" Percy shouted. "Don't you ever hit Thalia, especially in front of me."
"Percy," Thalia said sternly. "I can handle-"
"No Thalia, obviously you can't handle this guy or else he wouldn't still be bothering you."
"Are you kidding me right now? He's my problem let me fix it!" Thalia yelled at Percy.
"Yeah, let the girl do the talking," and that's when it happened. Luke punched Percy in the nose. With a sickening crack he slammed against the wall and slid down, his eyes closed in pain.
"No!" I screamed. Without thinking I ran towards Luke and tackled him to the ground, pinning his arms above his head. "You touch Thalia or Percy I will smack the shit out of you!"
Luke looked at me with an amused look on his face, "It's really hard to listen when you are straddling me."
My face burned with anger and embarrassment as I slapped him across the face, "Pervert."
Luke suddenly pushed me off of him, jumped to his feet and fled the café. Still angry, I got to my feet. The customers that were inside looked surprised and scared. Poor people.
"Thalia, did you see what I just did to Luke?"
"Annabeth!" I turned around and saw Thalia kneeling down in front of Percy. Dammit, I forgot about Percy.
"Are you okay?" I asked, kneeling down in front of Percy.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Percy said, holding a napkin to his nose. "Luke punched me pretty hard though, probably broke my nose."
"I can't believe him!" Thalia roared. "And I can't believe you Percy! You are the biggest idiot in the world! I can handle Luke! And now we both know Annabeth can definitely handle him to. God Percy, I love you so much but sometimes you do the stupidest things."
Percy laughed, "I do the stupidest things because I love the people I do them for."
"Psycho," Thalia mumbled, but she smiled and started to smother Percy with kisses.
"Thalia," he whined, trying to push her off. "God, your acting like my mom."
Thalia grinned, "Your mom is awesome, don't insult her."
Percy chuckled but then turned his attention to me, "Damn Annabeth, that was hot."
"Excuse me?" I said, my voice breaking. Did he just call me hot?
"The way you tackled Luke," Percy laughed. I bushed and looked away, trying to hide my face. "I've never seen such a feisty girl."
"Don't embarrass her Percy," Thalia said, but she smiled at me. "Oh look, Annabeth is blushing-"
"Am not!" I said.
"-you could do way better than him you know."
"Hey!" Percy said.
"Percy, Thalia!" Rachel shouted. "Get up from the floor and get back to work!"
"I think my nose is broken though."
"Then try not to get blood on anything."
"Rachel!"
"I was kidding. Go to the doctor's Perce."
Percy nodded, "Bye Thalia, bye Rachel, bye Annabeth! I would hug all of you but I can't."
Percy walked out of the door, still holding his nose. I looked at Thalia with raised eyebrows but she just laughed.
"Charmer isn't he."
"You bet he is."
"To bad your food is cold," Thalia said, beckoning towards the plate of eggs, bacon and toast. I had forgotten about the food.
"Whatever, I don't mind it cold," I went back to the little table and sat down. A cold breakfast keeps the doctors away, right?
