Hi, People! I didn't think that I was going to continue, but I was browsing through my docs and found an unfinished chapter left alone in the dark. Here it is!

-Meow

Annabeth's Pov

Click, clack. Shoes strode against the floor, making its way to the podium. A husky voice sounded. "Good Morning everyone, please take a seat." the President of Suntel greeted happily. The light chatter stopped and silence ensued.

"So as you know, Annabeth's sales has broken profound barriers in the past 3 years." everyone claps, I smile. "Nevertheless, progress is crucial, so I'd like to propose an idea." he pauses, and looks to us.

"What if, Annabeth went international?" he said. "What if Annabeth became an icon in many other parts of the world?" everyone paused to think for a moment. I, for one, immediately disagreed.

A businessman raised his hand. "Yes?" asked the President.

"Well, don't you think that she is already popular enough in America? No offense to you Annabeth. But, this can potentially bring you a lot of publicity meaning that the media will constantly bug you. The work you are taking on now is that of a 30 year old's." he looked to me with great sympathy, then made eye contact with the President. "This yells extraneous work, Michael. She's only 22. " he reasoned. I'm glad that someone in this room has a heart.

I continue, "You're right, although this plan sounds very fun and all-" the President cut me off.

"Annabeth! I can assure you, agreeing to this will absolutely NOT in any way affect the life you have now." he steals a glare at the businessman. The President was adamant on this new venture. I've never disliked someone with such abhorrence before. Behind his fake, affable demeanor, there is a selfish and greedy man. The only reason as to why he would want me to go international is because of money. I am not going to be his slave.

Another woman speaks up, "Sir, with all due respect, there are many possible failures to this project as well. For instance, if Annabeth-" she was cut off too.

"Everyone," he tried to contain his annoyance."if Annabeth goes international, think of the revenue, think of the new found fame for our company, think of our employee's futures, think about Suntel. If Annabeth agrees to this, then the company will be evermore affluent. Once we receive all of the excellent recognition from the media as a result of Annabeth's worldwide fame, then more aspiring artists outside of America would appeal to us. That means our business could expand throughout the entire world." he pauses, "think about the future, and what this has to offer." he attempts to persuade us.

We stayed silent and thought to ourselves in unison.

"Look," I break the silence. "I'm sorry, Michael, but I agree with everyone, and everyone is against...you. Going international means doing everything I do here, but three times that. I'm not willing to immerse myself into something that can overwork myself to the point of abjection." I said. Michael pursed his lips and stared at me. I've never felt so nervous.

A man spoke, "Yes, I am with Annabeth on this. Her voice Michael, it may deteriorate as well." he mentioned.

"Okay, then. I assume that we are all against my proposal. Is that right?" he tried to hold in his anger.

The business people silently nodded. Michael's eyes filled with fire.

"Meeting over." his hands slam on the desk and he storms from the group of stunned employees.

I take a slow walk to the exit. Busy workers pass me and some greeted me.

The intoxicating aroma of morning roasted java beans indicated that most employees were on it, like a drug. Even the mere smell of caffeine was contagious to those who didn't drink. Coming to a stop near the welcome desk, I looked to roof and found myself staring at the beautiful sunny sky through the glass veneer; the clouds were fluffed and puffed in such creative shapes. Stopping to relax from the day's events always alleviates my worries and helps me bring myself back to-myself. It was a typical day for Suntel, my record company by the way. They basically take over my life as well as provide me with money for music videos, tours, and things like that.

I didn't follow through with Michael's plan, but I know him. He won't stop. Money encourages Michael, and that's why he chose me. In his eyes, I was a money making machine because I attracted attention-attention is key to a booming business.

Once I stepped out of the building a cool breeze grazed my skin. I love mornings like these: when the sun is still slightly warm, and the cool air is fresh. It's unfortunate that my mood was ruined. I could only enjoy the nice weather every once in a while.

"Beep, Beep." Two small honks bleated. It was Percy's black car. I walked to the passenger's seat and entered.

"Hey, how did it go?" he asked, checking our surroundings. Percy's my assistant, not my body guard. He's probably the protective type.

"Not so well." I said solemnly.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." he glaces over, "Do you want to talk about it?"

My eyes averted to the side window.

"Okay, I understand. But if you need someone to talk to..." he replies. I looked over to him and faintly smiled.

The rest of the ride was silent. Once Percy drove into the garage, I stayed in my seat for some time.

The engine's roar turned to a whisper. I could see him face me in my peripheral vision, "Is everything alright?" he asked.

"Yeah." I muttered.

Then an idea struck me. Why be alone and depressed when you have a potential companion? "Do you have anything planned today?"

"No, other than my mom's dinner at 7, I'm free. What's up?" he looked into my gray eyes; it was green on gray. Quite the opposite favorable color schemes, but nevertheless, our chemistry was booming. I could feel it, and I know full well that he can also.

"C-can you accompany me for the day?" I stuttered in shock of the unrelenting attraction.

His eyes keep on mine for a few seconds before continuing, "I'd love to spend the day with you." he smiles. We pause for another moment, then reality struck.

"Ahem," I adjust in my seat and he quickly turned his head towards his steering wheel.

"It's 10:30 at the moment, what would you like to do?" his tone turned back to it's usual professionalism. He turned to stare at his steering wheel rather quickly in an effort to avoid eye contact. Perhaps Percy didn't feel the attraction at all. Secretly, it saddened me.

I pushed the illusion of chemistry to the curb. Percy is only my assistant, nothing more. I mean, there are many other girls he could choose from, why would he choose me? And Luke, he's the one I love, I shouldn't jeopardize our relationship. My feelings are confusing; I've never felt so flustered. I want to stay faithful to Luke in every way possible, but I also tend to think inappropriately of Percy at times. Maybe it was just friendly infatuation, I mean, Percy is quite the guy. I can't think of any girl that wouldn't want to be with him.

I went over our options and chose the one most appealing to the weather.

"How does the beach sound?" I suggested. His face was smeared with delight.

"Sure, I know the perfect spot."

"Bark, bark, bark!" Chloe ran wildly in the soft sand.

I laughed, "Chloe! You're so adorable!"

Percy laughs along. Since I haven't seen Chloe in a couple days, I decided to bring her with us; I also brought a revealing bikini. We set the towels and umbrella-well Percy did. I played with Chloe. The beach he chose was quite nice and secluded-not too many people will notice me, or maybe none at all. It's about 4 PM and the sun is at its best. Summers, I love them.

"Alright! All done." he said, proud of his efforts.

"Thanks Percy." I walk over to the make-shift shaded area. Then, my hands started at the hem of my denim shorts. Millisecond after tantalizing millisecond, my shorts drop to reveal a plain white bikini bottom that covered my long, toned legs. I reach for my top to reveal an equally attractive chest. In the corner of my eye, I see Percy stealing glances while trying to occupy himself with Chloe. Inside, I felt satisfied, but another part of me felt guilt.

I applied sunscreen to the entirety of my body, except for my back.

"Percy, do you mind?" I asked. Don't get any ideas, it was just hard to reach.

"Sure," he got up from his relaxed position. I squirted a quarter-sized amount of sunscreen on his hands and he rubbed his palms together then started from my neck. Under his touch I shivered and felt my knees lightly jerk; my eyes closed without consent. I could feel his warmth, the way he slowly rubbed the entirety of my back. His soft, but strong hands delicately maneuvered a simple task that could so easily be done in a few seconds, but felt like forever. I felt that Percy deliberately tortured me.

"All done." he smiles.

"Thank you. Join us?" I asked walking towards the ocean.

"Um, I don't have swimming trunks." I turned my head to face him and quirked an eyebrow. "...but I guess I can swim in my shorts." he continued.

I waited for Percy to walk with Chloe and I to the water and watched as he took off his shirt to reveal a six pack, a nice one at that. My eyes, as if it had a mind of its own, scanned him like an eagle, searching for anything especially intriguing about his body. Reality hit too soon, unfortunately. "I know, I'm not as fit as I should be, but I'm working on it." he said as he completed his walk to my side. My face instantly turned a shade of pink-oh Gods Annabeth, not now. I giggled nervously, "um, let's go..swim! The water looks nice." are you kidding me. "C'mon Chloe!" I run towards the ocean to try and make things a little less awkward. Unfortunately, this wasn't such a bright idea.

"Not so fast." hushed Percy as he came up behind me. I was lifted from the ground by a pair of muscular arms. His flexed muscles brushed against my body as he switched to carry me in a bridal position. I screamed like a girl and giggled at various moments, then our eyes caught in a trance. He looked at me, and I looked at him. It was the same attraction we felt in the car, as if the sky had met earth. We stayed in that position for a few seconds until, "splash!". "PERCY!" I screamed as I came up for air. He couldn't breath due to excessive laughter, and I was gave in the temptation to join him.

Chloe was barking in the distance, near the opening of the ocean. She happily danced and played along the fluctuating water lines and wet sand. The sun was dimming while Percy and I were in the middle of the ocean, reveling in each other's presence. It's weird how we became close so suddenly. Him reaching for my body like that was risky, but it felt normal. We splashed and giggled, roamed and swam in our vicinity. For once, I was truly happy.

Time passed and the sun came closer to its bedtime. "Hey Annabeth, I think it's getting late. I have to attend my mother's dinner." he said. I pouted, "Okay, I guess we should head back to the car." we swam to the sand to be greeted by a jovial Chloe. "Chloe! Did you have fun?" she responded, "bark bark, bark bark!" as her delicate body twirled in delight.

As I played with Chloe whilst grabbing my things, I saw Percy in my peripheral vision. He was thinking about something, as if he is trying to make a decision. Grabbing the last of my things, he proceeded to his car motioning for me to follow. Percy quickly went to open the passenger's door, but before I entered he said, "Annabeth, how about you join me for dinner?" I hesitated. I didn't want to impose on his family dinner. Plus, we've only recently known each other and also, I don't look presentable. "Mm, I don't know Perc-" he blurted, "I-it's no problem at all, really! My mom LOVES company. Trust me, she'd be 10 times happier that I bring a woman." he then shook his head while swaying his arms back and forth to make a point, "Not that it means we're...you know." he looked at me with anticipation.

This is strange. Why does Percy want me to go so badly? Was it to show off? I don't feel like that fits his personality, though. Maybe he feels sorry for me, that I'd be alone at home. I guess that's a good excuse. "Okay, I'll go." I smiled. "Great! Let's start driving." he closed the passenger's door and I got comfortable in his leather seats. He had a pretty nice car for a guy his age, I'm impressed.

Thank you for sticking through this chapter. I'm sorry for not updating in like 4 months or something like that, school was bugging me and so I didn't believe in myself to have the ability to continue, but I did. My break is coming up, so hopefully more writing and less studying will entail soon!

Unfortunately, with time comes knowledge, and after reading my previous chapter I found some things that I REALLY disliked. For instance, my cheesiness and annoying grammar issues. Hopefully, despite my incompetence, you guys will continue to enjoy this story. I'd also like to apologize. I know how frustrating it can be to read bad writing.

Have a great Turkey day/break!