Hey guys! So it looks like you guys really do want this story to continue!:D I hope you enjoy this! This is the first chapter. Don't forget to review, follow, fav, and check out my other stories!:D
BTW, THIS STORY IS A MORTAL AU...
Percy's POV
"I'm here!" I stopped in front of Annabeth, trying to catch my breath, and holding the drink up to her.
She raised an eyebrow, standing there looking at me. I tried to read her expression, but it was near impossible. She was about as emotional as a brick wall. She finally took it as she started towards her office. I followed.
"So Percy, did you remember to call the company for the meeting next Tuesday instead of this Tuesday?" I quickly walked with her into her office. She closed the door behind me and sat down, starting on some paper work almost immediately.
"Yes, I also made sure to complain about the material mix up at the old warehouse." I handed her a file.
"Okay, what about the building that is supposed to be up by the end of this month?"
"Almost done, and ahead of schedule. Can you please look over the file? It's the aquarium designs I'm working on." I pushed over the manila folder.
She sighed, and crossed her hands.
"Percy, how many times have we been over this? No, I can't. I don't have time. Maybe in a few years." she said, stoically as she slid the folder into one of her desk drawers, "Did you remember to call...oh what's her name. The girl who always wears the cat sweaters...and I'm finished with these. Please bring them to Pablo."
"Who? Oh! You mean Donna! Yeah, she's already getting started on the orders." I responded, as I took the papers from her hands. She then picked up her drink.
But before it even reached her lips, she looked at it, turned her head, and raised an eyebrow. Um...why do I get a sick feeling that she knows it's not hers? I slowly started walking towards the door.
"Ah ah ah ah. Wait one sec." she said, waving her hand.
"Yeeees?" I replied, turning back around...slowly. Oh god. How can she tell?
She looked at me, then pointed to the side of the cup.
"Who's Daisy, and why does she want me to call her?" she turned the cup towards me, and sure enough, scribbled in black Sharpie was Daisy's name and number.
I could feel my neck and ears burning. I'm taking that as a yes. I started scratching the back of my neck.
"Heh heh. W-what? You didn't know? T-there's this new trend going around, where clients message through coffe-" the rest of my sentence died in my throat, when I saw her staring at me.
I cleared my throat.
She stared.
I pulled the neck of my collar.
She stared.
I sighed.
"Okay, so I spilled your drink when I was coming over here, and I gave you mine instead." she rolled her eyes, and took a sip...this time, her expression was a mix between confusion and suspicion.
This one, I'm pretty sure I knew what it was about.
"So... you drink a low fat, soy latte, with one cube of sugar, a splash of skim milk, and two shots of espresso." she stared at me. I nodded. My face was probably looking like a tomato at this point.
"Yeahhh. It's like...a workaholic...in a cup. It's not like I purposely get the same drink as you, so if I accidentally spill yours, you can have mine. Nah, that would be ridiculous." I quickly pretended to busy myself with some files. She rolled her eyes and went back to signing some things.
"Anyways, I need you to look over every single plan for this new mall we are building by the end of the week. I can't have a material mix up or a steel structure out of place. When you're done, maybe you can help with the aquarium designs downstairs." I dropped a file.
"But, I have to go to visit my relatives this weekend. My gammie is turning 90, and we're throwing her a party." I responded, annoyed, as I bent done to pick up the fallen papers and place them back in the cabinet. She continued talking, not looking up.
"Well, cancel your plans. I need these plans looked through. You can visit them on a holiday...or something."
"She's 90 Annabeth, 90..." I said. She stayed glued to her work. The only indication that she heard me was the slight shrug I received.
"Well you know what? That's fine. Great really. Thank you for saving me the hassle of having to go visit my family..." I mumbled sarcastically...(well half sarcastically at least) under my breath.
She finally looked up, and gave me one of her famous glares. It looked like she was about to say something, but the phone rang. I rolled my eyes, and she picked it up.
"Hello? Yes. Uh huh. Uh huh. Okay, I'll be right here sir. Okay. Thank you." Annabeth hung up the phone, and stood. She took one last sip of the latte, before throwing it away.
"I have to meet with my boss upstairs. If anyone calls, say I'm in a meeting, and get them to call back later. Don not bother me until the meeting is over...we have a lot of work to do when I'm done" She rushed out of the room.
"Got it." I replied to no one in particular.
Okay, so if you're anything like me, you're probably confused as hell at who Annabeth is, why is she so bossy, why do all the workers not like her, why does she have the emotional range of a piece of lint, and so forth. So, I'll give you the "summary".
Annabeth is 27 years old, and is currently managing one of the biggest architectural companies in America.
Her age is what gets a lot of people, but it's also her personality.
She's so young, and many...actually most of the workers are older and have been with the company for longer than Annabeth, so that's why so many of the people here hate her. They wish they could be in her position. Also, it's her whole attitude.
She's usually really strict and cold.
She kinda reminds me of this teacher I had a long time ago. Her name was Ms. Dodds...
She's small, but her eyes are determined, and kinda scary at times. One glare, and you'd run for your life.
You're probably wondering why I haven't yet. Well, two reasons.
One, I've known Annabeth since we were kids, and two, I want a job, and the only way, is through Annabeth.
Annabeth and I have an...interesting relationship.
I met Annabeth when I was twelve, and she was turning twelve. Our parents (her dad and step-mother, and my mom and dad) were good childhood friends.
We hadn't realized it yet, but I would start attending the same camp Annabeth had already been going to for years.
My family had moved to New York about a year and a half ago, so my parents decided to enroll me in a camp for ADHD and dyslexic kids.
That was the day that I realized I would forever have to deal with the most annoying girl in the entire world for the rest of my damn life.
From then on, we saw each other on occasion, but whenever we did talk to each other, it always ended with us in an argument about something stupid.
When Annabeth and I were no longer the age requirement for camp, we went our separate ways, and I thought I had gotten rid of her for good.
Hah. Boy was I wrong.
So wrong.
When I turned 24, I applied for a job as an assistant to a CEO in charge of a huge architecture company. If I could get a good recommendation, I could apply for the job I wanted, and actually start living my life.
That was until I found out who the boss was.
Annabeth Freaking Chase.
It was terrible the first couple of months. I mean, I was her personal assistant...basically like her maid. She made me run and get groceries, drop off blueprints at one in the morning...I did so many things for her it was ridiculous. But, I kept at it and reminded myself how much I needed this recommendation.
It slowly got better...not much, but tolerable.
Now, It's been about three years since I started working with her, and If I try to ignore her as much as possible, and do exactly what she says, she isn't all that bad.
As far as physical description of Annabeth Chase, she has blonde hair which she always has in either a tight bun, or high ponytail. She always wears a pencil skirt, blouse, black heels, and carries around the same black brief case. Her eyes are stormy grey, and she always got this serious look on her face, like she's wise beyond her years, and knows how to use it. She is a good six, maybe even seven inches shorter than me, and I don't think I've ever seen her smile.
That about covers everything.
The phone rang, and I quickly picked it up.
"Ms. Chase's office, how may I help you?
Annabeth's POV
I walked quickly through the halls, and to the elevators. Avoiding any eye contact with the other staff.
I wonder what the boss wanted. He only ever called when it was something major.
I walked past his secretary's desk (ignoring her hello), and quietly knocked on the door.
"Come in." I heard him mumble.
I quickly pushed open the door, and briskly walked in.
"You wanted to see me Mr. Gra- mother?" I stood in shock as an older copy of my self stared at me. Sitting in a chair next to Mr. Grace's desk, was none other than my mother.
"W-what are you doing here?" she smiled, and waved to the chair next to her.
I slowly made my way over to the chair, still not processing that my mother was here.
I hadn't seen her in five years.
As soon as I sat down, she started speaking.
"Annabeth, as you know, we started a business. A family business, and we only planned for it to be small, but now, it has gone worldwide. It's expanding, and I need someone to watch over it, as well as continue its growth. I need someone in the family to take over it for me. I'd like to retire." I stared at her. I hadn't seen her in five years...five years...what was she doing here?
"So what does this have to do with you co-wait. You want me to take over?" I said. She nodded at me. I scoffed.
"Why? Can't you get someone else? Someone even more qualified?" she shook her head.
"No. Sweetie, did you not just hear me? I would like my own daughter in charge. Especially with how far you've come with this company. You are more than qualified." I sighed, still not believing everything.
"You can't just come in here, and drop something like that! I love my job! Why would I leave being the CEO of this company, a company I worked my ass off for, mind you, just to take over the family business because you wan't to retire. I can't take over the buisness by myself! I don't want to take over the business by myself!" I raised my voice. My mother stared at me, with the same stormy, grey eyes that always scared my employees. I knew she was angry. Her next words came out harsh and cold.
"That is why I'm giving you a choice Annabeth. You can either quit your job here, and take over the business, or you can keep you job and I can have an arranged marriage set up. I have a couple of young men in mind who would do wonderful things for our business." I was shocked. What? Arranged marriage? Because she wants me to look over her company?!
"What? Are you serious?" my voice continued to rise. She only sighed and shook her head.
"Annabeth, I am being dead serious. I even discussed it with Mr. Grace before you arrived. Look, all I ever wanted was for you to be able to grow up with a future ahead of you. Now that the company is thriving, I think it's time you took it over and used your skills as a CEO here to take our company to the next level. Make it a company worth something" I scoffed. It was ridiculous, really. I shook my head in disbelief at her words. I stood up quickly, and pointed an accusing finger at the lady I called my mother.
"Bullshit. All of it. Bullshit. You haven't cared about me a day in my life since your split with dad. All you ever did was work. Why would I want to inherit something that reminds me of all the times I spent waiting eagerly for you to come home and just acknowledge me? I haven't heard from you since I started working here...that's five years, and now you come to see me? Because your business needs work?! Unbelievable! What if I'm happy here?! What if I don't want to take over your business! What if I refused your offer? I sure as hell know I wouldn't agree to an arra-" there was a knock at the door.
The room went silent for a minute. The rushing of blood to my ears muffled the sound of my heart, trying to leap out of my chest.
"Come in." Mr. Grace called after a few minutes.
The door swung open, and Percy stood there looking guilty.
"Are you serious." I mumbled under my breath, sending him a glare. He sighed.
"Annabeth, I know you're in an important meeting, and you said not to bother you, and I tried to tell the company that, bu-" I almost growled.
"You tried." he scratched his neck, shrugging his shoulders, "Well you obviously didn't try hard enough." I grumbled, crossing my arms.
"I'm sorry, but-"
"There was absolutely no other way to call back!" I asked, clearly annoyed.
"I tried, but they seemed really engaged in what they're wanting. If-" I stopped listening for a second as the wheels started turning in my brain.
Engaged.
The wheels turned.
Engaged.
Oh my gods.
What if...?
What if I?
I held up a hand for Percy to stop. He was quiet in a second.
"You know what? Forget it. It's fine. I-i forgive you." I said, forcefully. Clearing my throat, I spoke up, "As a matter of fact, come here. I was actually just discussing something with my mother here, and I think you should be here too." I motioned for him to come sit next to me.
He came over with a really confused look, but I gave him a look that basically said, If you dare speak a word you're not supposed to, I will end your life. I turned to my mother.
"As I was saying earlier mother, I don't want to take over your business. And, you can't arrange a marriage for me because I-" my idea finally caught up to me.
Oh my gods. Annabeth, do you really want to do this? Do you realize what your risking if you go through with it? Well, you could quit your job, which we know you'd rather die than do... or be arranged to marry someone who will 'better benefit the company'...or...
I took a deep breath. Right. Stick with the plan.
I sped through the next words. "I'm already engaged?"
Percy's eyes widened. He slowly turned toward me, a mixture of shock and panic crossing his face. I glared at him, and turned to my intrigued mother.
"Yup...me and...Percy here... are...engaged!" I gritted out, faking a smile.
Oh gods. This is awful. What have I done?
My mother's head cocked to the side, like she was trying to see right through my lie.
I hope Percy got the message. His eyes continued to widened to the sizes of saucers, most likely still in shock.
"We ar-"
I kicked him in the shin.
He made a small sound before quickly nodding, only slightly wincing as he finally caught on. "I mean, yeah, me and... Annabeth...hehe...engaged..." He tried to sling an arm over my chair, but somehow missed, and ended up just looking plain stupid. I wanted to face palm so badly...and punch him.
My heart was pounding, and I could feel my hands growing clammy as I starred my mother down.
Athena continued to look between the two of us for what felt like hours. At least by this time, Percy understood when he should be quiet.
Finally, she spoke, looking smug.
"Really? And where did you two meet? I would love to see the ring, Annabeth...where is it?" Dammit. Curse her quick thinking. I clear my throat.
"Well, me and Percy met...in...thisverybuilding!" Percy nodded obediently next to me.
"Yup...we're partners. We work together" Athena raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Partners? How interesting...and the ring, Annabeth? If this Percy works here, he must've gotten you quite a piece of jewelry." Arghhh.
"Well, I left it at home. You see, technically no one is supposed to know about the engagement yet, so...yeah. We can't have people finding out." She looked...somewhat convinced.
Ha ha! One point for Annabeth!
Just then, Athena's phone rang. She looked at the screen, and quickly stood up.
"Well, I'd like to get to know you better Percy, but for right now, I must leave. Business matters. Goodbye Annabeth, and...congratulations." With that, Athena got up from her chair, and left.
We remained in our positions for a few seconds before I relaxed a little and slouched in my chair. I was just relieved it was all over. I could practically feel Percy relaxing as well.
I turned to Mr. Grace.
He raised an eyebrow, then shook his head, "You know what? I'm not going to question it... you can go, Annabeth." With that, I smiled, said thank you, and dragged Percy out of the office by his ear.
Sooooo...like? Hate? I need ideas for names of the architectural firm, and the family business! Don't forget to follow, favorite, review, and check to my other series! :D
~0fictionluver0~
