Percy bit back a nervous breath as he looked around the office. The rest of the managers were there and looking at him. He grabbed his water bottle and took a sip to try and calm himself down. It was his first day solo, and while he was nervous, he just had to be confident. Lupa would be there all day for the next three days before she kept an eye on the night shift with Gwen.

On the days that Percy was off, the other managers assured him they could fill in for him. He trusted them. More than he trusted himself. Percy took another sip of water, and he met eyes with Silena. She gave him a small wink and a comforting smile. Percy found himself smiling back.

"Alright guys," Percy began as he looked around the office. The only one missing was Lupa, but she said that she had to meet someone first. "I know this isn't going to be as smooth as when Reyna is here."

"You don't give yourself enough credit," Silena interrupted gently. "You're going to do great, Percy."

"You will," Hazel agreed. A small blush came to Percy's face.

"Thanks guys," Percy said. He took another sip of water and cleared his throat. "I will have my radio on at all times, so if you need anything, just let me know. I'll be right there. We do have that new console launching tomorrow, so we're going to put some extra bodies in electronics to help with the rush."

"I recommend that we have them check out only up front and have someone bring the console up for them," Thalia pitched in. She was sitting by Leila and had a small frown on her face. Even if Thalia wasn't dating Reyna, she would have been a nervous wreck for her friend having surgery. Now, it was worse.

"That's a great idea," Percy said. "I'll help with that until we run out of stock, which I don't think will take too long. Nico is also coming in tomorrow morning to help. We also have new hires starting later this week."

"Wednesday."

"Thanks, Octavian. Two will be cashiers and another will be working in groceries. I just have to look over some emails. After that, I'll be on the floor but don't hesitate to call if you need me before that," Percy explained. He grabbed a bag from the table and pulled a card out. "I also got a card for Reyna if anyone wants to sign it. I'll pass it around."

Percy handed the card off to Silena, and she signed it with a smile. Octavian spoke, "I can walk it around after this meeting."

"Do we know if she's still in surgery or not?" Hank questioned as he sorted through sales stickers for their furniture.

"She is," Thalia confirmed as her foot tapped against the ground. "Nico said that he would text me when she is out."

Percy waited for anyone to add something, and when all they did was pass around the card, he smiled, "Everyone have fun today."

"And make sure Percy doesn't burn down the building," Thalia joked. Percy rolled his eyes. He leaned back on the desk as everyone made to move the card before leaving the room. Octavian waited near the card. As everyone was finishing, Percy heard footsteps.

These footsteps carried through the hall, announcing the owner's presence. Percy turned and saw Lupa. Standing next to her was a man he had never seen before. The man was clean shaved, and his hair was shaved down into a military cut. His suit had no creases or wrinkles.

"This must be Perseus Jackson," the man spoke. Percy wanted to correct him and let him know that his mother was really the only one who used that name. When he was in trouble of course. But, Percy had this gut feeling that he was in trouble. "Your shirt isn't tucked in."

Yup. Percy was in trouble.

The first sign was that the man wore a suit. Everyone else was wearing shorts and a shirt for the store. The second sign was that Lupa was with him. She wouldn't just be walking a stranger around, especially one in a suit. It wasn't her husband as she didn't have a wedding ring.

"My shirt is not tucked in," Percy confirmed. The man eyed him up and down. "Forgot to get a haircut too. Sorry."

"Percy, this is Terminus. Our district manager," Lupa introduced, trying to ease the tension. Although, there was an amused smile splitting her lips.

"Percy Jackson. Pleasure to meet you," Percy held out his hand. Terminus studied him for a moment and then shook it. "Were you just stopping by for an inspection or something else?"

"Just to walk around the store with Lupa and meet our newest assistant manager," Terminus replied. His gaze moved around. "And, where is Reyna?"

"Out for surgery," Lupa replied. Percy looked at Octavian and held his hand out for a card. Octavian gave him a look, but he handed the card over. Percy held it out to the district manager.

"We were passing around a card if you want to sign it," Percy began. Octavian stared at him like he grew a second head. Lupa watched him in interest. Terminus studied him before a small smile came to his face.

"I'll sign it," Terminus stated. He grabbed the card and signed his name. "What is the surgery for? Her shoulder?"

"Yes," Lupa confirmed. "She will be out for at least a month if not longer. Though, I am sure she will want to be back sooner than the doctor will let her."

"Don't let her back until she is able to work comfortably," Terminus said as he placed the card down and grabbed his wallet. He placed a hundred dollar bill inside and handed the card to Octavian. "Make sure she gets this."

"I will," Octavian spoke quickly. He got a small bag to put the money in. Then, he walked out of the office with the card. Percy looked at Terminus.

"Should I give you the grand tour?"

Walking in that morning left Percy as nervous as he could be. He was worried that he would mess something up or not be able to help one of the managers. But with Terminus there, it felt like a challenge of sorts. And Percy loved challenges.

From the way that Terminus looked and spoke, he was former military. He respected confidence, so Percy was doing his best to be confident. He wanted to show that he was more than ready for this. And if he made it through the day without incident, he could totally brag to Annabeth that his first visit with the district manager went better than hers.

Part of him wondered if Lupa did this on purpose. Did she somehow know that Terminus being there would not make Percy more nervous but would instead help him stay confident? There was just something about the challenge of it all. If Percy failed now, it wasn't just a reflection of his skill.

It would show that Lupa, but more importantly Reyna, didn't train him well enough. He didn't want that to get back to Reyna, and she would think that she couldn't leave the store alone. She would try to kill herself via working like last time. Percy didn't want that to happen.

There were also the small things. Like being able to brag to Thalia. And to just be happy in his own performance. Percy had been waiting for so long to prove to himself more than anyone that he could handle this responsibility. And, Percy could.

"How have you been enjoying your time here, Percy?" Terminus asked as they walked through the store. Percy noticed that any department managers in the line of Terminus' sight doubled the pace of whatever they were doing.

"I've been enjoying it a lot," Percy answered honestly. He had made sure to tuck in his shirt before they started to walk, earning a grin out of Lupa. The store manager was trailing slightly behind them to allow the two to talk. And probably kick Percy in the back of the leg if he said something wrong. "Everyone has been really welcoming and helpful."

"And, Reyna has taught you well?" Terminus asked.

"Her and Lupa both," Percy confirmed. "Reyna is a great trainer, and while I have everything here handled, I will miss having her here."

"And if I had to get rid of one of you?" Terminus asked. Percy stopped walking, and he stared at the man, his eyes going wide. Terminus studied him with an emotionless face. A glance at Lupa showed an almost somber look on her face.

Oh no.

Percy stared at Terminus and swallowed painfully. He loved his job, but at the same time, he was set up. If he didn't have a job, he could just go out and find another one. Even if it took time to find one, he could always move in with Thalia or his mom. Percy had a support system.

Reyna had one as well, but Percy didn't think it was as strong as his. She also just finished with surgery, and there was no way she could just find another job like that. Not to mention how much stress it would put upon her. Percy had no doubt he could just walk across the street and get a job at his old store.

"You should get rid of me," Percy finally answered. "Which would be dumb at this point with Reyna out. So, you would want to wait until she is back."

"You don't think that you should stay?" Terminus questioned.

"I think between the two of us you would be losing more by getting rid of Reyna, and-"

Terminus laughed a moment later. It was a loud barking laugh that made Percy jump. He finally spoke, "I am kidding with you, Percy. Was that mean of me?"

"Really mean," Percy deadpanned. Terminus smiled as if he knew that would be the answer. "Did you do that to Reyna?"

"Not at first," Terminus admitted. "It would be a little cruel to do that to her at that time. I heard you're always positive and like jokes. I thought I'd give you a little test."

"That's a pretty terrible joke."

"Terminus is still working on his sense of humor," Lupa commented. "Now, let's show Terminus our sales numbers and catch him up on information on the store. From there, we'll figure out whether he should call you Percy or Perseus."