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Of Corporate Scandals

Chapter 3. Holidays Spent Alone

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It would be a lie if Percy said he wasn't wary of Annabeth during her first few days of work. He had expected her to try to advance on him every time she walked into the office, but alas, Annabeth had done no such thing. She was the perfect assistant. To be honest, he was actually starting to enjoy going to work, and it had absolutely nothing to do with her. It had nothing to do with the way just seeing her made him smile or when she said hello, it brightened his day, absolutely nothing.

Annabeth had picked up on how the office ran perfectly and it was running with more efficiency than ever.

Percy strolled into the elevator with a spring in his step. The lobby receptionist noticed that he had been whistling. As the door opened to the twelfth floor, he couldn't help the grin that spread on his face…which immediately disappeared as soon as he saw her empty desk. Confusion replaced the grin. During the two weeks that Annabeth had been working for him, she had never once been a second late.

Though relief spread through him when he saw her purse perched on her swivel chair and two coffee cups on the edge. Percy smiled. Every morning on her way to work Annabeth would stop at the café across the street from the Open Seas Inc. building and get herself and Percy beverages. Instead of getting him the same drink every day as Silena had, Annabeth would get something different and unique each day, depending on what she thought he would like.

Percy walked over to her desk and picked up one of the cups and brought it to his lips. Just then Annabeth walked out of the frosted glass double-doors to his office. She looked up and saw him, "Good Morn-Oh, Mr. Jackson that one's mine."

Alas, Annabeth was too late. Percy had taken a gulp, immediately gagging and spitting it out.

Annabeth bit her lip as she took the cup from his hand as she tried to hide her grin.

Percy had an expression similar to one if he had drank acid, "Oh, gods, what is that?"

Annabeth answered, "Like I said, that drink is mine."

Percy wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt, "I know that, I mean what kind of coffee is that?"

Annabeth switched the lids of the two cups, "Black."

Percy raised his eyebrow, "You drink your coffee black?"

Annabeth nodded, "Mhm."

Percy had a look of disbelief on his face, "But why? That's like torturing your tongue for fun."

Annabeth shrugged, "I like it. It keeps me focused and it tastes…intense."

Percy cocked his eyebrow once more, "You know…I've never heard anyone describe the taste of coffee as intense."

Annabeth handed him his coffee cup, "I know. That's why I got you this."

Percy took a long chug, trying to get the bitter taste of straight, black coffee out of his mouth, "Mm. Caramel macchiato. That's a new one."

Annabeth smiled, "You like it?"

Percy nodded, "Thanks." He took another sip, "So what were you doing in my office."

Annabeth handed him a folder, "Well, the post delivered the final files for the Williams project and I knew you are already so busy so I filed them for you."

"Really? Oh, thank gods. You just saved me a sleepless night. Thank you, Annabeth."

Annabeth gave him another one of her half smiles, "You're welcome, Mr. Jackson." She tucked a strand of hair that escaped from her work bun behind her ear, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go fix the copier machine. The new mail room boy broke it...again."

Percy chuckled, "Oh, well, I had to copy something yesterday so I fixed it."

Annabeth looked up at him and grinned. Percy noticed that even in her three inch heels that she was still shorter than him. "Now you just saved me a day of frustration."

Percy took another sip of his coffee. He chuckled, "We may have different tastes, but, you know, we work good together."

Annabeth smiled and nodded, "Yeah. We do."

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Beep. Beep. Beep.

Annabeth groaned and slammed her hand down on the alarm clock. She sat up and winced as the harsh light streamed through her window and into her eyes. Why she had argued with Thalia for the room with a view of the sunrise, she had no idea.

Thalia, her roommate and best friend, waltzed into her room and jumped on her bed, "Happy administrative losers' day."

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "It's Administrative Assistants' day, but no one even celebrates it."

"Then why did you put in the calendar?"

Annabeth shrugged and yawned, "So what? Did you get me a present or something?"

Thalia blinked, "You just said no one celebrates it. Why the hell would I get you a present?"

Annabeth chuckled, lightly, "Okay, then you have to take me out to dinner tonight.

Thalia said, "I will. I'll take you to that Japanese place you like."

Annabeth said, "Okay, fine, that makes up for your cold, heartless, non-present giving soul."

Thalia grinned, "Oka-oh, shit...I, uh, I forgot Luke's taking me out tonight."

Annabeth fake gasped, "So I'm going to spend Administrative Assistants' Day - the most important holiday ever - alone?"

Thalia grinned, "Yup."

Annabeth smiled and threw her pillow at her best friend, "You suck."

"But you love me anyway."

Annabeth said, "Nope. Not at all. Since when do you pick boys over your best friend."

Thalia hugged the pillow and grinned,"What can I say? Luke's an ass sometimes, but I love him. Besides, I got him so whipped it would be a sin to not exploit this romance. And you love Luke so you can't say anything."

Annabeth laughed mentally agreeing that her roommate's seemingly incompatible relationship with Luke Castellan was something special, "Whatever, Thals. Just go make me breakfast."

Thalia climbed off the bed and exited the room, "No way."

Annabeth sighed and padded into the bathroom to get ready for work.

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Annabeth pushed open the glass doors and was hit by the aroma of a coffee shop - the bitter delight of coffee, the spicy cinammon, sweet whipped cream, and buttery muffins.

The clerk looked up and grinned, "Morning, Annabeth."

Annabeth smiled as he handed her her coffee, "Morning, Henry."

Henry said, "What will Mr. Jackson be having today?"

Annabeth looked up at the menu, "Um...hmm...What about that new cinnamon espresso?"

"Alrighty then." Henry handed her the beverges.

Annabeth smiled and handed him her credit card, "Thank you, Henry."

He handed her a receipt, "I charged the bill to Mr. Jackson's tab."

Annabeth said, "Oh, you forgot to charge mine on my credit card."

Henry said, "It's Administrative Assistants' Day, Annabeth. You deserve a free coffee. Besides, he's a millionaire. He can spare three ninety-nine."

Annabeth laughed, "Alright. Bye, Henry." She did have a work expenses tab on her account.

She stepped out into the crisp September air and crossed the street into the Open Seas Inc. building and immediately bumped into a giant teddy bear.

Annabeth yelped in surprise, almost spilling her coffee.

Silena poked her head out from the side, giggling, "Oh, sorry, Annabeth. I was just bringing this out to my car."

Annabeth looked at the honey colored stuffed animal that was holding a bouquet of plush roses, "Where'd that come from?"

Silena said, "Charl-Mr. Beckendorf got it for me for Administrative Assistants' Day!"

Annabeth laughed, "Oh. That was sweet of him." She personally thought that a bear with roses was more of a Valentine's Day gift...for sweethearts. Not for a boss/staff relationship. Weird.

Silena said, "I know!" She pranced excitedly out to the parking garage with a final "Ta, ta!" to Annabeth.

Annabeth waved good bye and stepped into the elevator.

A/N: Please leave your questions, comments, and constructive criticism in a review below!