Chapter 21

Annabeth POV

I hate myself for looking. I hate myself for giving him that kind of power over me, especially after what he did. But I can't help it. I check my phone again to see if there's a text from my dad. Nothing.

Over the past week, my dad has stopped by my room to look for me a total of two times. Both times, I turned off the light and pretended that I wasn't here. He's texted me about five times, and even went as far as to call three days ago, but I think he gave up after that.

I don't want to talk to my dad at all, but I guess a part of me still holds out hope that he cares more for me than he's letting on, so I keep checking my phone. And when I see that there's nothing there, a sudden surge of sadness washes over me. I'm used to him not reaching out, but for him to not reach out to me today of all days? That was a low, even for him.

Today's my eighteenth birthday. The thought both excites me and scares the shit out of me at the same time. On the one hand, I'm my own person now. Legally, I can make my own decisions and be in charge of myself. But that also means that I'm moving on, and change has always been something that's scared me.

Though I guess not all change is bad. I look around me at my new friends. It's hard to believe I've only known them for a little over a month.

For my birthday, the girls decided it would be fun to go out for lunch and then get our nails done. Trust me, I'm not a manicure person, but I'm really enjoying myself right now. Even though I've never put too much thought into my nail care, I've never been to a spa before, so this is kind of special for me. I guess spas are just another one of the million things you miss out on when you hardly ever see your mom growing up, so it means a lot to me to be here right now.

Across from me, Piper and Hazel talk lightly as the two women who sit on stools by their chairs do their nails. On my left, Reyna is reading a magazine, her feet soaking in a bowl, and Thalia sits on my left, arguing with the poor woman trying to do her nails.

"Ow! Not so much lady! I still need some cuticles left when this is over," she complains.

I laugh. "Thals, you're probably the most difficult person I know."

Thalia shoots me a glare. "I'll let that slide," she says, "but only because it's your birthday."

I smile. She's right. This is my day, and I shouldn't be letting anything get me down. Not the resort scandal, not my internship, and definitely not my dad. I decide to put him on 'do not disturb,' and slip my phone into my back pocket. Much better.

Beside me, Reyna puts down her magazine. "So," she starts with a smirk. "What time is Percy picking you up again?"

I feel my cheeks go hot, and beside me, Thalia lets out a laugh.

"Man she's as bright as a tomato!"

"Awe, leave her alone Thals," Hazel interjects.

"Thank you!' I say to Hazel. Then, turning to Reyna, I can't help the grin that takes over my face when I say, "Four o'clock."

"Ugahhh I'm so happy for you guys," Piper lightly squeals. "You're so adorable together."

Beside me, Thalia coughs. "Um, let's not forget who basically got them together in the first place," she says, pointing to herself proudly.

Reyna rolls her eyes dismissively. "Okay Thals."

"What, it's true!" Thalia protests, making me laugh.

The truth is, I couldn't be more excited. I've had an amazing day today with my friends, and now I'm going to be spending the rest of the day with my boyfriend.

Gods, that word was amazing.

I know that Percy has something planned, but honestly, I couldn't care less what it is. Just knowing that I'm going to be spending time with him is the best birthday gift a girl could ask for. I quickly check my phone for the time. Only twenty minutes till he gets here.

The lady who's doing my nails finally finishes and begins packing up her things. "Thank you," I tell her, and she shoots me a smile in return before heading back to the front desk.

The rest of my friends are just about finished as well, and once the last bottle of polish has been capped, we all slip on our flip flops and head to the front to pay.

I look out the window at the gorgeous, sunny skyline. The spa is on a little cliff that overlooks the sea, and the entire place is one of the most peaceful places I've ever stepped foot in in my life. I might have to put my distaste for manicures aside and come back sometime.

Once we're all paid, the girls and I step outside. It's unbelievably warm out, and I'm suddenly very glad that I decided to wear a light, breezy, white t-shirt underneath my overalls, along with my hair braided loosely in the back.

I turn to my friends. "Well, we have about ten minutes to kill," I say. "What do you guys want to do?"

"Nope," Thalia says, looking up from her phone. "He's ready. Operation Annabae-Birthday is a go."

I just barely have time to say, "Annawhah-" before I see Piper smirk, and Reyna pulls a blindfold over my eyes from sun disappears, and the black blindfold takes over my vision.

I laugh and roll my eyes, though I guess no one can see that part. "Is this really necessary?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow.

"Eh, probably not," I hear Thalia say beside me, "but you look ridiculous, so it is necessary for my happiness."

"Good to know what kinds of things bring you joy," I joke.

Piper yanks my arm. "This way," she says.

We walk for a little bit, where to, I can't tell you, but the entire time I'm super worried that Piper will accidentally lead me into a tree or something.

"I'm still mad that Percy gets you for the second half of the day," Thalia grumbles as we walk. "But everyone said that it was only fair-"

"He's her boyfriend," Hazel interrupts.

Thalia huffs. "Well she likes me better. Right Annabeth?"

Just then, Piper excitedly shouts, "We're here!" saving me from having to answer.

"Thank gods," I say. "Does that mean you guys can take this thing off me."

"Yep!" Reyna says from behind me.

I start to feel the blindfold being pulled off slowly, and as the bright sunlight starts to flood in, my vision returns, and I can't help the gasp of surprise that escapes me.

In front of me, Percy grins sheepishly, his hands up at the sides of my face as he finishes pulling off my blindfold.

"Happy birthday wise girl," he says, staring straight into my eyes.

I quickly bring my hands up to his cheeks and kiss him hard on the lips. Percy stumbles backwards when I do, clearly not expecting me to do that, but I don't care. I haven't seen him in almost two days, which may not sound like a lot, but to me it's felt like an eternity.

When I finally pull away, Percy looks so surprised, I can't help but laugh out loud. A giant smile stretches over his face, and just knowing that I have the power to make someone smile like that is the most endearing thing in the world.

"Okay fine," Thalia grumbles. "Maybe she doesn't like me better."

On the curb behind Percy sits a Harley, the motorcycle shining in the sunlight. It has two helmets hanging from the handlebars, and when I notice that, my eyes go wide.

"Is that yours!" I ask Percy.

He grins. "Maybe."

I gawk at him. "How on earth do you know how to ride a motorcycle?"

"Gabe taught him," Thalia chimes in, sounding disgusted.

Percy just shrugs though, smirking. "Guess the jerk was good for something after all."

I grab his hand in reassurance, which makes him smile.

"You take good care of her now," Thalia warns Percy from behind me.

"Oh please," Reyna interjects. "We all know it's Annabeth who will be taking care of him."

Percy rolls his eyes, grinning.

I look over my shoulder and shoot my friends a smile. "Thanks for today guys. I love you."

"We love you too," Piper remarks, reaching forward to give my hand a quick squeeze.

"Have fun!" Hazel says with a little wave.

"But not too much fun," Thalia warns and Reyna pulls her away.

I watch them disappear behind the corner, smiling.

Beside me, Percy leans over to grab the helmets. "You ready?" he asks.

I grin up at him, taking the smaller helmet from his arms. "Am I ever."

Percy straddles the bike, and I follow his lead, leaning into the seat behind him. Tentatively, I snake my arms around his chest, my cheeks growing hot. I'm suddenly very glad that I'm behind him so that he can't see the flushed smile that takes over my expression.

I haven't been this close to Percy physically since the night of our first kiss. We've definitely kissed since then, but never with our bodies touching as much as they are now. I lean closer into Percy, if that's even possible, trying to close every gap of space that separates us.

His muscles tense beneath my arms, his back shifting under my chest. I place my forehead between his shoulder blades and wrap my arms tighter around him as I do. Percy may be the one driving right now, but I'm definitely the one in control.

I feel him laugh beneath me. "Man, I did not think this through," he says.
"Think what through?"

"How on earth I'm supposed to focus with you holding onto me like that," he laughs, which makes me smile like crazy.

Percy revs the engine, saying something, but I can't hear him over the noise.

"What?" I shout at him. "I can't hear you!"

Percy shouts again. "You ready?"

I don't hesitate. "One hundred percent!"

I feel Percy laugh beneath me one last time, and just like that, we're off. We zoom through the streets of the resort, my braid blowing in the wind behind me as we do. I grasp onto Percy for dear life as we head past the Colosseum and under the entryway arches. We make a sharp turn onto the highway, and my stomach bubbles with excitement. It's impossible to talk like this, but I don't mind that at all. Just being with Percy, feeling him under me, is enough.

We ride down the coast for about forty-five minutes, weaving in and out of cars as we do. I'd probably never admit it, but Percy's a super good driver. I guess he'd have to be, considering that he learned to ride in New York where people seem to think that traffic lights are just a suggestion.

We pass a couple of bluffs and neighborhoods before we finally head into the city. It's a brilliant day, and everyone is out one the streets, either walking their dogs or riding their bikes.

It's hard to believe that Percy and I have only been dating for a little over a week. I feel like I've known him all my life. People always say that they feel like they've always known the person when they first start to fall for someone, and I guess I never put much stock in it.

That is, until I met Percy and experienced it firsthand.

We're in downtown LA now. The buildings are taller and the streets are denser. This is the only part of LA that reminds me of a normal city because it isn't super spread out. I almost feel like I'm back in New York for a minute, even if downtown LA is only fraction of the size of Manhattan.

Percy and I pull into a parking garage, heading up a couple of stories before he parks the harley.

When we get off, I'm almost disappointed. Now I don't have an excuse to wrap my arms around him.

I hand Percy my helmet, and he secures it onto the motorcycle.

"So, what'd you think?" he asks as he turns back towards me.

I shrug. "It was okay."

"Only okay?" Percy cocks an eyebrow, jokingly, totally knowing I'm lying.

"Below average even," I tease. "We should probably go again. You know, just to make sure."

He breaks into a smile. "Uh-huh, sure."

Percy wraps an arm around my shoulders as we begin to walk, and I can't help the grin that takes over my face.

"So," I start. "Where on earth are you taking me?"

Percy squeezes me tighter. "You're just gonna have to wait and see," he says. "But I promise you'll love it."

We head down the elevator to the first floor where we make our way out onto the main street. We're across from a big, open, grassy plaza. I look around, but I honestly have no idea where Percy could be taking me.

"This way," he says, leading me to the crosswalk.

When we get to the other side of the street, there are dozens of people spread out on the grass or just walking around. Percy brings his arm down to take my hand, and leads me in the direction of a booth that has a large cluster of people around it.

At first, I can't make out the sign, but when I do, my heart skips a beat, and I stop in my tracks.

"Oh my gods!" I shriek, turning to Percy, a grin taking over my face. "How did you know?"

He smiles sheepishly. "You had a flier for it in your room."

The booth ahead of us is for a walking tour of LA that I've been dying to go on ever since I got here. It's basically a historical tour that takes you to all of the architectural landmarks in downtown like the Angels Flight Railway, the Bradbury building, and a few more. It would probably seem like the most uninteresting thing in the entire world to anyone else, and the fact that Percy decided to take me here means the world to me. The fact that he cares enough about me to know that this is something I would love means the world to me.

Carefully, I place my hands on Percy's shoulders, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his cheek. I hold myself there, bringing my lips to his ear.

"Thank you," I say. As I pull back, Percy holds my gaze. Slowly, he brings his arm up to the side of my face and rubs his thumb across my temple.

"Of course," he says.

The man behind the booth calls for everyone to sign in, and we walk up, taking our place in the line. I try to keep myself from laughing at the fact that Percy and I are probably the only two people under the age of sixty here, and I lean my head on Percy's shoulder as we wait.

The evening is incredible, and the walking tour is brilliant. I enjoy every moment of it, and I only have to correct the tour guide once. The sun begins to go down when Percy and I are on the Angel's Flight, and a nice lady and her husband who I'd been talking to throughout the tour offer to take a photo of Percy and me on the railway in front of the sunset. Normally, I find that I have to force myself to smile when I take photos, but as soon as Percy kisses my forehead, I know that the photo will be brilliant, because every ounce of happiness in my expression is genuine in that moment.

I find the information fascinating, and I love all of the ties that the tour has to old Hollywood. Being a history professor, my dad's always been really into old black and white movies, and it's one of the only things he and I really ever got to bond over, so hearing the backstories behind all of the old theaters and such really tugs at my heart.

I try not to let thoughts of my dad get me down too much.

By the time we get back to the booth in the plaza, it's dark out. We say goodbye to the nice, older couple who had taken our photo earlier, and I hold Percy's hand as we walk back across the street where a line of restaurants await us. Downtown is lit up brilliantly. It's no New York, mind you, but it does have its own little sense of magic.

Percy and I decide to get dinner in an old fashioned, 50's style diner where we both order burgers and split a shake. He holds my hand across the table, and I can't help but feel that his hand is almost an extension of my own at this point.

"Thanks for today," I tell him. "No one's ever done something like that for me before."

Percy cocks his head to the side, his eyebrows drawing together. "What do you mean?" he asks, giving my hand a squeeze.

I shrug. "You knew exactly the kind of thing I'd want to do," I say. Suddenly, I find it hard to meet his eyes. "You paid attention." For some reason, my voice breaks a little on that last part.

A moment passes before, out of the corner of my vision, I see Percy stand up. He begins making his way to my side of the table, and as he does, he never once lets go of my hand. He slides into my side of the booth, scooching up until he's right next to me and bringing his free hand up to my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

"You are worth paying attention to," Percy says, his green eyes carrying an intensity I've never seen from him before. "And don't ever let anything that has happened in your life make you think otherwise."

I close my eyes and slowly lean my forehead against Percy's. We're so close, I can feel his breathing against my lips.

How was it that this boy knew exactly what to say to me? That out of all the words in the entire universe, he knows me so well that he can pick just the ones I need to hear?

Very lightly, I brush my lips against his, like what a whisper would feel like if it were tactile.

I hold myself there for a moment before pulling away.

Percy brushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. "What do you say we get out of here?"

I grin. "Sounds good."

"I'm gonna go grab a to-go box from the counter," Percy says, standing up and motioning to the front of the restaurant. "I'll be right back."

I watch as Percy disappears behind the throng of tables. There are tons of people in the diner, but I feel like we were in our own little corner of the universe.

While Percy's away, I quickly decide to check my phone. I take a couple seconds to respond to some Happy Birthday texts, and I'm just about to close my phone when I notice that I have one unread message from my dad.

It didn't pop up on my screen because I'd put him on 'do not disturb' earlier. I'd done that because I didn't want him to have power over me, but after everything Percy just said to me, about not letting my past experiences make me think I'm not worth paying attention to, I suddenly realize that by ignoring my dad, I was giving him power. I was going to care about our relationship no matter what, and by putting off coming to terms with reality, I was just adding fuel to that fire. I can't just continue to avoid the situation like I've been doing all week. No, take that back, like I've been doing my whole life. I need to hold him accountable, once and for all, for the good and the bad. For better or for worse. I decide to open my dad's text.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNABETH. YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME. I'M SORRY IF I DON'T TELL YOU THAT ENOUGH.

I feel pressure build behind my eyes. Maybe my dad has made mistakes in the past, but this text is proof that he does care, even if he doesn't show it all the time. Family is important, even if it isn't perfect, and in that moment, I decide I need to reach out to him.

From across the restaurant, I see Percy making his way back to our table, a big to-go box in his hands. I quickly shut off my phone and stick it back in my pocket.

Percy's eyebrows draw together when he reaches the table. "You good wise girl?" he asks. He looks beautiful in that moment, casual confidence in perfect balance with genuine concern.

I smile up at him. "Never better."

Percy grins, and begins putting our leftovers in the box.

As we head out, I wrap my arm through his, and we make our way back down the street. When we arrive at the parking structure, we walk for a few moments before getting into the elevator.

I'm about to press the button for level three when Percy quickly grabs my wrist, stopping me.

"I actually wanted to show you something first," he says, and quickly presses the highest button.

I grin. "You're too much."

"And you love it," he retorts.

We stand there together in the elevator for a couple of moments, just holding each other as we float upwards.

When the doors finally open, I feel the breath go out of me.

Percy and I step outside the elevator onto the rooftop of the parking structure. All around us, we can see the skyline of the Los Angeles night. I don't think I've ever seen so many lights in my entire life.

"It's beautiful," I gasp, turning to Percy. "How'd you know it was going to be like this?"

He smirks. "Just a guess. I saw the button in the elevator and figured it was worth a shot. I mean, the parking structure's so tall, how could it not have a view like this?"

He was absolutely right. The view is gorgeous.

In that moment, I realize just how good Percy is for me. My entire life, I've tried to live by rigid plans, always trying to force things to be perfect. I always feel this need to prove myself, in every area of my life. It probably stems from all of the neglect I've faced, but no matter where it comes from, by always planning and needing to be perfect, I've been building barriers for myself, blocking myself off from beautiful, spontaneous moments.

And Percy is spontaneity. He is brilliant and he lives in the moment, always looking for a way to milk the juice from every second of the day. He's the kind of person who sees a tall building and automatically thinks of the beautiful view waiting at the top. He is the key to happiness incarnate, exactly what I need in my life, right now and forever.

"You're incredible," I say, shaking my head.

Percy throws his head back and laughs. "Well I'm certainly glad you think so."

"No I'm serious," I say. "I don't deserve you. You're so generous and empathetic and good. And I don't deserve you."

Percy looks at me, a hurricane of emotion taking over his face.

"Annabeth you deserve me and every other thing on this planet," he says. "There isn't a corner of the world you don't deserve."

The breath goes out of me in appreciation, and slowly, I lean forward, bringing my hands up to his hair. I run my fingers through the length of it until my palms rest at the base of his neck.

"I think I like you more and more everyday," I say teasingly, lightening the moment.

Percy smiles. "Good. It probably wouldn't be great for our relationship if you liked me less and less."

That makes me laugh, and as I do, I notice something over Percy's shoulder that catches my eye. Just behind him, a couple of feet from the elevator, is a shopping cart. The sight of it makes me laugh for some reason. I mean, the rooftop is completely empty, except for this one little cart on wheels.

I suddenly think back to the joy Percy's spontaneity brings to my life, and for once, I decide I want to give him that in return.

Grinning, I grab Percy's hand. "Come on."

I turn him around, and when he follows my gaze to the cart, his eyes go wide with mischief. "Oh hell yes," he says.

Quickly, Percy hands me the to-go box, and all of a sudden, I feel him lift me off my feet, swinging me over his shoulder. I burst into laughter, and can't stop giggling as Percy jogs over to the cart. With my free hand, I hold onto him for dear life, and I'm laughing like crazy when he finally lowers me into the basket.

"You're nuts!" I choke out between laughs.

"Good!" he shouts, throwing open his arms. Then Percy walks to the back of the cart and grabs the handle before taking off at a run. I lean my head back over the front of the cart, my laughs piercing the air as I do. Moving at this speed, above me the sky seems to shift like a hurricane. A hurricane of laughter and spontaneity and life.

Percy steps up onto the cart, and together we move at incredible speed, our laughs joining together like the links of a chain.

I face the front of the cart, getting up on my knees and spreading out my arms.

"I'm the king of the world!" I shout.

From behind me, I hear Percy yell, "Hell yeah, you are!" and I love him that much more for it.

Percy pushes the cart in circles, making my blond hair streak like a whirlpool, and when he finally comes to a stop, I'm so dizzy that when I lean in to kiss him, I completely miss his lips, sending us both into a whole new fit of laughter.

"Scooch over," Percy smirks, and I move over, the two of us giggling like crazy as we try to both fit in the cat without making it tip over.

When we finally settle down, I'm sitting in Percy's lap, facing him, my legs wrapped around his hips.

We just sit there, staring at each other and enjoying each other's company as the moments pass beneath us.

"Man, where have you been all my life?" I ask Percy jokingly, my voice barely a whisper. He leans forward, pressing his forehead against mine. "Waiting for you."

Suddenly, Percy reaches behind him, grabbing the to-go box. He pulls it into our laps, and when he opens it, I see that in the middle of our leftover fries sits a blue cupcake, just like the one we stole from the kitchen of the resort when we were at the dinner party last week.

A smile takes over my face. "You didn't have to do that," I say, looking up at him.

"Oh yes I did," Percy remarks, and from his back pocket, he pulls out a single candle and a lighter. He places the candle in the middle of the cupcake, and when he lights it, the flame illuminates his face, giving it a brilliant glow. "Make a wish," he says.

Behind Percy, the lights of the Los Angeles skyline gleam bright, but nothing burns brighter than that candle in this moment.

When I blow it out, I wish for permanence. I wish for the happiness of this night to last forever. I wish for a life of infinite smiles and spontaneity and love.

Percy reaches back into his pocket again. "And I have one more thing," he says, drawing his arm forward.

When Percy opens his hand, he reveals a tiny piece of coral, beautiful and reflective in the dark of the night. "It's from the night we fell asleep together on the beach."

I look up into his eyes, his brilliant, sea green eyes. "That was the moment I knew how I felt about you," I say. "That was one of the most powerful moments of my life."

Percy smiles. "For me too."

I bring my hand up to grasp the coral in Percy's outstretched palm. It's fossilized. A preservation of the beauty of the sea.

Permanence.

"It's beautiful," I say, leaning over to kiss Percy for the millionth time tonight.

When I finally pull away, I shift my direction and lean back into him, letting his arms wrap around me, encompassing me in warmth.

And for the next hour, we sit there together. Linked. Holding each other and eating cupcake and fries in a shopping cart on a parking structure rooftop.

It's one of the best nights of my life.

And I don't let go of the coral in my hand once.