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Of Corporate Scandals

Chapter 9. The Bridal Party

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…

Mr. and Mrs. Apollo Solace

and

Mr. and Mrs. Hades di Angelo

request the honor of your

presence at the marriage of

their children

Rayne Songli-Solace

and

Nico di Angelo

as they happily unite their

hearts and their lives through marriage on

Sunday, the first

of October

at 5 o'clock in the afternoon

at the

Olympian Garden Hotel

Manhattan, New York

Ceremony in the Mount Olympus Garden followed by a reception immediately following in the Grand Ballroom

Regrets only to Mrs. Jess Solace & Mrs. Maria di Angelo

…

The Bridal Party

Bridesmaids

Dusk Solace

Darci Songli-Solace

Thalia Grace

Annabeth Chase

Groomsmen

Will Solace

Itami Songli-Solace

Luke Castellan

Percy Jackson

Flower Girl – Hikari Solace

Ring Bearer – Nikko Songli-Solace

"I am going to vomit. I swear. I am going to vomit," Rayne announced, pacing nervously around the dressing room. The hem of her dress was swishing around her bare feet. Her blush and eye makeup looked exceptionally bright against her rapidly paling face.

Thalia rolled her eyes, sighing, "Rayne. Stop."

Dusk nodded, as she fixed Hikari's hair bow, "You're not going to get sick. Now put on your shoes. The ceremony's going to start in a few minutes."

Annabeth smiled reassuringly, "Rayne, please calm down. You're going to be fine. You're going to walk down the aisle looking beautiful with your dad and you're going to meet Nico at the front and you'll live happily ever after."

Rayne nodded, calming a bit, "Okay, thank you Annabeth, I can do this."

Darci burst into the room, "Ugh. Rayne! You are the worst sister ever. How come I couldn't walk down the aisle with Ethan? I have to walk down with Itami – my brother."

Rayne said, "Darci, for the hundredth time, Ethan is not a groomsmen and I will not have some random guy you will dump a month later in my wedding."

Darci stuck her tongue out, "He's taking me to Prom, and we're going to be together forever." She stormed back out.

Annabeth chuckled, lightly, remembering what high school was like – a date to Prom was as good as proposal. She had not been able to meet the best man, who would be walking her down the aisle, at the rehearsal dinner last night since he hadn't been able to go.

As soon as Darci left, Rayne's father, Apollo, walked in, "Ready, baby girl?"

Rayne stood up after slipping on her heels. Her dress was right out of the pages of a fairy tale; the bodice was made out of lace and satin with a sweetheart neckline. The skirt flowed down into a full satin ball gown. She nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be." She took her dad's arm.

Rayne standing next to her father was an interesting sight; her with her dark locks twisted into an elegant up-do and pale skin and Apollo's blonde tresses and tanned complexion, but Annabeth could see the resemblance. They both had slightly upturned noses, the same elfin smile, and bright blue eyes, despite Rayne's being slightly almond shaped.

Apollo continued, "Alright, everyone know the plan, correct? First Hikari walks down with the flowers, then Nikko with the rings, Dusk and Will, Darci and Itami, Thalia and Luke, Annabeth and Percy, and then Rayne and I."

Everyone nodded.

Annabeth froze when she heard who the best man was. Percy. Of course it could be anyone. A lot of people had that name, it wasn't supposedly her boss. Why would it be?

Hikari gripped her grandfather's hand, "I have the most 'portant job. I throw da flowers."

Annabeth pushed the hopeful thought away and chuckled, "Yes, you do Hikari."

Apollo grinned and ruffled his granddaughter's hair, "Alright. Let's head out. Ceremony's starting.

Annabeth followed Thalia out of the dressing room and into the miniature lobby that entered into the garden as they saw the groomsmen file out of their dressing. Nico was already outside. Annabeth peeked out into the garden. There was a beautiful white gazebo hung with the twinkle-y lights at the front of the garden. The entire place was hung with white draperies and arrangements of white lilies, orchids, and pale pink roses – the same arrangement as Rayne's flower bouquet. A white, marble fountain was trickling water in the back near the plants. The weather was actually quite warm for October and the entire garden was bathed in the golden light of sunset.

Apollo said, "Places everyone."

Dusk stationed Hikari at the front with her basket of flowers.

Will, Luke, and Itami walked over to the girls…followed by Percy Jackson.

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Percy sighed as he fixed his jacket, "Hey, Luke?"

Luke looked at him, "Yeah?"

"What's the difference between a suit and a tuxedo?" Percy asked, knowing that his intellectual friend would know this impossible question.

Luke cleared his throat, "Uh, you wear a suit to work and dates and a tuxedo to Prom and weddings?"

Percy blinked, "Oh."

Nico chuckled, "You guys are impossible." He check his appearance once more in the mirror and started to head out to the garden where the ceremony would take place, "Go meet the girls in a few minutes."

Itami finished helping his son into his jacket.

Nikko said, "Where mommy?"

Itami helped him tie his dress shoes, "Mommy's outside."

The four-year-old boy tugged at the bow tie, "Why Aunty Ray make me wear this?"

Percy chuckled, "Because you have the most important jobs. You're giving your Aunt Rayne her rings."

Nikko said, "But Hikari said she has da most important job."

Will laughed, "That sounds like my daughter."

Luke said, "Come on, let's go." The men (and Nikko) went out to the lobby. Nikko ran out to meet his cousin, Hikari.

Percy saw the party of bridesmaids out by the door. Thalia in her raccoon-like eye makeup looked strange in a pink, girly dress, Darci looking bored as she stood next to her sister, Dusk, pregnant, but still stunning, and a particular blonde he didn't recognize as one of the bridesmaids, but still looked very familiar…

"Why, Annabeth, I didn't expect to see you here."

His assistant looked stunned to see him, "Oh, Mr. Jackson. Neither did I."

After seeing her in gray and black work attire, it was an understatement to say she wasn't stunning in a pink dress that hugged her curves and heels that made her toned legs look even toner. Her golden curls were twisted into an elegant bun at the nape of her neck and the silver accents in her accessories brought out her eyes.

Percy said, "I didn't know you were one of Rayne's bridesmaids."

Annabeth said, "I wasn't until recently, actually. I'm Isobel Minamikaze's replacement."

"Ah, " Percy said, "Well, I guess I'm walking you down the aisle."

Annabeth nodded, "I guess so."

The violinists and the harpist started to play Canon in D and the ceremony started.

Dusk sent her daughter down, throwing petals all over the place, followed by Nikko.

Percy held out his arm to her as Thalia and Luke headed down the aisle, "Shall we?"

Annabeth smiled, locking her arm with his. Standing this close to him, she could smell his cologne; it smelled like the ocean and a sea breeze, but something sweeter with a hint of citrus.

She gripped her bouquet of white lilies as she made her way with Percy down the aisle.

The ceremony was sweet and elegant with beautiful vows written by the bride and groom and Hikari only almost fell asleep once.

After tears were shed by both mothers, congratulations shared, and kisses by the new couple. The party advanced to the Grand Ballroom for the reception.

Annabeth started walking with the crowd, but Thalia grabbed her hand, "Hey, come on, we're going to take pictures by the gazebo."

Annabeth followed her, "Okay."

The photographer, his name tag read Sam Caster, was currently taking pictures of Rayne and Nico as his assistant, Tessa, situated the bridal party for the group picture.

She took Annabeth hand, "I'll have you stand next to this gentleman over her." She led her over to the Percy and flashed him a small smile.

Tessa continued, "Alright, everyone make sure to leave room in the middle for the bride and groom. Men, I want you to stand behind the lady and put your arms around their waist and, ladies, rest your hands on top of theirs while holding your bouquets."

Annabeth blushed as Percy pressed her back into his and wrapped his arms around her waist. Even in her silver stilettos, Percy was still a few inches taller than her. She awkwardly rested her hand on top of his while balancing her bouquet on her fingertips, careful not to touch him too much.

Percy chuckled and murmured into her ear, "Here, like this." He put a hand on her bare arms and rested her elbow in the crook of his arm and tapped gently on her shoulders, "Relax, you don't want to look tense."

Annabeth let her shoulder rest slightly on his chest as he placed his hands back on her waist. Her breath hitched.

Percy mumbled, "Good."

Tessa put Rayne and Nico in the same position in the middle of the party and Hikari and Nikko standing in front of them.

Sam started snapping pictures front different and angels and tried different lighting. He switched Percy and Luke since Thalia was so much taller than Annabeth. She felt momentary disappointment after the warmth from Percy was gone on her back, but it was nice to have comforting Luke with her.

Sam announced, "Great pictures, everyone. Go on to the reception. I just need a few more with the bride and groom and the two little kids."

Annabeth walked over to Thalia who was changing her silver stilettos for black combat boots, "Hi."

"Hey," Thalia smirked at her after glancing at Percy, "You didn't tell me that Mr. Sexy Boss was my childhood best friend. Nico, Percy, and I were like the Golden Trio of our neighborhood!"

"Well, I didn't know," Annabeth said, blushing, "And he's not Mr. Sexy Boss!"

"You're right. That's gross now that I know Mr. Sexy Boss is Percy. Gods, did you know he used to pick his nose and try to wipe it on me? That's the guy you've fallen for."

"Ew, stop! And I haven't fallen for anyone."

Thalia chuckled, "Whaat-ever, Annabeth. Just go invite him to walk with you to the reception."

Annabeth bit her lip, glancing back over at him. She ran a hand through her blonde tresses and sighed in silent frustration; this was not how the night was supposed to be going. She was that strong, confident woman that always knew what she was doing, but Percy was making her act like some desperate, twelve-year-old girl.

Thalia nudged her leg with her combat boot (she had immediately changed out of her heels after the reception), "Go!" She hissed.

Annabeth swatted at Thalia's leg, "I am! Gods, you're so pushy."

She heard Thalia's throaty chuckle as she walked over to her boss who was talking to Itami. She lightly, touched his shoulder, "Mr. Jackson?"

Percy turned to look at her, "Oh, hey, Annabeth."

Itami grinned at them before looking at Nikko and Hikari (who were currently having a flower petal throwing fight), "Ah, I have to go stop that, Percy. See you later, Annabeth."

Annabeth gave him a small wave before turning to her boss, "So, um, how are you?"

Percy said, "Fine, the ceremony was pretty great."

Annabeth nodded, "So, do you want to head over to the reception wit—"

"Percy!"

Annabeth turned to see Calypso strutting over to them. Her mahogany tresses were as glossy and wavy as ever and her curvy form was clad in a strapless red dress with a long slit up to her thigh that matched her hair. She looked like reincarnated Jessica Rabbit.

Calypso flipped her hair and stalked over to Percy (pushing past Annabeth like she wasn't even there) and placed a delicately manicured hand on his shoulder, "You were so great up there with the rings and all. Come on. Let's go to the reception. They have caviar!" She tugged on his hand and led him inside.

Percy called over his shoulder as he was dragged by his date inside, "I'll talk to you later, Annabeth!"

Annabeth waved, half-heartedly, "Bye." She frowned and trudged back over to her friend.

Thalia looked at her, "So what did he say?"

Annabeth shot her a look of pure annoyance, "Mr. Sexy Boss went to the reception with his date."

Thalia frowned, "Oh, well, tough luck. Come on. I'm starving and their serving lobster!"

Annabeth sighed as she played Angry Birds on her phone under the table. Her place at the very end of the head table for the bridal part was due to the fact that Calypso had taken her rightful place next to the best man (also known as Percy.)

Everyone around her was laughing and enjoying themselves as Rayne and Nico danced their first waltz in the middle of the ballroom.

Darci plopped down on the empty chair beside Annabeth, "Hey!"

Annabeth looked up, "Hi, Darci."

Darci raised her eyebrows, "Really? Are you serious, Annabeth? You're at a wedding with a dance floor with lots of cute guys and you're hot and blonde. And you're on your phone playing Angry Birds?"

"Your point?" Annabeth asked, ending her game.

"Don't just sit there! Go hook up someone!" Darci tried to make her stand up, but she yanked her arm away.

"What, no Darci! I'm not going to 'hook up'" Annabeth protested, incredulous.

Darci said, "Do you have a boyfriend or something?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes at the naivety of the young teen, "No, I do not have a boyfriend. I just don't want to date anyone else at the moment." She found her gaze wandering over to Percy, where he was chatting with Calypso over by the bar.

Darci followed her gaze and a look of understanding dawned on her face, "Ah, I see. You're interested in that guy, but you can't make a movie because he's with the Lindsay Lohan wannabe."

Annabeth bit her lip and looked away, "No, I can't because he's my boss, Darci."

Darci tilted her head and quirked her eyebrow, "So what?"

Annabeth sighed and rolled her eyes.

The young girl's eyes glinted, "Oh! I know how to take your mind of things! Let me hook you up with some of my guy friends…well, actually, they're all ex-boyfriends, but same diff, right?"

Annabeth held her hands up, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, stop right there. I'm sorry, but I'm not in the mood to dance with some guy from your high school. I'm twenty-four, Darci."

Darci giggled her girlish teenage laugh, "Oh, please. They're not from my school. The youngest one is twenty-three."

"Jesus, Darci, aren't you like sixteen?"

"Eighteen."

Annabeth whined, "I still don't want-"

"Michael!" Darci called to someone across the dance floor, "Come here!" She waved enthusiastically to a man.

Annabeth groaned in frustration, but resisted to bury her face in her hands. Darci yanked a pin out of her hair and Annabeth's blonde tresses cascaded over her shoulder. She shot her friend's little sister a look of pure loathing.

A man in his mid-twenties with a lanky build and sandy hair was walking towards them.

He grinned at her and strutted over, "Hey." He winked at Annabeth, "Who's your little friend, Darce?"

Darci grinned, "Michael, this is my sister's friend, Annabeth Chase. Annabeth, this is my good friend, Michael Yew."

Michael set down his glass of scotch and held out his hand, "Pleasure, Miss Chase." He smirked.

Annabeth tentatively took his hand and he led her over to the dance floor. She thought she saw Darci mouth at Michael 'Show her a good time.'

Michael led her to the center of the floor, right after picking up a dry martini (gross) for her at the bar, where the strobe lights were flashing the brightest and the music was the loudest. He wrapped his arms around her waist before forcing her to loop her arms around his neck.

"So!" Michael yelled over the thumping base of the music, "How do you know the bride?"

"We met through my roommate, Thalia." Annabeth said into his ear, "I don't really know anyone else here besides the bridal party."

Michael smirked as she downed the last few drops of her alcoholic drink, "That's about to change!" His hands slipped slightly lower than the small of her back.

Percy sat at the bar, surveying the dance floor from his stool. He saw Rayne and Nico dancing towards the middle, completely lost in each other.

Percy thought back to what his friends had told him at Nico's bachelor party as he surveyed everyone in the ballroom. His eyes returned to the lovely couple in the middle, Rayne as radiant as an angel in white and Nico looking at her with such love like he never wanted to be apart from her; Will and Dusk sitting together at the table, his hand resting on top of hers as she felt the baby kick and Hikari asleep on Will's lap; Luke and Thalia passionately, yet still disgustingly) kissing as they snuck out of the ballroom; and Itami and his girlfriend dancing with their son. He was alone. Some would argue about Calypso, but she was just a distraction from loneliness, nothing more.

He sighed, gulping down the rest of his wine as he savored his few minutes of bitter silence. Calypso had mercifully gone to powder her nose, giving him reprieve from her endless chatting and flirting.

He glanced back over to Annabeth's seat (No, of course he hadn't been checking on her every few minutes) and he realized she wasn't there. His eyes raked over the Grand Ballroom until his gaze landed on a blonde on the dance floor dirty dancing with a man.

A flash of jealousy coursed through him, but Percy waved it off as protectiveness over his assistant. Men like that had girls like her on a string.

Before he knew what he was doing, his legs had taken him to the couple where Annabeth had her arms draped all over his chest and his hands were in a place not very modest.

Percy cleared his throat and tapped the man's shoulder, "Mind if I cut in?"

Michael turned to Percy, "Sorry no, dude—"

"Mr. Jackson!," Annabeth shouted over the music, relieved " wasn't expecting to see you dancing. Michael, this is my boss."

Michael glared at him, "We're in the middle of a song."

Percy resisted the urge to sock him in the face.

Annabeth cut in, "Oh, no really it's alright! Why don't you get yourself another drink?"

Michael grumbled and stalked away.

Percy took his place, resting his hands on her waist as she put hers on his shoulders.

Annabeth beamed, "Are you enjoying the party, Mr. Jackson?" Percy noted that her breath smelled of alcohol, but he had no doubt that his smelled the same.

He nodded, "Yeah. Quite."

Annabeth grinned, "So where's your shadow—I mean date."

Percy chuckled, "Calypso is probably fixing her hair in the bathroom."

Annabeth laughed, lightly,"So you two are a thing now? Will I be seeing your girlfriend around the office?"

Percy noticed a slight waiver of bitterness in her voice, but he brushed it off as the alcohol, "No, no. I just invited her so she could get to know me. You know, for the business."

"I see." Annabeth nodded as she swayed to the music.

"So how do you know Rayne?" Percy asked.

"I met her through Thalia. I didn't know you knew each other."

"Yeah," Percy nodded, "Nico, Thalia, and I lived in the same neighborhood when we were kids. I met Luke through her and Rayne through Nico. They've been dating since junior high and I guess we just got to know Will and the rest of her family."

Annabeth nodded, "That's cool."

Percy said, "Now that you mention it, Thalia has talked about you before. She always referred to you as her roommate. I had no idea she was talking about my assistant. I assume you're the architect she has been talking about."

"Mhm. I'm getting my masters at Columbia. Night classes after work."

Percy asked, "Really? How long is your program?"

Annabeth shrugged, "Three. I'm in my last year."

"And how does administrative work for me fit into the grand scheme or architecture?"

"Tuition needs to be paid somehow."

Percy nodded, not meeting her eye. They both avoided the obvious fact. He had always been rich and never had to deal with that problem.

Their song had ended and Michael had come back with the drinks. At the same time Calypso could be seen strutting around the ballroom looking for Percy.

Percy said, "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Annabeth."

Annabeth smiled, "See you tomorrow, Mr. Jackson."

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