The Shower

Percy POV

"Ms. Chase, what's wrong? Is everything okay?" I asked frantically. I stopped my car on the side of the road. It was very dark outside because the streetlight was broken. We didn't live in the greatest neighborhood considering we were 'poor.'

"Um, my shower is broken," Annabeth complained.

My brain temporarily malfunctioned. This woman was freaking out this much over a broken shower. Something is wrong with this lady.

After a few seconds, I was able to speak again.

"That's what you're freaking out about?" I snapped. "You sounded so scared. I thought you got lost in a bad neighborhood or something."

"You don't understand. The water is not working in both of my showers at my penthouse. The guest bathroom was broken a while ago, but I didn't care. Right now, I need to take a shower before my mother arrives," Annabeth commanded.

"Boss, just go to a friend's house," I answered.

"Thalia's not answering. Piper is away with Jason on a weekend getaway. I called you after exhausting the smart options, Seaweed Brain," she snapped angrily. Her tone radiated power and frustration.

I raised a brow at the nickname. She never called me that before, and it was strange. More importantly, Annabeth was stressing a lot about Athena Chase's visit. Athena Chase is the CEO of Olympus Architecture. She was visiting the New York branch this week to see how the company was functioning. The office gossip is flying thanks to her visit.

Supposedly, Athena is way worse than Annabeth.

"I don't like that nickname," I commented with a smirk. I started driving again, but I turned around to visit Annabeth's penthouse.

"I need you to call a plumber. My apartment's staff is off this weekend. My shower needs to be fixed within an hour or two," Annabeth ordered. She sounded angry and irritated. When she's stressed out, she also lashes out.

"You know, Ms. Chase, I thought you were trying to be nicer."

I chuckled to myself and laughed even more when she huffed. Who knew that someone could get so nervous about seeing their mother. I wondered what type of relationship Annabeth and Athena have.

"Can you help or not, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth snapped. "I have to be presentable before my mother arrives today."

"Don't worry, boss. I'm on my way."

"I don't need you here," she screeched. "I need a plumber here who can fix both of my showers. before she arrives."

"Ye of little faith. Relax. I've got this," I answered.

***

Annabeth's penthouse was on the second to last floor of a huge apartment complex. It was a luxury apartment close to the office. I didn't expect anything less from my boss's place. There were three levels of security before I was allowed up to Annabeth's penthouse. The living room alone was larger than my entire apartment.

"Finally, you're here. It shouldn't take you a whole half-hour to drive here," Annabeth said firmly. "Now, can you fix my showers or not?"

I turned around to face my boss. She was as demanding and strict as ever. It didn't help that she seemed stressed out.

This was my first time seeing her in completely casual clothes. She was wearing black tights and a gray sports top. It was classic workout clothes. Her face was covered in a sleek layer of sweat, and water was sprits on her clothes as well.

Why she's working out at night? I have no idea.

"Nice to see you too, boss. Tip #2: the proper way to greet employees is with respect. You have to say a proper hello before giving them instructions," I explained. I rested my hands on my hips while waiting for her to properly address me.

I was enjoying our deal very much. She said that she wanted to be a better boss, and I was taking advantage of the situation.

Annabeth crossed her arms in anger. She looked like she wanted to strangle me to death. I'd be dead if it weren't for the fact that she needed me right now.

Also, murder is illegal.

"All right, fine. Where are the showers?"

"Take the stairs up to the second floor. The stairs lead directly to the bedrooms. Fix the bathroom to the guest bedroom first. It's the first door on the right," she instructed. "Please hurry."

"Relax, Ms. Chase. Go bake some cookies to calm yourself," I said gently. I started climbing the stairs to the bedrooms. The penthouse was like a huge astrodome. I was still in awe over this place.

"I don't want cookies."

"Who said it's for you? The cookies are for me. Compensation for the plumbing work that I'm going to do."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and disappeared into another room. I walked into the hallway on the second floor. It was smaller than the first floor. However, there were four bedrooms in front of me.

The guest bedroom was plain yet huge. Rich people have some great perks. I walked into the bathroom and analyzed the fixtures. The problem in the plumbing is a pretty easy fix. I would need some tools though. I went downstairs and checked a storage closet. I was sure that the apartment would have a toolkit, and I was right. However, based on the collective dust, the tools were never used.

That didn't surprise me. I quickly got to work and started bolting the fixtures. The bathroom would be fixed in no time.

I was stretched in the bathtub's faucet when Annabeth scared me.

I yelped and banged my head against the wall. I groaned while looking up at Annabeth. I like her like this. She was casual and naturally beautiful.

"It's an easy fix. The shower will be good in no time," I updated. "We'll go into your bedroom next."

"How do you know about plumbing?" she asked.

I talked while working. Dirty grime was spread around my hands as I continued to fix her shower. "I took a job at a plumbing company one summer. It was a way to make extra money, and I always liked water."

"You liked water, so you worked plumbing?" Annabeth's raised her eyebrows in confusion.

"To be honest, it wasn't my smartest decision."

Suddenly, I saw it, and I heard it.

I stopped working to relish the smile on her face. Laughter bubbled from her chest, and I absorbed every bit of it. I thought I'd never see Annabeth Chase smile and laugh. She looked and sounded amazing.

I was temporarily transfixed. I didn't realize I was staring until Annabeth instructed me to finish the job.

We got done with the guest bathroom and her bathroom quickly. Her room was organized beyond belief. It was immaculate. She explained that one of the other rooms was her office, and no one uses the last room ever.

As such, they only have water connected to two of the four bathrooms in this penthouse. That's two more bathrooms than I have, I told her.

We were walking downstairs when the smell of baked cookies wafted into my nose. I turned towards Annabeth in surprise.

"You asked for cookies, and you did fix the showers."

"Thanks, Annabeth," I exclaimed.

I quickly wrapped my arms around her before running to the kitchen just as fast. Oh my god. What's wrong with me. I just embraced my boss.

It felt so good, but that's beside the point.

I brought the cookies into the living room as Annabeth went up to shower. The soft cookies were delicious. Not as good as my mother's, but they had potential. However, the biggest complaint was that they weren't blue.

She came downstairs in jeans and a red blouse. It wasn't an outfit you'd wear at night. But again, maybe, she is greeting her mother with formality.

"The cookies are nice, but they're not blue," I whined like an idiot.

"You're lucky I even made them. Also, WHAT?"

"Whatever. Now that the showers are fixed, I'll take my leave. I don't want to be here when your mother arrives." I stood up and walked towards her. We were waiting for the elevator to come up.

Only a few feet separated our bodies.

"That's the best option. I don't even want to be here when she arrives," Annabeth murmured. "If you think I'm bad, I can't wait to see you with her."

"She'll be at the company this week, right?" I asked with interest. "I bet you can't wait to see me get yelled at by someone else."

Her gray eyes sparkled at me.

"Listen to me, Seaweed Brain. Only I am allowed to yell at you."

Annabeth sounded almost like she has the sole right to yell at me. Only our relationship was special enough to enable fighting and yelling.

Before I could respond, the elevator arrived.

I left the penthouse in confusion and satisfaction. I was confused about her last comment, but I was satisfied that I solved a problem for her. My presence made her feel better, and it alleviated some stress from her busy life.

I liked that I could help her. I liked it a lot.

***

"Congratulations, Percy."

Grover and Juniper cheered while clinking glasses with me. I laughed while accepting their support. I couldn't wait to receive revisions from the Hunters. I couldn't wait for the day when my book would be published.

"We're so proud of you, Percy. We always knew that you could do it. You're almost there. Just a few more weeks," Juniper cheered.

"Yes. We're very proud," Hestia expressed.

Grover and Juniper came over for dinner. It was Sunday; Tyson and Estelle went to bed on time. The four 'adults' were enjoying some wine in celebration. Since I had the Calypso date and then went to Annabeth's house, we couldn't meet yesterday. Grover wanted to be the first person (besides my family) to congratulate me.

"So, with Annabeth, how's work going? Did it get better?" Juniper asked.

"Yeah. Things are looking up now. I'm not going to lie, the last few weeks were rough. However, I think that I'm warming up to my boss."

"Annabeth Chase, right? Maybe, she's starting to like you," Hestia teased. Aunt Hestia always teased me about any woman who's my age. According to her, I was a man who is sought after by the ladies.

"That's not it, Hestia. Trust me."

"I don't know, Percy. It's a possibility," Grover cooed.

I rolled my eyes while taking another sip of red wine. Hestia walked away for a few seconds and returned with an envelope.

"This came for you, Percy. It arrived a few days ago. I didn't give it to you because you've been very busy. However, since you're in a good mood now..."

Hestia faltered off as I took the letter.

I immediately knew why Hestia hesitated about giving me the letter. Grover and Juniper looked at me with warmth as I read the name.

From, Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Dare Industries.

I sighed while setting the letter down and took another sip of wine. "I don't want to read the letter. But, I feel like I don't have an option. I'll take a look later."

They nodded in understanding.

I wasn't expecting a letter from RED. We haven't spoken in years. It was a complete shock. I was distracted for the rest of the night. My gaze kept wandering to the unopened letter.

Whatever was inside, I can't let it impact me. My life was too busy right now to be bothered by my ex-girlfriend.