11: The Gravity

Percy POV

I can't believe that I told Annabeth about my feelings for her. I didn't mention that I still shared those feelings after all these years, but still.

I was so stupid.

Annabeth's reaction was had to understand. I didn't know what to expect from her, and she didn't really interact with me after that conversation. It's been a few days now, and we didn't address my truth.

"Bro, you're lost in thought again," Jason said firmly. His voice brought me back to reality as I turned towards him.

"Nah, I'm just thinking about a potential song," I lied.

We were in the back seat of my car. Terminus was driving us to Olympus Records today, which was a few hours away from home. Jason was coming along as a friend and to visit his dad. Thalia didn't even bother trying to visit her dad.

We all knew that Zeus would just be busy with work.

Olympus Records was one of the best record-producing companies in the world. Many superstars were signed to the label, so it committed a lot of time. Regardless, it sucked that Jason and Thalia lived alone and took care of themselves.

"So, how many songs are expected from you?" Jason asked.

"Generally speaking, my albums consist of 15 songs each. I technically have 5 demos prepared already," I said.

"Bro, it's only been like 2 months out of your year-long vacation. you're way ahead of the schedule," Jason expressed in shock.

"I know, and the songs are pretty good thus far. I don't know. Being back home is helping with inspiration and songwriting," I said earnestly.

Something about being at home with my friends is making it easier to find topics to write about. I was proud of the songs that I prepared till now.

"However, I am still missing that one song," I said.

"Bro, you have several more months to create that one big song," Jason said reassuringly.

Usually, each one of my albums had that one stellar song that would blow up around the world and top the charts for weeks. I didn't have that song yet.

"Yeah, you're right," I said with a smile.

However, as soon as the car pulled into the road leading to Olympus Records, my smile faded. Several reporters and paparazzi were waiting for my arrival.

They all were screaming with cameras and microphones as my car approached the front entrance of the massive building.

"God, damn," Jason breathed out.

"All right, sir, we need to get you inside as quick as possible. The paparazzi will try to harass you otherwise," Terminus said boldly.

I nodded in agreement. I hated the paparazzi. The constant attention from them is what led me to have a poor personal life. The lack of privacy hindered a lot of the things that I could do.

"Okay, sir, let's get going," Terminus confirmed.

Jason and I stepped out of the car to immediately be bombarded with questions, flashes, and camera lenses.

"Percy Jackson, how's your vacation?" "Do you have a girlfriend now? How is your love life now?" "When will you return?" "You must've met a girl."

The questions kept coming as Terminus ushered Jason and me inside. Several shoves and screams came from the paparazzi as they pried for information.

"PERCY, you have a girlfriend, correct?" a man shouted in my face.

All the gossip was flying as I stumbled through the crowd of reporters. I didn't answer any questions as I walked inside. The working theory in the tabloids was that I was on break because I was spending time with my new girlfriend.

I had no clue where they came up with these rumors.

As soon as we made it inside, the security pushed the paparazzi back. I breathed out in relief as I straightened my clothes. Jason was doing the same.

"Bro, that was crazy," Jason said in exacerbation.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg. I would say that what happened was actually a more normal occurrence. The worst is when they secretly follow you," I informed in annoyance.

"All right, let's go to the meeting," Jason said while patting my shoulder.

The elevator ride up to the executive floor was one of my favorite parts of Olympus Records. The elevator was made of glass, so we got to look over the city as we went up. Everyone was waiting for Jason and me by the time we walked into the board room.

"Hello, everyone, sorry that I'm late. There was traffic," I said simply.

Chiron came over and gave me a warm hug. He's been communicating with me over the phone during the break. As such, I haven't seen him in a few weeks.

"Welcome, Percy, I hope that you're break is going great," Artemis said comfortingly.

"Thanks, Artemis. It's fantastic."

"All right. All right, let's get down to business," Zeus interrupted boldly. He simply nodded at Jason as we took our seats.

"This is to get a report on your progress, Percy. At Olympus Records, I like to see positive results," Zeus said.

"Yeah, I'm working on some demos. The album is coming along," I replied simply.

"And you're performing at the Arellano mansion, correct?" Zeus asked.

I responded with a nod as Jason smiled. It was Reyna's 18th birthday party, so I petitioned to perform. They immediately approved since the Arellano corporation was a long-time ally of Olympus records. Plus, they were rich and popular.

This was a good venue for a small, but productive performance.

"How many demos do you have so far?" Ares asked gruffly.

"I have five demos so far. I'm working on more, but it's only been two months. I still have a lot of time for more songs," I said.

The meeting continued with them asking me questions. I got bored pretty quickly, so Chiron took over on my behalf.

Chiron was a great manager. He was actually more than that. He was like another father figure for me. I couldn't imagine doing what I do without him. Chiron always believed in me but also treated me as a human being rather than a money-making celebrity.

Chiron patted my shoulder as the meeting closed.

I smiled as I embraced him again. I wish that he could also come on the break with me, but the label was still making him do work. After all, the label controlled everything.

"Thanks for the help, Chiron. I really wasn't feeling the meeting."

"I always got you, Percy. Don't worry," Chiron said with a warm smile.

Jason and I talked to a few more people in the company before leaving. Of course, Jason was upset about Zeus immediately leaving for another meeting, but he covered it up. However, I knew my friend.

That's why I decided to take him to the football game. Getting into the game last minute wasn't that hard for a world-famous celebrity.

We had a great time.

I appreciated my friends, so I liked when I could help them feel better.

By the end of the day, we were both so exhausted. However, we were very much looking forward to Reyna's party tomorrow.

"Bro, hopefully, we'll recharge by tomorrow," Jason chuckled.

I nodded as I continued to joke around with my best friend during the ride home. Over the day, I got to spend time with Chiron and Jason, who were both very important people in my life. Today was overall a great day.

***

"Hello, everyone, how are ya'll doing tonight?" I asked into the microphone.

The crowd cheered. It was a professional cheer since the audience was made up of adults and teenagers. Reyna's family had a stage in their large, grassy backyard.

The sun had set, so the stars were illuminating our party. Lights were also set up to showcase the stage and the mansion behind me. It was a classy venue for a performance. The Arellano family was certainly very wealthy.

"That's great to hear. Before I start singing, I wanted to express a big Happy Birthday to Reyna. Congrats on becoming an adult," I expressed with a smile.

I tugged on the guitar to position it in my arms.

The crowd cheered in support of Reyna. Reyna nodded at me with a gracious smile. She was incredibly grateful for my performance today, which showed that she was a genuine fan.

The lights on the stage twinkled as I strummed the guitar.

The crowd quietened as I played a tune. To be honest, I didn't know what to sing. My eyes analyzed the crowd (all of them were wearing professional clothes like suits, blazers, and dresses). It was a very classy party.

I was in blue jeans, a white button-down, and a navy blazer. It was a classy outfit, and I like the look a lot. It made me look and feel attractive.

My gaze fell on Annabeth. She was wearing a royal blue, asymmetrical dress. It was thin-strapped and short (not in a revealing way, though). Her hair fell in waves, and she was only wearing light makeup to emphasize her naturally beautiful features.

Annabeth looked absolutely stunning, and my mind temporarily went blank. She smiled as she listened to the guitar.

I smiled back at her before returning my attention to Reyna.

"How about I let the birthday girl decide what I should perform?" I asked.

The crowd cheered as the attention fell on Reyna. Reyna clapped as a waiter gave her a microphone.

"I love your song, Perfect," Reyna expressed.

Everyone cheered at her selection. Even I was happy with the song choice. It seemed appropriate to sing, especially in front of Annabeth.

The crowd quietened as the music played slowly, and I started playing my guitar as well. Then, I started singing one of my best-written songs.

It was a beautiful song for my voice.

As I sang, my eyes scanned the crowd. I wanted everyone to know that they were perfect and beautiful. That was the point of this song.

By the last chorus, my eyes fell upon Wise Girl again.

"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms. Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song..." I continued to sing with all of my heart.

The music slowed as the song ended.

"I don't deserve this. You look perfect tonight," my voice resonated through the crowd as the music stopped.

Clapping and cheering erupted as I smiled out to the crowd. I loved singing, making music, and performing. This was what made the politics, lack of privacy, and sad personal life worth it.

The DJ continued to play music as I exited the stage. First, I went to Reyna to congratulate her again on her birthday. Reyna was actually a very sweet and strong girl. She would make an excellent leader for her family business.

Due to the large influx of people, it was difficult to find my friends. However, I finally found them inside Reyna's home. Her home was huge with a marble floor and embellished walls. It wasn't anything that I wasn't used to, though.

After all, I owned a house in Los Angeles and a penthouse in New York City.

"Hey, guys, what are you all doing?" I asked.

My friends were sitting around a table. Leo and the Stolls seemed to be setting up a game of some sort. My friends turned to me and cheered. I smiled as I waved them off.

"Seaweed Brain, your performance was incredible," Annabeth said quietly. Her eyes were sparkling as she looked at me.

I stepped closer to her.

"You sound surprised, Wise Girl," I commented with fake hurt.

"No, I mean that the song was nice to hear in person. Plus, you were looking at the entire crowd while performing. You were saying those words to everyone," Annabeth replied.

"Yeah, but I was also saying it to you in particular," I said smoothly.

Her gray eyes twinkled as my gaze locked onto hers. I wasn't sure how long we stood there simply gazing at each other.

"Okay, lovebirds, are you guys gonna play or not?" Leo asked slyly.

Annabeth and I suddenly turned towards the group. We weren't even paying attention to our friends during our conversation. Jason was smiling at me knowingly. Then, I looked at Annabeth again.

"Well?" Leo asked impatiently.

"Um, yea-" I started.

"Percy and I are actually gonna go outside," Annabeth interrupted. I nodded with a smile. "We'll catch you guys later," I said quickly.

Annabeth and I walked in comfortable silence. She was guiding us upstairs rather than outside, where I thought we were going.

"Annabeth, where are we going?" I asked as we climbed the stairs.

"I just thought that we could talk in private," Annabeth expressed.

The stairs opened into a loft space that was empty. A table with a statue was in the middle of the room. There were bedroom doors lining the edges of the loft. It was a beautiful interior that Annabeth was also noticing.

Then, Annabeth abruptly stopped walking in front of a door.

My body gently collided with her as she turned around suddenly. My hand was on her waist as I steadied both of us. Warmth radiated within our close proximity.

My sea-green eyes locked onto her stunning gray ones. We were both stuck in the gravity that drew us together. We were so close.

Our lips were only centimeters apart from each other.