Famous Fate

5

The next days went by in a blur. I struggled to write songs, hung out with Grover, and got a call from Chiron scheduling my next date with Annabeth.

"Do you still wish to pick out the destination for this date?" Chiron asked, a tone of resentment in his voice. "Or are you done being petty?"

My eyes narrowed as I nearly hung up the phone. "I think you're being the petty one here, but, yes. Tell Annabeth to meet me at my apartment and I'll take her to the best pizza place in New York."

I gave Chiron the address and, after begging me on more time to stop being petty, eventually hung up.

That night I received another call from Chiron, who had scheduled my date for tonight. He also informed me Annabeth was on her way over.

I made up some lame excuse and hung up on him as I struggled to hastily clean my apartment.

Although I could afford a maid, having one made me feel pretentious. The only time I would clean was when my mother would come over, which was about four times a year. Grover didn't care about mess, so I didn't bother to clean for him.

I quickly shoved things under couches, into drawers, and into closets as I struggled to even get dressed.

A timid knock at the door made me drop several pots and pans. After shoving them into some random drawer, I ran to go get the door.

Behind the door stood Annabeth, who was way over dressed. She wore a black dress to her ankles and a pair of shiny high heels. Her blonde curls were pulled back and she wore stunning makeup.

"You're not dressed yet?" she asked as she walked past me just staring at her in awe. She set her handbag down on my table and peered around my apartment. "What time is our reservation?"

I laughed as I headed over to her. She stared me up and down as she observed my outfit—a pair of ripped jeans and a hoodie. "I think you're misunderstood."

"No, I think you're misunderstood," Annabeth shot back as she readjusted her dress slightly.

"I'm completely stood," I replied.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm pretty sure that wasn't a word in that context, and my manager told me you were taking me to New York's greatest Italian restaurant."

I burst out laughing as she stared at me fiercely, a hand placed on her hip. "Oh, no, I said I was taking you to New York's greatest pizza joint."

"What's the difference?"

"Oh, god, where do I start?" I asked. "First, you don't dress like that. And second, it's much better. This restaurant, frankly, is the best restaurant in the world. The universe, even."

Annabeth shook her head. "Highly doubtful. I've been to several different five star restaurants all across the globe. I doubt this one will even compare."

"Only one way to find out," I said as I grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards my room. She started blushing and, although I hate to admit it, I was, too.

"What are we doing?" she asked as I led her inside mg room. She peered around in disgust. Although I'd hastily cleaned it, I'm sure it wasn't up to her high standards.

I rummaged around in my closet and pulled out an old sweatshirt. It was my high school swim team sweatshirt and was several sizes too small for me. "Here, this might fit you. I think I may have some pants around here that might be a little baggy..."

She shook her head as she held the sweatshirt up with one finger, barely touching it. "No way I'm wearing your old clothes. Imagine if someone saw me like this!"

"Then it would simply fuel the rumors that we were together," I responded as I pushed it towards her. "I may have some women's clothes from some of my friends...ah-hah!"

I pulled out a pair of leggings that I was certain weren't mine.

"Do I wanna know why you have female leggings in your closet?" asked Annabeth as she admired the leggings.

"They were my old bandmate's, don't worry. I think they were part of a costume or something...you two look around the same size," I commented. "Go change in my bathroom."

She sighed. "This is just stupid. Cancel the reservation at that Italian place and we can just schedule a better one—"

"Not an Italian place and they don't take reservations," I replied. "Now, please go change. Part of the deal was that you would go where I said. Right?"

Annabeth groaned as she rubbed her temples. "Fine, but will I get to know more about this mysterious ex-bandmate of yours? Did she stomp on your heart?"

I burst out laughing. "Piper? No way. Our band broke up because, uh, it just did. Kinda fell apart. She was madly into someone else, and she was like a sister to me. So, no, she didn't 'stomp on my heart.'"

"Did she end up with him?" Annabeth asked.

"Who?"

She frowned. "You said she was into some guy. Did she end up with him?"

"I don't know," I replied honestly. "I haven't spoken to her in years. That doesn't matter, though. Go get changed, I'll meet you in the kitchen."

Annabeth sighed and walked over to the bathroom. "This place better be good."

I grinned. "Oh, it is. Don't worry about that, Annabeth."