章 4: three
"Are they nearby?" Theo cautiously asked.
"Of course."
She quickly adjusted her phone in hand and waved down a nearby taxi. There was no way in hell that she'd be returning to face them anytime soon. She'd simply grab her car and head home. But after that painful interaction, she felt in no mood to walk the long way back there.
"Can you put them on the line? Not on speaker, please."
"If I must." Joan relented.
After a brief silence, she was greeted by a voice that one could only describe as smooth and kind. Much unlike Ryan.
"This is Henry Ross."
"This is Theo. How can I help you?" Once she was settled inside the cab she muttered her office address and sat back for the ride.
"We wanted to get in touch with what we know is the best writer at Elite and the very woman assigned to our brother, Ryan. "
"Why is that?"
"We wanted to invite you to dinner tonight. Just to give you the chance to get to know us a bit better and gain better insight on us for the article."
"You seem like a kind and reasonable man, but I assure you it won't be necessary. I've asked enough questions and I will be in touch to email a few extras very soon."
"So soon? He gave you all that you needed in such a short time? Or was it something else?"
"...Yeah, everything went as well as I expected. Is that all?" Theo said, keeping her exact words short.
"Listen, I know my brother can be very difficult to be around especially to a stranger. He's unbearably stubborn, but he means well most of the time."
She couldn't help but scoff at the suggestion before attempting to cover it with a cough. And with a short laugh, Henry continued as if he never heard it at all.
"What I'm trying to say is just give him another chance. He's my wise brother who's never been accustomed to communicating with other people. He's very intelligent and surprisingly sensitive but it can be very difficult for him to express everything that rests on his mind."
"So he's had no friends or relationships before?"
There's a pregnant pause over the line that lasts all too long. Theo looks at her phone and sure enough, he's still there but he isn't making a sound.
"It's complicated. All I'm asking for is just one more chance."
"It's not that big of a deal. I'm just one journalist in a line of many more who will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to meet him. You seem like a decent guy and I'd love nothing more than to help you out however I can."
"But?" He retorts.
"I refuse to put myself in a situation that is uncomfortable for me. Whether it be with a man, mermaid, or god. You have to understand. This is my job. You came to me. I can only give so much respect when it's evidently not returned. I'm sure he has trouble with communicating but he should have fixed that before he ever even thought of forming a connection with the rest of the world."
"You don't understand. It was impossible not to. He made it imperative that this interview must be done." He said to her surprise.
"Excuse me? I was under the impression that this was all your idea. He said it himself that he didn't want it."
"Oh. Well, that was a lie."
"Then what is the truth?"
"Listen, let's have dinner. This is a conversation best had face to face and I am desperate to make this up to you in any way I can."
"I guess I can make it tonight. Where to?"
"I'll have you picked up if that's alright."
"Sounds fine, just email the details to my assistant."
"Great. I'll see you then."
"Wait." She added.
"Yes?"
"Why are you doing this? Why go out of your way for me?"
"I-, It's hard to explain."
"Complicated."
"Exactly. See you later, Theo."
"See ya, Henry."
Just as the conversation had ended, the car slowed to a stop. And after paying her fare and leaving a hefty tip she hurried to the parking garage and hurried home to relax after such an odd day. Waiting for her outside her home sat a familiar car that she felt all too relieved to see.
She'd just barely made it inside when she was tackled into a warm embrace from her much needed friend. Theo relaxed in the hug before pulling back to prepare to vent all that was on her mind.
"Did you bring food?" She asked.
"I did you one better. I've ordered your favorite meal from your favorite place and it all should be here in just a moment."
"I love you so much."
"And I rented a good horror flick to watch because I know nothing soothes you better."
"You are a godsend. How'd you know to come?"
"Rachel. She mentioned that you expressed to her in a number of words exactly how you felt about your subject today."
"Remind me to give her a raise. I don't know what I ever did to deserve such an amazing support system."
The two were interrupted by the quick arrival of the food.
"It's nothing. Now go get dressed in something comfortable and get settled in the room while I get the food. Then you're going to tell me everything."
"Alright." Theo sighed and dragged herself to the room.
In less than a minute she tossed the formal outfit into the hamper and quickly jumped into yet another large tee sans socks this time. She then whipped off the tight bra and delt so much at ease without the pressure on her chest.
Soon, Alex returned with two fresh bags of food in hand and hopped right in bed beside Theo. She opened two identical bags of mouthwatering bacon cheeseburgers with a side of crispy tater tots and smooth vanilla milkshakes.
"So am I allowed to ask who your mystery guest was?" Alex said as she chewed on the hot food already.
"Not really, but who cares? It was Poseidon." Theo admitted.
Alex barely even blinked and continued to eat as if she didn't admit to having an audience with an actual god. As in a being with the abilities to annihilate worlds if he wished to.
"That must've been fun."
"I wish. But he was just an ice-cold shell incapable of any kind of compassion or basic understanding."
"How so?"
"He told me that the entire human race is trash. That his people see us as an inferior species that doesn't deserve to be associated with them in any way."
"Did he say those exact words or are you letting your emotions get the best of you?"
"Hey, whose side are you on?"
"Yours. But was he wrong? We could turn the news on right now and see yet another example of how shitty our world is."
"That doesn't mean he's allowed to say it. I'm pretty sure his people aren't all that great either!"
"And that may be true."
"Then why are you defending him?" She asked.
Alex could only shrug in her attempts at being logical and level headed. But at this point, it was the last thing on Theo's mind. Which is why Alex felt there was more underlying her frustration. As a black woman in a field predominantly filled by men, this had to be far from the worst thing she's ever been told in her career. So for this to bother her so much piqued Alex's interest.
"I'm not. I just don't want you to do or say anything rash over a bad first impression. You mentioned that you're having dinner with his brother later. Maybe this is the opportunity for a fresh start. Doesn't he deserve that?"
"I feel like you have some ulterior motive you aren't mentioning. We both know I'm right so why are you trying to easily sweep this under the rug?" Theo retorted.
Suddenly she waved her hands is if the answer was so obvious.
"You're hot, he's hot. He happens to be available and you haven't touched a man in-"
"Woah! What the hell, Alex? This is not a cheesy romance novel!"
"Isn't it though? Rich guy meets hot ambitious girl. They have a memorable first meeting and then inevitably fall in love despite fighting the passionate feelings along the way while the best friend saves the day by putting them in suggestive situations. Am I right?" She teased with annoyingly suggestive eyebrows.
"You're a lunatic and I want to watch the movie." Theo turned her attention back to the awaiting screen, yet Alex droned on.
"Says the stubborn girl who's heart beats ever so fast as she attempts to hide her true feelings." She continued her dramatic narration.
Theo wasted no time in chucking a pillow into her face. With her eyes closed amidst her unrealistic storytelling, she didn't have the chance to defend herself and fell back against the wall of pillows on impact.
"Not another word."
"But-"
"I will literally kill you."
"Fine. I just can't wait to say I told you so when my plan falls so perfectly into place."
"Hush." Theo reiterated as the movie finally began.
And with her silent but mischievous friend at her side, she sat back and enjoyed the movie all while ignoring the feelings she'd hoped would soon fade away. Because if there was anything Theo hated, it was most definitely being proved wrong.
*
Later that night it was finally time to officially meet Hades in an attempt to reconcile the short working relationship they would soon have throughout the article on his brother. And while she dreaded it, she still found herself overanalyzing everything for no apparent reason.
"Theo, relax. It's one dinner, not even that, it's more of a meeting. You've had plenty of those and aced them every time."
"But I'm not nervous. I-I feel excited."
"What?"
"You know how it feels when you're on a swing and after so long you reach the highest point just before you jump off? It's exhilarating, mind-numbing, indescribable, and happiness in its purest forms."
"Are you telling me you're into Hades, too?"
"What, no! Absolutely not. I'm not into anyone. For all I know this could mean that something great will happen. Must your mind always be in the gutter?"
"You make it way too easy, Theo. Now come out and show me how the dress looks." Alex ordered.
She tentatively returned from her walk-in closet and smoothed down the wrinkles of the dress as she walked. It was a dress she didn't remember wearing but she bought it for a special occasion. And for some reason, it felt right to put it on for tonight. It was a floor-length red satin dress that stuck tight to her curves and reflected the light off on the surface. She felt like a goddess.
"Theo, I-You look like an ethereal being far too perfect for this world."
"Thank you. It's not too much?"
"No such thing. Let me do your hair. I know just the style."
The ecstatic girl pushed her towards the vanity and all but shoved her into the seat. She wasted no time in spraying an assortment of products into her hair and combed it to perfection. Once it was tangle-free and easier to manage she brushed the smooth locks into a tight side swoop ponytail at her nape.
"Your skin is flawless and your eyelashes are to die for. So all I'd suggest is this bomb deep red matte lipstick I got as a gift from Ellie. It just happens to match the dress."
She quickly tossed the lipstick to Theo who applied a light layer to her lips.
"You're giving me lipstick gifted to you from your ex-girlfriend? Nice."
"She may have been a shitty girlfriend but she was the best at buying me things. After all, it was how she paid me back for cheating on me. Nothing says I'm sorry like expensive gifts." Alex absentmindedly spoke as she searched through Theo's jewelry.
She was searching without even looking with a faraway look in her eyes.
"Do you miss her?" Theo reluctantly asked.
Alex stilled for just a moment and sighed.
"I shouldn't, but I do sometimes. People think that the second a relationship ends, no matter how toxic, that the feelings go away with it."
"But she hurt you."
"I know. But on her good days, she made me feel loved and safe with her. Maybe it was fake, but it meant something to me at least." She shrugged.
She ended up settling upon two diamond earrings that would shine upon Theo's ears. She then fastened them upon her ears and admired her work as a whole.
"If given the chance would you get back with her?"
"I don't know. People can change but she has to want to change. Besides, I'm the one who broke it off so I am not going to be the one who goes back first. My pride would never let that happen." She looked as though she briefly imagined the scenario in her head but ultimately shook the memory away.
"If you ask me, I think you could do better. You're my favorite person in the world and you deserve to feel happy with someone who plans to keep it that way."
"So do you. I wasn't lying when I said it's been a while since you've dated. You can't say it's because of your career because you're at the top of the game right now. You go out and write everyone's stories and their happy endings, but when do you get yours?"
"Someday, I hope. I just haven't met the right person yet. I've been on plenty of dates but not once have I had that click moment."
"Click moment?"
"You know, the moment where it feels like a puzzle has been completed? I'm waiting for the perfect person who fits into my puzzle and makes me feel complete. And I know that if I just decide to pick some random person and try to force the pieces to fit, I'll only hurt myself in the long run."
The two were then interrupted by a honk just outside her home.
"That must be my ride. You work tonight?"
"Nope. Want me to stay?" Alex replied.
"If it's not too much. Impromptu sleepover?"
"You're lucky I like you so much. I'm gonna just grab my scrubs from home and grab a few things and I'll be here when you get back. Have fun, but not too much fun considering he is your soon to be brother in-"
"And I'm leaving!"
With her clutch in hand, she swiftly made her way out to the fancy car. The awaiting driver politely opened the door and once she was settled inside she noticed that she was the only one inside.
"Please don't let me get kidnapped tonight." She whispered a silent prayer as the journey began.
And not too long afterward did the car stop outside of a seemingly empty restaurant that looked to cost more than her life. When the driver opened the door again, she reluctantly left the car.
"Where are we?"
"The grand opening of the Lumiere. Mr. Ross is waiting inside."
"Thank you, sir."
"Have a good evening." He bid as she finally walked inside.
For a grand opening, she found herself in yet another cleared out building with not a server or guest in sight.
"Hello?" She called out but nevertheless kept walking.
High up on the roof was just about the most magnificent sight she'd ever seen. As far as she could see there were lights that lit up the roof like a million stars. Some dimmer than others, she felt like she was walking into a dream.
"Ms. Watson?" A familiar voice finally spoke.
Theo turned to see in all her disappointment, Poseidon. The two of them froze when finally face to face with each other again. And in all her anger she felt just a sliver of curiosity at his attendance. But overall she was so frustrated that she bolted towards the door unaware of his lingering eyes that followed her every move in the eye-catching dress.
"Wait, please!"
There was an urgency in his tone that nearly made her halt in her steps. But she wouldn't stop. That is until a hand had found itself wrenched around her arm with a grip far too tight.
"I just want to talk."
Still, she twisted and turned under his hand and only succeeded in hurting herself in the process.
"Let go of me, you maniac. It hurts!"
"Sorry, I ju-"
"Are you trying to kill me?"
"I'm trying to have a civilized conversation! But you just won't let that happen." He yelled in return.
Clearly the two weren't going to get far in their attempts at reconciliation. Both were far too stubborn for their own good and they butt heads every step of the way.
"This is a freaking ambush! I'm leaving."
"And how do you manage to do that?" He asked with a haughty laugh.
"I have two working feet, asshole."
"You're not walking alone at this time of night."
"Says who?"
"Says the man with the ability to keep you wherever I wish. I could have you walking in circles all night. Feel free to tire yourself out."
"What do you want from me?"
"I just wanted to apologize for earlier! You, humans, are such stubborn, insufferable beasts."
"You could have apologized through email. Not hold me hostage under false pretenses. Where is Hades?"
"He couldn't make it."
"So he lied."
"He knew you never would have agreed to come otherwise. I'm only asking for a little time to make it up to you."
"Why?"
"You're going to be getting closely acquainted with me and my family over the next few weeks so I thought it would be best that we at least be a bit amicable."
"Fine. We're cool. And even if we weren't I'd never let personal feelings to get in the way of my job."
"So, we're good?"
"I mean we're not best buddies, but for the sake of the article, we can be cordial. Satisfied?"
"I didn't drive you all this way just to be an acquaintance."
"Then what do you want?"
In all the time they'd spent bickering, she never noticed that he'd had yet to have released her arm from his much gentler grip now. And she didn't take a step back after he'd stepped ever so close to her.
She looked up at him awaiting his answer but he could only stare down at her silently debating his response in his head. Even he didn't know what he wanted, but he didn't want to let her leave just yet.
"I-"
He faltered for just a moment and cleared his throat. And with a more confident demeanor, his head held high and his shoulders steady he readied himself to say whatever was on his usually vacant mind. But just as he did so, a sudden crash through the newly built glass made them both flinch from the shrapnel that flew towards them. The small hunk of metal beeped for so long before the two recognized it as a small explosive.
It took only a second for Poseidon to shield her body with his and send both of them to shelter behind the nearest table. The sheer force of the explosive sent the two of them crashing into the farthest wall, onto a table full of priceless dishes, and finally onto the floor. Theo thanked all the gods above hat he broke her fall but it didn't help the sharp pain that ached in her side. Sometime during the fall, she felt the searing pressure of the broken glass jamming itself into her side. She pressed her shaking hand to her side only to come in contact with wet skin that was left scarred through the dress. The first glance at the blood on her palm nearly made her sick but passing out at this very moment would do no good.
"What the hell was that?" She groaned.
She thought it better to focus on anything but the wound in her side. It burned ever second that passed but she couldn't leave him to face it alone, no matter how capable he was.
He eyed over her still form and gasped at the sight of blood pouring out of her side.
"Lay low and stay quiet." He simply told her.
"But-"
"Stay down." He reiterated.
Despite the nagging curiosity as to why they'd just been attacked by some mystery person, she nodded and kept to the ground as he calmly walked towards the gaping hole. But Theo couldn't help herself. She quietly dragged herself under the table and peeked under the cloth and saw nothing but Poseidon facing an empty dark road.
After a careful examination that never seemed to end, he returned to Theo who was far too close to losing consciousness. He found himself kneeling in a concerning amount of blood and carefully lifted her into his arms. As gentle as he could be he hurried the two back to the car. Meanwhile, she tried to speak through her bloodsoaked lips but each word grew softer than the last.
"You're alright now. Keep your eyes on me. Stay awake, please."
"I-I'm tired."
"Look at me, please. Focus on my eyes. Just stay awake." He adamantly urged.
With the little strength she had left she nodded and kept her eyes on his as they began to shine with a faint blue glow.
Yup, she was officially hallucinating.
She felt a soothing cold pressure on her side and gasped, but still kept her eyes on his. It didn't stop her own from growing heavy. No matter how hard she tried she felt as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her own eyes.
And in the last few moments, before she sunk into the dark, the last thing she remembered seeing was two worrisome eyes that stained itself into the deepest depths of her mind.
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