Friendly reminder that this chapter, and therefore, the birth of this story, was inspired by a textpost on insta.

"Hello, Miss. Are you ready to order yet?"

I look up from my hands to see the small blonde waitress. "Oh, um, not quite," I say clumsily. "I'm still waiting for someone."

"That's alright," The blonde gives me a sympathetic smile. "Take all the time you need."

She turns and walks away, leaving me alone. I glance at the clock, my knee bouncing in anticipation. He's coming, Annabeth. He wouldn't just leave you, would he? I subconsciously play with my jewlery, having nothing else to do but wait. My impatience starts to take over and I consider shooting him a text. So I do.

Five minutes go by and still no reply. Maybe his meeting went late and he hasn't gotten a chance to tell me. Maybe his phone died. Yeah, that's it, I tell myself. I scan the room and as I do, I notice the stares. People are peering over their shoulders, watching me. Okay, maybe it has been twenty-five minutes, but he can't have possibly forgotten about our date. I'm brought back to my thoughts as the waitress returns for my order for the third time.

"All set?" She asks, pity painted all over her face.

"I'm sorry," I sigh, facing the fact that Luke might not show up after all. "Can you give me three more minutes?"

"Of course," She leaves me to my thoughts.

I run a hand through my hair-sprayed curls and check my phone for one last sign of hope. Nothing. I grab my jacket and begin stuffing my things into my bag. I can't bear the burning of everyone's eyes into my back any longer. Humiliated, I stand up and begin to leave.

"Babe!" A shout echoes through the restaurant. "Babe, I'm so sorry I'm late! Traffic from work was terrible!" A young man, who I've never seen before, comes rushing towards me. I freeze, and in my confusion, he pulls me into a hug and plants a kiss on my forehead. "You look stunning. Hope you didn't eat without me."

He gives me an odd look that seems to say 'just go with it' so I sit back down, still in shock. The people around me stop their staring, clearly not interested now that my 'boyfriend' turned up.

"I hope you don't mind," he says softly. "But I couldn't just leave you to be embarrassed by your jerk of a boyfriend." I nod and try for a smile, but I'm pretty sure I look more like I'm in pain.

He lets out a small laugh and takes my hand. "I'm Percy."

I blink a few times, trying to register what exactly just happened. In front of me is a tall kid, probably in his early twenties. His long raven-black hair is a mess and he appears as if he just came from a crazed mob of fans. But his eyes. His eyes are the most perfect shade of green, and they shine like he's just won the lottery. A nervous laugh escapes my lips.

"Annabeth," I shake the hand that is holding mine.

"Well then, Annabeth," Percy picks up a menu and starts to read. "Would you like to order?"

…

As awkward as the circumstances are, Percy is actually pretty fun. He's funny and sweet and I find him easy to talk to. We order the exact same thing, which is surprising, considering I'm extremely picky when ordering food. When it's time to order drinks though, he orders a blue coke. I guess even the most ideal guy has to have some quirks, right?

"So Annabeth," Percy says through sips of his drink. "It only seems right that I get to ask you some questions. I am pretending to be your boyfriend."

I nod and let out a small laugh. "And for that, I thank you."

"My pleasure." He shoots me a lopsided grin, and, not gonna lie, my heart skips a beat.

"So," I say casually, twirling my straw between my fingers. "What would you like to know?"

Percy taps his chin and his nose crinkles up. "Favorite color?"

"Grey."

"Do you have any pets?"

"Nope. Not one."

"Major?"

"I'm double majoring in Architecture and Education."

"Ooh. Wise girl, huh?"

I laugh. "I guess you could put it that way."

"Alright," Percy says, looking directly into my eyes. "One more question."

"Go for it."

"What kind of trash guy are you dating that would leave you here all alone?"

My heart sinks as I ponder his question. Why did Luke ditch me? I want to think he has a legitimate reason, but I'm honestly not so sure.

"I'm sure he just forgot," I say, trying to hide my disappointment. "He's extremely busy."

"Too busy for you? His own girlfriend?" Percy looks at me and I can see that he feels sorry for me.

"He's...no," I suddenly feel the need to defend him. "Luke is a good guy. He loves me. This rarely happens."

Percy stares at me for a long time before saying, "Well, he must be a pretty great guy if he's got you."

The next few moments of silence are unnerving. I feel my face grow hot and I can tell Percy is running out of jokes to tell.

"I've got to go," I say quietly. "Thank you, Percy. Really."

He smiles. "Anytime, Annabeth. Anytime."

…

Percy insists on paying the bill, even though I practically beg him not to. I thank him again and again, then walk outside. I reach into my bag for my keys. They aren't there. Dammit, Annabeth. Where are your keys? It takes me an embarrassingly long time to remember I took a cab to the restaurant. Luke was going to drive us back to his apartment where I was going to stay the night. I let out a huge, frustrated sigh. Well, shit. Nice going, Annabeth.

"Annabeth?" I turn to see Percy standing behind me, a hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, it's just, um…" I shove back my hair and try to look calm. "Luke was going to drive me home."

"Oh," Percy walks over to me. "I can give you a ride. I don't live too far from here."

"Are you sure?" I'm starting to feel really bad that he has to keep helping me. "You really don't have to. I can just call a cab."

"I don't mind one bit," A small smirk crosses his face. "I kind of like being your fake boyfriend."

I laugh and take his arm. "If you say so, Romeo."

And we walk, arm in arm, to his car.

For those of you who are reading this for the first time: Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed the beginning of this rollercoaster. Don't be afraid to leave feedback! xo

For those of you who are now reading this for the second time and wondering why the hell you had to read it again: Yes, I'm aware that this is the second time I've posted chapter one. I'm trying something new here and I'm currently in the proccess of updating the story. Don't worry! New chapters are coming!

xoxo

B