Vegas
America's playground, where the rich and famous rub elbows with those of the lowest place in life. All of them trying to turn their luck for the better. No matter how much they already have or how much they lack in life.
I look out the car window and watch as the various neon bright lights at every establishment flicker past my sight. All of them trying to entice those who look at them to come in and spend whatever amount they have and then some.
"We're almost there, Tristan."
I was brought back from my thoughts by Hedge, my driver and somewhat bodyguard. Glancing at the small man in the driver's seat, I'm still having a hard time believing he was anything but a man. But seeing him reveal his feet? hooves? Well, him showing me his bottom half made me see and believe in what my daughter was telling me back then. I fought back and tried to hold on to what I thought was my normal life, but when Millie, the secretary Piper got for me, also revealed her true nature to me. I was forced to accept the truth.
My daughter, Piper, was a demigod. The product of the love I shared with her mother. The literal Goddess of Love and beauty, Aphrodite herself. It was both a boost to my ego and a blow to it as well. A boost because I was attractive enough to have garnered the Goddess's attention. A blow because I was not enough to keep her with me.
It was hard for me to accept, and I was in denial for a long time, holding on to the memories I have of our time together. Believed she was going to return to me if I just waited long enough. It took my daughter talking to me and a visit from the goddess to change my mind and open my eyes to the truth.
I smiled at Hedge and turned to the seat next to him. Millie, his wife and my secretary, sat there with a tablet in hand. She was busy organizing my week with an annoyed look on her face. Understandable as where we are headed right now was not in the schedule. A schedule that was already packed full for the next 2 months.
But where we are headed was something we could not ignore; I was, after all, going to be awarded a "Lifetime Achievement" award for my numerous roles in films. And so Millie was stuck trying to rearrange my week to some semblance of order.
"Relax, Millie, I'm sure we'll be fine," I said, trying to calm her down. Such stress wouldn't be good for her, especially since hers and Hedge's kid was starting to be a handful. Which I learned was pretty normal for their kind.
"Fine? We had to fly out here for this! Meaning we had to delay your flight to Chicago for the filming!" She responded in an irritated voice. "A whole day of delay, Tristan! It is not fine!" She said as she turned to face me. I just smiled and nodded along.
"Heads up! We're pulling in now!" Hedge announced as he turned towards the hotel where the awarding will take place. Millie snapped the cover of her tablet and turned to look at me. "Ready?" I nodded, and I heard her tell Hedge to leave the car to the valets and that they would be staying behind me all the time but would largely let me be during the event.
The car stopped at the end of the red carpet, and I took a deep breath as Hedge got out and went around the car to open my door. I looked out and saw an army of photographers and paparazzi waiting for me and anybody else that's attending this event. My door opened, and I got out of the car, followed closely by Millie.
Immediately, I was bombarded by shouts calling to me, photographers asking for me to pose for them, reporters requesting interviews, yelling questions. All the while my eyes were blinded by the flashes of countless cameras going off at almost the same time. I squinted and smiled my best smile as I waved at everyone. I kept it up for as long as I could as I walked down the red carpet, occasionally stopping for a photo opportunity as guided by Millie.
Just as we were about to reach the end of the red carpet, I saw a face I recognized. A reporter who has been following me since I started my career and has always been kind in his write-ups about me. Even during the times when I was so down on my luck, never has he blasted me or written anything untrue about me. Always keeping to the truth, and I am thankful to him for that.
"Tristan!" He shouted as he saw me, and I approached him with a smile. "Robert! It's good to see you here!" I greeted him as we shook hands. I felt Hedge approach from behind, keeping an eye on things as he always does. "I wonder if you could answer a few questions while I have you here?" he asked politely. "Five minutes, Tristan, then we need to go inside," Millie reminded me before I could agree.
I smiled as the camera pointed at me as I answered a few of his questions. Most of which was about the event and the status of my latest movie, which was being filmed at the moment. We shared a few gossip stories and laughed at some of the more ridiculous happenings in the entertainment world in general.
I felt a tug on my back, and I turned to see Millie behind me. "We need to go now," she said as she stepped back. "It was good to see you again, Robert." I reached for his hand for a final shake. "Thank you for your time! Enjoy the event, and congratulations on the award!" He replied as he released my hand. I followed Millie with Hedge trailing right behind me as we entered the hall where the awarding will take place.
I was led to my seat together with some other celebrities as Millie and Hedge went to the side where personal staff are assigned to stay during the duration of the event. I greeted those who were seated with me at our table and chatted with them as we waited for the ceremony to start.
After a few minutes the event got underway as the host came on stage and welcomed all of us. One by one, awards were given and performances were presented as the night drew on. Finally my name was called, and I accepted my award with a smile. I gave a speech thanking all those who contributed to my success as well as my fans for their continued support.
I sat back down after my speech and chatted with the people around me, thanking them for their congratulations. Soon, the event ended, and we proceeded to the afterparty. Drinks and finger foods flowed, and everyone generally had a great time. Celebrities mingled with one another while directors spoke to managers and actors about future projects.
Screens were scattered all over the venue, showcasing products and brands of all kinds. Some were also showing trailers from upcoming shows and movies, including the one I'm shooting for. I had just left a conversation with a former co-star when I found myself in front of one of those screens. On it was an advertisement for a jewelry brand. I smiled as I watched the female model on the screen twirl around as she was rained on by jewels of all colors. The camera, focusing on different parts of her body, showcased the different pieces she was wearing.
The shot ended on the model's face as she showed her hand with a ring and bracelets of exquisite make, together with a pair of earrings and a necklace that matched. The name of the brand came up next. My smile got wider as I saw the name "Celestial Creations" on screen.
Piper, my daughter, in all of her glory, was finally showing the world how beautiful she is. I have been trying to get her to enter the entertainment industry for a while now. And despite my best efforts, she continued to decline my invitations. It wasn't until the last time she visited that she relented, though she still refused to let me help or even take her with me to my own agency. Deciding to strike it out on her own.
Now seeing her face on advertisements for not just "Celestial Creations" but a variety of brands brings me so much joy and pride. Watching the advertisement run again made me remember the time she visited me after more than a year of being away.
---------Flashback---------
It was a rare day off for me, sitting down on the balcony of my L.A. apartment. I was enjoying the relative quiet, sipping coffee when I heard the distant ringing of the doorbell. Thinking it was someone from the agency, I ignored it and left it to Hedge to answer. It's been years since he started to work for me, and I've grown to trust the satyr completely.
I heard his loud, bellowing voice but couldn't make out his words, but it sounded like he was surprised. I waited for a little bit, knowing his wife and my secretary, Millie, would come to me to inform me about whoever it was that arrived just now. I was proven right when a few minutes after the doorbell rang, Millie came out of the balcony with a wide smile on her face. Her eyes were almost shining with excitement, for what I do not know yet.
"Tristan, Piper's here!" Millie said, and in an instant, I was on my feet and on the move towards the interior of the apartment. "They're in the living room!" Millie yelled from behind me as I rushed to where my daughter was. I found them in the living room; Piper was just sitting down when she saw me. Her eyes widened, and she shot up and came to me running.
"Dad!" she shouted as she lunged, wrapping her arms around me just as I did the same. I wrapped her in my arms and lifted her. I basked in the happiness of having my daughter in my arms again after so long a long time away. After a while we let go of each other, but I kept my hands on her shoulder, my eyes roaming around her as I studied her for what could have changed during her time away.
She was still basically the same Piper I last saw. But with the noticeable lack of shadows under her eyes. Her eyes, once dull and almost lifeless, were now shining with happiness and full of life. She was healthier, and her once thin body now has its old toned form. But more importantly, her smile was one of true unadulterated happiness.
I smiled down at her as I felt gratitude to her mother. It seems whatever she did for Piper worked wonders, not just physically, but mentally as well. I guess mothers do know best.
"I missed you!" Piper said as she looked up at me. My heart swelled as I heard her say that. Even though we talk regularly on the phone. Having her here, seeing her face to face, is a different feeling. Especially after all that has happened between us. After I learned and accepted the truth, having her near me became more important for me. Her long absence has caused a longing in my heart I didn't know how to fill.
"Me too! How have you been?" I asked after I was satisfied with what I saw. "I'm good! We're good," she replied with a smile. I saw movement from the corner of my eye; I turned and was surprised to see someone else. A tall, black-haired young man was standing there with a soft smile on his face as he gazed at me and Piper.
With his green eyes gazing at us, I finally recognized him from Piper's and Aphrodite's stories. The man Piper's mother sent her to live with during her recuperation. The man that guaranteed her safety not just from monsters but from the gods themselves. And according to Piper, one of her best friends and the one she trusted the most.
Percy Jackson.
The one who saved the world more times than I care to know. Someone who has battled and defeated literal monsters and gods if the stories were to be believed. Such a legend was currently standing beside me, in my home, looking at us with a softness I didn't expect from someone like him.
He noticed me looking at him, and he held out his hand as he introduced himself.
"It's great to finally meet you in person, sir! My name is Percy Jackson. How do you do?" Percy greeted as he shook my hand with a firm grip. His hands I noticed were calloused and scarred, proving all I had been told about him. Just that minute's contact with him convinced me that this smiling young man shaking my hand can and would kill a man with ease.
I tried not to show how intimidated I was by him, so I smiled as I answered. "I'm doing great! Better even, now that Piper is here!" I replied as I gazed back to my daughter, who was, by now, standing next to Percy.
"Let's sit down." I gestured for the two of them to take a seat, and they followed. I sat down myself as I studied the two, and I couldn't help but notice how close they were. Piper was basically attached to his side, and the way she was looking at him. It was the way I used to look at her mother.
'She's in love with him.'
I thought, not really shocked with that discovery. Percy was handsome, kind, and strong. There was also a gravity around him that even I could sense. Like you can't help but be drawn to him. Add to the fact that according to Piper herself, Percy really pulled out all of the stops to help her heal, both her mind and heart.
So it was understandable for my daughter to have fallen in love with him. The only problem I can see is that, if memory serves me right, Percy is currently in a relationship with another friend of theirs. A certain Hazel, who, as it happens, is also living with them. Now I'm all for fighting for your love and all, but I wouldn't condone destroying a happy relationship.
And based on what I know of Percy, he isn't the kind to two-time a woman. I'm sure he had the opportunity; with how attractive he is, he wouldn't have a problem getting any women to get with him. Regardless of if he is in a relationship or if the woman is.
I was about to speak when Piper beat me to it. "We're actually here to tell you something, Dad," Piper started, her fingers picking at the leather of the seat, a nervous habit she's always had. I smiled despite the dread I was feeling. Basing on what I noticed and the nervousness she was exhibiting, I had a pretty good idea of where this was going.
If that was the case, then I'm going to have a very pointed conversation with Percy. And it won't matter how scary the young man is; I'm going to have to be a father and make my displeasure known. And try to dissuade Piper from this path of heartache she was heading to.
Looking pointedly at Piper, I waited for her to start speaking. Finally, she found the courage to start after looking at Percy and him grabbing her hand. An action that made me twitch in irritation.
Piper lifted her left hand, the one not being held by Percy. Holding it up to show me the back of it. I noticed a huge bejeweled ring on her ring finger, and I sucked in a deep breath. Piper must have seen the shock and disbelief on my face because she hurried to announce her news.
"Percy and I," she paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Well, we're engaged!" She forced out. nervousness coloring the tone of her voice. Yet all I saw in her eyes was a quiet determination to see through this confession. She was apprehensive of the news and how I would take it. But she is also hopeful that I wouldn't be opposed to it. At the same time, I could tell that she wasn't going to change her mind about her choice in Percy as a life partner.
As a father, I respected her feelings, but I also wanted what's best for her. So I was left with no other choice but to determine what exactly was going on with them.
"And, pray tell, what exactly is going on with you and that girl Hazel?" I could feel a frown come over my face as I asked. I saw Percy look uncomfortable with my question; he squirmed for a bit. I was going to push him for an answer when once again, my daughter took over for him.
"Well, Hazel is also engaged with Percy, just like I am." Piper's answer left me reeling. I felt my anger rising, and so did my daughter. Before I could explode on Percy, Piper continued to explain for me the reason behind her decision to enter into this sort of setup.
"Before you get angry at Percy, just know that I was the one who approached him. I was the one who confessed first. I asked him to be my boyfriend rather than the opposite," Piper explained, further shocking me. I knew my daughter was the type to take matters into her own hands. But never in my life did I think of her as someone who would actively try to get with another woman's lover.
"Why would you do that? I thought you and that Hazel girl were friends?" I asked her, my tone more disappointed rather than angry.
"We are! And she didn't mind me going for Percy!" was Piper's answer, which made me stop in my tracks. "She's okay with you trying to take Percy from her?" I questioned, unable to believe what she was saying. Unless there was something else going on with them.
"She's okay with it because I'm not taking Percy away from her. We are sharing Percy between us," Piper revealed with a soft voice, her eyes staring at mine. Imploring me to try to understand. "Explain it to me, Piper! Because I don't get it." I told Piper, who sighed. She looked at Percy first before turning back to me.
"Okay, I'll explain." Piper started, leaning back on the seat while Percy just held her hand and smiled at her, showing his support. Normally I would have approved of such a display of affection, but not right now. Not with my mind running with all sorts of negative ideas about what they have.
What followed was an explanation about how she fell in love with Percy and what she went through before she was sent to live with him. The talk she had with the girl Hazel, who was already with Percy at the time, and the fact that she was encouraged by said girl to confess her love to Percy.
"So, Hazel basically gave you permission to get with Percy?" I asked, still having a hard time believing. "Not really gave me permission. But she pushed me to be honest with myself and urged me to act on it. She told me that my happiness was just waiting for me to grab it by the collar, and all I had to do was kiss Percy, and all will be well." She replied with a smile.
"And that's exactly what you did!" Percy spoke for the first time since Piper started to explain. The smile he had as he gazed at Piper showed the depths of his love for her. Piper turned and smiled back before lifting their adjoined hands and kissing Percy's. "What did you mean by that?" my curiosity got the better of me. Percy turned to me, a soft smile still on his lips.
"Your daughter invited me to a picnic by the lake near our place. When I got there, she and Hazel had already set up the food and everything else. We were enjoying the day, just relaxing while we watched the clouds up in the sky when Hazel left; she said she forgot something back at the mansion." Percy began telling the tale with a faraway look while Piper was blushing slightly, her head leaning on Percy's shoulder, her free hand now clutching his arm and caressing it.
"What I didn't know at the time was that the two of them had planned for that to happen. That Piper was going to open up her feelings and ask me to be her boyfriend." The smile on his face now had a teasing lilt to it as he turned to Piper and kissed the top of her head. I was really conflicted with what I was seeing. In one hand, Percy really did love my daughter, and she loves him. I wanted to be happy for them and give them my blessing and support. But on the other hand, Percy is also involved with another woman. Engage with her also. And that just doesn't sit well with me. Not yet anyway.
"At first I didn't accept; I was with Hazel, and even though I had already fallen in love with Piper at the time, I couldn't allow myself to accept her feelings and betray Hazel like that." There was a rueful look on Percy's face as he said this. And I could see he struggled with the decision back then. All of a sudden, tears started to flow down Piper's eyes. She was looking up at Percy with a longing so intense I could feel it from across the space we were in. She reached up and held Percy's face, turning it to face her. "I love you, Percy! And I am very thankful you accepted me and my feelings. Never ever think that I regret what I decided back then." She told Percy before pulling him in for a short yet heated kiss.
When they pulled away, Percy wiped her tears and smiled at her. They settled back down, and Percy continued his story, which made me happy for them and a bit envious as well. Envious of what they had, wishing I had that same thing with someone, anyone really.
"Where was I? Right. So I was planning on turning her down gently when Hazel came out from behind a tree where she had been watching. She came over and told me that she was okay and that she was the one to push Piper into doing this. She explained that I didn't need to think of it as me cheating with her. and that she knows her place and is fully aware of the circumstances of our life. and that she has already accepted Piper as family." I blinked in surprise and shock. This girl Hazel is a bigger person than I give her credit for. Never have I known anyone who would have taken such news with grace and openness as she had.
"And so, with Hazel's encouragement, your daughter here grabbed me by the collar of my shirt and kissed me hard. Then she told me that she loves me and that she would like for us to start dating. With that declaration, I was moved and convinced to accept." Percy teased, making Piper blush deeper as she hid her face behind his shoulder as she smacked his arms weakly.
"And after a few months, I proposed to her, and she accepted." It was now Percy's turn to grab her hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing it. I smiled despite myself at the display of affection they both had for the other.
By this point I was convinced that Percy wasn't doing this just so he could have two women to himself for selfish reasons or even depraved, perverted reasons. I am now sure he really did love both Piper and Hazel, and both girls loved him back just as much. I am now also convinced that both girls went with this setup, just so neither of them has to be hurt and be left behind by Percy. Rather than making him choose between them, they decided to share him instead. It was weird, but strangely enough, it works out. As long as they remain honest with each other, that is.
"But how will that work? You can only marry one of them, and yet you proposed to both of them?" I asked Percy, a lot more calmly than when we started. My mind was still a mess, but I now can look at their situation with an open mind now.
I saw Piper and Percy look to the other with apprehension in their eyes, and I immediately got the feeling that they were still hiding something from me. They held their gazes for a few minutes. Communicating with just their eyes like some old married couple. Like they've been together for decades rather than the few months it's been. Apparently reaching a decision, Piper turned to face me with a serious look on her face while Percy placed his hand on her back. Again, signifying his support for her in whatever she has decided to do.
"There's something else you need to know about us, but you have to promise to listen first. Okay, whatever happens, you have to let me and Percy finish explaining before you react. Can you do that, Dad? Because if you can't promise that, then we're getting up and we will leave." Piper stated as she stared at me with nothing but quiet resolve in her eyes, telling me she was dead serious about leaving if I was unable to agree with her condition.
Finding no other option, and not really liking the idea of my daughter leaving before telling me what this other thing is. I promised to keep calm, or rather to stay quiet and let the both of them say their piece before I react. How I would react will depend on their news anyway, so I gave them my word, and they began telling the second part of their story.
What followed was a story deserving of a movie of multiple parts. What they told me was so fantastical it had to have been written by the legends of literacy from the time of Homer. A war of such magnitude! A possible end of the world. The man sitting in front of me saving the world not just once or twice. Of a reward demanded by the Fates themselves, which the gods have granted Percy two of. A story of two wishes that brought so much change not just to Percy's life, but to my daughter's as well.
He was then told of a land that was granted to the young man. A land that ensures his safety from monsters and keeps the gods and any divine entity away from him. And a curse that masked or removed the scent that attracted monsters to demigods, ensuring his safety when they are out in the mortal world. Giving him the freedom and safety to live life as a normal person. Or as normal as a powerful warrior and demigod could get.
Piper then told me of the curse that was placed on Percy, a curse that she now also shares. Or rather, a curse that she is now a part of. She told me of the curse of the Harem, granting her the same rewards Percy was given. In exchange for her loyalty and obedience. I almost blew my top upon hearing that, only to be reminded of my promise to her earlier. So, I gritted my teeth and continued to listen to her words.
She told me of how the gods practically pushed the Harem curse onto Percy, saying that it was either this or anything else the Fates would think of giving him. Godhood, something Percy had already turned down twice, I'm told, was not out of the options. And so Percy agreed after making sure that the gods would not be pushing women to him. Piper assured me that the rules of the harem ensure that no one, no one, can be forced into joining.
Piper followed up with how she became a part of the harem. Of her struggles that I was aware of, just not how severe it was. I almost cried hearing of how close I was to losing her. After calming me, Piper continued to tell me how she went to her mother for help. Percy took over from there, telling me of how Aphrodite came to him asking for a favor. How he got angry at her until she explained what was happening to Piper. He continued to tell me of the meeting he had with Piper, where he explained about his reward and the curse and his invitation to Piper to live with him. For the safety his land provided, not to be a part of the harem.
Piper took over after him. She shared how shocked she was and how she tried very hard not to fall for Percy. She explained how Percy has supported her since the first day she came to live with him. The visit to the therapist, his presence when she needed someone. How willing he was to be there for her for anything she needed. All the time she lived with him, never even once did Percy show her any indication of wanting more than being her friend. How he was the perfect gentleman to her. How the topic of the harem never came up unless she brought it up. and Percy never ever gave her the idea that he wanted her to be part of his harem.
Piper reminded me that it was her idea to join the harem, that it was she who talked with Hazel. Who was at the time the first and only member of Percy's harem? How Hazel supported her in her decision to confess to Percy and assured her that she had no problem with her becoming a part of the harem.
"And it was the best decision I have ever made!" Piper declared with a voice full of conviction. There was no doubt in her voice about what her choice was, and I was left with no other choice than to believe her. "I am now with Percy! A man who loves and cherishes me. Someone who I am sure will never leave me. Someone I love with all of my heart and soul." She confessed, looking straight at the man who was seated beside her with eyes shining with so much love they were almost glowing. I had a hard time looking at them.
Percy didn't have such a problem; he stared back at Piper with the same love in his eyes. His face was being lit up with a beautiful smile that would have made any woman swoon. Such was his beauty; I am sure he could have any number of women agree to joining his harem. But, from what I was told, for the first few years since he was granted that harem, he stayed alone. It took Hazel coming to live with him for him to have the first member. And it took more than a year for Piper to be a part of his harem as well.
Just from that, I could tell that he was the kind of man that was decent and good-hearted. But I still had to be sure. "And you're happy?" I asked.
"I am!" was all Piper said, but that was more than enough. Her eyes, filled with happiness and love, spoke volumes for all the things that were left unsaid. I nodded my head and turned to Percy. "As a father, I only want happiness for my daughter. This setup you have is something that I normally would never approve of. But your lives are anything but normal," I said to him as I locked eyes with him. His serious expression was something I'm sure I was mirroring. "So all I'll ask of you is to keep her happy. Do that, and I will never be against whatever the future has in store for you." Piper kept quiet as I waited for Percy to respond.
With a straight face, Percy replied to my words. "I promise to always love and care for your daughter, Piper. To always take her opinions and thoughts into consideration. Never will I force her to do anything she is unwilling to do herself, nor will I ever force my will upon her. I promise she will always have my undying love, devotion, and loyalty, for as long as she remains true to me. I will forever protect her and those she loves, and she will never be left wanting for anything. For as long as this world exists, I promise to always be with her, and I promise to do my best to always keep and make her happy. All this I swear to the Styx, to the gods, and to the Fates themselves."
His declaration, his promise, took me aback. I may be new to this mythical world, but I at least know the significance of the Names he invoked in his promise. The muted thunder that followed his words proved that his words were accepted for what they are. A promise, one that had dire consequences should he break it. The conviction in his eyes assured me that he will never go back on his words, which is something I was hoping for in a partner for Piper. I am very glad she managed to find someone like that, and the one she found even exceeded what I was wishing for.
I nodded at Percy's words, not trusting my words to properly convey my approval for his promise. My daughter, on the other hand, had no such problem.
She gasped, and tears pooled in her eyes as she listened to Percy; then she jumped on Percy when he was done. Her arms went around his neck as she pulled him to her as she devoured his lips in a heated kiss. A kiss that made me turn my eyes away. After what seems to be a long enough time, Percy manages to detach himself from Piper's lips to remind her where they are. "Piper, your father is watching," Percy said in a low voice. Piper whined but refrained from taking his lips again; she did, however, pepper his jaw with little pecks as she clutched at his shirt, unwilling to let go.
"I love you!" I heard Piper murmur as she continued to rain kisses on Percy's face. Every kiss followed by the words, a promise of her own to the man who has done so much for her. The man who captured her heart and offered his own. The man she chose.
With much effort, Percy finally got Piper off him and sat back on the seat. "Sorry about that," he apologized sheepishly. "It's your fault! What did you think I was going to do when you said that? Even Hazel would have reacted the same way if she were here, and you told her the same thing!" Piper replied as she pouted. "Regardless, I don't think it was appropriate to show that scene to your father," Percy shot back teasingly. Piper huffed but remained quiet as she grabbed Percy's hand, continuing to rain kisses on it rather than his face.
Percy sighed but let it be as he turned back to me. His sea-green eyes shining with nothing but love for my daughter.
---------Flashback end---------
"Tristan!"
I was shaken out of my thoughts by a call from behind. I turned to see two very familiar faces approaching me. Ryan and Blake, two of the most popular actors today, and considered to be this generation's power couple.
Ryan had a wide smile on his face, fresh from the success of his latest Marvel movie. Something I enjoyed watching very much. His wife, Blake, hung on his arms with the same smile on her face. Truly a match blessed by Aphrodite, I would know.
"Ryan! Congratulations on the movie! I enjoyed watching it!" I shook Ryan's hand as I greeted him. I smiled at Blake as I took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Blake, still as beautiful as ever!" I teased her as I watched her blush slightly. "Oh hush you!" she replied with a soft smile. "Try not to steal my wife, old man!" Ryan teased back as I let go of his wife's hand. "What can I say? Women just can't help my charm!" I shot back.
We shared a laugh as we traded stories and gossip. At some point, Blake's attention shifted to the screen behind me. "Ah! Yes, Celestial Creations! They are all the rage nowadays," Ryan exclaimed as he noticed his wife's attention to it. "You know them?" I asked, surprised. "I know of them; how could I not? Blake's been obsessed with them!" Ryan mentioned with a tired sigh.
"I'm not obsessed! I just like them!" Blake responded as Ryan shook his head. "They have a store here in Vegas. Why don't you go and get something from them?" I asked. "I offered, but she wants to commission something unique from them. We called them up and were told they are fully booked for the next 4 months." Ryan answered while Blake just started longingly at the screen, now showing Piper showcasing her necklace. An idea popped into my head.
"Maybe I could help?" Immediately, Blake's head turned to me. Zeroing in on me as Ryan just stared. "How?" he asked. I pointed to the screen, and they both turned to it. "The model," I started, "What's with her?" Blake asked, curious about how I could help her. "Her name is Piper McLean, my daughter," I shared and saw the shocked looks on their faces. "Really?" Blake confirmed, and I nodded.
"So you can reach out to her and she can pass along a message for us to the owners?" Ryan asked, quite eager to get the ball rolling on his wife's order. "Not exactly," I cautioned, making Ryan frown. "The way they do business is that the owner and designer will meet up with potential customers for custom orders. What I can do is try to set up a meeting for you." I explained, "You can?" Blake asked excitedly while Ryan asked if I was sure my daughter could manage that.
"It's not that I'm doubting your words, Tristan, but your daughter's their model. How close is she to the owners?" I nodded at his valid question, so I decided to be honest with my answer as well. "Very, she's actually engaged to the owner, Percy." I told them, and once again, I was treated to the sight of their shocked faces.
"She's..." Blake started but got cut off. "How soon can you get in touch with her?" Ryan forged ahead. Excited and eager to get a move on. "Someone's excited!" I teased, but all I saw was determination in his eyes. I think he was the one who was actually looking forward to this meeting rather than Blake.
Hmm,...
A gift for her maybe? I thought.
After a while I answered his question. "I'll call her later tonight. I'll let you know when and where, okay?" I told him, and he just nodded. Blake beamed at that and said that she couldn't wait.
We parted after hashing out a few details, and I returned to my seat to rest a little. I'm not as young as I used to be after all. The event went on for a few more hours, and I mingled some more. networked for Percy's company and even got the scoop on the latest gossip and news. It was hours later that I found myself back in the car, on the way back to the hotel for the night. Then tomorrow, we're on our way back to the set to continue filming.
"I'll send this back to your place ahead." Millie told me, lifting the box that held the award I won today. I nodded in agreement; I wouldn't want to lug that around; better send it over. I'll figure out where to display it later.
"I noticed you bagging a few new customers for Percy," Hedge yapped all of a sudden. "They were asking about the company; I just told them I know the owner." I replied, leaning my head back against the seat. "Hmm" was all the response I got.
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It was later in the evening; I was in my hotel room, sitting on a chair, looking over the Vegas skyline as I nursed a drink in one hand. The other holding my phone, waiting for the call I made to connect.
The other line kept ringing as I waited patiently for Piper to pick up the call. After a few more rings, I finally heard Piper's voice as she answered. "Hi, Dad! I'm glad you called! Congrats on the award! You deserve it!" Piper rambled as soon as she answered the phone. I laughed at her antics and thanked her.
"Thanks, baby! Listen, I called because I need a favor," I told her straight, knowing she and Percy didn't enjoy talking in circles. "Okay... What do you need?" She asked, a bit wary. "It's not much really; it's just I know a couple of actors that would want to commission something from Percy," I said. "Then they need to call the store to set up a meet," she replied, and I cut her off. "They already did. It'll take 4 months to get to them." I followed.
"I don't know about that, Dad. Percy's already swamped as it were." Piper protested for her fiancé, but I pushed on. "Please, baby!. It would mean so much to me," I pleaded, knowing Piper would cave. "Fine! I'll try. But no promises, okay?" I smiled at my success. "Thanks! I owe you one," I said, relieved.
"Who's the favor for anyway?" Piper suddenly asked. "Oh! Right! It's for Ryan, the one that played Deadpool!" I replied. It was quiet on the other end; I thought the call got cut off. I pressed the phone closer to my ear, and I heard the quiet breathing from the other end. "Piper?" I called out and waited for a response.
"Percy will flip!" Piper suddenly shouted. "He loves that movie! I'm going to tell him now! Talk to you later, Dad!" The call ended, leaving me reeling from how the mood shifted. After a while I smiled at my good fortune.
I lifted my glass and drained it all. I set it down on the table and headed back to my bed, ready to sleep. I have an early day tomorrow, and I wanted to rest up. I wonder how that meeting would go? I wish I could go with Ryan so I could watch.
Oh well, I'll just ask Piper to record it and to send it to me.
I drifted off to sleep as I imagined how Percy would look when he meets the real Deadpool.