Worth It - Lisa Oliver Page 0,25

That same tarnish that’s seen Hades shunned and ignored for all time by everyone including your daughter, the Dread Queen. You and Persephone should be celebrating that horrible burden is now gone, all thanks to Ali, Hades’ new consort. In fact, I think you should both send the loving couple a gift.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Demeter lifted her chin proudly.

“I’m insisting on it. Plot and scheme behind my back all you like, sister dear, but never forget who rules here. If you don’t like it, I’m sure earth is lovely this time of year.”

“You wouldn’t dare banish me from Olympus.” But Demeter didn’t look so arrogant now.

“Olympus is my domain, my realm, just like the Underworld belongs to Hades and the seas are presided over by our brother Poseidon. Don’t push your luck.”

Zeus’s computer dinged, letting him know his program had finished. Ignoring Demeter completely, he sat down, clicking the button to read the results. There were still more than a hundred names on the list. The door slamming announced Demeter’s departure. She’ll be back. Zeus made a mental note to warn his brother that their sister was on the warpath, and started going through the lists of gods, one of which would be Paulie’s father.

/~/~/~/~/

“Hi Paulie, did you have a good weekend?” Paulie jolted as Nathan fell into step beside him. “You’re looking a bit tired.”

“Family stuff,” Paulie said quickly, stuffing his book into his bag. He didn’t have a class for another hour, so was on his way to find a quiet spot for lunch, but after what happened on Friday, he didn’t want to be rude. “How did things go with you and Suzanna? I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

“I start at the garage next week.” Nathan shrugged. “Suzanna and I talked most of Friday night, and then we both talked to our parents over the weekend. Things got a bit loud and weepy there for a while, but my mom convinced my dad having a grandchild was better than a football scholarship, and Suzanna’s father said that if I stayed at the garage for a year, kept up my studies, and proved myself, then he’d take me into the family business after that. They’re going to help us find a place to live. In the meantime, Suzanna and I are getting married next Saturday. It’s only going to be a quiet ceremony at the courthouse; us, our parents and I was hoping you’d be best man.”

“Are you sure?” Paulie hoped his shock didn’t show too badly. “I mean, I’d be honored, honestly, although I haven’t got a clue what a best man does. But don’t you have other friends…”

Nathan kicked at a stone, they were now outside and Paulie led the way to a spot on the edge of the large courtyard. It was shaded there, and usually avoided by the in-crowds. Perching himself on a bench seat, Paulie watched as Nathan hoisted himself up on the brick wall that ran along the perimeter.

“It seems my friends only thought I was cool and worth hanging around with when I was a rising sports star.” Nathan picked up a small pebble, tossing it between his hands. He stared out over the grassed area, watching the interplay between groups of students. “I didn’t think they were so shallow, you know, but having a baby has really changed my priorities. My dad said it was time for me to grow up, and he was right. You can’t be a kid and a dad at the same time.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Paulie laughed nervously. “I don’t have a kid or a dad, so, you know… I’ve been on my own a while.”

Lifting his leg up onto the wall, Nathan turned so they were facing each other. “How do you do it, man? How do you always look so clean, pressed and tidy? You’re always organized for classes and you never hand your assignments in late. I felt for sure you were living at home with a mom who did your laundry.”

“I learned how to use a washing machine when I was six,” Paulie shrugged self-consciously. “I had a lot of younger siblings. Cooking for myself was a necessity, if mom was tired she didn’t do it, and keeping tidy is just my way because my apartment is small, and I like to know where everything is.”

“Me and Suzanna won’t have much.” Nathan scratched his nose. “The parents have said they will help with furniture basics and stuff for