Page 78 of Riding the Pine

Ares grins at me. “You’re doing just fine, hermano. Do you need any help?”

I nod. “Actually, I do. Could you keep her busy for like two hours on the day so I can set shit up on her roof?”

Apollo smiles now too. “Rooftop date. I like it. February in Iowa. Not exactly an easy, do-nothing date, but rather a 'make sure you don't lose a finger' kind of date. Very smooth, Scottie. Very smooth.”

My face heats as I nod. “Twinkling lights, a bundle of heavy blankets, a candy buffet of her favorite things, and a movie on the wall of her building.” I’m kind of proud of myself for coming up with that, so if any of these three fuckers pick holes in my plan, I might actually cry.

The three of them go quiet and stare at me again. My chest might implode while I wait for someone to saysomething.Anything.

“I think she’s going to love it.” Artemis assures me, patting my shoulder. “And you’re right. The family name is easier for us to carry ‘cause we’re men. We get to play the sport we love, occasionally show up for shit, and expectations of us are often lower than for Athena, even if we feel like they aren’t. She’s got that first kid shit to deal with. I think it’s a great idea, Scott. She’s going to love it.”

For now, I can only hope. It was a great idea until Ares mentioned taking her to Paris. I’d fucking love to do that. Having dinner with the Eiffel Tower in the background would be a dream come true. But for now, I’ll have to settle for a sunsetpicnic on her roof with the two of us bundled up in sweaters watching Notting Hill and hope that she finds it as sweet an idea as I first did when this whole idea came to mind.

CHAPTER 32

Athena

FEBRUARY 14TH

Ihave to admit, when Scott told me our Valentine’s Day plans involved yoga pants and no makeup—unless I wanted to wear it, of course— I wasn’t sure what to expect.

My annoying as fuck brothers have kept me occupied for the last couple hours while Scott has been let loose in my apartment. If he’s trying to bake brownies or some shit and sets fire to the house, I’ll kill them all.

Sure, I could afford to replace the building, but I’d really rather not. Abuelita has always said that just because we have money, doesn’t always mean we have to spend it on stupid shit. She and Mamá have come from nothing, and while we live in an enormous house, and we don’t want for nothing, they’ve always been smart with their money.

They’re the people I use for my North Star when it comes to managing my money.

Papá on the other hand, for all the riches he has in his vault, like Scrooge McDuck, he can often make impulsive and rash choices which result in poor investments. I often wonder if he’s lost as much money as he has made. Or worse, perhaps even more.

I did exactly what Scott suggested, I’m not wearing makeup, I’m in yoga pants and a UCR hoodie, and I didn’t even blow dry my hair straight. That shit is wild and probably still damp because my hair takes so damn long to dry.

My building’s still in one piece, at least for now, and from the outside as I approach. Scott also told me no gifts. So, while I have a bag of snacks in my hand containing a packet of Nerd ropes, some seasonal Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and a family sized box of Cheez-Its for my boyfriend, I didn’t go crazy. Even though I wanted to.

I want to give him the world. He has no idea how much he means to me, how amazing he is, how strong, and kind, and funny, and, and, and… At the end of the day, anyone can make money and be wealthy, but not everyone can be a good person. Scott’s the best, and for some reason, he’s picked me.

The thought sends a shiver through my body. He picked me. I hate getting all giddy about a boy, but I can’t help it.

Scott Raine makes me giddy.

I roll my eyes to myself as I walk past the concierge. There are two people sitting in the chairs in the lobby, both on their laptops, and a third who is scrolling on his phone with a bunch of roses draped across his knee.

The elevator ride to my apartment takes longer than usual. It doesn’t, not really, but itfeelslike it does because I’m impatient to see my guy. Mi amor.

My door takes two attempts to open because my hand is trembling so much, I almost drop the damn key. I’ve never had a Valentine’s date. I’ve never had someone surprise me or go to any effort for me or put me on a spending ban for a holiday.

Usually, my dates want me to spend money on them. I get the check, I buy them gifts, one guy even dated me to ask me for investment in his crypto start up. I applaud his moxie, but also, don’t fuck with me.

Scott never fucks with me, he’s never wanted my brothers’ money, he’s never wanted anything from me that isn’t my most authentic and ‘just me’ self.

“Hello?”

There’s no answer when I call into my apartment.

“Scottie?”

I push the door open, step inside, and drop the bag of goodies on the couch.

“Gizmo? Where the heck are you?”

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