For a moment, Athena wondered if she should hug the man. She knew it was what daughters did, expressing love for their fathers.
But Athena was not certain she lovedherfather. He wasn’t exactly the most accessible man, physically or emotionally.
But an ember deep inside her caught a spark as the childish desires flourished once more that said perhaps beneath her armor, where no one could see, she could want those things, too.
Love, appreciation, understanding.
The need to be a good daughter, to obey this god who commanded obedience with just the blink of an eye was too difficult to fight.
And perhaps Athena wanted more than to please him; perhaps she wanted more than his praise.
Perhaps she wanted to put an end to this madness, once and for all.
Zeus opened the door, his demeanor shifting completely as he welcomed the reporter.
“Who’s this? You have a new girlfriend or something?” the reported teased.
Zeus shot her a warm smile.
“Heavens no. Minerva is just a... family friend,” he said sweetly.
Athena rolled her eyes. Shehatedwhen he referenced her Roman name, the one she’d taken for a time during her gladiator days if only to separate herself and her love for the sport.
She was born Athena, and that was what shepreferredto be called.
“I was just leaving,” she said as she hurried past them, not bothering to say goodbye.
* * *
Beinga Goddess came with many perks. One of Athena’s favorites being the power tocompelhumans into doing what she wanted, if she wanted. Such as commandeering a stranger to give her their cell phone so she could call Calliope.
“Yes?” Calliope answered, her voice deadpanned.
“Callie, I have a favor to ask of you,” she said without any preamble whatsoever.
“I should have known it was you. What side of town have you ended up on this time?”
“Very funny. I’m in downtown LA. You’ll never believe it but—”
“Zeus is in town, I know.”
“Don’t tell me you’re going to see his show,” Athena bit while the human who’d given her his phone watched her in a daze.
“I can not confirm or deny such allegations,” Calliope said innocently. Athena rolled her eyes.
“I need you to run by my condo,” she said quickly.
“Oh, really?” Calliope’s voice elevated with excitement.
“Yeah, I uh... kind of left in a hurry, and you see, last night I was at the DeLux, and there was this guy...”
Calliope let out a laugh that was somehow both judgmental and innocent.
“Oh my word, Athena, you are something else, you know that.”
“Listen, Callie, you know I wouldn’t ask if I could...”
“What sort of wild goose chase is dear old Dad sending you on that you can’t check on your boy toy yourself?” Calliope asked casually.
