CHAPTER18
“A date?”His father chuckled. “You must really like this Athena.”
“She’s... different,” Brian said solidly.
What could he say?
He’d promised to keep Athena’s secrets, and it wasn’t as if he could outright spill the beans to his father that his Goddess girlfriend needed to bring her God brother into the presence of a magical rock to save him from losing his powers.
Surely, his father would have him committed.
“She seems like a hell of a woman if she’s got you planning elaborate dates.”
“Well, she’s kind of worth it,” he said, meaning every word.
She was worth the trouble and so much more.
His father moved about his home office as if he hadn’t just had a heart attack only a few days ago. After the third night of observation, he’d been given the green light to return home on the condition he take things easy, which Brian knew would be a feat much more difficult than anything else. Even saving a God from the pitfall of mortality.
His father opened a drawer, removing a small key. He held it in front of him like the artifact fromIndiana Jones & the Temple of Doom.
“Do not touch anything, and clean up whatever you bring,” he said as he handed him the key.
“That’s it?” Brian said, worried there was some more fine print.
“Briony, regardless of what you think, I, too, know what it’s like to be in love. I’m happy to see you happy. Just don’t screw it up, okay?”
And there it is.
Though for the first time, Brian could hear legitimate concern in his father’s voice.
“Love is too precious. It deserves the greatness it instills on the person that feels it.”
Brian plucked the key from his hand.
“Thank you,” he said as he slid it in his pocket. “I won’t let you down.”
His father smiled and it reached his eyes. “Son, you’ve never let me down. I just want what’s best for you and this family’s legacy.”
His words fell on Brian’s heavy shoulders.
“I’ll take good care of this,” he said as he exited his father’s office, leaving him to his work.
Tellulah was waiting around the corner like a hawk.
“So, planning a picnic at the Leehan Gallery.”
“That is none of your business,” he said as he walked through the living room with her on his heels.
“You going to propose or some shit?” she teased him.
Brian shot her an exasperated look.
“I’ve known her for like a week, Lu.”
“When you know, you know.” She shrugged. “And I get a good vibe about her. She seems like she’s here to stay.”
Brian stopped in his tracks, turning to face his sister.
