Intrigue (16 page)

I shook my head at him and replied, “I appreciate you scaring Thrace into good behavior. But remember, I could be dating much, much worse than Thrace.”

Dad nodded, “That’s true. Basically, he’s a good kid that just needs reminding every once in a while.”

I laughed, “Hey, he even took me to see
The
Jane Austen Book Club.
Now, since I am sure it will be a big day tomorrow, I am heading to bed.”

Both dad and mom looked shocked, and my dad replied, “Well, he must really love you, cause a guy wouldn’t see that movie unless he had his balls removed.”

I went upstairs as my parents debated whether dad would ever go see one of those types of movies with mom. I was still buzzing with caffeine so I wrote about the whole week in my journal and threw in Season 1 of Alias. I slowly drifted off to sleep somewhere in the middle of disk one.

My parents not only let me sleep in on my birthday, but my mom, Jazz, and Key took me down to Toledo to this wonderful place called
Ahava Spa and Wellness Center
. When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, she went through their Special Guest Program that gives individuals battling cancer free spa services. She said she never felt so pampered in her life. She totally looked transformed at the end of the day, so I have been hooked on the place ever since. Although I’m clearly not a girly girl, Spa Day kicks karate’s eyas on your birthday and probably a lot of other days as well. We got massages, manicures, pedicures, and our hair and make-up done. We looked like the before and after shots on those make over shows especially since mom got me this fantabulous green cocktail dress with adorable kitten heals. I’m thinking that we’re stepping out to some place sorta fancy for my birthday this year.

By the time we got back up to Detroit, I was so relaxed that I was ready to fall asleep rather than party, but I don’t think that was an option. I also don’t think I had an option of chucking my heels and pantyhose out the window. Both heels and pantyhose
had
to be invented by men to torture women. I only walked around in my adorable heels a couple blocks between the spa and the car, but I already had a blister. FLOCK! As soon as we hit the city limits of Detroit, a flurry of texts started between Jazz, Key, and unknown persons. I finally asked, “Where are we headed,” and got the standard response from my mom, “You’ll see.” I was thinking restaurant, club, or hotel. Instead, we pulled up to the GAR building. I looked totally confused as I commented, “What’s going on?” The whole car laughed this time and said, “You’ll see.”

As we walked to the front of the GAR building, there was a red carpet and velvet ropes making a pathway to the door. We went inside and there stood my father, Dr. A, Thrace, Tre, and Rafe, all in suits or tuxes. We all admired each other for several moments before I asked again, “What the flock is going on?” They all laughed and shook their heads at me. Dr. A stepped forward and explained, “Calli, we know all the hard work you have already put in to raise money to renovate the Grande Ballroom. So, we decided to help you out. It was really Rafe’s idea, so I will let him explain.”

Rafe stepped forward, and I was blown away by how handsome he was. “In June, we had a Casino Night fundraiser here for donors. It was a big hit and raised a lot of money for one of our renovation projects, so we decided to combine your birthday with a Casino Night fundraiser. We sent out information to all DAI parents. We’re charging a cover at the front door. Then, the students get to come to the party in the assembly room upstairs while parents get to do their Casino Event on the floor below. Parents have to pay another $20 to gamble, plus their chips. All proceeds go to the renovation fund. In the assembly room, we have a dance floor, Guitar Hero, and some Wii and Play Stations set up for the students. Key, Jazz, your parents, Thrace, your volunteer group, Dr. A, and the DUA have put in about a thousand hours, so they deserve the credit.

I was a little choked up, “I don’t know what to say. This is the most wonderful birthday surprise anyone could ask for! I’m not a hugger, but I definitely owe each one of you a big hug.” After that, a lot of hugging ensued, but I did not do the Miss America fake crying thing
—
I swear
. Dr. A led the way upstairs to the festivities. The rest of us followed in pairs with each gentleman offering his date his arm to hold as we climbed the stairs in our flockin heels.

Thrace leaned toward me and whispered, “You look totally hot.” I laughed with amusement and replied, “You clean up
very
fine as well.”

We checked out the casino area but were quickly sent on our way up to the Assembly room. It had been transformed into a dark and magical cave with several branches leading to Wii, Guitar Hero, and Play Station booths. However, the stage of the assembly room was still a dance floor. As we walked in, the DJ announced my presence and made everyone sing Happy Birthday. Thrace leaned down, kissed me, and dragged me onto to the dance floor for the first slow song. I looked up into his gentle blue eyes and said, “You own birthdays, Thrace. I am just not worthy.”

He laughed and asked, “So, how many balloons do I get back for this?”

I thought about it for a second and said, “I think for each thousand dollars we raise you get one balloon back. However, I don’t know exactly how probation has limited your actions or behavior in any way.”

“Hey, I haven’t drank
much
since I have been on probation.”

I laughed and said, “Please. You haven’t drank too often around
me,
which is probably why we are getting along so well and haven’t had any major fights.”

“Probably true, but since I spend so much time with you it feels like I have given up drinking—how about that?”

“I don’t know if that was a compliment or an insult. We’ll just call it a complisult and move on.” I leaned on his chest to enjoy the rest of the dance.

Shortly after that, we got separated. Jazz and Key wanted to kick my eyas in Wii tennis. Thrace headed to the Guitar Hero. I promptly chucked my shoes to take on Jazz first. Both Jazz and Key whooped me, which they loved because they never beat me in sparring. I was parched, so I headed to the back of the Assembly room where food and drink stations were set up. As I drank my water, I surveyed the room. It was packed. There were over 100 students in the hall. I could no longer see Thrace, Key, or Jazz over the throng of crazy classmates. Just as I finished my water, Rafe appeared at my side. He gave me his typical mischievous grin, “I never knew you had this many friends.”

I laughed and remarked, “I don’t, but the kids at our school can’t resist a good party.”

Sway
came on by
The Perishers
and Rafe said, “I requested this song for us.” With a flourish, he extended his hand to me with a slight bow. As if in a dream, I put my hand in his and he led me to the packed dance floor. The other couples seemed to engulf us, but strangely it was also like we were in our own little bubble. He solemnly whispered, “I always think of you when I hear this song. When I lost Cora, I never thought I would want anyone again.” As the lead swinger crooned about picking up the pieces and starting again, I looked away and tried to figure out what the flock I was doing.

When no answer came, I turned back to look into his gorgeous hazel eyes. For the first time, I saw a vulnerability that was always just behind his devilish demeanor. It seemed like the song was over before it barely began, and I had to move out of his arms before it got awkward. As I moved away, his hand entwined in mine, and I could feel something cool and metal enclose around my fingers. As the next song blasted through the Assembly Room, I looked down and saw a copper necklace in my hand. The necklace was a series of circles. They started small and got bigger with each circle. I gave him a puzzled look, so he took it from my hand and wrapped it around my neck. He took the smaller circle side and pulled it through one of the large circles. The necklace became a choker with a trailing line of small circles going down to the bottom point of the V-neck on my dress. He leaned down and huskily whispered, “Happy Birthday, Siren.”

Jazz was passing by and grabbed my hand and whisked me off before I did something stupid. “Girl, you two are asking for trouble. What were you thinking? Luckily, Thrace is tanked and oblivious right now. Otherwise, you would have been busted!”

I attempted to clear my head as she took me back to the refreshment table and got us both Mt. Dew. I tried to apologize to Jazz for scamming on someone she was interested in, but she admitted, “I knew which way his bat swung, but I at least had to throw the pitch after Siena. I never thought
you
would. He has always liked you from the get go. Now, it is up to you what your next move is. I don’t envy you that decision.”

I tried to act like she was making too much of what she saw, but what I really wanted was to escape Jazz’s scrutiny. I told Jazz I was gonna head to the bathroom just as a hottie soccer player came and asked her to dance. The hallway that leads to the bathroom was relatively peaceful after all the noise, but I could still here
Otis Redding’s
These Arms of Mine
playing. You can’t live in Detroit and not love Otis. Just as I was about to get to the bathroom, one of the office doors opened and there stood Delian in a tux. No man on this earth had a right to look that tempting in a tux. He looked like sin came to life as a human. He didn’t even speak to me. He just took my hand and pulled me into the office then into his arms for the rest of the dance. I was in shock and couldn’t really form a clear sentence, which was good because it would have probably embarrassed me again. His stormy eyes captured mine and the pure intensity and possessiveness of his gaze kept me silent. When the song was over, he leaned down and whispered, “Happy Birthday, Calliope. I can’t wait for your next one.” Then, he walked away. Who the
Flock
does that?

I headed downstairs to check on the Casino Night for the adults. The fourth floor was even more packed than the Assembly room, and the adults seemed to be having as good a time as their kids. I found my parents and asked how the event was going. Mom was killing at poker as usual, and dad was breaking even at Black Jack. They hugged me but scolded me for leaving my party. I assured them that nobody would miss me for five minutes. I asked when this shindig was over, and they said at the stroke of midnight it was no longer my birthday. I thanked them again and headed back upstairs.

When I found Thrace, I suggested we go sit up in the balcony and watch the party below. We sat in the middle front row. Thrace sat me in his lap and told me his escapades in planning and coordinating the whole event. I was so impressed that I let him move to Step # 7, which
was
making out
.
When his legs started to go numb, I got up and said we should head down and play some Wii. He thought he needed a couple minutes to compose himself and for the feeling to come back into his legs. I stepped away from him and started sending him mental images that would distract him--like our 90-year old librarian in a bathing suit. He yelled for me to stop because he didn’t have his mental block up. I laughed, took his hand, and escorted him down the stairs. We ended the night back on the dance floor with our friends in the mosh pit they had created.

All my friends stuck around to help clean up and get the final total for the event. My ‘birthday bash’ ended up raising over $15,000 dollars. In addition, we had even sold 100 more Sports and Spa Giveaway tickets. As I was cleaning up, I saw Rafe introduce Delian to my parents. I only overheard a little of the conversation as I shot Rafe a look that indicated retribution would be in order. He smiled back at me as both he and Delian sang my praises. Delian still gave me a wide berth as he took his tux jacket and tie off so he could better help with taking down the casino tables. Jazz, Key, and I sighed watching him.

As Jazz whispered, “Disturbing never looked so good!”

I smiled and replied, “Are you sure you don’t have
more
time to volunteer now? You won’t get tired of the view.”

Key laughed, “I see why you
love
volunteering so much. Even Rafe can’t hold a candle to that boy.”

I nodded in agreement, “Delian. His name is Delian.”

As if he heard me say his name across the room, he looked over at us with a smile and a raised eyebrow. Key and I looked away, but Jazz sent him a challenging stare right back. I think he might have blushed. Tre, Rafe, and Thrace helped finish the last of the tear down. I was literally the walking dead when we finally left the GAR at about 2am. I thanked all my friends and family for the best birthday ever as we all headed home with our parents.

Hermes Field Log: September 2007

I have not informed Apollo that I am aware that Calliope is a Muse. I feel that as long as I do not enlighten him then I am not truly betraying him. Of course, it must be the same for him because not informing other Olympians that a Muse is in the vicinity is also a betrayal. I now can no longer delude myself that he has no interest in Calliope. His pursuit of her is now constant. He wants to be advised of her movements at all times. I have been attempting to try to distance myself from her, but her beauty and our connection overwhelmed me tonight. I needed to hold her and give her something that would mark her as mine in some small way. I have a year before I might be destined to give her up, and I plan on guarding our time well. But Ares is getting suspicious, Apollo is moving in, and I am getting reckless. Not a scenario that sounds like it is going to end well for love.

Chapter 14: Hammer and Nails

The weekend after my birthday was our annual Mystery Destination: HalloWeekend at Cedar Point. Now, it really wasn’t a Mystery Destination if we went every year, but it took the place of our Mystery Destination trip in September. Cedar Point had some of the most outrageous roller coasters in the world and was only two hours away. And you could go in the fall when it was the perfect temperature, and you barely had to wait in line. Plus, you got chased around by ghosts and ghouls—what’s not to love? My dad usually borrowed a RV from a buddy, and we drove down really early and got back really late. This year 12 of my fellow lunch table crowd had elected to come. Unfortunately, the general norm for lunch table consisted of someone gossiping about you two seats from you, and someone gossiping about them two seats from them. Other than Jazz, Key, Thrace and Rafe, the rest of the table I would not call my true friends or plane friends. I don’t know if I was more sad or thankful that Rafe was not attending the weekend. He opted out with a vague statement that “roller coasters were not a good enough reason to cross State lines.”