The Player's Proposal

27: The Apologies

Bonus Chapter - Leo POV

"Dad, the engine to the Volkswagon is fixed. Are there any other assignments for today?" I asked while wiping the oil on my overalls.

When he didn't respond, I started looking around the garage. Several cars and trucks were parked inside the warehouse, and several more were outside. Our business was one of the best shops in the city.

Dad was working under a red Sudan. He hadn't heard me because he zoned out while working under the car. and I decided to mess with him a little bit.

I went closer to the car before yelling loudly.

Hephaestus's actions were immediate. The tools he was holding clanged on the floor, and he shot out from under the car. He was laying on a scooter while his eyes frantically searched the room.

I chuckled at my father. Some would consider him unattractive, but I didn't think so. He was a representation of life. Besides, his nose deformation was a result of childhood trauma. When he was a baby, his mom accidentally dropped him. The fall led to a facial deformation that he always relented.

However, my mom and I never found his deformation a challenge. If anything, it made him stand out in a crowd.

I laughed as his eyes narrowed into a glare.

"Leo, why would you scare me like that? You gave me a heart attack."

"Relax, dad. It wasn't that bad. Besides, what would even happen to me?" I asked while chuckling again.

Hephaestus stood up while wiping his hands on a rag. The white rag stained a black similar to the color of the stains on our clothes. No matter how hard we tried, we always get dirty.

"You know that a garage can be dangerous. We're always around tools and cars. You're a very talented mechanic and engineer, but you still have to be careful," he said firmly.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, do you have any more work for me?"

"Someone seems to be in a hurry today. Any plans?"

My dad was smart, so he was implying my plans. Calypso and I were going on a date. "Yes, dad. I have plans with my girlfriend. Sue me," I smirked.

"Just don't forget to take a condom. Remember no glove, no love."

A triumphant smile played on his face. DAMN, he won this one. My face burned as blood rushed to my cheeks. I shouted at him about being so dirty before leaving.

Regardless, I accepted that I have a cool dad. It was still embarrassing though.

I changed out of my work clothes in my dad's office. After wearing a t-shirt and jeans, I excitedly walked out of Hephaestus's Garage. The walk to Demeter's cafe was brisk and pleasant.

"Hi, babe," I greeted Calypso on the sidewalk.

We had arrived at the shop at the same time. It emphasized how perfect we were for each other. She kissed my cheek before dragging me inside. If you hadn't guessed, I don't get a lot of girls. So, when I find one that likes me back, I'm a huge simp.

"How was work?" she asked.

"The usual. I fixed up a Volkswagon today. That engine kept coughing smoke. I don't even want to know what the owner has been doing with his car," I expressed.

"He was probably driving," Calypso commented.

She laughed melodiously, and I was mesmerized by her beauty. Calypso was pretty and funny, and more importantly, she understood me. We sat down at a booth in the back as we waited for our drinks. The conversation flowed easily.