Chapter 45
Percy locked the door behind him before following Diego to their two cars. “The contractor holds a spare set of keys. Remember to get it back from her.”
“I will,” Diego said. “Anyway, let’s combine our two cars into one. We can do that, can’t we?”
“Yeah,” Percy replied. “They’re the same brand. My car is older so it has to be merged with the newer one from behind.”
“Okay.”
The two got into their respective vehicles. Diego waited for the back of Percy’s car to approach the back of his car. Then he typed a command into the computerized system. Automatically, the door at the back of his car shifted inward and upward until it lay horizontally against the top of the vehicle. Percy’s car did the same before it slowly attached itself to Diego’s. The mechanical system locked the two vehicles together.
“All done,” Percy half yelled all the way from the back as he made his way to Diego at the front. “I’ve activated the artificial intelligence in my car so it will be aware of everything that’s going on at the back.”
“I’ll do the same with this car so it can control everything that happens at the front.”
“Great. Anyway, where are we going?”
“Front system is on,” the robotic voice announced before Diego could answer. “Please be seated. We will be leaving in five seconds.”
Diego smiled at Percy as the two of them walked to the leather seats. “A nice picnic on the hill. Ro and I think you’ll love it.”
Percy chuckled. “I’m sure I will.”
As they traveled, the two chatted about the reading café, and Diego told Percy more about his vision for it. He might include books on various subjects that would be beneficial to the local college and high school students. Hopefully, that would encourage them to patronize the café. The more Diego talked about it, the more excited he became. Based on Percy’s scent and expression, the omega was just as thrilled. Diego was glad his dream of owning a reading café was supported by both Rohan and Percy. It made the venture less frightening because he wouldn’t have to handle it on his own. He was also determined to do his best to make it a success. He wouldn’t let Rohan and Percy down.
* * * *
Upon arrival at their destination, Percy allowed Diego to guide him to the their picnic spot. Traffic had been quite horrendous along the way. As a result, the journey had lasted longer than expected. It was nearly a quarter past six, and the sky was darkening rapidly. Percy noticed the moon and a few stars had already appeared. Fortunately, there were several other groups of people nearby, who were using portable lights to combat the darkness. Moreover, there were lamp posts strategically placed all around the area so Percy and Diego were able to walk without using their flashlights.
“How far is our spot?” Percy asked.
“Just a little bit farther to the right,” Diego answered.
The two continued in silence for several minutes. All of a sudden, Percy felt the tip of his right shoe hit something hard, probably a large stone or the exposed root of a tree, causing him to stumble. Fortunately, Diego grabbed his shirt and pulled him upright. He beamed at Diego, but felt his cheeks and neck grow warm, doing his best to ignore them.
“Thank you.”
Diego chuckled. “You’re welcome, but next time, if you’re so eager to kiss the ground, may I volunteer my lips instead?”
Percy snorted. “That has to be your worst and corniest joke ever.”
“Made you smile though,” Diego said, snickering.
“No, I’m not,” Percy said, doing his best to wipe the smile off his face.
Diego laughed. “You’re cute when you act all bashful and shit.”
Percy huffed. “I have no idea what you’re referring to. Must be your imagination.”
Diego chortled even louder, but otherwise stayed silent. The two walked several yards farther. Percy gasped when he first saw Rohan and the strings of purple-colored fairy lights all over the tree branches and bushes. The lights gave off an ethereal glow, and Percy had no idea why he was feeling shy again, especially when Diego gently pushed him forward until he stood in front of Rohan. He was touched when Rohan presented him with a bouquet of roses that were made of chocolate. He could smell the sweet scent of the chocolate as he lifted the bouquet to his nose.
“The chocolate flowers are from me and Diego,” Rohan said.
Percy nodded at both Rohan and Diego. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Rohan responded before placing the palm of his hand on Percy’s upper back. “Come sit on the picnic blanket. Don’t lean against the bushes, though. We’re at the edge of the hill. One wrong move, and you’ll roll down the hill. Anyway, we can eat first. Then we have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery later. This is the best spot to view the entire city from, but it’s not dark enough yet. Let’s wait until later. We’ll be able to see the bright lights across the city then.”
“Okay,” Percy said, accepting a packet of meatball pasta from Rohan.