Page 60 of Charmed By Apollo

“I—” Hades pressed his lips together. “Yes. As ruler of this realm, that is within my power to grant. Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”

“Yes.” There was only one way for Geri to get over her grandmother’s death, only one person who could convince her it was okay to move on: her grandmother.

“Now, you just need to bring Geri to the Underworld.”

“I don’t think she’s going to want to talk to me.” Not after he abandoned her in Mexico. While he made sure she had a way home, he still left her there and stormed off.

“Well, then, I guess we’ll have to find a way to get her down here.”

“We?” His head swung back to Hades. “You’re going to help me?”

“Of course.” The god of death grinned. “How does that song go again? ‘That’s what friends are for’?”

Chapter 10

Geri

The plant shop emanated warmth and color on the crisp fall afternoon, inviting passersby to step inside and indulge in the seasonal beauty. Rustic baskets overflowing with pumpkins and gourds, their rich orange, red, and yellow hues evoking the essence of fall, adorned the entrance.

Geri stood outside the plant shop hesitantly arranging a display of seasonal flowers. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she worked, lacking the usual enthusiasm and energy she brought to her displays. The once lively colors of the season seemed muted and dull to her, and even the cheerful chatter of passersby felt distant and muffled.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of heaviness weighing on her heart. The usually invigorating crispness of the fall air felt stifling, and the bright colors of the flowers failed to lift her spirits as they once did. The beauty of fall seemed to elude her, leaving her feeling adrift and out of place on the busy street.

As customers gathered around the display, she forced a smile and tried to muster up some enthusiasm, but her heart wasn’t in it. She longed for the vibrancy and energy of the season to return, but for now, all she could do was carry on and hope that the colors of fall would soon regain their brilliance.

She rearranged the colorful array of chrysanthemums, carefully placing them on the display shelves when a customer approached her with a curious expression. “Excuse me, miss,” the customer said, catching Geri’s attention. “How long do these chrysanthemums usually last?”

Geri paused, considering the question before offering a friendly smile. “Well, chrysanthemums are known for their longevity,” she began. “With proper care, they can last anywhere from two to three weeks, sometimes even longer.”

The customer nodded thoughtfully, clearly appreciating the information. “That’s good to know. Thank you,” they replied with a grateful smile before perusing the rest of the display.

When she turned back to the display, she was startled by the sudden appearance of Adonis, who had a playful grin on his face. Shit, how was he able to sneak up on me?

Before she could react, he wrapped her in a friendly hug, his presence warm and comforting. “Hey there, Geri! You look like you could use a hug,” he said with a chuckle, releasing her from the embrace but still wearing a bright smile.

Geri couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth in her heart at his gesture. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to embrace the moment and put on a cheerful demeanor, if only for the sake of work. “Thanks, Adonis,” she replied, returning his smile with a grateful one of her own. “Just trying to spruce up the place for the fall season, you know?”

He nodded in understanding, his gaze lingering on the display of pumpkins and flowers. “Well, you’re doing a great job! The shop looks fantastic.”

Her spirits lifted slightly at his compliment. “Thanks,” she said sincerely.

He flashed her a charming smile and gently took her hand, looping it through his arm. “Come on,” he said. With a gentle tug, he guided her toward the entrance of the plant shop, his easygoing demeanor infectious. “Let’s take a look at your masterpiece.”

She chuckled at his enthusiasm, allowing him to lead her into the welcoming embrace of the plant shop. The air was filled with the earthy scent of soil and the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, creating a calming atmosphere that instantly lifted her spirits.

They wandered through the aisles adorned with foliage and seasonal blooms, and he paused to admire the carefully curated display. “You’ve outdone yourself again,” he remarked, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he surveyed the colorful arrangement. “The shop looks absolutely stunning.”

“Thanks,” she replied, returning his smile. “I wanted to capture the essence of fall, you know? The warmth of the season, the rich colors…It’s all about embracing the beauty of nature.”

He nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged plants with admiration. “You’ve definitely captured that. It’s like stepping into a cozy fall wonderland.”

They were taken aback to find Persephone busy rearranging items around the cash register.

“Persephone?” Geri called out.

Persephone looked up with a smile. “Oh, hey there, you two,” she greeted warmly. “Thought I’d pop in and give you guys a hand today. Plus, I couldn’t resist checking out your awesome fall display, Geri.”

“Hey, P,” Adonis flashed a mischievous grin as he leaned against the counter. “Come on, we all know you’re really here to check in on Geri. She hasn’t been herself lately.”

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