Chapter Seven #2
“Well, that’s fine. I’m happy to be treated just like anyone else.
” He chuckled, thinking about how life used to be.
“There were times, millennia ago, when ancient beings like me or my sister were worshipped or adored. But that was a very long time ago. Now, it’s easier for us to be treated as regular people.
I have to live by the non-interference law, the same as any other god… ”
“You have laws that govern gods? Who sets them?” Regis perched his butt on the corner of Titus’s desk.
“The non-interference law was created by all of us as a collective. I’m not sure if you can imagine hundreds of gods, all sitting in the one place, hashing out an agreement that gods from all pantheons could live by.
” Apollo shook his head. “Just to come to that one agreement took over a week. But all it means is that we had to come to the realization that we couldn’t interfere in mortal affairs.
Mortals have free will, and…yep. After that, it was easy for any ancient god to feel superfluous in the general scheme of things. ”
“I have never thought about things like that. But then the concept of living forever is mind-boggling on its own. You must’ve seen and done so many things.” Regis shook his head, and while Apollo could see the man had more questions, he wanted to change the subject.
“Do you know anything about that painting? It’s really quite beautiful. Was it done by a known artist?”
Regis shook his head. “No, I think it was done by one of Titus’s old...” His jaw snapped shut so fast, Apollo heard his teeth click together, making Apollo laugh.
“Don’t tell me. It was one of Titus’s previous lovers.
” Apollo laughed because Regis looked worried.
“I could see so much passion in those brush strokes – it’s just something I do – so I’m not surprised.
Whoever it was, they were extremely talented.
Was this same person responsible for the art I saw on the trucks?
They all seem very bright and cover various themes, which is intriguing. ”
“Titus picks the different themes with each new truck before it even arrives,” Regis said, clearly happier now that they were off the topic of the painting.
“The drivers have their favorites, and for the most part, Titus encourages drivers to use the same truck each trip. That artwork is done by a professional signage company. It’s a great way of personalizing them.
There are a limited number of types of trucks that carry goods over the long- haul routes.
If you’re parked at a truck stop, the art makes it easier to pick out fellow drivers in a field of similar vehicles. ”
“I can’t drive,” Apollo admitted. “To be fair, I’ve never tried.
There are times when my mind tends to wander off and I find myself thinking about things that have nothing to do with what I’m doing or my current situation.
From what I understand that could make driving on public roads quite hazardous. ”
“Ooh, definitely.” Regis winced. “Knowing Titus the way I do, he’ll probably try and teach you. It might be an idea to let him know that you do that sort of thing sometimes.”
“I will, it’s only fair. But that’s why I’m telling you, too.
” Apollo leaned forward in the chair, resting his elbows on his knees.
“Titus seems determined that we’ll all have a lot to do with each other going forward.
I’d hate for you to feel ignored or think I was being rude simply because, mid-conversation, I’m suddenly looking out of a window, or studying a piece of art.
It happens quite a bit, never intentionally, but I realize not everyone understands that it’s just part of my nature.
It’s one of the reasons I’m lousy at business matters. ”
“I appreciate the heads up, and as for business, you’ll find this place pretty much runs itself.” Regis was more relaxed, and that was Apollo’s intention. Being perceived as perfect, or just as a god, was often a huge barrier to getting to know a person.
“It’ll be really good to see Titus getting out and about with you, rather than worrying about his business quite so much.
He’s built up totally efficient systems, and the staff and drivers all know what we’re doing.
But then, he’s always been a very hands-on manager, from the very start of this business. ”
“Which again is not a bad thing,” Apollo agreed. “It’s just not something that I would do. But then I’ve always heard that the Fates send us people who are perfect for us, not the same as us. Perhaps that’s why they gave me Titus.”
“Is everything all right in here?” Titus came striding in, wearing a T-shirt that appeared to be glued to his top half and a looser pair of jeans that still accentuated an ass definitely worth a second look.
He’d swapped out his shoes for boots and looked very competent, right down to the belt he was wearing with a large wolf head as a buckle.
His bag was slung over his shoulder, and his grin was filled with anticipation and excitement.
“Regis has been very kind, keeping me company.” Apollo jumped up, and then, checking no one could see in the windows, blinked up an outfit very similar to Titus’s, except his belt buckle was in the shape of a lyre. “Will this do?”
“I see what you mean about not having to pack.” Titus’s eyes were heated as they looked him up and down. “Very nice. It’s time for me to introduce you to my truck,” he said. “This is going to be so much fun.”
“Just don’t ask your new mate to drive,” Regis called out as they left Titus’s office.
“Not at all?” Titus looked at Apollo in surprise.
“Definitely not,” Apollo said. “I might look the part, but if you value your truck, you’ll be the only one behind the wheel.”