Katie's loud protest startled not only Percy, but also the taxi driver, who looked over his shoulder while he drove to see what the commotion is about. The vehicle slowed down because they had just arrived, but Percy remained sitting, staring at Katie, his surprise melting into a disappointed frown.
"Well," he said, after a few awkward moments of silence. "I suppose that settles that." He turned from her, his brow deeply furrowed. "I'm a bit at a quandary now."
"The meter's still running," the cab driver reminded them.
Percy sealed his lips together, irritated at Katie for not only completely messing up his plans for the evening (for he was very excited and quite looking forward to dancing), but for putting him in this position where he had to come up with a secondary plan.