The Only Beanie - Book 4 (Riverdale Season 4/5)

Varsity Blues

"Mmm, gotta go with number three," Reggie said as he tasted the rums that Veronica set out for him. "It's damn good, Ronnie. You sure you don't want to try, Aminity?"

"I don't drink," she shook her head. "I'll help with anything else though, just not tasting."

"Which is completely fine," Veronica told her as she stood behind the bar. "Number three is my special shimmy on Abuelita's recipe."

"I thought your dad patented the recipe so you couldn't use it."

"Daddy may have patented our family recipe for his own profit, but this is a modified spiced rum with a unique flavor profile." She pushed the two recipes over to Aminity who looked at it.

"She's right. They're different enough that it wouldn't fall under the patent."

"Now, it's time to introduce Luna Rum to the outside world. Wanna help?"

***

"So what's this event that Veronica has you working?" Sweet Pea asked as he shot the ball into the pocket.

"It's a tasting event for her potential buyers of her new rum."

"Well, I would definitely be interested in buying," Fangs raised his hand, making her chuckle.

"Not that type of buyer. And definetly not underaged buyers." Fangs pouted before lining up his next shot, Sweet Pea coming over and putting his hands on her hips.

"I'll see you later?"

"Of course," she smiled, leaning up and he leant down so she could kiss him. "Bye."

"Bye." Sweet Pea gave her a smile as she walked out of the Serpent Den.

"Dude," Fangs called, making him break his gaze, "you are totally whipped."

"No way."

"Whatever you say," he chuckled. "Just take the shot."

"Whatever," he rolled his eyes before picking his pool stick back up.

***

"As restaurant owners, you know the importance of quality in every dish and glass you serve. Luna Rum is a small batch operation, focused on making each bottle special," Veronica said as the potential clients sat at tables, samples of rum in hand. Reggie and Aminity nodded at her from where they stood at the bar. She gave them a small smile before continuing. "The name Luna comes from my abuelita and generations of rum making women in my family."

"Interesting," one of the owners spoke. "Is that cardamom?"

"Among other things. It's my own special blend. Luna is all about valuing tradition while adding a touch of modern sabor."

"I'll take a case. This is special."

"Wonderful. Your customers will not be disappointed. Reggie, would you mind helping?"

"Not at all," Reggie said, coming to pick up a case of the packaged rum.

"Aminity, can you help get the papers?"

"Already ready," she smiled, bringing the forms over to the table. "Should I draw up anymore?"

***

"How goes the story?" Aminity asked as she joined Betty at the kitchen island who was writing an article about the football game coming up.

"Well, the plot thickens. Especially after Munroe got jumped."

"I heard," she sighed.

"Archie and Reggie think it was Stonewall."

"Wouldn't it match the pattern you've been finding?"