An Astronomer's Guide to Falling Angels

Chapter 17

The week passed by in a whirlwind of classes, brief stolen moments with Astor, and a flurry of last-minute preparations for La Mascherata. And now, with the sun still lazily hanging in the sky, Arty found herself seated at a dimly lit bar, legs kicked up on the stool next to her as she waited. Oda sat beside her, tapping her fingers impatiently on the counter, glancing at the entrance every now and then.

The bar wasn't overly crowded yet—just a few patrons scattered around, nursing their afternoon drinks or chatting quietly. The bartender, an older woman with tired eyes, polished glasses behind the counter, eyeing the two girls as if she knew they didn't exactly belong.

Arty smirked at Oda, who was on edge. "Relax. Meredith will show up when she shows up. Always late, remember?"

"She better," Oda muttered, swirling the ice in her glass. "I swear, if she tries to ghost me again—"

As if summoned by the words, the door swung open, and there she was—Meredith, all long legs and swagger, strutting in like she owned the place. She spotted Arty and Oda at the bar, and a grin spread across her face as she waved.

"Hey, you two! Long time, no see—"

Meredith didn't get to finish her greeting before Oda launched herself out of her chair and tackled her to the ground with a playful force. Meredith let out a sharp laugh as they tumbled, Oda shouting, "Where the hell have you been, you scrawny piece of—"

The brawl wasn't exactly graceful. Oda and Meredith rolled across the floor, arms flailing in mock punches and dramatic shoves. A couple of patrons turned their heads to watch, bemused. The bartender, already familiar with the occasional antics of regulars, stepped forward to intervene but quickly stopped short when she realised there was no real harm being done. Instead, she sighed and went back to wiping down glasses, letting them have their ridiculous moment.

Arty leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, watching with a half-amused, half-exasperated smile. "Every single damn time." she muttered.

Eventually, Oda and Meredith disentangled themselves, laughing breathlessly as they climbed back to their feet. Oda ruffled Meredith's hair like they were kids, and Meredith shoved her off with a mock glare.

"Are you done?" Meredith grumbled, though the smirk on her face betrayed her amusement.

"Nope, but I'm giving you a break," Oda shot back, grinning ear to ear. "But you deserve every punch for ignoring me for months."

"I'll make it up to you." Meredith winked, sliding into the booth next to Arty. "Let's get some food and talk business."

Oda joined them, pulling her chair up to the booth. Meredith signaled the bartender, who made her way over, already knowing what was coming. Meredith ordered a plate of spicy chicken wings, something she had developed a taste for recently, and settled in, tapping the table impatiently as they waited for the food.

"So," Meredith began, her tone shifting from playful to serious. "What's the plan for tonight?"

Arty sat forward, the grin slipping from her face as she spoke. "We need you waiting near the Darling mansion while James and I attend the gala. When I get the chance, I'll sneak away and steal Mrs. Darling's phone. James will keep her distracted long enough for me to pull it off."

Meredith raised an eyebrow. "Stealing from Astor's mom? Ballsy."

"Not exactly for fun," Arty muttered. "Once I have it, I'll come find you. We'll call that unknown number I told you about, and you'll track the caller ID and location. I need to know who's been keeping tabs on him."

Meredith nodded, already understanding the gravity of it. "And once we've got the info?"

"I'll slip the phone back before anyone notices," Arty replied. "James will help buy me some time. She's good at playing the part."