Stardust // Reggie Mantle (3)

Chapter Five

"Hey, Caia," Veronica greeted, sliding into the booth across from Caia, who was reading To Kill a Mockingbird as she sat.

"Hey, Veronica," she responded, putting a bookmark between the pages of her book before shutting the cover. "What's up?"

Veronica smiled. "I don't know if you've heard from Betty, but I'm finally opening the speakeasy," she explained.

Caia face broke into a smile. "That's great, Roni!"

Veronica nodded. "Yes, but it won't be ready until we have all the right people to run it," she explained. "Reggie's my bartender and bouncer, I'm hoping Josie will do the music, and the Serpents are the servers. However, I still feel like we need someone else to help out, you know, doing odd jobs, and if nothing else, just being a pretty face to brighten up the joint. So," She grabbed Caia's hand from across the table. "I was hoping you'd help out? I figured since Reggie was helping out too, you'd want to."

"Are you kidding, Veronica?" Caia exclaimed. "Of course I will!"

Veronica squealed and leaned back, talking as she began to stand up. "Great! Now, c'mon. Reggie'll be here in a few and I want to show you around before he gets here."

Veronica led Caia to the back of the restaurant and through a door. Then they descended down a flight of stairs covered with red velvet and into a room that looked straight out of the 1920s. It was beautiful.

Caia migrated to the center of the floor. She gazed around at the room in awe. "My God, Veronica, this is beautiful!"

Veronica made her way to where Caia was standing. "I know!" She exclaimed, excitement laced in her voice. "Isn't it just divine?"

Caia nodded, turning her gaze to her friend. "I feel like I'm in a vintage 1920s movie, and I'm living for it."

"Good!" Veronica responded. She looped her arm in Caia's and led her around the room, pointing out different features.

She was running her fingers over the tables when arms enveloped her from behind. Instinct kicked in and she balled her fist, bringing it back, ready to smash her captor in the eye. Luckily for them, they caught her fist before it made contact.

"Jeez, C, you don't gotta give me a black eye!" Reggie exclaimed, chuckling.

Caia sighed in relief, turning around to look her boyfriend in the eye. "Sorry, Reg, I'm just on edge as of lately," she explained. "Yesterday I found a strange boy in my kitchen that is apparently living in my house now."

Reggie's expression became mildly concerned. "A strange boy? What do you mean?" He questioned, his voice slightly tight.

Caia rolled her eyes at him, making her way to where Veronica was setting up. "Calm yourself, Reggie. I'm not going to start making out with him on a whim or something. He's a complete F boy," she stated. "He's just there cause he needed a place to live, and my mom apparently decided our house was the perfect place for him."

They finally reached Veronica, who turned around at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Hey Reggie!" She greeted. "Glad to see you."

"Yeah, same here," Reggie replied. Suddenly, the phone at the top of the stairs rang. Reggie pointed to it. "I'll go get that," he stated, jogging up the stairs.

When Reggie returned, Kevin and Josie were with him. "Oh my God," Kevin exclaimed as he glanced around. "I died and went to Candor and Ebb Heaven!"

Josie walked forwards. "Veronica!" She shouted, a clearly impressed expression on her face.

"Welcome to Le Bonne Nuit," Roni greeted.

After showing the newcomers around, the group took seats around a table. Reggie sat on a barstool, his arm wrapped around Caia's shoulders, who sat on a chair beneath him.