Chapter 9

It was a slow Tuesday afternoon at the diner. Regina had not seen Robin since the night at Luigi's. She thought it was for the best she actually spends time with her granny. Zelena's off doing her own thing with Ruby. They were around, just not in her company. So, it has pretty much been her and Granny for the past few days. It's strange being here without her Abuelo. She doesn't think she's been here more than once since he died. And that's only because this is where they had the wake. After that she got too sick to visit. When she did, it was never here.

Granny has made some changes since she was last here. They updated the cash register for one. Abuelo used to handle the books and do register, but Granny said she was too old to fiddle with the old thing. So she got a new one. Though it's not like it stopped Granny from complaining about it. First it was too old, now it's too new. It's why Regina's on register now.

There is now a portrait of her Abuelo hanging on the wall above the jukebox. There are a lot more greenery in and outside the restaurant. It's different, but she likes it.

Regina is only a little embarrassed when she jumps at the sudden introduction to Come and get your love a patron started on the jukebox. It's always much louder than the radio. She tries to scan the room to see if anyone noticed. And just her luck. There a tern near the doorway smiling knowingly at her. Regina sighs. Maybe he didn't notice.

"You frighten quite easily." He speaks.

"Please pretend you didn't see that." Regina partially hides her face in her hands. She blushes hard.

"As the lady wishes."

"Another Brit." She mumbles before looking at the costumer properly.

"Another?" He gasps and clutches his chest as he makes his way toward the counter. "And just how many have you met? I didn't realize there were so many Britek in Hollywood."

"You'd be surprised how many I have run into this weekend." She rolls her eyes. "Is there something that you want to eat? Or did you just come in here to laugh at my expense?"

"Now why on earth would I be laughing at such a delectable lady? I don't recall anything happening to award such behavior." He takes a seat at the bar. "I'm George."

"Regina." She points to herself.

"A name fit for a queen."

Oh. He's good. He thinks he's funny, charming even. And she has to admit, he kind of is. He isn't horrible to look at either. He got dark hair like hers, styled in that classic teen haircut. And it's messed up just enough most people would think it happens naturally. Regina knows he spends some time making it look just right.

"You think you're cute. Don't you?" She smirks at him.

"The more important question is, do you?" He leans on the counter a bit.

Keeping her smirk, Regina does the same. She gives him a real smile before dropping it and saying: "The special today is lasagna and a blueberry pie. Is that what you'd like today or would you like to something else from our menu." She leans away from the counter and picks up her pad and pen.

"Cheeky." The teen comments before nodding. "I do believe I will have the special."

"Excellent." She marks it on the pad and makes her way to granny in the kitchen. Regina let's out a sigh when she's out of sight. He reminds her a lot of Robin. Could it be the way he talks? No. It could be the way the both carry themselves. No Robin is a bit more relaxed in the way he holds himself. She can't put her finger on it, but there is something a about this new that makes her think of Robin. To be completely honest, everything reminds her of Robin now. She's beginning to wonder if maybe they spent too much time together in such a short amount of time. Maybe she does have a brain injury. She didn't even like him a couple days ago. That doesn't stop her from pulling out her phone and sending him a quick text.

My.regal.majesty: "The More you like yourself, go less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique." -Walt Disney

My.regal.majesty: Just remember to be yourself and have a good day!

She quickly closed the app and began scrolling through her photos from the other night. She found herself stuck on a selfie of her and Robin. It was one of the few that actually showed her face. She and Robin had been messaging each other throughout the couple of days they were a part. In fact, Regina had open DMs with all of Robin's band. Mulan would often message her about whatever was going in her day. John, she discovered is very poetic and they would talk about whether or not song lyrics worked. Will is a troll. He constantly sends memes about the craziest things could think of. And constantly brought up his ruined shoes. She was still in the process sending Tuck all the photos and video footage she managed to get that night at Luigi's.

She didn't expect a response any time soon. She remembers one them mentioning a meeting with management. The band was remotely quiet today. They were all so nervous about the news that could change the trajectory of their career. Regina hoped whatever the manager had to say was good news.

Granny takes a peek at Regina's phone when she passes by her. She lifts a single eyebrow, asking the silent question.

"I know here." She answered stiffly.

"I know. Is it that same boy you hid in my garage that first night?" Her takes off her glasses and folder her arms.

"I.. wha... You knew?" Regina cringed. She didn't even attempt to ask like she didn't know what Granny was talking about. She was thrown so off guard. She knew? How?

"Of course, I knew. Nothing gets past me. You really have grown up. I never could have imagined my sweet baby girl hiding friends in my garage."

A gasp is heard from the other side of the kitchen. Jasmin, one of Anita's friends. She been working here since she was a teen. Or in other words, for as long as Regina can remember. "No. Not sweet Gina! Hiding boys in Granny's garage?"

"It was a favor."

"What kind of friend is this?"

"I know exactly what kind of friend." Granny waves her finger in the air.

"Stop saying friend like that. He's not my friend. He paid me. So, actually it wasn't even a favor. I don't even like him." Regina scoffs.

"Keep telling yourself that. You might just miss out on something special." Everyone in the kitchen goes back to whatever the stopped to listen in on her impromptu interrogation. Granny goes to her cooking with that smirk on her face. Regina follows.

"Granny it's not like that." She tries to explain. "And we're from two different worlds. It would never work."

"Maybe that's exactly what you both needs. You can't choose where your friends come from, only if they stay, in your life."

Regina rolled her eyes. "Where's Anita? Shouldn't you be harassing her or something?" She mumbles.

"Get out my kitchen child." Granny takes her phone and replaces it with a plate of lasagna. She looks to her grandmother confused. Granny answers before she can eve ask. "Take this to that poor boy before he starves to death."

Regina sighs and does as she's told.

"So, are you new here? I've never seen you around before." The teen asks when she comes back to the counter.

"No. Just visiting. I'm helping my Granny out while I'm here." Regina explains and sets his food in front of him.

"Ahh. So you're the granddaughter she's always talking about."

"Well, it depends which you refer. Granny has more the one granddaughter."

"I'm referring to the one that used throw dance parties in the middle of the diner and somehow get all the customers to join in."

How does he know that? Granny obviously. That woman could run her mouth to anyone who would listen. Ruby and Lena got their gossiping trait from someone. Regina considered denying it, but why would she. She wasn't embarrassed by it. She'd often start those with Abuelo. She used to love doing that. "Guilty." Regina shrugs with a smile. "So, what about you? Got anything interesting going on?" She asked to be polite. It was a slow afternoon and the teen was making an effort for a decent conversation. She could too.

"I just found out I got a lead role in a feature film. It's my first movie." He offered.

She could see that. He had the looks and charisma for it. It's fun watching people get their big break. Maybe one day he'll come back with his friends and rent out the entire diner for a fun night out. You never know. "Up and coming movie star. Congratulations! I can tell people I knew you before you blew up."

"Sure, you could say that." He laughed a bit at that.

Just then Granny called for her in the kitchen. "I actually have to do some work. But someone will be back with your refill soon." And that's where she left him. With a quick wave and smile.

My.regal.majesty: "The More you like yourself, go less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique." -Walt Disney

My.regal.majesty: Just remember to be yourself and have a good day!

Robin smiles at his phone. He isn't sure if Regina knows how big the meeting is. It could determine the future his career. The future of all of his band's career. He hopes Gold managed to convince the rest of his board to give him a chance.

His parents were in the office setting up the video call. He and the rest of the band were anxiously waiting in the living room. They refused to leave. Robin tried to tell they didn't need to wait around, but they insisted. He knew this affects them almost as much as it does him. And they wanted to show their support.

"He's ready." His father motions for him to join them in the office. Robin squeezes John's shoulder as he passes by.

"Robin. How lovely of lovely of you to grace us with you presence." Robert Gold greets. His video image is displayed the Tv monitor on the wall.

"Thank you for having me. Sir." Robin takes a seat in the center-most arm chair. Once again in between his parents. He found it almost humorous that his parents only show up when there is something career or business related that needs tending to. They never stop by to ask how he's doing. They don't even live with him. Robin hates to say it, but he couldn't remember when that happened. Honestly, he'd find it all very humorous if this particular career or business-related meeting didn't hold do much impact on his life.

"You changed your name on your social media platforms." He lets the statement hang in the air a bit before continuing. "Celebrating prematurely are we?" Gold asks.

"With all due respect sir, I am Robin Locksley whether or not I get the movie deal." He hears her mother let out a soft gasp next to him and his father stiffens. Gold smiles, but remains quiet. God, he hopes he hasn't just ruined his chance. Then Regina's text comes into mind. He has nothing to apologize for. He is Robin Locksley is he not? It's his name. So what, if he finally wants to use it. It's who he is, who he is trying to be and he isn't sorry about it.

"I'm glad to hear you say that. It appears you are coming into your own. But none of you came to hear that." Gold waves his hand about. He then takes on a serious posture. This is it, Robin thought. "The board has come to a decision." Gold pauses for dramatic effect.

Robin is really starting to hate all of his pauses. Please, just tell if he made it or not. He can't handle the uncertainty.

"You got the part."

Robin wasn't sure if he was really even listening at the point. He's aware of his mother's excited gasp and his father patting him on the shoulder. Yet, it all felt so unreal. The daze only lasted for the briefest of moments. "Oh my God! Thank you so much. I won't let you down. I promise. Thank you, Mr. Gold."

"Yes, of course." Gold calms them down. "You must be aware that this is only preliminary. We want to see that and your costar can deliver a genuine performance. You'll be best friends in the film. We need to feel that."

"Well, who is my costar?" Robin asks. It shouldn't be too hard. He finds he gets on pretty well with most people. It shouldn't be hard.

"Keith Nottingham."

Robin growls. He hates Nottingham. And the feeling is mutual. Everyone knows this. They were each other's nemesis. They were on each other's list of people never to mention. Robin tries to control himself; he does. But he can't keep the scroll from his face.

"Now dearie, I know you two have a history. However, I believe if the two of you can put aside whatever repels you from each other for the duration on the movie, we may have something special.

Keith has already agreed to try. All we need is your agreement. Spend some time with each other. If after a week or two and you still can't bear to be in a room with each other, we'll find someone else for the role."

Robin reluctantly nods. He's waited so long for this opportunity to throw it all away because Nottingham is an ass.

"So, from this point on you will need to be best friends until the movie is released. In agreeing to film you are agreeing to complete professionalism with you cast and crew mates."

"Of course. I understand sir. I will be on my best behavior."

"You better be." Gold counters. "Don't think you're off the hook. I don't want to see any surprises of you on the cover of the Mirror." Gold was referencing Sydney Glass' Gossip magazines. That man could make a scandalized story about a trip to the store for milk. And recently he's been on Robin's tail like crazy. This would be easier said than done. "I'll have my assistant send over papers in the morning. I'm glad be doing business with you mister Locksley."

"Thank you, sir." Robin says before they end the call. He lets out a long sigh. This was going to be an interesting next few weeks. Robin left his parents to argue in the office.

The gang were still in the living room where he left them. They all stood when he entered. Robin smiled lazily an announced: "I got it."

John, Will, Mulan, and Tuck all rushed him with hugs and cheers. Robin couldn't help but feel giddy along with them. They knew what this meant. The next step in the career. They already had half an album they were working on with their new sound. He knows they just released and album at the end of last year and have yet to your it, but he really wanted to be making and tour the songs he actually liked. He just prays he doesn't screw it all up somehow.

Tuck breaks from the group and frowns. "Hey. What's that look for Rob? What's the catch?"

Robin sighs. He might as well rip the bandaid off. They'd fine out eventually. "My costar is Keith Nottingham."

As expected, the group lets out an array of gasps, oh shits, and bloody 'ells. Robin nods in agreement. He really didn't want to think about it.

"How ya feellin' Rob?" Mulan places a hand on his shoulder.

"Honestly, I could use and old-fashioned jam session right about now." All five of them shared smiles. There was nothing like freestyling with your friends.

Regina lived for moments like this. The beach she biked to was mostly empty. The sand was warm in the way she always remembered it. The blue ocean pushed and pulled against the orange sky. This was her favorite time of day. The liminal space between night and day. It's beautiful. She felt this was when nature was its truest self. Everything is more vibrant when the sun touches it for the first time that day or the very last time until the next one.

Granny let Regina go early. She told her to explore what the world had to offer, but to be home before dark. Rules in which she could abide by.

She only opened her phone because she noticed she had a message from Robin.

Robin.of.locksley: I locked my parents out of my account.

My.regal.majesty: I'm so proud of you. I know this was big for you.

Robin.of.locksley: thanks for your message earlier

Robin.of.locksley: it really helped

"Verónica Sanchez?" A voice asked far too close for comfort.

Startled Regina turn to face the person who ruined her solitude. "How... how could you possibly know that?" She faced a teenage boy. He looked so familiar, but she couldn't put finger on it.

"Sorry. I noticed it on your phone." He held his hands up in surrender. He must have noticed her discomfort because he also took a few steps back. "I hadn't realized you were actually her. You're all over Instagram."

She nodded stiffly. Then it clicked. "You're the boy from the diner. George."

"Guilty."

"Are you... are you following me?" Regina didn't want to seem paranoid, but she had to ask. One had to admit it was a little strange.

"Only on Instagram. I'm not a complete creep. Us bumping into one another is purely coincidence."

"Oh. Ok."

There was a silence between them. She didn't know what else to say. He discovered her true identity. George doesn't seem like the person who would out her to the public. He sent her a tight smile. She seemed to be making him a bit nervous as well.

"You really do take some amazing photos. You have good eye." He offers.

"You think?"

"Absolutely." It was as if the question alone jumpstarted his outgoing personality she'd seen briefly in the diner. "You don't really think you got 3 hundred thousand people to follow you only because you know famous people?"

Regina blinks at him. That is exactly why they follow her. She isn't famous. She hasn't done anything worth wild.

"Ok." He gestures in mock surrender. "That might have been why some initial followed. But it's not why they stayed. And it's not the reason more keep following. They like you. Verónica Sanchez."

"Yeah... Verónica Sanchez." She mumbles. Everyone is so interested in Roni that it just proves all the more that Regina could never compare. She shoves some sand with her foot in irritation.

"Why you say it like that?"

"I'm not all that interesting truly. Sometimes it's nice to be someone else for a while."

"If I'm being honest, I wasn't completely truthful in who said I was either." Regina takes a step back from him. "No. It's nothing like that. My real name is Keith. Keith Nottingham."

Nottingham. Why did that sound so familiar. There was only one Nottingham she knew of and he was… oh my God. Regina gives him a once-over. "Nottingham? As in the pop singer?" She asked. She had to be sure. But after looking at him again, how could she not have noticed sooner. She wasn't mad at him for lying. He just wanted a few hours of what it was kike to be normal. And she hadn't recognized him in the diner. She can't be surprised he didn't tell her.

"Present and in the flesh." He takes a bow. When he straightens up, he takes a serious tone. "Look I won't tell anyone you go around town as Regina if you don't tell anyone that I do the same as George."

"I…"

Wait. He thought she was lying about being Regina? He thought Regina was her alias and not the other way around. Interesting. That's new. Maybe it's for the best. Seeing that she has a knack for running into celebrities and friending them, maybe it's for the best it's only Verónica they know. She should keep them separate. Besides, Regina's not all that interesting anyway.

"Yeah. Of course." Regina nodded numbly.

They stand in a surprisingly comfortable silence watching the sun descend. They could occasionally hear people milling about, but for the most part it was relatively quiet. Regina pulls out her phone to take a picture. She changed the settings a bit to get the look she wants. It made her feel almost like she knew what she was doing. She'd been looking at how to use a camera a adjust settings for the photo you wanted on Pinterest. She was pleasantly surprised when she discovered she could use those same techniques on her phone.

"Do you mind?" Regina holds her phone out to him when he nods. She set herself so that she is one a quarter to the camera, facing away from the sun. "Just be sure I line up with the second line on the grid."

"Don't you want to face the sun? You'll be all dark." Keith points to the sun behind her.

"No. This is what I want."

She watches as he takes a few photos before looking at them himself. Regina steps around him to look over his arm at the phone. Hmm. They turned out nice.

"Wow. This phone has a really nice camera." He comments as he scrolls through the pictures.

"Yeah. I played with the setting a bit." The phone camera was alright, but she knew how to make it better.

"Verónica this is amazing. You have a really good eye."

"You said that already." Regina takes her phone from him and opened Instagram. She already knew what she wanted to post.

"Because it's true."

My.regal.majesty

(Carousel post of a simi-silhouetted Regina on the beach and a couple of a not silhouetted Keith Nottingham.) CAPTION: "When your world moves too fast, and you lose yourself in the chaos, introduce yourself to each color of the sunset." Christy Ann Martine.

Photo: Nottingham_official

#sunset #cafilforinasun #beach

Wow! Fun chapter. Let me know what you think. Is this the start of a beautiful friendship or has a can of worms just been opened? I hope you've enjoyed! Have a wonderful holiday!

S'D!