Heart of the Wolf

     Reggie called Ethel a few days later because they needed to talk details about the upcoming photo shoot. “Reggie, can you please help us model our menswear line?”

     “I can’t do it E. I’m considering retiring from modeling because I’m really just too busy, with the clubs, the public relations firm, and the magazine take up all of my time.” Not to mention managing all of his women, his various charities and his adult club parties at Pandora’s Box.

     “Please Reg? Pretty, please? We really need you for this. No one has your flair for clothes.” Ethel thought she could convince him to model for them by appealing to his ego. That always worked before. After a few moments contemplating he answered her question.

     “Okay, E, just for you. If you need my magnificent self that badly, I understand. I’ll model for you until you get famous, then I’m finished, alright?”

“Thanks Reg. You’re a good friend. I owe you big time.”

     “I know I am. Don’t start getting soppy on me. And when do I get to meet your new partner? She’s very elusive. Or is it reclusive?” Reggie asked.

“She’s both Reggie. She only agreed to be my partner if she stayed out of the public eye.”

     “Okay, I have to know-is Ann pretty, E? Maybe I can meet with her before the shoot. If she’s not, I can put a cute bag or flag over her head.” Reggie had that devilish tone in his voice. Ethel knew he’d have that familiar wolfish look on his face. She couldn’t help laughing at him.

     “Oh no you don’t Mantle. I can’t have you breaking my partner’s heart and I have to clean up your shit. Besides she has a great personality.” Ethel was laughing very hard at this.

“Oh, I get it- She’s a dog. Seriously, though, I really do have to have some background information on her. This is business only.”

“Promise me you’ll behave, Reggie?”

“Scouts honor!” he said with fake sincerity in his voice.

“Hey, since when were you ever a boy scout?”

“Never! I hoped you wouldn’t remember that,” he laughed.

     “Reggie, I can give you all the information about her you need. Here we go: she’s a very shy and private person. Small town girl moves to big city with big dreams of being a famous designer. She’s single and has no children. She wants people to love her clothing as much as she does. I believe in her and love her to death. That’s Ann in a nutshell.”

“Well, everything sounds good. Soon we’ll set a date for the photo shoot. Talk to you soon, E.”

     Man, Ann sure sounds a lot like…Nah. I’m just being crazy again. Maybe I need a shrink. I’m sure I’m losing my mind. After they hung up, Ethel told Jughead about their conversation, and they both fell into each other’s arms laughing like two maniacs. Betty heard their laughter and smiled at the sound of their mirth. They’re so cute and so happy, she thought, happy for them.

***

     Reggie was very busy writing articles and ad campaigns for the launching of the Hot Muggs line, and for several of his other clients. He was also going out with more and more women. Nothing seemed to help him to stop thinking of Betty. He finally asked Jughead how she was and was assured she was alive and well. He wanted no other information about her.

     That’s a relief. She’s not dead or sick, so what’s my problem? He stubbornly trudged on, trying to be too tired to think of her. I wish I could get high. Reggie tried several times over the years to drown his sorrows with drugs and alcohol, but it didn’t work. He only thought of his lost love more, so he gave up trying to get high.

Back in Riverdale

     “Archie I can’t help you. I haven’t heard from Betty at all because of your shit! Betty has to come back on her own. Please respect her wishes. I’m truly upset you made her leave town without telling me where she was going: you drove her away!” Archie had gone to the Lodge mansion again to inquire if Veronica heard from Betty. Veronica continued to lash out at Archie. “You don’t deserve her! You never did! Oh, and know this…I’m going to marry Jason Blossom and you are not welcome here anymore,” she added as she called for her butler.

“Samuels, show this slime out!” Veronica’s burly butler Samuels came to take care of a very surprised Archie.

Archie was kicked out of the Lodge mansion for the very last time.

***

     “Hi E, Reggie, here. I just had this great idea. It’s for a Halloween fashion show at the Wolf’s Den New York. Your alternative wedding gowns gave me the idea, and I know you have enough designs ready for a show. What do you think?”

     As Reggie told Ethel of his plans on how to launch their designs, she thought his ideas were brilliant.

How did he find the time for this Halloween gig? Ethel was amazed at Reggie’s stamina.

     “Wow Reg, that sounds fantastic! I can't wait to see you in action on the stage. Just send us the models for the fittings- we’ll be ready.” Reggie puffed up at her praise. “Oh, it’s no big deal. Well, yes it is. I’m Mantle the magnificent, don’t you know?” They laughed at his vanity. Ethel could just see Reggie preening like a peacock.

     “When will I get to meet Ann? I’m beginning to think she’s extremely ugly and you don’t want me to hurt her feelings. Anyway, I’ll be rehearsing with the band every night. Everything has to be perfect.”

     “I know everything will be great, Reg. About Ann, I told you she’s shy.”

     What to do? What to do? God, I knew I would be caught with this shit!  “I can't wait to tell her about the show. Oops, I have another call, talk to you soon. Thanks so much. Bye Reg.” Ethel was almost in a panic when she got off the phone.

     “Jughead!” she screamed. Betty was not home. She was checking out accessories for the upcoming photo shoot. Jughead came running when Ethel called him in such a panic.

“What happened, baby? Did something happen to Betty?” He caught her in his arms and stroked her to quiet her down.

     “We have a situation here! Reggie wants us to have a show at the club for Halloween in two weeks. What do we do? I’m not sure Bett’s ready to see him yet!” Jughead kissed Ethel to calm her, which it did.

     “Hold on, baby. I think it’s about damn time they met. My nerves can’t take it anymore. It's a costumed event, right? So Betty will know its Reggie but he won't know its Betty. It’s Halloween and she’ll be wearing a mask, hiding her face. Hell, we’ll all wear masks. What? Huh, am I good or am I good? If they meet, they meet. Bound to happen. Has to happen. Time to happen.” Jughead closed his eyes thinking of how the sparks will fly when Reggie sees Betty.

“You're not good, darling, you’re Great! I just can't think straight under all of this pressure.”

     “That's what I'm here for love. Now, what's my reward for being so great, huh?” Jughead had already pulled her closer to him. Ethel thanked him in the best way possible. She slowly removed her dress, revealing to him that she was naked underneath. He licked is lips as she stripped for him.