The Other Side of Hollywood // Julie and the Phantoms (Reggie Peters)

14

Reggie waved. "Hi." He grinned. "This place is so cool."

Alex stared at Caleb as he said, "Man, I knew I recognized him. He's the guy that bumped into me outside the Orpheum just before Stella disappeared."

"Isn't he that magician dude who died a horrible death doing a trick?" Reggie wondered.

Stella glanced at the bassist. "Yes. And what a trick it would have been."

Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets as he said, "Yeah, I wouldn't really bring that up when we meet him."

Stella nodded. "Being reminded of how you died is not fun."

Willie rejoined them and said, "Yeah, you guys should come back when he shows one of his movies! I mean, for Titanic, he literally floods the entire place! The guy has got skills."

"Skills, yes. He's a showoff."

"All right, but can he wave his arms and make ghosts visible to lifers?" Luke asked, glancing at Stella with a confused expression as to her attitude.

"Told you, the guy's got skills," Willie replied. "He may be a showoff, Stella, but you enjoy his performances, too."

"So where'd he go?" Reggie wondered as Caleb appeared behind them. "Oh, God, found him."

Caleb smiled. "Hello boys. Hello, darling. Caleb Covington. Welcome to the Hollywood Ghost Club! Enjoying the show?"

Luke stammered. "Yo, that was like -- I mean -- did you like -- like-"

"I know," Caleb replied.

Willie introduced the boys. "Um, this is Luke, Alex and Reggie."

"Yeah, it's really nice to meet you," Alex said.

"'Sup?" Reggie asked.

Stella narrowed her eyes. "Hello, Father."

Caleb continued smiling. "I'm glad you finally returned home, Stella." He looked back at the boys. "The pleasure is mine. Nothing warms my heart more than sharing this magic with new friends. Please. Sit, sit." The six sat.

"Thank you for the invite," Alex replied.

"Of course, of course! Now, my friend Willie tells me that you guys have some magic of your own."

Alex cleared his throat. "Um, Willie and I-I mean, I wouldn't really call it magic, but I mean..."

Willie took over. "Oh, no, he means your ghost abilities. You know, like to be seen by everybody when you play with Julie."

"No, totally. Right. No. 'Cause when you said it, I was like, is that what he said? 'Cause-"

"Yeah, but, uh, we can't really, uh, wave our arms and do this magic stuff," Luke admitted.

Caleb looked between them. "Well, I've had some practice. Our gifts are so rare, so special. It's not often I come across other spirits who possess similar talents. It's no surprise we found each other."

"Yeah, that definitely..."

"If you'll forgive me, fellas, dear, I got to go pay the bills if you know what I'm saying. I'll be back later for a chat." He stood and walked away. They watched as he walked up to a woman.

"My darling!" Caleb greeted. "Oh, look at that dress! Where have you been?"

"I love that dude!" Reggie cried, pointing to Caleb. "Please tell me this party is never gonna end." He turned to Stella. "Why didn't you tell us he was your father?"

"Because it didn't matter. It still doesn't," Stella replied, looking between the boys. "Remember, we need to be at Julie's school at nine."

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