L.A. Dreaming: Destinations and Detours

Chapter 6: Last Great American Dynasty

(September 2nd, 2025)

Valarie walked into Jimmy's diner with a spring in her step and a beaming smile on her face. The usual hum of the diner felt almost cheerful today as she headed to the back to clock in for her shift. Her mind was still buzzing with excitement from the email she received earlier, and it showed in the way she greeted her coworkers with extra warmth.

As she finished clocking in, Valarie couldn't help but glance around the diner, feeling an unusual sense of optimism. Today was a good day, and she was determined to keep it that way.

"Hey!" Valarie says, her smile wide as she approaches Hope. "Guess what? I just got some amazing news!"

Hope looks up from her phone, momentarily distracted from her thoughts. "What's up? You look like you're about to burst with excitement."

Valarie grins. "I made it as a finalist for that livestock veterinarian position! They've invited me to a special event, can you believe it?"

Hope's eyes widen in genuine surprise. "That's incredible, Val! I knew you had it in you! When's the event?"

"It's not for a couple days but I'm so pumped," Valarie replies. "I can't wait to tell Lisa—she'll be thrilled."

Hope hesitates for a moment before responding, the conversation she witnessed earlier with Lisa and the brunette still fresh in her mind. "Yeah... you definitely should tell her. But, um, when you have a minute, there's something else we might need to talk about too."

Valarie's smile falters slightly as she notices the shift in Hope's tone. "Is everything okay?" she asks, her excitement giving way to concern.

"It's... nothing major," Hope says quickly, trying to keep the mood light. "Let's just say I saw something interesting while you were off from your shift last night. But first, let's celebrate your good news, alright?"

Valarie, still curious but trusting her friend, nods. "Okay, we'll talk later. But thanks, Hope. It feels good to have something going right."

The two share a quick hug before Valarie heads off to start her shift, her earlier excitement renewed but now tinged with a hint of curiosity about what Hope had to share.

•••

Lisa woke up with a lightness in her step, the kind that only comes after a peaceful night's sleep. She moved through her morning routine with ease—brushing her teeth, washing her face, and tying her hair back into a loose ponytail. The sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting a warm glow across her room.

She slipped on her favorite pair of jeans and a comfortable hoodie, grabbing her backpack as she headed out of her room. Inside were her essentials: her laptop for work, headphones for some background music, and something new—the small leather-bound journal Brynn had left behind at the diner last night. It was tucked carefully into a side pocket, a reminder of their unexpected conversation.

As Lisa made her way downstairs, a soft smile tugged at her lips. There was something about Brynn that intrigued her, and she found herself looking forward to the possibility of running into her again. The morning sun greeted her as she stepped into the kitchen, the warmth outside matching the warmth she felt inside. Today felt like it was going to be a good day.

(Flashback to last night)

Lisa sat cross-legged on her bed, Brynn's small leather-bound journal resting in front of her like a mysterious artifact. She'd placed it there after returning from Jimmy's Diner, unsure of what to do with it. The cover was worn and the edges slightly frayed, evidence of years of use. Her friends—Sherie, Ludermary, and Dara—had gathered around her, curiosity written all over their faces.