Page 84 of Dream On

The driver sends me a nod and returns to the limo, leaving me alone on the sidewalk. But something tells me no one is ever alone in this city. There’s magic on every street corner: music, lights, and swarms of people, always watching, moving to the pulse of Hollywood’s steady rhythm.

I heave in another breath and make my way to the main entrance. My phone buzzes from my back pocket as I check in with the receptionist.

Our family group chat is going off like a rocket.

Mom: The app says you touched down! Are you safe?

Dad: Did you meet any celebrities yet?

Joplin: Sorry, Mom and Dad are unraveling. I’m trying over here.

Mom: Give us a call as soon as you’re free.

A photo of Emmy the cow loads a few seconds later.

Dad: Emmy says you’re a moo-vie star.

Dear God.

Distracted, I try my best to multitask at the check-in desk.

“Staying for two nights?” a woman with a pristine blond bun inquires, tapping away at her keyboard.

Joplin: Udderly ridiculous. I’m sorry Stevie.

Dad: I expect you to milk this opportunity.

My face burns with secondhand embarrassment. “Yes. Thank you.” A fewminutes later, I’m given my room key, along with instructions on how to find the elevators. I drag my rolling suitcase behind me, typing out a quick response one-handed.

Me: I’m here! At the hotel.

Mom: Thank goodness! Send us a video of your room. We’re living vicariously through you.

Dad: My daughter is legendairy.

Me: Oh my God. Please stop.

Biting back a grin, I reach my room and use the key to escape inside. When I flip on the light, my eyes round, brightening with dazzlement. A king-size bed with crisp white linens sits center stage, framed by a tufted velvet headboard in midnight blue. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the city, the Los Angeles lights stretching out like a sea of stars.

The walls are adorned with black-and-white photographs of Hollywood icons, adding a vintage splash to the contemporary space, as a marble-topped minibar glitters in the corner, stocked with high-end spirits and gourmet snacks.

I take a quick moment to video the room and send it off in the group chat, then I jump up and down with a childlike squeal before flopping backward on the bed.

Is this what it’s like?

Is this how Lex lives, day in and day out?

The idea is a mix of sweet and sour as I close my eyes and breathe it all in.

Then my phone pings again with a text message. Sitting up straight, I glance down at the unfamiliar number.

Unknown number: How’s the room?

My eyes slant.

Me: Who’s this?

Unknown number: Guess.