A Journey of Dreams and Friendship: Irma Thompson's Story
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Chapter 1: Irma’s Adventure Begins
Hello, I'm Irma Thompson, and you might find my story rather fascinating.
She’s determined to make her mark on the world.
Having recently graduated from NYU, a fact that may not resonate with everyone across the country, Irma decided to embark on an adventure. With no prior experience driving cross-country, she set off to explore the scenic routes, eventually finding herself in Illinois. From there, she eagerly joined the iconic Route 66. The journey was a delight, filled with friendly faces, vintage motels, and lively biker bars.
Her appreciation for Harley Davidson motorcycles grew significantly. One evening, while winding down in Kingman, AZ, she heard about the famed Mother Road, as described in John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Intrigued, she decided to visit a local Harley Davidson shop. Armed with her newfound knowledge, she confidently entered the store and was immediately captivated by a stunning blue Fat Boy, illuminated as if by spotlights.
The dealers agreed to sell her the bike under two conditions: it would be adorned with a red wrap, and they would arrange for a reliable hauler to transport her new treasure to Beverly Hills. The hauler, a flatbed with a sturdy cover, quickly secured the deal. Just before finalizing her purchase, Irma requested to have her logo placed just below the fill cap on the tank, which she proudly displayed.
As her transaction was wrapping up, a tall man named Rex emerged from the back, introducing himself as the shop owner. He invited Irma to dinner at a renowned steakhouse in town. Tired yet excited, she suggested he pick her up from her hotel in her new Rolls Royce and promised to take a ride on a Harley. Rex agreed, and they made plans for the following morning.
The next day, Rex showed up on time, ready to deliver her Harley. He even surprised her with leather pants and a jacket to complete her ensemble. After a quick tutorial on the bike, Irma was back on the open road, heading toward Santa Monica, the concluding point of Route 66. The exhilarating wind in her hair was addictive, and the views were breathtaking. She dutifully applied SPF 100 to protect her skin as she rode, knowing her complexion tans easily.
Upon arriving home at 7 PM, she greeted her parents and inquired about her Rolls Royce. Her father proudly informed her that it had arrived the previous night and was safely stored in the garage. He commended her for caring for her possessions. Irma replied, "Dad, it's just like me—one of a kind in New York, and perhaps in California too."
Her mother chimed in, "Princess, you’ve made it just in time for dinner. Then it’s off to shower and sleep?" Irma requested a morning chat instead, and they all agreed.
Chapter 2: A New Venture
The following morning, Irma shared her plans with her parents, discussing her Harley and her budding business. "Dad," she said, "you turned your father's business into a billion-dollar empire before selling it. Would you consider being my personal consultant?" Her father, visibly enthusiastic, nodded in agreement, believing in her vision.
Turning to her mother, Irma added, "I'd love for you to keep an eye on the latest fashion trends and designers on the West Coast. What do you think, Mom? Up for a little adventure?" Her mother playfully asked if she would still have time for her bridge club and golf outings, to which Irma assured her that she wouldn’t have to choose between family and her business.
"This is a working trip for me," Irma declared. "I’ll be meeting with Bell later. Remember her?" Her mother inquired about Bell's well-being, and Irma admitted she hadn’t spoken to her in years. "I’ll be back by 6 PM; can I treat everyone to dinner tonight?"
Bell, who had moved to Encino after her father's business struggles, was now married to a finance graduate from USC. Irma had managed to get in touch with her before leaving New York and set up a lunch meeting with Bell and her husband, Bob. She quickly learned that Bell was currently not working.
"Hey, Bob, nice to meet you. Bell is quite the catch," Irma remarked, excited to reconnect after so long. "Where do you live now?" she asked. Bell replied softly that they resided in Brentwood, and Irma insisted they catch up soon.
As tears filled their eyes, Irma expressed remorse for past misunderstandings, especially for making Bell feel abandoned. "You were my best friend," she said, and Bell shared that Irma's comments had motivated her to pursue a degree in fashion design.
Bob interjected, suggesting they enjoy their meal and plan another meeting for a deeper conversation. Irma, however, had a proposal for Bob: if he could take the rest of the day off, she’d offer him $1,000, as well as the same for Bell. Bob excused himself to make a call to his office, intrigued by the offer.
This concludes Part Two.
©DR Rawson