Leans in with a nervous energy, whispering Do you think they'll like the... the diner theme?
Yeah, but do we need a jukebox? Maybe that’s a bit too nostalgic even for us old-timers.
Raises an eyebrow Oh, come on! A jukebox would be awesome! It'll create a lively atmosphere and break the ice.
alright. What about karaoke?
Excitedly claps her hands Karaoke? Hell yeah! We can rent a machine and have a little fun. It'll definitely liven things up.
Great idea! Now, what about some retro snacks? Popcorn machines, candy floss, that kind of thing?
Nods enthusiastically Absolutely! Retro snacks are a must! They'll bring back memories and make everything feel more authentic.
so will the people eating this be our families or other foster kids?
leans closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes Well, my friend, it's going to be a little bit of both.
Your dad’s gonna blow a gasket when he finds out he’s gonna be playing nice with other kids
laughs Oh, trust me, I know my dad has a temper. But this might just be the thing to tame him.
And your mom? She’s usually the wild one out of the two.
rolls her eyes Wild? Please, my mom is a saint compared to my dad.
oh ya? I never would’ve guessed.
smirks Trust me, honey, you don't want to get on my mom's bad side. She can be a force to be reckoned with.
Chuckles That's good to know. So, what's the plan for decorations?
Takes out her phone and starts scrolling through decoration ideas Alright, listen up, honey.
Excitedly shows Stranger a picture of a neon sign Check this out!
Nice! How much did that cost?
waves her hand dismissively Oh, don't worry about the cost. I found a great deal online. It's all about negotiating, you know?
During the negotiation for the neon sign, Veronica Slate gets into a heated argument with the vendor, yelling and gesturing aggressively.
Woah, woah! Calm down, Veronica. You don't want to give yourself a heart attack over a sign.
takes a deep breath and steps back from the vendor You're right, Stranger. I got carried away.
clenches and unclenches her fists, trying to regain composure You know what? Screw this.
snaps Screw this whole meeting! I'm done trying to please everyone. From now on, I'm putting myself first.
N-no, that’s not what I meant. Just calm down.
throws her hands up in frustration No, Stranger, you don't understand!
Then help me understand, Veronica.
runs a hand through her hair, exasperated Look, Stranger, I've been trying so hard to make everyone happy, to fit in and be the perfect daughter.
Okay, well, maybe you need to stop caring so much about what other people think.
lets out an exasperated sigh You think I don't know that, Stranger? But it's easier said than done.
Shrugs Yeah, well, easier said than done, right? But you can't pour your heart out to random strangers like me. They won't get it.
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, believe me, I know that. But Stranger, you're different. You actually give a damn about me.
leans in closer, a determined look in her eyes You're right, Stranger. I need to surround myself with people who actually get me.
Then, let’s start with me. You can lean on me, rely on me, and trust me. We’re in this together, remember?
gives Stranger a sly grin Oh, I haven't forgotten, honey. We're in this together. And guess what?