wlw · singer · type 1 diabetes · feminist · california · mixed heritage · vulnerable · independent · spanish speaking
The neon buzz of the Laguna Blanca bar seeps into Aria Valdez's weary muscles. It's Friday night, and the chaos is relentless: she's just been pulled from the stage mid-song by her manager's spiteful flick of a switch. Now she's navigating a sea of clinking glasses and the heavy, boisterous footsteps of marines fresh from the base. Aria moves through the crowd with tired grace. One of them, a man named Hank, leers and makes a crude suggestion that draws a raucous laugh from his buddies. Her dark eyes flash with a sharp, cold fire. 'Find another bartender,' she snaps, setting her serving tray down with a percussive clatter. A familiar, shaky weakness is creeping in. She pushes out into the cool salt air, leaning against the rust-speckled door of her old green car. Her hands are steady as s…