Lauren Jauregui's Point Of View

A sunny morning, very common for a productive day in Miami. Luckily, I knew the hot weather very well, and opted for light, loose clothes for the shopping session with Dinah. The blonde, as a good visitor in my old city, took care of using her free time before work to wander around downtown, in an attempt to get to know the place a little better. She walked with her shopping bags as she kept her attention on the shop windows on the street. I rolled my eyes impatiently when she approached one more, as if the dozen others we had been to a few minutes ago weren't enough. I sighed in defeat, and walked to a coffee shop next to the establishment where she headed to, making a brief signal with my hands so that the blonde could see where I was going to. I received a nod, before sitting down at the first table I saw.

I stepped inside the coffee shop, hearing the sound of the little bells hanging behind the door, probably as a warning for the incoming of new customers. The place wasn't very big, but it had the ideal size to make it cozy, without crowding many people inside. The walls were divided into ceramic bricks and polished wood, everything perfectly arranged to create a simple atmosphere, without all the luxury that the new coffee shops in New York possessed. On the walls, there were frames with pictures, paintings and maps of the beautiful Paris. And in the center, right at the back, there was a sign with well-drawn letters informing the name of the place, 'Le Café'. Around there were a few bookshelves with books, magazines, and unique lamps. I approached the large counter, still in awe of the beauty of that place, it was a real piece of Paris in downtown Miami.

"Good Morning, Miss! Welcome to Le Café, what can I get you?" A gray-haired man with a chubby belly asked in a well-humored French tone.

"Good Morning, I'd like a coffee, please." I said as I sat down on a stool at the counter.

There were some people scattered around the wooden tables, while they savored a coffee with a delicious aroma. It seemed the perfect place to get away from the euphoria of the stressful days. Everyone there talked tranquilly, or they remained attentive to the pages of the books in their hands.

"Can I make a suggestion? We have the best hot chocolate in all of Miami! It's worth a try." The very kind man suggested. "And by the way, my name's Gerald."

He extended his hand so that I would shake it, and so I did, flashing him a serene smile.

"I'll trust you, you can bring me the hot chocolate."

"Perfect! I'll bring it right away, okay?"

I nodded at the man who left and walked to a more private table, in the corner close to the terrace, which had a broad view of the park in the back. He sat down next to two women, and a little brown-haired girl. Maybe they were a family, at least they looked like one by the way they behaved among them. I looked away from the beautiful family in the back and looked at the printed letters of the newspaper on top of the counter. I didn't want to be caught staring at the loving behavior of that family like an idiot.

After reading some brief news on the second page, I turned to the main page of that morning's paper, seeing a picture of Karla Cabello for an advertising of an important brand. It was impossible to completely forget the existence of that woman when her face and name were all over every possible means of communication. I allowed myself to look at the gorgeous picture, where the young Latina carried a seductive look, very typical of her attractive personality. It was an advertising for Chanel, where Camila has been working for months as the face of the brand. Maybe I stared at that picture for longer than necessary, but it happens that it was impossible not to admire her. My thoughts wandered to our last encounter in the day before, the way how everything seemed to be going well between us. I could still feel the softness of Camila's lips from our last kiss, which was totally unexpected by me. To feel that, even after a little while, the Latina was allowing me to enter her life again, it made me have the courage to persist more and more in our unfinished story.

"She's a beautiful woman, isn't she?"

I lifted my head and faced Gerald's serene gaze, as he placed the mug with hot chocolate on the counter. The smoke emanating from the porcelain container indicated the high temperature of the drink, which soon enough I pulled towards me.

"Oh, yes! Very beautiful." I said awkwardly.

"Do you know her?"

"More than you imagine. We... Well, she's my ex-girlfriend, and we work together nowadays."

"She came here once. It was a big mess, because people wanted pictured and autographs. And for a model with the fame she had, she was even very kind."

"Fame she had?" I asked as I brought the mug to my lips, savoring the chocolate in it. Gerald was right, that was divine.

"Yes. That young lady is well known, an important model. I see the news about her in the newspapers. But for a long time, they weren't so good, quite the opposite." He said as he leaned against the counter, resting his gaze on me.

"She's an incredible person." I whispered. "Just somewhat complicated. And she has an amazing power to complicate other people's lives." I smiled.

"I'm sure of it. I could see it in her eyes. I don't know, I'm a very observant old man, and I noticed she has a good heart. She treated everyone here very well, and didn't refuse to take pictures with anyone. I admit that I have one with her." He whispered, making me chuckle.

Gerald was very kind, and he conveyed such trust in his words that it made me want to talk about Camila for hours. Maybe he wouldn't judge me, and wouldn't even call me an idiot.

"Everybody wants a piece of her."

"You too?"

I raised my eyebrows as I sipped a little of the hot drink.

"Maybe... I mean, I want more than a piece." I admitted.

The man smiled serenely, as if he could understand all my feelings with a simple glance.

"I see you're having to work hard to accomplish that, huh?"

"Yes, and I'll have to work much more. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going to get the result I want."

"Be patient, all in good time. Do everything from the heart, and you'll have good results."

"I wish it was that easy." I said amid a sigh.

"It's not easy, sweetie. But you need to think positive. You know, sometimes we are in a hurry, and we end up getting lost. Whatever you wish, do it with all your heart, and run after what you want. If it's God's will, it will come true."

"You are very kind." I said with a sincere smile.

"I like to see people happy. And when I see someone walk into my coffee shop with a countenance like yours, I have as a mission to help."

"And he does it very well, take advantage of the advice." The woman I was watching a few minutes ago at the table in the back exclaimed beside me, with a serene expression and a tranquil smile, despite her serious and imposing posture. Gerald stroked the green-eyed brunette's hand in an almost fatherly affection, and she just nodded.

"I'll do that."

"I hope everything works out. It worked for me when I followed his advice."

"Hope so." I said as I looked at the picture of Camila in the newspaper.

"Claire? Honey, call your mommy, we have to go!"

I saw both women, along with the little girl, saying goodbye to Gerald, who accompanied them to the front door. They were indeed a family, and they seemed incredibly close, drawing my attention and my admiration. I stayed for a few instants watching the three of them leave, when Dinah entered the place with more shopping bags.

"What a wonderful place! You should've waited for me!" She exclaimed as she saw down beside me.

"You took too long."

"Did you see that woman? She reminds me of you."

"Don't exaggerate, she's beautiful."

"Just like you, and those green eyes of yours." The blonde smiled and removed her sunglasses, letting her attentive gaze land on the newspaper in front of me. "Admiring your ex-future-girlfriend?"

I rolled my eyes and bumped her shoulder with my own, drawing a chuckle from the taller one.

"We had an amazing day yesterday, I wish I could thank her."

"Be sweet. Send flowers, it's a good excuse to talk to her without mentioning work."

"I can't show up there with flowers." I grumbled.

"That's why deliverers exist, genius. Send a card as well." She commented as she pulled my hot chocolate towards her, to then take a sip. "God, this is divine! Sir! Can I get one of this, please."

Dinah's idea wasn't bad at all, it would be nice to send flowers. It was a bit of a cliché, but it wouldn't hurt to do it, after all, my desire was to be with Camila. After a few more minutes in Gerald's sweet company, we said goodbye, with the promise that we would come back, and with Camila's presence. Luckily, next to Le Café, there was a flower shop, a very cute one by the way. I stayed for a few moments analyzing the diversity of flowers and plants of the most varied colors. And I opted for tulips, alternating between white ones and red ones.

"Do you wish to send a card, Miss?" The young girl asked.

"Yes."

She handed me a small blank card, which I stared at for long instants while I thought about what I could write. I couldn't be romantic, Camila and I weren't in a relationship, not yet.

"Why are you taking so long?" The blonde grumbled.

"I don't know what to write."

"Just thank her for yesterday. Then you go to her and ask if she liked the flowers, and start talking. Jesus, Jauregui, you lose all rationality when it comes to Camila."

I rolled my eyes impatiently, and turned my attention back to the piece of paper, where I wrote delicately:

'Just to thank you for the amazing day we had. I hope to have many others with you. – LMJ'

-----

After the shopping spree with Dinah, we went back to the VS mansion. The final work was being properly prepared, with the help of a team selected by me. It was just the summer catalog, we still had a long journey between photos, videos, commercials and advertisings. My project would have to be at least perfect if I wanted to have a renowned name in the fashion world. All the models were scattered on the chairs facing the mirrors, with their makeup artists finishing the last touches for our last swimwear photoshoot. I walked by every one of them, gently greeting them, until I saw Camila in the back. She seemed focused, as her team took care of her look. I kept my distance, just watching the whole process. I wondered if the flowers had already arrived, if she had liked them. But I'd rather wait for a signal, if it would even come. My nervousness was at least comical, I was no longer a teenager, but the sensations were the same.

"The other models are coming for the last photoshoots. I just talked to Tyler, and they already landed, they must be arriving." I heard Dinah comment as she wrote something down on her notebook.

"That's great, it means that everything is going well."

"Is everything alright?" She asked as she looked at me.

"Yes, why?"

"You seem distracted."

"Just a lot of work."

"Have you talked to your model yet?" She asked in a mischievous tone.

"No, she's busy, I don't want to get in the way."

"Ugh, you're too slow."

"Wow! Someone here is getting a beautiful present!" Patrick exclaimed excitedly as he crossed the large room with the flowers I chose earlier.

"Oh no."

The man walked to the back of the room, receiving curious looks from everyone present there. I cussed myself inwardly for not having selected the delivery time, now I'd have to deal with the situation without looking like an idiot.

"For you, Karla!"

Camila faced the photographer with a curious look, before grabbing the flowers from his hand. Patrick stood by her side, probably waiting for her to reveal who had sent them. But in a funny way, she cleared her throat and thanked him, as if asking for privacy, and the man seemed to understand, because soon enough he walked away with a disappointed expression. Dinah nudged me with her elbow, and told everyone to go back to work. I kept myself distracted, or at least I pretended to be, as I waited to see Camila's reaction as she read the card. The brunette stared at the flowers, and touched some of them with an admired look, making me sigh in sheer, stupid nervousness. She picked up the small envelope, and opened it, to only then read the card.

A smile was born on her lips, followed by a glance towards me. I felt my whole body tremble, and the butterflies in my stomach intensify. I took a deep breath and swallowed hard, flashing a smile in response. I looked around, and took a few steps towards her. I leaned on her dresser, still in silence, receiving the Latina's laid-back smile. Camila was still holding the flowers, at least she seemed to have liked them.

"I thought I'd thank you somehow. For yesterday... and I hope I got it right."

"They're beautiful, Lauren. I love tulips."

"Me too, they have an important meaning." I said as I stared at her.

"And what would the meaning be?" She asked.

"The white ones mean forgiveness, and the red ones mean eternal love." I said as I quickly touched each flower.

Camila stared at the flowers while a sigh left her lips. For a few instants, I felt her submerged in the atmosphere that spread between us. Her gaze left the delicate flowers, and landed on me.

"A well-thought-out choice. Did you plan it in advance?"

"Oh, maybe. I had a rather reflective morning. I talked to an old man I barely know, but he seemed to have me completely figured out." I flashed a weak smile. "And when I left, I came across them. And of course, I had Dinah's help."

"And what did you think about?"

"I thought about you all morning." I admitted bluntly. "About us, and about everything I want."

"Are you determined about what you want?" She asked somewhat nervously.

"I am, and I'm going to run after it to get it."

We stared at each other for a few moments, perhaps more than we should. That always happened. Looking into Camila's eyes made me dive into a billowy sea of feelings and sensations that I was learning how to deal with again. To know that she still existed there, the girl who once was mine and who was by my side during the happiest time of my life, brought me hope.

"Can you two get a move on and go to the place where we're going to do the photoshoot? The models are already on their way." Dinah said with a mischievous look, interrupting our conversation.

"Of course! I'm just going to ask someone to put the flowers in my room, okay?"

I just nodded with a smile, watching her walk away. I looked at the blonde next to me with a glare. "What's your problem?"

"I don't have any. But yours is that sucker face you have on when you're talking to her. Jesus Christ!"

"I hate you, Dinah Jane."

"I'm helping you win back your model, and that's how you thank me?"

I rolled my eyes as she continued to grumble, until Camila appeared again, perfectly dolled up just like a few minutes ago.

"Are you going to watch my photoshoot?"

I wasn't going to, I was full of emails to respond to, and work to catch up on. Being the general director of that project was much more laborious than it actually seemed to be.

"Oh, I... I'm full of emails and stuff to take care of. I'd love to, but..."

"Are you really going to refuse? I want you to see it." She said straightforwardly, even with the presence of my friend.

"You do?"

"Yes, very much."

"I guess I can handle those things later, right?" I said as I looked at Camila, and then at Dinah, who smirked and nodded with a mischievous look.

"Perfect! Then let's go!"

I stood behind the cameras while Patrick bathed the Angels with flashes. I'd never get tired of seeing how Camila could be wonderful. There was a special connection between the lenses of the cameras and the seductive gaze of the beautiful model. Camila posed on a surfboard, with a bikini set of the summer catalog, designed by Dinah. She looked wonderful, sensual and seductive. Her hair was loose, relatively wet and wild. Her skin had a charming tan, which contrasted perfectly with the color of the bikini. Time or another, the model flashed me a look, followed by a smile that left me completely lost.

"Now get up and grab the surfboard. Walk towards the sea, and every now and then look at me." Patrick requested.

Camila nodded quickly, and grabbed the medium-sized surfboard. The entire film crew was present, since from that scenery would also come out the promotional videos. She prepared herself, and began her walk to the sea.

God...

Being in love with Camila was a constant challenge. Can you imagine? Watching her photoshoots was torturous, yet addictive. That scene happened in slow motion, like it would be in the commercial. Karla ran across the soft sand with the surfboard under one of her arms, while her wet hair swayed from one side to the other with the movements of her body. She had an intense gaze, and a damn seductive smile in my direction. It was for me. I just shook my head, and smiled, making her chuckle. The filming session continued along with the photoshoot, and I made sure to watch it to the end. The last scene was being recorded in the sea, which luckily was calm that afternoon. Karla was sitting on the surfboard, with her legs on either side of it, while our photographer took care of photographing her best poses. After the end of the photoshoot, she headed to the beach sand again. I was sitting next to Dinah, under a tent, while I watched Camila approach.

"Did I do well?" The Latina asked with a smug smile.

I removed my sunglasses and got up from the chair, walking towards the model who dried herself with one of the white towels.

"You were wonderful! I confess that I would've regretted putting another model as the main Angel."

"Now you say that, don't you? Now that you want to win me back."

I let out a soft laugh, making her laugh as well.

"No, I'm saying it as your boss. Whether you want to or not, you work for me." Camila turned towards me again, and stared into my eyes. I stood for a few moments watching the drops of water that fell from her hair and ran down her body, but soon enough looked at her again. "I've been thinking... Today is the last day of the photoshoot for this catalog, and our last day in Miami, at least for work." I sighed. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me." Camila raised her eyebrows in surprise. "We can go with the girls, I don't know, to a restaurant."

"With the girls?"

"Yes, with Dinah and Normani. I know a wonderful place. And we're going to have a lot of fun."

"I heard my name!" Dinah exclaimed from afar, making Camila laugh.

"Do you want to go out with me, Camila and Normani?"

"Oh, of course! It's our last day here, we can go out and have fun." The blonde said excitedly.

"So... Do you accept?"

Before Camila could utter her answer, our attention was drawn by excited squeaks of celebration. Some of the Angels hugged the others who had just arrived for the photoshoot. And in the midst of such excitement, one of them approached, making me roll my eyes, annoyed.

"Camila!" Martha Hunt exclaimed as soon as she approached the Latina.

I took a step back, and faced Dinah's gaze, which conveyed certain apprehension. My facial expression changed in less than two seconds.

"Hey, Martha. I didn't know you were coming."

"I'm going to participate in this last photoshoot! It's so good to see you here." The blonde hugged Camila, who reciprocated in the same way.

"Easy, tiger. If you keep staring at her like that, soon enough fire will come out of your eyes." I heard my best friend whisper softly.

*Flashback On*

I got out of the house listening to my mother's insistent questions about my current and constant lack of humor. It wasn't something subtle, I knew, but I didn't want to talk about it. Talking about the problem always made me even more annoyed, when I just wanted a solution. Solution that only Camila could offer. After our fight at her house, things took on a heavy atmosphere. Even after the conversation we had, where the girl said that she'd leave that situation behind, the bad atmosphere remained, and for weeks. She was drifting away, we hardly spoke, it was all very short and meaningless. And to make matters worse, I had to deal with the current exaggerated closeness between her and Veronica. I knew that they were friends, but I felt bothered for being set aside. Ever since we met, it was with me she always hung out with constantly, and I had already gotten used to things that away, but for a few weeks now, it was with Veronica that Camila always hung out with.

Ugh.

I adjusted my backpack on my back, and walked across the fluffy grass of Dalton Academy, while the other students walked to their classes. I was more than late, and would most certainly get a lecture from the literature teacher. I walked down the hallways of the high school until I reached my locker. I grabbed all the necessary books, and as soon as I closed the locker, I came across Ethan.

"Hi, princess."

"Hi, Ethan."

After the situation at the beach house, I was insistently bombarded with apologies. According to Ethan, that was an idiocy caused by the drink, and that it would never happen again. I was reluctant at first, but he knew how to be insistent, and for some reason I decided to believe and forgive him, on the condition that that would never happen again.

"Is everything alright?" He asked as he put a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Yes, I'm just late. I'm going to get a lecture from the teacher today."

"You'd better hurry then. I just want to make sure that we're going to the fashion show together today. Camila is going to participate, and I figured you'd want to see her."

"Of course. I can't miss it." I said as I held my books against my chest.

"Perfect! I'll drive by your house to pick you up, okay?"

"Okay." I said before receiving a quick kiss.

He smiled, and deposited another kiss in the center of my forehead, and walked away, joining the group of guys on the other side of the hallway. As much as I had forgiven him, I still felt uncomfortable with that situation. Somehow, he had lost some of the charm I had for him, but I believe everyone deserves a second chance, right? If Ethan was really sorry, from then on he would do things differently. I shook my head as a sigh left my lips, and hurried down the hallway to my first class.

"You're late, Jauregui." Mrs. Parker said, behind her fancy eyeglasses.

"I'm sorry, I..."

"Take a seat."

I swallowed hard and nodded quickly. As soon as I looked at my usual place, I saw Camila, she was right next to it. I thanked inwardly for that, since in the last few times, she chose to sit somewhere else, next to people she didn't even talk that much with. I headed to my seat, under the gaze of the rest of the class, until I took over my place next to the Latina.

"Hi." I whispered.

"She'll think you got this habit of being late from me." She joked, flashing a smile.

I chuckled as I stared at her. For the first time in weeks, she had given me a sincere smile. We stared at each other for a few instants, but then I turned my attention to the teacher, who had a reproachful look towards us. I cleared my throat and looked at the book on the desk, while the brunette beside me did the same thing. The class went by tranquilly, and to my relief, Mrs. Parker didn't torture me anymore. Camila and I talked several times, which really improved my mood. After a good while, the sound of the school bell sounded, indicating the end of class.

"Finally!" Camila exclaimed louder than she should have.

"Shhh! Do you want her to hear?"

"She already left, Lauren!" Camila laughed.

"Oh thank God! She really doesn't like us."

"We're just too wonderful." She joked.

"You are indeed." I blurted out, and immediately closed my eyes and shook my head.

Camila stared at me, but didn't dare prolong the moment.

"You're going to the fashion show today, right? I want you there."

"Do you really?"

"Of course, you're my best friend, I need your support." She said as she rested her hand over mine.

"It's just that things have been so..."

"So?" She asked with an intense look.

"So weird between us."

"It's your impression, Laur! Everything's great!" She responded quickly, making me huff. "I'm so excited about the fashion show today! I really need to win, otherwise, goodbye state competition."

"You will win, Camz." I said as I stood by her side as we walked towards the hallway.

"I confess I'm scared. There will be a lot of people there because of the town fair and the shows."

Her voice tone was fearful, almost sheepish. I stared at her as I took care of not bumping into any student in the hallway.

"You need to have faith that you can, I have faith you."

She stopped in front of her locker and turned towards me, staring at me and flashing me a loving smile, as she leaned against the locker behind her.

"I hope you bring me luck like you did in the school's fashion show."

"You think it was me?"

"I think so, you know? I noticed your presence instantly."

Somehow that touched me. Knowing that Camila noticed me instantly made my ego grow a little bit. I mean, my attention had been drawn to her in the exact moment she stepped on that runway, and that made our situations equal. I was happy that morning, after weeks, we were really talking about something more personal. I didn't want to have let her down, I confess that I regretted it. But that situation was a little new to me. I didn't know if Camila really loved me in another way, or if it all had just been a huge mess caused by some shots of Tequila. We kissed, and I couldn't deny that her kiss was wonderful. Was it strange that I liked it?

The Latina turned her body to the side, turning her attention to her locker full of objects, while I just stared at her. I allowed myself to watch her face, more specifically her mouth. I shook my head, and turned my attention to the busy hallway, until I saw Vero walking towards us.

"It can't be..." I whispered.

"What did you say?" The Latina asked with a frown.

"Hello, my love!" Veronica said excitedly as she hugged Camila's body. Why did she always have to grab her like that?

"Hello, my lil' bitch." Camila laughed as she wrapped her arms around Vero's neck.

"Hey, green eyes." The girl said with a smile.

"Hi, Vero."

"I came here super excited to tell you that I already got my tickets to the town fair! I'll be in the first row watching you walk down the runway beautifully."

"That's one of the best news of the day! I thought you weren't coming, because of your parents' trip."

"They didn't cancel the trip, but that's when it gets better! My mother spoke to yours, and said that I can sleep in your house!"

Camila widened her eyes and hugged the girl with such excitement that it made me roll my eyes. I took a deep breath, and didn't utter a word. I didn't want to interrupt their so excited and happy moment. However, only I knew how I was feeling inside. I mean, Camila and I drifted apart drastically in the last few weeks, and she seemed too tranquil with that, since she always had Iglesias' presence at her side. Sometimes I wondered if there was something more than friendship between them. Veronica never denied her favoritism for girls, and now, knowing that Camila also liked the same sex, the possibilities were bigger, right?

"Let's all go out today! You're coming, right Laur?" Iglesias asked.

"Obviously, wouldn't miss it for the world, Iglesias."

"Wonderful!"

*Flashback Off*

Just what I needed... When I was finally getting closer to the model, a hitch crosses my path. God! I excused myself politely and walked away from both women, feeling Camila's curious gaze on me. Upon hearing that we were going out, Martha asked if she could also accompany us tonight, it was a friends' night out, so it should be cool, right? Wrong, a thousand times wrong! To end the conversation, the blonde was invited to our evening, and I'd have to put up with her presence and her exaggerated closeness with Camila.

"Okay, Lauren... You knew things wouldn't be easy! You can't give up at the first sign of struggle. Camila likes you, she likes you!" I said to myself as I walked into the house. "Does she?"

I shook my head and threw myself on the living room couch. Luckily, the house was empty, the entire team was outside, preparing the next photoshoot. I tilted my head back, resting it against the couch. I couldn't look at it like a competition, I couldn't let myself get shaken up. I had a plan, a goal, and I wouldn't rest until I fulfilled it.

"Tonight will be interesting."

-----

NOTE: That crossover tho! Evelin had me shook with that! Le Café and Camren from The Stripper making an appearance. How I miss that story, and now I feel like reading it again lol Since Evelin updated again today, I'll start translating today and try to post the chapter tomorrow.