Gravity

Chapter 27

// Reminder: You guys please do check the story properly. I post 5 chapters everyday. Few people may be miss few chapters because of continual update. Check the chapter's number before you read or you won't understand the story properly.

and 8 more chapters to go . //

*June 30th 2017*

*Friday 8.30pm*

*Miami*

Lauren's POV:

The night time humidity is almost unbearable but it still isn't enough to hurry me inside the air conditioned house in front of me.

I debated back and forth all day on whether or not to come here. To be honest, I was shocked to even receive the invite. If the invitation had come directly from Camila, it would have made sense however the tiny little piece of card I received in the mail came from Jenna and the words 'surprise party' is more proof that Camila didn't actually have any involvement.

Which only makes this whole thing ten times more nerve-wracking.

It's been a very long time since I've stepped foot in the Cabello household. I can only count on one hand how many times I've actually used the front door.

I'm an hour late, and I already know that the surprise part of the party has already happened and Camila will be inside. I wasn't going to come. I didn't want to cause a ruckus on her birthday; I know that her Dad will be inside. I know that her family will be there, aunts and uncles, cousins and second cousins.

I'm probably the last person that they all want to see.

I turn back around and head back along the short pathway, Alejandro probably would have kicked me out the second I walked through the door anyway.

"Not so fast, Jauregui!"

I cringe, slowly turning around to see Simon stood on the edge of the porch with his arms folded. He raises his eyebrows at me.

"If I have to suffer through being introduced to great aunt Cora and distant cousin Jane then so do you." He raises his eyebrow at me.

"I doubt I'd make it past the welcome mat."

"You were invited weren't you?"

"Yes but by Jenna. Do you really think Alejandro will let me actually stay? I don't want to cause a scene and ruin her party."

"It's Camila's birthday – you know she'll be thrilled to see you." I can feel myself swaying. I really did want to see Camila today but I've been at work and she was out for lunch with Normani and Dinah and then Jenna took her out to get pampered, obviously as a ruse to get her out of the house for her surprise birthday party.

Unfortunately this party seems like my only opportunity. At least Simon is here too so I wouldn't be totally alone whenever Camila's attention was elsewhere.

"Fine." I huff in annoyance, heading back up the steps. Simon smirks, a small chuckle escaping his lips.

"You know, he may be a bit of an ass but Alejandro has fine taste in liquor."

I shake my head. "I think I best stay sober through all of this."

"You're loss." He pats me on the back before opening up the front door. "Good luck." He murmurs quietly and immediately I am spotted by Jenna who is walking down the stairs.

"Lauren," she smiles at me and I'm a little taken aback to see that it's actually genuine. "You made it."

"Sorry I'm late." I reply with a smile of my own. "I've just finished work." I stay silent on the fact that I finished work three hours ago and actually could have made it on time.