Never Say Never

Chapter 13

Lauren observes Camila over the rim of her glass as she takes a sip of water.

They're in a booth at Noonan's, and Lauren's just as surprised as the hostess that had greeted them that she's in here.

Camila's just... well, very persuasive, for a start, and nice to look at, and pretty great company when she's feeling lonely and filled with trepidation at the thought of returning to an empty apartment.

It's certainly better than spending the night in-front of a computer, wanting to bash her head against her desk.

She's staring, and she knows she is, but she just can't put her finger on it, can't figure Camila out, because what she'd done tonight, bringing Leo to her and then making sure she ate, is probably the kindest, most considerate thing that anyone's ever done for her.

And she'd done it just because that's who she is , selfless and caring and wonderful .

"Do I, um, have something on my face?" Camila squirms under the weight of her gaze, nose scrunched up, self-conscious and absolutely adorable

"No, sorry." Lauren tears her gaze away, clears her throat. "Just lost in thought. Trying to figure out a problem."

"Oh yeah? Anything I could help with?"

Probably , Lauren thinks , given that this particular problem is you and what to do with the way you make me feel.

But of course she can't say that, so instead she shakes her head and quickly changes the subject.

"While we're here," she starts, gaze settling on Camila once more and trying not to smirk when she fidgets in response, "I'd like to check in with you – you've been with me for a few weeks now, is everything still okay? Are there any issues you'd like to bring up?"

"I didn't know this was going to be an employee review," Camila says, but she's smiling. "But no, no issues. And everything's great – if anything, I fall more and more in love with this job every day."

"The hours don't bother you?"

"I knew what I was signing up for," Camila points out. "You warned me, and it's been fine."

"Good, good. And Leo still sings your praises constantly, so I know he's happy." Camila grins. "How are the college applications going? You'll warn me if I need to start searching for someone new?"

It's something she tries not to dwell on too much – the thought of Camila no longer being in her life, and the effect that will have on both her and Leo– but it's always there, in the back of her mind, that this won't last forever, and her happy bubble will pop, sooner rather than later.

"Of course," Camila looks offended that Lauren even has to ask. "And I haven't started applying yet – the deadline for most places isn't for a while."

"Where are you thinking of applying? Still got your heart set on Oxford?" The thought of Camila being so far away makes something in her chest twist, and she has to force it down deep.

"I don't think so," she shakes her head. "It was my dream, for a while, but... I just got my sister back, I don't know if I want to move away again. And NYU actually has a really great masters program." Lauren's eyebrows quirk up in interest. "So you definitely don't need to start looking for my replacement anytime soon."

"Glad to hear that. And Leo will be, too. He's rather fond of you."

"The feeling is definitely mutual." Camila's smile is soft, and it fills Lauren with warmth, how openly and completely the other woman cares for her son.