Emerald's Eye (Lauren/You)

Chapter 24: Explanations

In stark contrast to the days prior, today marked the first gloomy day that the architect had experienced in Miami on this particular trip.

Heavy fog clung to the ground, creating wisps of smoke impenetrable by light, and a mist of condensation dusted over the coats of the women as they made their way towards the familiar coffee shop, hand in hand.

The sounds of coffee cups clinking together and the bustling waitstaff filled the architect's ears as she stepped through the doorway, holding the door open for Lauren and taking a place behind a couple of other customers.

The events of that morning filled her head and ate away at her slowly fading sanity; the Y/h/c woman not being able to look her companion in the eyes since her breakdown and feeling the emerald eyes studying her closely.

Truth be told, Lauren had been understanding of the silence and opted to simply put on her coat and follow Y/n out the door, without a word.

They had called in 'sick' that day, not bothering to explain what had happened as their absence from the office would most certainly stir up it's own set of rumors regardless of any attempts at squashing.

Ally was working up behind the counter as usual and, making eye contact with both, gave them each a warm smile and called out their usual orders to the barista working beside her.

The baker noticed the far off look in Y/n's eyes, but chose not to address it; opting for some small talk instead.

"I'm going to get us a table. Do you mind picking up our drinks?" Lauren gestured towards a mostly empty area in the back of the cafe.

Y/n nodded, not trusting her voice yet as she turned back around to wait.

A few moments later, the same barista placed the steaming mugs into the architect's outstretched hands and Y/n headed off towards the raven haired woman seated at the back of the cafe.

As they settled down comfortably into the mocha colored booths, Lauren studied the woman in front of her, taking a small sip of her tea. She was aware of the fact that she hadn't actually known the famous architect for long and didn't want to overstep her boundaries.

But then again, Y/n had said they needed to talk before she'd left the bathroom. The entire situation was a bit confusing for Lauren, and the Latina wasn't quite sure how to begin the conversation.

"So..." Both women's eyes widened as they began talking at the same time. Y/n smiled softly for the first time since the incident and gestured for interior designer to speak first.

"How about you just start wherever you want to?" Lauren asked carefully, placing one of her warm hands on top of Y/n's.

The architect gripped her mug tightly, trying her best to steady her breathing. If she was honest with herself, she had no idea where she should even begin. It wasn't like she'd had this conversation before with anyone other than Tucker, and the man himself was a witness to the majority of her life. He knew everything and she hadn't ever had to do much talking.

"I wanted to explain some things about myself. Rather, some things about my past, because I feel you deserve an explanation before we can proceed with any kind of relationship."

Y/n took a deep breath and adjusted her hands around her mug. She stared down at the liquid watching the milk and coffee blend together slowly, swirling around like a drain.

The architect felt Lauren's hand squeeze her own in encouragement, and tried her best to continue with a steady voice.

"I told you I was born in New York to an extremely well off family. Well, my father was an architect like myself, and a damn good one at that. He taught me everything I know. My mother, on the other hand, didn't do much business-wise, but she did assist my father sometimes at his firm with paperwork or meetings; things a receptionist or secretary could do. I grew up in this bubble, formed through wealth, connections, and a predetermined future. Furthermore, the Y/l/n name, on it's own, exemplified a higher status, one that few people get to experience in their lifetimes." Y/n paused, taking a sip of her coffee with shaky hands.