By Sun and Candlelight / CAMREN

Chapter 14 - The First Date

Lauren took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Camila opened the door and moved back, careful to keep her balance on one crutch. Lauren walked in with a smile then noticed the walking aid.

"Camila, you're hurt," Lauren said, her voice concerned, "What happened?"

"Come in, let's get settled," Camila said, shutting the door, "What've you got there?"

"I brought a Pinot Noir," Lauren said, "I wasn't sure what we were having. Camila, how did you cook – you shouldn't have."

"I didn't," Camila said, chuckling, "I ordered from Lorenzo's. Dinah set everything up."

"Should I open this?" Lauren asked, noticing that Camila had wine and glasses set out.

"Absolutely," Camila said, smiling, "If we don't get to mine, we can save it for another time."

Lauren grabbed the corkscrew and started working on the bottle. She looked up at Camila and gave her a soft smile.

"We could have done this at my place," Lauren said, handing Camila a glass then filling her own.

"I wanted to do something for you," Camila said, "And to explain everything."

"Okay," Lauren said, taking a sip of the wine.

"But do you mind if we have a nice dinner first?" Camila asked, "Before I get into this whole injury thing. It's been a long week."

"Of course, what can I do to help?" Lauren asked.

"Well, we have two salads to start – caprese and Ceasar," Camila said, pointing to the salads on the counter and the plates next to them. "I wasn't sure what you liked so I ordered a bunch of stuff."

"Which do you prefer?" Lauren asked, walking over to the serving area.

"I'm going to have some of both," Camila said, smiling.

"I'll do the same," Lauren said, "these look wonderful."

Lauren plated a bit of the salads for each of them and they sat to begin the meal.

"Salute," Lauren said, raising her glass.

"Do you speak Italian?" Camila asked.

"Heavens, no," Lauren answered, giggling, "I just know how to do 'cheers' in a bunch of languages."

"So just the really important stuff," Camila said, chuckling.

Lauren took a bite of the tomato and fresh mozzarella and made a satisfied humming noise, "This is delicious."

"I worked really hard ordering it over the phone," Camila teased.

"Where is Lorenzo's?" Lauren asked, "I'm still finding my way around Alta Vista."

"It's downtown. Do you know where the planetarium is?" Camila asked.

"I do," Lauren said, "I've been wanting to bring Lori there, but I haven't gotten around to it."

"Lorenzo's is right down the block from there," Camila said, "I'd love to go with you guys. I know a little bit about the stars."

"Is there anything you don't know?" Lauren asked, smiling, "I don't think I've stumped you on anything yet."

"I don't speak any foreign languages either," Camila answered, chuckling, "I'm not even sure on the 'cheers' thing."

Lauren laughed as she continued eating. She looked around the apartment, noticing the eclectic mix of artwork and pictures.

"Is this all Dinah's stuff or is some of it yours?" Lauren asked, motioning to the den.

"It's mostly Dinah's," Camila said, "But some of mine is mixed in – that's why it's a little hodgepodge. I wanted to keep my stuff packed up, but Dinah insisted it would feel more like home if I hung some of my pictures."