By Sun and Candlelight / CAMREN

Chapter 24 - Camila, Lauren and Lori At Home

Camila and Lauren walked out of Lori's bedroom and Lauren closed the door most of the way, just leaving a slight crack. Camila stretched her back and leaned against the back of the kitchen chair. She saw Lauren watching her with concern.

"You okay?" Lauren asked.

"A little tight," Camila said, taking a breath and committing to herself to be truthful with Lauren, "It might be best if I lie down for a little while too."

"Come on," Lauren said, taking Camila's hand, "We can put on a movie in the bedroom."

Lauren led Camila into her bedroom where they both kicked off their shoes and climbed into the bed. They were atop the comforter and Lauren flopped around for a moment before standing.

"This is silly," Lauren said, motioning for Camila to get up.  Camila stood and Lauren pulled down the duvet and the sheets and they got back in, much more comfortable under the sheets.

Lauren grabbed the remote and turned on the television.  She flipped through the menu for a while discussing the options until they settled on watching reruns of New Girl.  She set the remote down and laid back on her pillow. Camila looked at the television and then looked back at Lauren. Lauren noticed her glance and smiled softly.

"Just because I need to lay down doesn't mean you need to be way over there," Camila said, grinning.

Lauren smiled and sidled closer to Camila. Camila held out her arm and Lauren snuggled against her as Camila wrapped her up in an embrace. Lauren sighed heavily and Camila turned a bit so that they were facing one another.  She leaned in and gave Lauren a soft kiss. Lauren took the opportunity immediately and deepened the kiss, bringing her hand up and rubbing the back of Camila's neck. They kissed for a few minutes, never moving to do more, both content in the quiet intimacy of the situation. When Camila pulled back, she looked at Lauren and took a deep breath.

"What is it?" Lauren asked.

"I've got something on my mind," Camila said, "But I don't want to put any pressure on you."

"Okay...," Lauren said tentatively.

"Ed asked me to go to Salt Lake City for some meetings during the biotech conference in two weeks," Camila said, "I'd leave on Friday afternoon and get back Sunday. The meetings would be during the day on Saturday."

Lauren listened intently, not sure at first where Camila was going with her ramble about work.

"I wouldn't be working the whole day, though," Camila said, "I'd have the evenings free for sure, and Sunday."

Camila's mind was whirling trying to figure out all the logistics as she spoke.

"And I don't know if you could even consider it," Camila kept on hopefully, "Because I don't know if you'd be comfortable leaving Lori for two nights – or even if Normani would be available... I know Dinah would help. I mean, even if you'd want to..."

Lauren took her hand and gently rubbed Camila's cheek, making Camila pause.

"Camz, are you asking me to go with you?" Lauren asked, smiling softly.

"I'm trying," Camila said, letting out a breath and a chuckle, "But I'm doing a really bad job of it."

Lauren laughed softly then leaned in for a quick, gentle kiss.

"I would love to go with you," Lauren said, "But I will have to figure out the logistics. If Normani's not available, then I can't go. There's no one else I'd be comfortable leaving Lori with overnight quite yet."

"I understand," Camila said immediately, "I don't want you to go unless you're sure it's okay with Lori."

"Honestly, I'd like the opportunity to get some shopping done for the holidays in the city," Lauren said, grinning, "Alta Vista is not exactly a mecca for high fashion or gifts."