Fool Me

Chapter Twenty Five

Fool Me

Chapter 25

Camila definitely doesn't miss the irony she has imposed on herself when she agrees to give her ex-girlfriend another chance. Ariana had accused her of using Lauren to get over her when in fact, here she is, using her to get over Lauren. They spend the couple days Ariana has in town catching up between their work commitments and interacting with the press that her publicist approves. When Camila is alone she continues to dodge the paparazzi and when they're together she lets Ariana do most of the talking.

She sees Ariana off at the airport on Saturday because she's due to record at her own studio for the next few weeks. As they are about to part ways, Ariana initiates the first kiss since their break up, and Camila instantly realizes two things. One, it doesn't feel as right as it did before and two, she preferred kissing Lauren. She forces a smile when they pull away from each other and gives a little wave as Ariana takes off to catch her flight with a promise to call her every day that she can. Unlike when they previously dated, she finds herself hoping her girlfriend can't keep that promise.

It's around four in the afternoon when Camila gets back to her apartment and she spends at least fifteen minutes trying to find something to watch on Netflix to distract her from the desire to text Lauren. This is officially the longest they've gone without interacting since they met, and although she has the excuse of a hectic week at work in combination with entertaining her new-old girlfriend, she isn't quite sure what would be preventing Lauren from reaching out to her as a friend. It takes no longer than twenty minutes into a horrible movie with a deceptively intriguing synopsis to cave in and make the first attempt at contact.

To: Lauren

From: Camila

Hey Stranger! How's everything going? It's weird not seeing you.

Camila reads over the text a few times before hitting send, worried it might either be too casual or perhaps not casual enough. She tries to think of how she interacts with Dinah, someone who is definitely only a friend, so she can use that as a guideline for how to act with Lauren now. It takes a while for her phone to buzz to indicate an incoming text, but when it does Camila takes a deep breath before checking it.

To: Camila

From: Lauren

I've been writing all day. It's been a while since I've felt this focused and inspired. Also, it helps that Normani's taking a long weekend and visiting Tyler's family. She usually gets on my case if I spend this much time by myself.

Camila is conflicted after reading the message. She is happy Lauren is being productive and enjoying the quiet in Normani's absence, but her own selfishness is begging her to invite Lauren over. The odds are not in her favor and yet she is daring enough to try.

To: Lauren

From: Camila

May I entice you to come out of hiding by offering my company?

Camila facepalms as soon as she sends the message. She sounds more like an expensive hooker or an escort than a friend inviting over another friend.

To: Camila

From: Lauren

You can come over here if you'd like. I won't promise to be great company though. Sometimes I zone out a lot when I'm on an artistic high.

Camila is pleasantly surprised that she isn't completely rejected and decides to make the adventure across town to see Lauren despite her admitting to having her mind focused elsewhere. She takes a few seconds to send a quick text warning her she's on her way before grabbing her jacket and heading out the door.