Heart Hold Fast

Chapter Six

A/N: At the moment, I am struggling to balance homework and writing, so please forgive me if updates are a bit slow on any of my works! I am trying my best to keep posting regularly. Any and all votes and comments are massively appreciated. Thank you for the support!

Few things could quite match the thrilling aura of New York at night. The glittering lights and vibrant glows from the skyscraper and billboards that brought the city to life glinted off the taxi's windscreen as they dived in and out of the hectic streets to the Grove restaurant.

As they reached the most glamorous area of Manhattan, the buildings became more ever more elegant. Huge hotels with their classy exteriors surrounded them; the sidewalks outside lined with limos and supercars. This extortionate way of life had a strange appeal to Lauren; she found the opulence of it all utterly fascinating and thrilling.

The Grove sat on the corner of a crossroads. It had a magnificently grand frontage, with ionic columns on either side of the enormous oak double doors. Two doormen were stood outside, dressed in dark green suits and caps, and as Lauren's taxi pulled up, one stepped forward to open her passenger door.

Already waiting outside the restaurant, looking angelic dressed in beautiful, close-fitting white dress, was Camila. Her hands were clasped in front of her, and she rocked back and forth on her heels, seeming a little anxious. For a moment, Lauren could not move. She just clutched onto the side of the taxi to steady herself; unable to stop staring at the other woman.

"Madam?" the doorman inquired gently.

"Right, yes," Lauren shook herself out of her daze, "Sorry,"

At the sound of the distinctive voice, Camila looked over, immediately breaking into a bright smile. It faltered a little, however, when she saw the slightly unfocused look in Lauren's eyes, and the way she was teetering on the pavement.

"Lauren..."

"Yes! Hello!"

"Are you... are you alright?"

In the state she was in, Lauren completely missed the nervousness in Camila's voice. Nodding vigorously, she leant in for a hug, but at the last minute changed her mind, and extended her arm for a handshake. Camila took it, confusion evident in the hesitant way she returned the gesture.

"Shall we?" Lauren pointed towards the entrance.

"Of course,"

They were ushered inside, and the waiter took Lauren's name, before leading them through to their table. Internally, Lauren reminded herself to thank Dinah later - the table was gorgeous; set up in a nice secluded part of the restaurant, with candles on the table, and low level lighting that set a soothing atmosphere. It was very romantic, but the instant the thought crossed Lauren's mind, she banished the idea at once.

Once they were seated, the waiter presented them with a wine menu, and Lauren offered it to Camila.

"Would you like to choose?" she offered chivalrously.

"I can't claim to know much about wine," Camila admitted with a chuckle.

"Shall I make you a recommendation then?"

"I trust your taste implicitly,"

Scanning her eyes across the menu, Lauren furrowed her brow in concentration. Eventually she made a choice, and planted her finger on a name on the page, showing the waiter.

"The Fourrier, please," she requested.

He bowed, and retreated, leaving the pair alone.

"I must confess that I'm impressed," Camila spoke.