THREE.

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During her break, Lauren was brewing a fresh batch of dark roast. Extra strong for a tiring past couple of days. She spent the entire weekend moving her furniture into a storage unit and Normani's place. As of now, she was officially homeless. It still hadn't sunken in.

She poured coffee into her mug, stirring as steam mingled in the air. On the counter, she was reading through a rental magazine, hoping to find a place close by and in her price range.

"Didn't I tell you you can stay for as long as you need to?" Normani said as soon as she entered staff room.

Lauren set down the coffee pot and flipped the magazine shut, pretending she wasn't doing anything at all. "W-what do you mean?"

Normani stole the magazine from behind Lauren's back, arching a pointed brow. "What is this then?"

"I don't know." Lauren acted ignorant, carefully sipping her black coffee and innocently batting her eyelashes.

"Mhmmm, sure."

The two sat down, occupying an available sofa as other residents and nurses were busy on the computers or trying to listen to some music to destress and recharge. Normani set the magazine in the middle, addressing it as the elephant in the room.

"You really don't have to think about moving so soon. You just moved in," she egged, straining her words precisely.

"I know, but I can't help but think I'm intruding," Lauren confessed, voice lost in her mug of piping hot coffee.

"Bull!" Normani declared, shaking her head. "It's not a problem at all. Liam doesn't mind. I don't mind. You're our friend. It's the least we can do to help."

"And I'm really grateful for you guys." Lauren took Normani's hand into hers, brushing her thumb along the row of knuckles. "But I really can't do this to you. You just got married. Your brand new life is starting. I'll be getting in the way."

Normani's laughter echoed. "Please, babe. I've been married to Liam since we moved in together. We just made things official recently. You're not getting in the way, okay?" She reassured strongly.

Defeated for now, Lauren nodded and sighed. "Alright, you win."

"I better not catch you eager to escape again," Normani playfully warned, tearing open a bag of chips from a vending machine.

"Looks like someone misses being my roommate."

"Speaking of ex-roommates, I can't believe Carla did you dirty like that. I wonder where she took your money." Normani harshly chewed on her chips, angry someone tricked her best friend.

Lauren scowled. The name triggered her rage.

"Let's not talk about her, please. But if I ever see her again, I will personally bring her to the ER after trying to mow her down." Damn, the doctor's code about saving each and every life possible.

Normani chortled as she imagined the sight of a reckless Lauren on highspeed chase. "I got a shovel if you're too late," she teased. "Anyway, I'm surprised the landlord actually let you stay a few extra days. That never happens."

"I know, right. I have Henry to thank for that. He spoke to him on my behalf."

"Why? The owner too arrogant to speak to you?"

Lauren released a knowing smirk. "I wish. I tried to speak to him, but he wasn't having it. I guess I shouldn't have called him dickhead that morning."

"Woah, back up." Confusion weighed down Normani's eyebrows as she sat straight, slightly leaning over the table. "You never mentioned this."

"Oh..." Lauren muttered, ashamed. "He was the guy who ran into me. He spilled his coffee."

the lover agreement // zaurenWhere stories live. Discover now