Serendipity (Camren)

Chapter 5: Tiger Emerging

So I want give a huge shout out to a few amazing people who have been a great help to me here. Thanks so much to passivecompassion and Camren_Conversions you are so nice and I appreciate you both.

If you haven't checked them out go do it cuz they're awesome!!

Also it's been raining since I got back from my river trip so I got bored and decided to share another chapter. Hope whoever comes across this story enjoys it and remember I didn't write this I converted it from the one and only Obi1kenobe
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"It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him." - J.R.R. Tolkien
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Lauren came to the table and sat in the chair between Carson and Camila, slumping a little as she sipped on the cheap whiskey she had in her hand.

Carson, the softest hearted and most sensitive member of their band, put a coaster down in front of Lauren and squeezed her shoulder. She looked at him, his gentle eyes behind the glare of his black horn-rimmed glasses, and she undestood why Lucy loved him. He had everything Lucy lacked in the personality department. He was smooth where she was rough. He was tactful where she was brusque. He was her perfect foil. The poor guy just didn't have a clue. How the fuck does a girl get friend-zoned by a guy? Lauren wondered, not for the first time.

Camila glanced to Lauren before addressing the whole group. "What I'd like to accomplish today is to go over the direction we're going to move the band in. Carrie has done an amazing job getting you here, and of course your talent doesn't hurt, but I'm going to get you to the next level. We want a record deal with one of the three big labels, radio airplay, and a major tour. That means a lot of hard work and long hours. It will be grueling and exhausting, but if you trust me, you'll be a household name."

Craig and Carrie looked at each other before nodding at Camila. Lucy grinned wide and grabbed Carson's hand. Lauren continued to sulk and sip her whiskey. Camila swore she heard a low rumbling growl from the girl next to her, but didn't acknowledge it.

"Okay, if we're all ready, I'd like to show you the new logo, go over the schedule for recording demos of your best tracks, and some new concert dates a little further from home that will accommodate larger crowds."

Lauren interrupted Camila this time, unable to hide her distaste. "And what will you be doing while we work our asses off? Other than taking your cut."

Camila was prepared for Lauren today. "I convince the concert halls to take you. I negotiate the contracts. I promote you so that people know about and want to come to the shows. I make sure your equipment arrives safely. I make sure you have transportation and accommodations and security. I knock on doors and make phone calls all day long while you sleep off your hangover. I ensure the girls you take backstage make it home safely." Camila said that last part while looking directly at Lauren, and Lucy couldn't quite hide her laugh behind a fake cough.

Lauren stood up suddenly, a wave of dizziness making her slam both her hands down on the table to keep from falling over. The last remnants of ice in her drink rattled loudly on the table against the sudden silence. She squeezed her eyes shut until she could fully stand again. She could feel Carrie's eyes on her and knew she needed to leave. The rage Lauren felt at looking weak in front of Carrie was climbing to its feet inside her, like waking a great sleeping dragon, full of smoldering heat and banked fires.

"Well then," Lauren growled when she felt she could speak again, "I'll leave you to it. I've got other shit I need to do." She turned to Lucy and said quietly, "Let me know where I need to be and when."