Kissed by an angel (camren)

Chapter 11

Song Suggestion:
Little Mix-Love a girl right
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"You know what I don't understand?" Gregory said, cocking his head, studying Camila in her short silk skirt. A mischievous smile spread over his face. "I don't understand why you never wear that nice bridesmaid's dress."

Sinu looked up from the plate of snacks she was carrying upstairs to Andrew. Everyone was going out that evening.

"Oh, it's much too formal for the Durney Inn," Sinu said, "But you're right, Gregory, Camila should find someplace to wear her dress again."

Camila smiles briefly at her mother, then shot Gregory a wicked look. He grinned at her.

After Sinu had left the kitchen, he said, "you look hot tonight." He said it in a matter of fact way, though his eyes lingered on her. Camila no longer tried to figure out what Gregory meant by some of his comments, whether he was truly giving a compliment or subtly mocking her. She let a lot of what he said roll right on by. Maybe she had finally gotten used to him.
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"You're getting used to making excuses for him," Lauren had said after Camila told her what had happened on Saturday night.

Camila has been furious at Eric for his stupid trick. Gregory wouldn't admit to being in on the stunt. He had shrugged and said "you never know what Eric's up to. That's what makes him fun."

Ofcourse, she had been angry at Gregory too. But living with him day after day, she saw how he struggled. Since his mother's death there were hours when he seemed completely lost in his own thoughts. She thought about the day he had asked her to go for a ride and they had driven through his mother's old neighborhood. She had told him that she had been there that stormy night. He had barely spoken after that and wouldn't meet her eyes the rest of the way home.

"I'd have to be a stone not to feel for him," Camila told Lauren, and ended the discussion there.
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Both Gregory and Lauren were inclined to avoid each other. As usual, Gregory disappeared as soon as Lauren drove up that evening.

Lauren always came early to play for a few minutes with Sofi. Camila saw, with some satisfaction, that this time Lauren couldn't concentrate on the game they were playing, she kept sneaking peeks at Camila. Sofi grew frustrated and left to call her other friend Sammy.

Camila and Lauren seized the opportunity to slip out of the house. On the way to the car, Camila noticed that Lauren seemed unusually quiet.

"How's Ella?" Camila asked.
"Good."

Camila waited. Usually she told her a funny Ella story. "Just good?"
"Very good."
"Did you get a new bell for her collar?"
"Yes."
"Is something wrong Lauren?"

She didn't answer right away. It's Gregory, Camila thought. She still has herself all wound up about Gregory and last weekend.

"Tell me!"

Lauren faced her. With one finger she touched the back of her neck. Her hair was pinned up that night. Her shoulders were bare, except for two thin little straps. The top she wore was a simple camisole, with small buttons down the front.