Bloodstream

Chapter 3

Lauren's POV

Her date's Keaton? Out of all the people in LA she came with Keaton. This is ridiculous.

The owner gave me the cue to start the show. I cleared my throat and fixed the microphone.

"Hello, my name is Lauren and I'll be singing a few songs for you guys, if that's okay." I winked and eveyone's eyes were on me, I saw Logan glance at Camila, his eyes widened when he saw Keaton. He started to laugh uncontrollably; he had to excuse himself out of the coffee house.

I took a deep breath and proceeded.

"First song I'll sing is American by Lana del Rey."

The gig lasted about an hour, everyone loved it and the owner even asked me if he could book me again next week. I accepted and got my pay and I escaped through the back of the coffee house.

I went to a secluded spot, there was a bench and next to it was a big tree, I reached into my pocket taking out a cigarette, I felt anxious not having one since morning, I lit in and took in a long puff, I exhaled slowly and sighed in relieve, just one puff makes me feel so relaxed, like if nothing really mattered, which is probably why it's so hard for me to stop.

"You know? Smoking is really bad for you."

"Excuse me?" I took another drag and turned around and saw it was Camila, I was surprised to see her and I accidently swallowed some of the smoke in my mouth causing me to cough and choke, she rushed over by me and rubbed my back as I tried to recompose myself.

"God that's awful." I said softly enough for her not to hear me. I coughed a few more times and stood up straight.

"You have an amazing voice; you shouldn't ruin it by smoking." She pat my back and I pursed my lips.

"You alright?" She asked laughing.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I croaked out, my throat stung.

"So you liked the show?" I asked clearing my throat; she stepped away from me and walked over to the tree to lean against it.

"Yes, I did. You're amazing." She smiled.

"So, that guy you were with... Keaton, is he your boyfriend?" I asked well it slipped out I was restraining myself to do so but I was extremely curious.

"You now Keaton?"

I nodded and went over to her; I leaned against the tree next to her.

"Um, yeah we were just hanging out; I met him a few days ago. He's just a friend. He's nice."

I rolled my eyes and played with the cigarette in my hand.

"Oh... Cool. Him and I sort of had a thing a while back but it's over now." I put the cigarette in-between my lips and took a drag, Camila backed away from me and scrunched her face up and shook her head.

"If you're going to talk to me you better put that thing out." She covered her nose and I looked down, I looked up at her and gave her a crooked smiled, I took in one last drag and put the cigarette out and threw it in the trash next to the bench.

"I'm trying to stop anyway." I said and she rolled her eyes.

"How long have you been smoking?" She asked coming closer to me.

"Hm... about 2 years, I started it because I guess it was popular at the time, I did it to look cool but I regret it because it's extremely addicting, anyway, how'd you meet Keaton." I said and she nodded.

"I ran into him at the building last week, actually he was standing right in front of your door."

I scoffed and crossed my arms. "What the hell was he doing there?" I asked annoyed.