the love archives | camren

one

Lauren thinks it's nice to live above several takeout restaurants, but she curses herself when she forgets what night it is and how busy each will be. Tonight, Friday night, she decided to go down to get a falafel wrap. Only, so did every single Los Angeles resident. Having called in her order thinking that would be easier (since they also have her apartment number on file), she stands patiently in the pickup line. Line.

She pulls out her phone and begins to tap and scroll aimlessly. That's when her manager's contact, Brenda, pops on up on the screen as an incoming call.

"Hey," Lauren answers.

"Hey girl, how's your night going?" Brenda inquires, which is usual when she calls. Lauren appreciates someone who cares about her as more than a client.

"I'm standing in a long ass line waiting for falafel... on a Friday night..." Lauren rolls her eyes as if Brenda can see.

"Oh, that's sad, but I have some news that isn't!" Brenda cheers.

"Oh, what is it? I am in public though so don't say anything that will make me pee," Lauren jokes. She has a flashback to the time Brenda told her about her first late night show performance.

"I think we can squeeze you in the studio with Diplo next week, remember that thing you guys started?"

Lauren calmly beams with excitement. The project was something she had been wanting to finish since they sat down with the idea and recorded a few takes. Being so close to her album deadline though, she knows it'll end up either on Diplo's album or as a lone single. It doesn't bother her too much. Opportunities to get into the studio with one of the biggest producers in the industry wouldn't always come along. It was hard enough trying to make a name for herself when lots of people had been convinced she was still the same manufactured pop girl from the group.

"Oh my god, that's awesome! Thank you!" Lauren takes another step forward as another person walks off with their food. Lauren envies them.

"Of course, Lo. Anything for my wonderful, amazing, talented, hardworking, passionate, outspoken, incredible-"

"Yes, you remind me everyday. I think it's engrained in my soul," Lauren exaggerates.

"Artist, is what I was going to finish with. Alright, I'll let you go for the night. Good luck with your falafel. You do know there's an In-N-Out around the corner, right?"

Lauren chuckles, "Thanks, but that's not helping! I'll talk to you tomorrow!"

They hang up and Lauren continues a step forward. She starts to scroll her Instagram when flashes appear in the corner of her eye. It's LA, celebrities and paparazzi alike are always roaming the streets, so her first thought is that she's been spotted. She's usually able to go about freely without anyone stopping her (which is fine by her).

She tries to casually turn her attention to the windows, not wanting to deal with paparazzi asking her stupid questions. She realizes her running on an empty stomach isn't helping much either.

But she feels relief as she sees they're following someone else.

Another person leaves the line and Lauren is happy that she is now one body away from a desperately-needed meal. Continuing to wait, her ears are engulfed in the conversations about the mystery celebrity going on around her.

"Who is it?" she hears someone behind her say.

"I think it's that girl in the pink, who is she?"

"No, it's the girl in black, and she's signing her autograph for some fans."

"Is it just her? Who's the guy next to her?"