And No One Sees: The Truth Behind Camren - Book Three [UNFINISHED]

Chapter 14: Sippin

May 9th, 2019

1:00 P.M.

Lauren

I took a deep breath as my hand rested on the doorknob. I looked up almost involuntarily, silently begging whatever entity was watching over me to let this go well. I hadn't had to deal with this sort of thing in a really long time, and definitely not with someone I wasn't super close to. I slowly opened the door to find her smiling back at me.

"Hello!" Arlissa beamed, holding up two cups of coffee.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me as I stared back at her. She was so fucking sweet and cute. This was going to go well. It had to.

"Hey, mama.", I grinned, "Come in."

Arlissa made her way into my apartment as I closed the door behind her. I released one last deep breath before turning my attention towards her as she placed the coffee on the kitchen counter.

"This is so cute." she said, twirling around as she took in my apartment.

"Thanks.", I said softly, "And thanks for meeting me here."

I took a few more steps towards the counter and picked up one of the cups, signaling to her as I did so. She nodded, confirming that it was mine with a soft smile. I took a sip, letting my eyes roll to the back of my head as I took in the heavenly taste and scent of the latte.

"And thank you for this." I sighed.

"Of course, love. I figured you needed it after last night." she replied.

Once again, I took a deep breath as I nodded back at her. Breathing techniques were honestly what kept me going in life. There was a lot to process in the current moment, and it helped slow things down, even if just a little bit. 'Last night' was the sole reason that Arlissa was standing in my apartment and bringing me coffee. We were going to jump right in.

"Yeah. I'm sorry I bailed like that." I said.

"What?", she scoffed, "Do not apologize. I would've done the same thing."

"Really?"

"The circumstances were...overwhelming, to say the least. But...you know I would've gone with you, right?"

"I...yeah, I mean, I feel like I knew you would, but..."

"But you don't know me that well yet."

"Well...yeah. It's just...it's hard to really know these days; who's got your back and who doesn't."

Arlissa nodded and moved to take a seat on one of my barstools. She reached over to the other cup of coffee and slid it across the counter to herself.

"Tell me...", she took a sip of her drink, "What has made Lauren Jauregui so guarded?"

"Girl, you wanna get into that already?", I laughed, "Let me have a few more sips of this. Maybe throw some vodka into it."

"Already ready for round 2?" she laughed.

"When I'm asked questions like that, yes."

"I'm sorry.", she laughed softly, "I just...well, if I'm honest, you just carry yourself like someone who...wouldn't have a secret relationship."

"Why's that?"

"Lauren, you're one of the most courageous people I've met, and I don't even know you that well yet. You just...I don't know. You...you're out, right?"

I took another sip of my coffee and moved to sit on the stool next to Arlissa. I swallowed hard and spun my seat in her direction.

"I am.", I began, "But...well, my girlfriend's not."