after this night (camren)

30. Lauren

Yes, tomorrow. There were so many details for tomorrow.

......

They're freaking out about the film. CALL ME.

The message blared at me, my phone vibrating on the nightstand, my eyes bleary from little sleep. But this was the third time my phone had rattled on the wood. I read it one more time, and emergency text from Zayn. Shit.

Grabbing my phone, I scrambled out of bed and down the stairs so as not to wake Camila.

"What's going on?" I asked, stepping out onto the balcony, greeted by the early morning sun rising in the sky. The hot and muggy days of late spring were coasting into California. Heat vibrated in the air.

"They're worried that we can't handle the studio. That we're not big enough" Zayn said, his voice shaky.

"That's crazy. I've dealt with that studio many, many times. So have you"

"I know" Zayn said, exasperated, "And they were fine with it from the start. But now I think they're getting nervous. I'm worried they're going to back out. I have a breakfast meeting with them in thirty minutes  in the South Region"

I didn't stop to consider the sleeping woman in my bed, or whether she'd be annoyed that I had to take off. All I could focus on was making sure this film deal went through. Zayn had busted hiss ass to lad the Bainbridge's, and if they needed to have egos smoothed or cold feet made toasty, it was my job to do so. The bottom line rested with me.

"I'll be there. Text the location"

"Thanks man, I need you" Zayn said, relief loud and clear across the phone line.

I headed inside, walked quietly past a sleeping Camila, curled up on her side with her brown, flaming hair spread across the white pillowcase, looking like a goddess. My goddess. And I was going to have to tell her what I'd done before we meet Austin.

I showered and dressed quickly, and she snoozed the entire time, barely moving. I imagined she was in the most peaceful land of dreams, finally sleeping easily now that the price tag was off her head. 

At least I'd been able to do that for her.

I bent down to softly kiss her cheek. She sighed lightly but didn't wake. Gently, I shook her shoulder. I was greeted with an inhale, and exhale, "Camila" I whispered.

Her eyes fluttered, "Hi" she said, opening them briefly.

"I need to go. I have to meet Zayn and the Bainbridge's" I said glancing at my watch, "Should last an hour. Two, tops. I'll meet you at ten thirty and then we'll see Austin together"

She nodded sleepily, "Call me at ten, so I can shower?"

"Of course. Don't go without me"

"Do I look stupid?"

"Sassy from the moment she wakes up" I said, shaking my head in amusement.

"Back to sleepy time for me" she said, roping her arms around my neck, "But first. This."

She pressed a sweet kiss to my lips, "I love you" she murmured, and my heart thumped painfully against my chest, lurching toward her. I desperately wanted to stay, to sit her down, and to explain. She'd forgive me. Of course she would, right? But I also made a promise to Zayn and to myself that I'd take care of business. I had time for both. I could manage both. I'd tell her before we met Austin, "Can we go shopping later for new towels?"

"You don't like my towels?"

She shook her head, "I like big, fluffy ones"

"Then let's get you some big, fluffy ones"

"And I kind of think you could use a more comfortable bench on your balcony. Those wooden slats are hard"

"Considering what I will do to you on that, let's get it today"

She smiled again, "My flight's at three"

"Then we will shop or we won't shop, but whatever we do I will love every second of it because I'll be with you, and I love you so much" I said, "And if I could blow this off and spend the morning inside you, I would. Believe me"

Believe me. My words echoed. I needed her to believe me.

"It's okay. Soon, we'll have plenty of Sunday mornings to be lazy and naughty together"

"Lazy and naughty. Gorgeous, that's a promise"

I'd keep that promise. I would absolutely keep that promise.

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yall i know this update is kinda late, im still tryna balance writing with school, i havent figured it out yet.