In My Life

Chapter 12: The first date, sort of

"Camz, I don't need fancy to be happy," Lauren answered, "I take all my clients there when I sign them. It is wonderful but it's not special to me, although it has taken on new significance since it was where we shared our first meal."

"Well, this place is called Morisot and it's kind of like a bistro, I guess," Camila said, "It's a small place, a little out of the way."

"I've heard of it," Lauren said, "I can't wait."

The women arrived and walked in and Camila gave her name to the host. He looked at his clipboard and nodded and led them to a quiet table in the corner near a window and told them a waiter would be with them shortly.

"This place is lovely," Lauren said, looking around at the cozy, quiet restaurant. The tables were all either for two or for four and the setting was very romantic. Lauren looked up as a woman approached the table.

"You finally made it," the woman said, greeting Camila. Camila stood up and hugged the woman tightly.

"I did," Camila said smiling, "Ariana, this is Lauren Jauregui. Lauren, Ariana Grande."

"Nice to meet you, Lauren," Ariana said smiling, "I've been trying to get this one in here since we opened a few months ago. She's too busy with her music career. I hope she remembers the little people when she gets all famous."

"Really, like I'd ever forget you," Camila said, smirking, "Ariana and I took some classes together while we were both pretending to pursue normal careers."

"I wanted to cook and she wanted to sing," Ariana said, "Needless to say, we weren't the best students."

"Hey, I was a good student!" Camila objected, giggling.

"Yeah, you were," Ariana said, chuckling, "I wasn't."

"So, I've got big news," Camila said, smiling, "I've recorded an album. The first single will be released soon."

Ariana smiled widely and shook her head, "I knew you'd do it, Mila."

"Thanks, Ari," Camila said, "And I knew you'd get your restaurant one day."

"So, I tell you what," Ariana said, "How about I feed you two a tasting menu. It's on me, Mila. Congratulations."

"Ari, you don't have to do that," Camila said, shaking her head.

"I insist," Selena said, "And one day when I have someone to impress I want backstage passes. Got it?"

Camila laughed and nodded.

"All right, any allergies or food dislikes?" Ariana asked.

"Nope, Lauren already got me to try sweetbreads," Camila said, scrunching her nose.

"I like you already," Ariana said, smiling at Lauren, "So I'll leave you two to it."

Ariana turned and walked away and Camila grinned at Lauren, "Well, not so impressive now that I'm not even paying for the meal."

"I'm impressed," Lauren said, "I love the feel of this place and now we get the chef cooking us a special meal. It's wonderful, Camz."

Camila blushed and smiled softly. Five courses later the women were stuffed and happy. Each course had been amazing and Lauren and Camila agreed they would love to return to eat there again. Ariana came out at the end of the meal and gave both women hugs and grinned as they showered her with praise. Camila promised to let her know next time she played in Chula Vista.

They walked back to the car and Lauren smiled softly as Camila went to her side first and opened the door for her.  Before Lauren could slide in Camila grabbed her for a quick, soft kiss. Lauren felt like she couldn't stop smiling as she got into her seat.  Camila walked around and got settled.