Dance For Me

Chapter 26

Nikki flattened her palms against the desk and acknowledged the red in her cheeks growing darker "I've been your number one supporter for years Lauren, don't you think I deserve for you to ask, if not offer?"

Lauren sucked in a breath and raised her chin, admiring the woman's confidence "I will admit, having you entirely for myself would be beneficial"

"Oh come on LJ" Nikki scoffed "Can't you just be emotional with me? I know me being here wouldn't just be a benefit for the company"

"Fine" Lauren cleared her throat "I don't like sharing, I would really like to have your expertise on the payroll" Nikki widened her eyes and gently clapped her hands in excitement "I will buy out your clients and offer you a permanent position here"

"Perfect!" Nikki spoke, scraping a hand through her hair "I'll arrange to have my office moved over!" She stood from her seat and pulled her bag over her shoulder "One more thing before I leave, Camila is your main priority right now in terms of the academy, but don't forget, she's also your main priority in terms of your relationship too!"

"Your point?" Lauren scoffed

Nikki folded her arms "My point is that you are new to this! Take it from me, work can easily get in the way of your romance" she began with a passion in her tone "Embrace the title you have, she's a beautiful girl and I'm almost sure you haven't actually dated her yet!"

"What are you talking about? I made her dinner?" Lauren defended

Nikki rolled her eyes "Gold star for you!" Lauren cocked a brow but decided to let the woman continue "Your home doesn't count! Take her out, show her the world a little? Girlfriend is a big step up from fuck buddy!"

"Great" Lauren laughed "I'm taking advise from a single bitch with three cats!"

Nikki smirked "I have a wife and two dogs, maybe if you asked you'd have known that!"

Lauren widened her eyes and straightened out her spine "You have a wife? Wait- you're gay? Nikki-

"My point exactly" the woman winked "Laters LJ, I have to go and arrange my celebration party for landing a huge new pay cheque!"

Lauren scoffed "Don't push it!" The door slammed and her smile returned "That girl!"

•••

Camila

The cold night-time air slid through the open window at the end of my room, and part of me enjoyed watching the light of the moon reflecting again my skin. Today was hard, Emma still had an issue with me and the new girl Nova never stopped talking

I liked that she wanted to be my friend, not that I trusted her just yet, but her energy was light and glittery, like a tiny dog with a happy mouth and pastel pink collar. Emma didn't seem too pleased by my joy, and as per tradition decided to separate us across the room

Nova giggled and eyed me in the mirror, mocking Emma's mannerisms as we followed her damp instructions. I'd never laughed so much in my entire life, even Sam failed to make giggle like she did. Admittedly I was sad about mine and Sam's situation, we went from best friends to strangers in a matter of weeks, and Azalea seemed to have disappeared just as quickly

Still, a broken day didn't mean a broken night. I took a hot shower and skimmed a few chapters of my book before switching on the TV. Friends was my favorite show and I binged it for what felt like hours, that was until a loud knock spilled over my door "Who is it?" I called out, more than aware it could only be one of two people

"Open up" it was Lauren, her raspy, tired voice like a song against my ears. I jumped up quickly and ran to unlock the door, her glittery green eyes gleaming back at me with a smile "I'm glad you're still awake" she pulled me in for a small kiss before pushing past my shoulder to enter the dorm