Friday 5pm
The past week has been one of the best weeks ever. I've seen Lauren every single day, and every time she walks through the door of my apartment it's like I'm seeing her for the first time and I lose my breath. While she is amazing to look at, I think I'm more attracted to her personality than anything else. Talking to her is so easy, just last night we went from a conversation on politics and the economy to talking about how Squidward from SpongeBob is really an octopus and not a squid. Crazy convo switch right? But that's how it is with Lauren and I love it. She's quirky one minute and then super intellectual the next. She just amazes me. We unfortunately had to cancel our date at her place on Wednesday because she was called into work at the diner again. Seriously, whatever asshole keeps cutting into my Lauren time is starting to piss me off. I surprised her when she got off work with a romantic midnight stroll through Central Park after I picked her up. I grabbed burritos from Chipotle and a hot chocolate from Starbucks for us to share. Her hot chocolate is by far more superior but we settled that night for theirs.
We sat in the park and talked for over an hour while we people watched. New York truly is the city that doesn't sleep; there were so many people out last night, walking their pets, jogging, and just going on with their lives. Laur and I sat cuddled on a bench while she told me random facts like how there is a "Hug Me" Coca-Cola machine in Singapore that gives you a can of Coke each time you hug it and how dimples are scientifically considered deformities. She then made me smile so she could kiss each of my dimples and tell me how much she loved them. Random conversations like that make me want Lauren around me all the time. After our midnight snack, we headed back to my apartment and ended up falling asleep on the couch while we watched TV.
So here it is Friday, and today is officially my first day of work at Molasses tonight. Lauren spent the night again after we watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch again, good thing my couch is super comfy. She left super early this morning, I think around 6 or so. I just remember her kissing me goodbye and telling me to go get in the bed. She was teaching an early class with Mike and wanted to get to the studio early to stretch and go over the routine once more. She has to work at the diner tonight until 10 but said she would be coming to the bar once she got off and changed. Quinn said she was coming as well for a show of support. I know Quinn; she was coming for the free drinks too.
I've been standing in my closet for over 20 minutes trying to figure out what to wear. I knew if I wore a low cut top, so my boobs were on display I would be sure to get more tips, and I needed the money. I was doing pretty good on bills so far and my checking and savings account were both in pretty good shape, but I wanted to keep them that way. The end of the month was approaching fast and with rent, my phone bill, and my energy bill all due, the week after I need to make my car payment so I need to have a great weekend in tips. Plus, I was dating someone now, and having extra cash would be a definite plus.
I needed to make a decision quickly. Puck told me to get to the bar around 6:30pm so I could work his 2nd happy hour, which was from 7 to 10pm and included karaoke. He said it would be some easy tips since a lot of people needed liquid courage to perform, so drinks were usually flowing heavily. I did fairly well this past week when he had me come in during the day and learn some drinks, so I was feeling confident about working this weekend. My hair and makeup were done so I just needed to put on a damn outfit. I sat on the bed and pulled out my phone to text Lauren.
TO LOLO: Hey Laur, I don't know what I should wear to work tonight. Help me :(
I put my phone down expecting Lauren to take a little while to respond, she was at work after all, but she texted back right away.
FROM LOLO: You will look gorgeous in ANYthing. :)
I smile and blush at the phone, and try to think of a response but she sent a follow up text.
FROM LOLO: Look in your closet to the left, I picked out some hot bartender outfits for you when you were snoring this morning. Lol
I frown at the phone and walk over to the closet and sure enough on the left side, Lauren put together some outfits. There was also a note attached to one of the hangers.
Camzi,
I don't want you to freak out over what to wear tonight, because we both know you are probably overthinking this, so I went through your closet and put together some options you would look amazing in tonight for work. Can't wait to order my drink from the hottest bartender in all of NY. XOXO Laur
Have I mentioned how amazing Laur was? I pull out the hanger and lay out the outfits on the bed and smile. I pick my phone back up and send her another text.
TO LOLO: You are like the best person ever! How did you know I would be freaking out over what to wear?
TO LOLO: PS I do NOT snore :l
I go through the outfits she picked and smirk. Lauren had damn good taste in my clothes. I decided on the short purple skirt and black silhouette top she put together. I was putting on my skirt when I got another text message.
FROM LOLO: You're a control freak babe, Lol. And I wanted you to stay relaxed since I'm not there to help you. *wink wink* One less thing for you to worry about.
FROM LOLO: You do snore but it's cute. Lol
I laugh because it's crazy how well she knows me and it's only been a few weeks. I glance over at the clock and know I need to end the conversation with Lauren before I completely lose track of time.
TO LOLO: You absolutely do know how to relax me. :) I gotta finish getting ready Laur, thanks for the outfit choices, can't wait to see you later!
I wait for Lauren to respond before I finish getting dressed and smile brightly when she responds.
FROM LOLO: XOXO Bye Camzi
I pull out my pair of leather thigh high boots and quickly put them on. I double checked my outfit in my floor length mirror, pleased with what I put together, well with what Lauren put together for me. I grab my jacket and head out to the door to my car.
I pull up to Molasses and see it's pretty packed as I walk through the door and look around. I guess karaoke really brings people out. I head to the back to put my coat and purse up. I tie my apron around my waist and slip my phone in the apron pocket. I go to the bathroom and reapply my lip-gloss when I feel my phone vibrate back to back letting me know I just got two text messages. I put my lip-gloss in my pocket and pulled out my phone to quickly check my messages.
The first is from Lauren, she sent me a picture of her giving me the thumbs up with the caption: Good luck! I smile at the message going to the next which is from Quinn.
FROM Q: On my way to the bar now! I'm ready to drink!
I shake my head and laugh at Quinn and lock my phone before I slide it in my apron and head out to the bar.
"Snixx!" I hear Puck call out while motioning me over to a smaller bar off to the side.
"Hey Puck." I say with a smile when I get over to him .
"Yo, you look smoking." He said with a grin. "I'm going to have you work the smaller bar tonight."
"Ok cool." I nod and walk behind the bar. "If you need anything just get the attention of one of the waitresses." He said before walking away. I look around behind the bar quickly and make a mental note of where everything is so I'm prepared.
---
Midnight
The bar has been crazy tonight, karaoke night is apparently a huge success, Puck may want to add another night. Quinn showed up with some of her coworkers and has been forcing them to buy drinks from me all night, luckily they've just been ordering shots and martinis, super easy to make, but strong enough that people get drunk quicker and leave hefty tips, which they were absolutely doing. After the third round of shots her coworkers go to the dance floor but Quinn hangs around the bar and chats with me since I have a spare moment.
"So, you're like a pro." Quinn says with a huge smile as I mix up another martini for her. She sets a $20 on the counter and picks up her drink.
"It's on the house Q." I tell her and push the money back to her.
"I know, that's your tip for all the drinks I've had so far." She replies while taking a sip.
I smile at her and slide it in my apron. "Thanks babe." I tell her while leaning forward on the counter.
"So am I going to have to come to the bar just to see my best friend now?" She pouts slightly. "I haven't seen you all week and you don't answer the phone apparently." She raises her eyebrow while taking a sip of her drink. "Is Lauren replacing me already?"
I sit up and start wiping down the counter. "Please Q, you will always be my best friend, nothing will change that." I assure her. "But yes, I have been with Laur all week." I smile shyly.
"So things are going good with you two?" She asks.
I nod just as a guy comes up and orders 3 beers and 6 shots. I quickly grab his beers and open them before I grab the whiskey and pour his shots. "Things are going great with us." I tell her with a smile. "She's coming tonight when she gets off work." I add.
"That's $30." I told the guy. He hands me a $50 and I go to the register to grab his change. When I turn around he pushes one shot towards me and one to Quinn.
"Keep the change pretty lady." He says with a wink. "Are you two gorgeous girls up for shot?" I lock eyes with Quinn and we both nod and take the shot with the guy. I thank him before he walks away with the rest of his drinks. "You just made $40 in like 5 minutes."
Quinn laughs as I hand her a lime, knowing she needs it after that shot.
"I know, I'm over $100 in tips already." I say happily.
"So, back to you and Lauren." She says while taking a sip of her martini. "Did you tell her you love her yet?"
I shake my head quickly. "I said I think. I've never been in love before so I don't know how I should feel."
"What time is she coming?" Quinn asks.
I shrug. "She said when she gets off work and goes home to change." I reply while scanning the bar to see if I can spot her.
"Are we still on for brunch tomorrow?" Quinn asks.
"Absolutely." I nod in reply. "Where do you want to go?"
"There's a place that has a buffet and bottomless mimosas." Quinn says while answering a text on her phone. "That work for you?"
"Yeah, where is it?" I ask her while pouring another round of shots for a group of girls.
"The Intercontinental Hotel uptown." She replies while knocking back the rest of her martini. "11am work?"
I finish up with the group of girls and get a big rush of people at the bar ordering shots when Puck yells out that Lemon Drop Shots are only $3 for the next 10 minutes. I'm moving as fast as I can making shots, luckily they are fairly easy to mix up quickly. After the rush and probably another $30 in tips, I exhale slowly and lean back on the bar. "Yeah 11am is fine Q." I finally get a chance to reply.
"Cool." She then slips me a five. "Feel like making another lemon drop shot?"
I turn around and raise my eyebrow at her. "Did you drive?" I ask before grabbing her a shot glass.
"Nope, took a cab, Sam is out with his brother and should be headed her in a minute."
Once I know she didn't drive, since she's been knocking back drinks, I mix up another batch of lemon drop shots and pour her one. I slide it to her and watch her quickly knock it back. "Slow down Q." I laugh out. "It's only midnight."
"I had a long week I need these drinks." She says lowly.
"Everything ok?" I ask her while washing some glasses.
"Yes and no." She shrugs. "We can talk about it tomorrow at brunch."
"Ok, sounds good." I reply as Puck comes out and refills my ice bin.
"How's it going ladies?" He asks with a grin.
"Snixx here is a big hit." Quinn teases.
Puck throws the now empty bag in the garbage and leans on the counter. "So I've heard, you're getting good reviews." I open a Corona and hand it to him. "Thanks." He says while taking a drink. "I'm making this your official area. Work for you?" He asks me.
Working a bar by yourself is stressful sometimes, but great for tips since I'm the only one making drinks in this area so I'm beyond excited. "Works for me."
"Keep up the good work." He adds before beginning to walk away, he then quickly turns back around. "Oh Q, Sam is in one of the VIP booths, he just got here. Mila, he requested you as his bartender, so one of the waitresses will be bringing you his order."
"Great, thanks." I tell him.
"You don't mind if I go hang with Sam do you?" Quinn asks while standing up.
"Of course not." I laugh. "Tell him he better bring his big lipped ass over and say hi sometime before the night is over." I tease. I quickly make her one more martini for the road and refuse the $5 tip she tried to give me.
Once Quinn leaves I lean back on the bar and close my eyes momentarily enjoying the lack of customers for the moment. I know Puck is going to yell out the next shot special in about 30 minutes based on the schedule he handed out earlier, so I decide to start prepping for the next shot, which is the bars house shot, the Molasses. It's actually premade so all I need to do is pull it out of the cooler and pour the shots as people order them.
I glance up to see the time and spot Lauren talking to Quinn and pointing in my direction, and of course she looks beautiful as always. She has on super tight skinny jeans, thigh high brown boots, a white V-neck shirt, with a yellow blazer over. Her hair is in soft curls and her eyes look the bluest I've ever seen them. We lock eyes and she starts waving like crazy. I quickly wave back at her and motion for her to come over.
"Hey gorgeous." She says happily while sitting down on one of stools in front of the bar.
"Hey Laur." I respond happily. I then lean over the bar and kiss her softly on the lips. "You are the gorgeous one tonight." I whisper to her before leaning back. I smirk at how instantly flushed she gets. "So what can I make you?"
"What's good?" She asks.
"Ummmm, apple martini?" I suggest.
"Sounds great." She replies while setting a $10 on the counter.
"No charge." I tell her as I quickly mix the drink and pour her martini, adding tons of cherries for her.
"That's your tip." She winks at me.
"I thought we agreed you would pay me in kisses and cuddles." I say while sliding her drink towards her and leaning on the counter again.
"You can definitely have those as well." She replies before pulling me close and quickly kissing me again. "How's it going tonight?" She asks while taking a sip. "Whoa....this is good."
"Thanks, and it's going good so far. I'm so tired though." I tell her. I then take in her appearance and notice she looks exhausted herself. "You look pretty tired yourself."
She nods. "I am I've been up since 5am, and I've been working non stop all day it seems like. The diner was a mad house." She says though a yawn.
"You should have just gone home and gone to sleep, Laur." I tell her as a waitress brings me an order to fill for her.
"I didn't want to miss your first night." She says with a smile.
I start mixing the drinks, and glance over at her. "Seriously baby, you look like you are going to fall over right now." I say while pouring the 5 shots, and placing the 3 beers next to the 3 vodka cranberries they ordered. I swipe the customer's credit card and hand the receipt to the waitress.
"I'll be okay, is there red bull behind there?" She asks. I nod and grab one and open it for her. "Thanks." She quickly drinks it down and hands me the can back.
"Do you work tomorrow?" I ask her while glancing at the time and getting the shot glasses ready for the next special.
She yawns and shakes her head. "Nope, I'm off. I've worked like a gazillion hours this week. I just want to have a lazy Saturday, and eat ice cream and watch movies tomorrow." She laughs.
"Sounds like an awesome day." I tell her with a smile. "I hope I'm invited.
"You bartending tomorrow?" She asks.
I nod. "Yeah from 10pm to 3am." I hear Puck yell out the next special. "I have brunch with Q at 11am, but I'm yours before and after that." I pour one of the house shots and slide it Lauren quickly. "Ready to see me in action?" I wink at her.
"Can't wait." She says happily. "And of course you're invited." She confirms. "Your place or mine?"
"We can do mine." I tell her. "I have like 3 different types of ice cream we can binge on."
After the rush from the shot specials die down, my side of the bar calms down thankfully and remains pretty quiet for the next hour or so aside from the occasional person coming over and ordering drinks. Laur and I are able to talk about her day, in which she excitedly talks about her dance class and invites me to come and sit it on next week.
—
2am
Quinn and Sam come over to the bar. "We are heading out Mila, but I wanted to give you your tip personally." Sam says with a smile as he hands me $200.
"This is way too much Sam." I tell him and hand it back.
"We had 3 bottle of champagne, 2 bottles of vodka, and 4 rounds of shots." He lists off.
"Yeah but Puck gives you free drinks." I laugh out.
"Well if I would have paid, this would be the proper tip." He says with a smile. He places the money on the bar and hugs me before walking out.
"I'll see you tomorrow for brunch Mila, nice to you again Laur." Quinn smiles before waving and leaving.
"That was really nice of him." Lauren says. "He much be rich."
I nod and stuff the money in my apron. "Yeah, he is." I tell her while wiping down the counter. "I can call you a cab, Laur, I don't know how long after I have to stay when we close. You need to get some sleep."
"You can go now." Puck said while walking over to us. "Hey Lauren." He said while hugging her. "Where the hell is Mike? He never comes out anymore."
Lauren laughed. "I know, Tina keeps him on a tight leash."
"Ahhhhh." Puck laughed. "Mila, you did great tonight. You can go, you've been here since 7."
"Are you sure?" I ask.
He nods. "Yep, see you tomorrow at 10." He replies while cashing out the register and quickly stuffing the cash in a lockbox. "Have a good night ladies."
"I need to grab my stuff Laur." I tell her while walking from behind the bar.
"You look hot in that outfit." She smirks. "Great choice."
I walk up to her and hug her tightly. "Thank you for picking it out." I lean up and kiss her quickly before I grab her hand and lead her to the back so I can grab my stuff. I grab all the cash out of my apron and stuff it in my purse and grab my jacket. "Ready to go?" I ask her. She nods and smiles. "You coming to my place right?"
"Yeah, that's the plan." She replies.
"Do you need to stop at your place? Lords Tubs need to be fed or anything?" I ask her while driving home.
"Yeah I packed a bag. I'll just be a second." She says softly while leaning her head on the window. I glance over at her and see her close her eyes. I turn the music down low since I see her falling asleep.
We pull up to her apartment building 20 minutes later. "Laur, baby where are your keys? I'll run in and grab your bag for you."
"Inmypurse." She mumbles out.
I smile and reach in her purse and grab her keys. I hop out and quickly go up to her apartment and see her bag sitting on the couch. I pick it up and start to leave when I notice Lord Tubs bowl looks kind of low. I set the bag down and add some fresh food, empty his litter box, and give him some cold water. He stares at me from his perch on the windowsill. I walk over and rub his back slowly. "I promise to take good care of her." I whisper to him before picking up the bag and leaving the apartment.
When I get back to the car I see she is still peacefully asleep so I drive the block down to my apartment building and park in my space in the underground lot. "Laur, we are at my place." I say softly while rubbing her arm.
She stirs and slowly opens her eyes and instantly smiles. "Come on so you can get in the bed." I say with a smile before grabbing her bag for her and jumping out of the car. I ran to the other side and another door for her.
We walk hand in hand up to my apartment and I lead her straight to the bedroom. "I'm going to take a quick shower Laur, I feel kind of gross from working in the bar all night."
"Ok." She says sleepily while changing into an oversized t-shirt and quickly laying in bed.
I take a quick shower, because I'm exhausted. I toss on a tank top and a pair of little shorts and climb in bed cuddling close to Lauren. She wakes up slightly and wraps her arm around me pulling me close. "Night Laur." I say as I kiss her good night and fall asleep almost instantly.
—
10:30am
I wake up when I feel Lauren get out of bed and pad to the bathroom. I glance at the clock and groan. "Shit!" I say quickly while reaching for my phone to text Quinn that I'm running late.
"What's wrong?" Lauren asks as she comes out of the bathroom and gets back in bed snuggling close and kissing me on the neck while rubbing my side soothingly.
I turn in her arms and kiss her. "Good morning."
"Good morning." She whispers back with a smile.
"I overslept." I tell her while turning back around to text Quinn. "Quinn is probably on her way here now." TO
Q: Sorry I overslept. I'm running late. :(
"Oh yeah, you have brunch with her right?" Lauren asks.
"Yeah, you can hang out here I shouldn't be too long." I tell her. "Want me to bring you something back?" I ask her as my phone goes off with a text message.
"You don't mind me being here when you aren't?" She asks.
I shake my head. "Not at all." I grab my phone and see a message from Quinn.
FROM Q: Can we reschedule? We went to a penthouse party after we left the bar and Sam is beyond hungover. Sorry.
I sigh out in relief because God knows I didn't want to get out of bed, mainly because I was still tired and also because I wanted to have a lazy day with Laur before I worked tonight.
TO Q: No problem, let's do lunch this week. What day works for you?"
FROM Q: Tuesday? TO Q: Works perfectly, I'll call you later.
I put my phone down and turn back over and kiss Lauren on the forehead. "Quinn cancelled so it's just you and me today." I get butterflies when I see her face curl into a smile. She opens her eyes and I see them twinkling.
She kisses me softly and slowly deepens the kiss; she then cups my face and strokes my cheek with her thumb. "Puis-je vous prendre pour un brunch pour compenser l'annulation de notre date de mercredi?"
As usual when Lauren speaks French to me arousal shoots through my body. "Ummm, yes to whatever you said." I laugh out.
"What if I just asked you to jump off a cliff?" Lauren teased while running her fingers through my hair.
I laugh. "Well you made it sound so damn sexy that I would probably still say yes."
Lauren smiled and kissed me softly again. "I asked if I can take you to brunch to make up for canceling our date on Wednesday?"
"I thought you wanted to just relax today?" I ask her.
"We can relax after we are full of waffles and bacon." She says.
"Yes, I would love to go to brunch with you." I tell her. "You want to go now?"
She nods. "Yeah, I know the perfect place." She then jumps up.
An hour later we are dressed and head downstairs to my car. I toss her the keys. "You can drive." I know for a fact I'm in deep with Lauren, I don't let anyone drive my car. I barely let Quinn sit in the drivers seat. I have a gray Camaro, that's completely loaded, it's my baby, but here I am trusting Lauren with my car without even knowing her driving skills.
She comes to the passenger side and opens the door for me to get in, before she heads to the drivers side. She first goes to a gas station and fills up the tank.
"You didn't have to do that, Laur." I tell her when she gets back in.
"As many rides as you've given me, it's a fair trade off." She says with a smile.
"I don't mind giving you rides." I tell her.
"Hmmmmm." She licks her lips. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind for a later date." She winks while leaning over and kissing me. "Ready for the best and most entertaining brunch you've ever had in your life?"
After I can focus and get the beautiful image of me riding Lauren out of my head I nod. "Can't wait."
After a probably a 45 minute drive, that I'm sure I fell asleep during, we reach a small diner called Lick. Lauren jumps out and opens the door for me. She grabs my hand and leads me to the diner.
I walk in and instantly fall in love with the place. It looks like someone's kitchen at home. It's cozy and just feels like you're in your grandmother's house. We are seated in a booth off to the side. The waitress comes over and greets Lauren with a hug.
"Lauren I haven't seen you in forever!" She exclaims. "Where have you been?"
"I've been around." Lauren says with a big smile. "This is my very special friend Camila Cabello. Camila, this is Candace."
I extend my hand but she pulls me into a bone crushing hug. "So good to meet you."
I smile warmly. "Like wise."
"So do you want the house special Laur?" Candace asks.
Lauren quickly nods. "Yep, bring me the A option and bring Camz the B option." She then looks over at me. "Do you mind sharing?"
"Not at all." I told her.
"Cool, and ummmm 2 salted caramel hot chocolates." Lauren adds.
"Great, coming right up Laur." Candace says with a smile before scribbling everything down and walking away.
"What did you order?" I ask her.
"It's a surprise." She says happily. "But you will love it."
"So I'm your special friend?" I tease.
"You forgot the very part." Lauren says with a wink.
Lauren calling me her very special friend made my heart skip a beat, ok it made my heart skip a few beats. I want to reply to her but I'm kind of speechless when suddenly the lights go out and the spotlight shines through the diner and lands right on our table.
Table 15, you know what to do! An announcer says over the loudspeaker.
"What's going on?" I ask Lauren quickly.
"We have to perform a skit, and if we get a standing ovation from the other guests we get the meal free." She says happily while jumping up.
"W-what?" I stutter out.
Lauren looks under the table and pulls out a white envelope then sits back down and hands it to me. "Open it, we have to do whatever is on the card."
I slowly accept the envelope and open it, my eyes instantly widen. "Laur...."
She quickly grabs the card and falls over laughing. "Come on Camzi! Let's do it."
Table 15 Do you accept the challenge?
Lauren jumps up quickly. "We accept!"
I must be crazy in love or just plain crazy to do this right now, but for some reason I jump up and nod. "Yes we accept!" I repeat. Lauren smiles brightly and picks me up, spinning me around.
"This is going to be so fun!" She shrieks.