"God, this hangover is killing me..." Albert muttered under his breath, trudging through my kitchen with his eyes drawn to the floor. His attempt at trying to avoid the sunshine was a lot difficult than he thought, his hands tapping around to find a steady wall or something to hold on to. The man knew his way around my penthouse pretty well though, we've held a few parties here once or twice before. The benefit in knowing a few good people earned me a luxurious spot like this one, as the magazines proclaim me to be "multi-talented" in just about anything-- which is well... false. There's only one thing I care about being good at and that's been learning from mistakes and songwriting. You can guess one out of the two which one I make a living out of. California is the place for that, but a few apartments in other countries doesn't hurt to have.
Surprisingly, the weather decided to play fairly today and the sun didn't glimmer as brightly as it would, but it was a bit cloudy. That kind of day was one that I favored the most. "(Y/N), are you even listening?" groaned Albert, peeking one squinted eye at me.
"I'm sorry, buddy. You know how I am, always somehow in my own world." Laughing, I watched Albert mutter grumpily under his breath, taking two pills of advil to rid of the aching pain in his head. "Go back to sleep, will you? The more you sleep, the faster that hangover will go away. If not, it's going to be a bitch until tomorrow, and I know how much planning you've done for that fundraiser thing."
"Shit, I completely forgot," Albert exclaimed, groaning further into his words as he stopped moving for a brief moment-- one of his hands shooting up to rest on his head. It was like he was having a mental torment, remaining quiet for a few seconds before waving his hand to dismiss my attention. He silently agrees with the smallest nod and soon enough, disappears back into the guest room of my residence. Normally, I would bring the party host back to his place, but somehow he failed to remember where he misplaced his keys and I couldn't leave him stranded. Some may consider him trouble, I consider him a friend.
Returning to hunch over my study desk, I couldn't help but eye my phone-- planted face down, untouched. The temptation to call the brunette I had met a night prior was unbelievably difficult.
Screw that, I'll just send her a message.
Swiping my fingers across the screen, I bravely typed a small message, contemplating what I should say. Nothing too detailed, nothing too short. Sighing, I wrote what I'd expect anybody else would say: "Hey! It's curious-"
Okay, no. Scratch that. I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I wanted to make a good impression. I was thinking too much about this, wasn't I? It's just a text, nothing to worry about. Shrugging this uneasy feeling aside, I began to write again. "Hey, Camila! Before I tell you who this is, how about you take a guess?" And before I knew it, the message sent. Re-reading it was horrible, and so I squeezed my eyes shut and began to hope that I had put in the wrong phone number or something. Of course, that would've meant that I wouldn't have any other way to privately contact her unless--
Ding!
Eyes shot open, I frantically took a good look at my brightly-supported screen. "The Pizza delivery guy?" the person replies, a little laughing emoji neighbored beside the text.
I rolled my eyes: "Nice try. Guess again."
"Nope! If it isn't the pizza delivery guy, I don't know who else it could be! I'm only concerned for the pizza at the moment, so you might as well tell me."
Chuckling a bit at the girl's adamance for her food, I reluctantly revealed my idea. "The curious cat, lil' missy."
"I figured as much, being that I gave you my number last night and neither of us were drunk," replied Camila. My phone began to buzz, the screen illuminating with 'Lil Missy' and my thumb, as if on instinct, pressed the 'accept' button.
-
Camila's POV
"You know, I wasn't joking about that pizza," I said, being the first to speak. Taking the initiative to call the woman was a bit adrenaline-sinking. I did have a few mugs of coffee, but not for the spur of confidence I needed to actually hear her voice. "By the way, I never got your name the other night."
"Was that a question seeking an answer? Or simply an observation, because if so, I'll just nod my head and agree with a simple yes." I laughed at the playful charisma, my free arm hugged at my chest as I kicked at the wooden floors of my apartment.
"It was definitely a question, being that I never told you my name," I replied.
"(Y/N). (Y/N) (Y/LN)."
"It's nice to finally put a name to the face. I've heard a lot of your work. No wonder Shawn was bickering on and on about our encounter last night. I mean, not that I told him about it, he was there. I don't know if you know or anything," I rambled, eventually having realization dawn on me as I chewed on my lower lip. Clearing my throat, I continued. "Shawn told me about your tremendous help for inspiring some of the tracks on his new album. Personally, what was your favorite?"
(Y/N) laughed on the other end, the rasp in her voice tickling the ends of my ear. "I'd have to say 'Where Were You In The Morning?' because it was inspired by an experience that's happened for both him and I. Obviously not a situation that involves the both of us, but you know." Now it was my turn to laugh, noticing how the songwriter stumbled a bit over her words.
The conversation continued from there. It wasn't necessarily awkward, there were a couple of silences but much to my dismay, it had to be cut short. Time flies when you're having fun. Isn't that what they say?
"Listen (Y/N), it's been great but I actually have to go. My manager is telling me that I have to get off now."
"Oh, that's fine. I completely understand. Hopefully we can talk soon, yes?"
Smiling, I nodded, despite the woman not being able to see me. "Of course, curious cat. You'll hear from me soon."
Pressing the circular red button on my screen, I sighed. My eyes drifting to the familiar rehearsal room I've grown to be in for what's felt like everyday of my life. "Up and at 'em, Cabello! Let's go," my manager whistled, making me chuckle tiredly and bring me to my feet.
"That wasn't much of a break," I whined, hearing several, playful pats at my bum.
"The life of a pop star never stops!" Rolling my eyes, knowing that Roger meant well - as always.
And so, the intense dancing continues.
-
YOUR POV
"What exactly do you see in this girl, if I may ask?" Albert asks, heaving a crate of booze in his arms as he moves around his own personal nightclub. I shrug, turning the stool I sat on to face him as he eventually shuffles his way behind the bar.
"I just think she's, well.. I don't know. She's beautiful, for starters. And something about her feels lonesome. Like, she needs somebody. Someone. Nothing romantic, perhaps just a genuine friendship. I feel like I could give her that, being that I saw this guy the first time we met. They seemed to be something like that," I explained. Chuckling quietly, Albert just nods as he sorts out the glasses of wine in their respective slots before doing the same with a crate of beer he had moved over here.
"Have you ever tried asking her if she's seeing anybody?" Albert probes, resting his hands on the edge of the counter, giving me a pointed look.
Have I? I don't think I ever did. Shaking my head, Albert points a finger at me and moves to resume his inventory restock. "See? So, maybe there's a chance!"
"That wasn't really what I was talking about. Abe, she's different. Not like any other artist I've ever known. There's something in her eyes that seems to be looking for some kind of help, I can't put my finger on it but it's there..." Sighing, I slump my shoulders and move to jump off the stool. "Anyways, forget it. Is everything ready for this party you're hosting tonight? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Albert thinks for a moment, furrowing his eyebrows before shaking his head. "Not that I can think of. How about you just come back later tonight, all nice and pretty? I can handle things from here."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You seem like you've got enough on your plate already," Albert exclaims. I shake my head, cracking a small smile on my lips.
"Not much at all, Abe." Amused, Albert shooed me away with his hands before turning to consult with an employee of his. Tonight was one of the biggest nights for the entrepreneur slash party animal. He was finally opening his very own nightclub and all of Hollywood was invited - from singers to dancers, actors to actresses, etc. As promised, I did tell him I'd make it and be there for the debut ceremony. I was really proud of the crazy guy, he was my first friend when I moved to Los Angeles.
"Come on, (Y/N)! You'll enjoy it. And plus, nobody will care if you're underaged. In California, everybody has a good time!" Hailee exclaimed, her eyelids feathered with black liner, her dress stopped just above her thighs as she carried a small purse under her right arm. Her left hand was outstretched to beckon for mine. I sighed, having thoughts that I would get in huge trouble back home, but willingly, first impressions were everything in communities like this. Reluctant, I finally complied and began walking to watch as a bouncer eyed us both.
"ID's please," the man requested, Hailee professionally pulling out her own to show her supposed identity. I mimicked her, hoping that I wasn't easy to see through because hell, I was nervous as heck. "Underaged, are we? I'm afraid there's no can-do, kid. Go home," he says after much contemplation, making Hailee's face drop of her smile as she watched the rejection that took place.
"Robert, she's with me. Can you please, pretty please, let us both in?" Hailee pleaded, a puppy pout strewn on her lips but Robert looked unfazed. Just then, a head popped out from the door that the bouncer was guarding, a sly look in his eyes.
"Who are these guys?"
"Don't worry about them, boss. I was just letting them turn around. Underaged," Robert exclaims, a stern look on his face but the mystery man wasn't buying it for some reason.
"Nonsense. Let them have a good time. Pass them through," he said. Hailee and I shared a look of surprise."
"But, sir–.." Robert began.
"I don't want to hear it. Let them through. We're all just people, needing to ease the stress."
Sighing, Robert narrows his eyes at us as he unbuckles the line that guarded the twin doors, letting us pass.
"Thanks. Uh, who are you?" I ask, eventually meeting the said boss as Hailee disappeared into the crowd - throwing her hands up in the air with glee as the rhythmic bass of music vibrated the ground.
"Albert. I'm the club owner here, but you can call me Abe if you'd like. Consider me the biggest party host of all of Los Angeles. And yourself?" Albert asks.
"(Y/N). I'm an up-and-coming songwriter. Or at least, trying to be."
"Nice to meet you, kid. Enjoy yourself."
"I will, thanks."
-
"This is one interesting party you've got going," I shout over the speakers, Albert all dampened up in his suit. Classy guy for a nightclub, but he doesn't disappoint with the fun.
"You know, have to keep it interesting! Drinks on me, tell the bartender who you are! I've got to talk to some other guests," Albert tells, patting my shoulder as it leaves sight to the stools of the busy bar. Strolling forward, I take a seat and did as Albert told me to, earning myself a delicious martini to start the night with.
"Well, if it isn't (Y/N) (Y/LN)." That voice. Awfully similar. A grin stirred on my lips as I turn to face the source of the familiar rasp.
"And Camila Cabello. Again, doesn't seem like your kind of scene," I tease in retort, earning a charming smile and a brief giggle in response.
"Can't ignore a night of fun. That, and it's good to show up for you know, reputation purposes." Nodding, I offer the seat beside me for the latina and order for her.
"We really should stop meeting under these circumstances, Cabello."
"You're right, I agree." Grinning, Camila thanks me with a nod for the beverage and moves to take a small sip, her face scrunching up by the alcohol in it.
"Ooh, not a fan?" I ask, watching as Camila moves to take sips from a glass of water. She waves her hand as she musters her will to talk, but instead I get a small cough.
"I-It's fine, I'm just not much of a drinker. Especially cocktails!" Camila stammers, her cheeks blushing a rosy color in embarrassment. Though, I found it pretty adorable.
"No worries. How about a virgin pina colada? They serve good tropical drinks with no alcohol," I offer. Camila nods happily, earning just that as I turn to face her. Now, for the question. "Hey, I have something I want to ask, mostly because of my curiosity."
Camila sips at the drink through a straw and nods at my words, "Alright. Shoot."
"Are you and that gu–.."
"Darling!" interrupted a British sounding accent. Or was it Australian? No clue, the music was too loud. Turning, I watch as a middle-aged man approached us, his sights on Camila as his arms were opened to welcome the singer into an affectionate hug. He planted his lips on her neck and pulled away, finally acknowledging me with his eyes.
"Oh! I, Matthew! Hi, I didn't know you were coming tonight," Camila says in surprise, but she immediately gains her composure.
"Oh, yeah. Roger said that I should and make sure you're safe. This is no place for my girlfriend to be by herself, you know."
Girlfriend.
Camila seemed uncomfortable with the word as soon as he said it but she just nods and moves to gesture towards me with a hand. "Don't worry, I'm safe. In fact, I was just in a conversation with the lovely (Y/N). She's written a ton of songs for a lot of artists here," she announces. I appreciate it with a smile to which Camila reciprocates.
Matthew grins and moves to take ahold of my hand to shake. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Matthew - Matthew Hussey."
"Nice to meet you. What exactly do you do, Matthew?" I ask, keeping my calm composure.
"Ah, I'm an author and a speaker for women about 'how to get the guy' kind of seminars. Are you single, Miss. (Y/LN)?"
Was he serious?
Camila's eyes bored into mine as soon as he asked, and that's when I tried to meet the eyes of the advice-giving man.
"Actually, I am. But, I'm not really looking at the moment, unless somebody decides to turn that around for me," I reply.
"Ah, I see. Well, from what I hear, you're a catch! I'm absolutely sure love for you is right around the corner," Matthew says, his words seeming to resonate with himself as his eyes glanced upon Camila, who seemed to be staring at me until I caught her.
Clearing my throat, I say a thanks and move to stand up. "(Y/N), where are you going? Are you okay?" Camila asks, curious as she moves to slide off the stool she sat on.
I don't really know. "I'm fine. It's just a little stuffy in here and I think Albert may need my help. I'll leave you two to enjoy yourselves." With a small smile and nod, I turn on my heels, pushing past the sea of people.
Camila frowned for a split second, Matthew immediately beginning a conversation with her - one of his hands resting on her lower back as she takes a seat once again.
/
been too long. here's the second part. trying to figure out how i'd like to conclude this little 'one-shot' series. thanks for all the patience and continuous love. it means the world.
- em :) x