twelve.
two months later.
"I worked my ass off for this song!" I said frustratedly, following Scooter down the halls of the record labels office. He had rejected my song thirty minutes into it, not even trying to hear the chorus of the song.
He turned on his heels and faced me, making me stop in my tracks. "It's already not good enough, it's too slow." He confessed. "Sorry Lauren." He turned back around, and heading into his office.
"You haven't even heard any of it yet! Just thirty seconds!" I followed him into his office, grabbing the door before it shut on me. "Just listen to the song. The whole thing." I said, changing my tone of voice, hopefully thinking that'll help with me trying to persuade him.
His phone buzzed and he had been getting a call. He held his index finger up and placed the phone to his ear, making his way out of the office. I sighed, throwing my arms down and leaving as well.
Scooter seems as if he lost his faith in with my music. Telling me to hold off on making my album and wait till I'm actually ready. Now I'm ready, and he doesn't want to listen to the song.
My phone buzzed and it had been Normani calling me.
"Hello?"
"What did he think of it?" She said excitedly.
"Eh, he listened to thirty seconds of it and said it's too slow."
"Seriously?! He didn't bother to listen to the rest?"
"Nope. Then he got a call and left."
"Are you joking?"
"Not at all, I'm being one hundred percent serious."
"Wow, I'm sorry Lo, maybe he's having a bad day."
"It's been months. He hasn't showed me any attention at all. The only attention I get from him, is when me and Zayn are seen in public and I don't help promote Zayn's projects."
"I'll try to talk to him later. Where are you?"
"I'm outside the label. I should be at the studio in a bit, I gotta make a stop."
"Alright, see you in a few."
I sighed and looked down at the flash drive that the song on it. I placed it in the USB port installed in my car, and listened to the song. Listening to every note, beat, and guitar strum, trying to figure out what was wrong with the song. To me, there hadn't been any mistake in the song, but his words didn't make me feel confident in the song anymore. Even though there had been no mistake, I still wanted to change it. Change everything up about it.
I got to the house that I shared with Normani and sat down on the couch. Thinking about what I should do with this song. My options were to give it away to someone or just make a whole new version of the song. Giving myself a few minutes to think, I came across an idea.
Going through my contacts, I never thought I'd ever talk to him, I dialed Justin's number.
The dial tone rang for a while, and I bit down on my lip nervously since he was my only option.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Justin.."
"Hi Lauren, how've you been?"
"Good, I have a question for you?"
"What's up?"
"I made this song and I was wondering if I could email it to you and maybe you can have Cookie give it a listen?"
"Oh, what's it about?"
"Not you."
"Oh."
"Can you just let her listen to it, I really need her opinion on it."
"Yeah, I'll let her know."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, talk to you later? Maybe?"
"Um... Sure.. Bye."
I hung up without hearing what he had to say. The only thing I wanted to hear was him saying yes.
Picking up my laptop in front of me, I opened my email and put the flash drive in. I downloaded the file and emailed it to Justin. Now, all I have to do is wait.
-
"What do you have so far?" Normani questioned, hovering over me as she sipped on her tea.
I looked up from my notepad at her. "So far I have, take it from the girl you claim to love you're gonna get some bad karma. I'm the one who had to learn to build a heart made of armor." I told her, reading off the lyrics that I fixed up.
"Good," she smiled.
"Do you think I need to change anything up?" I asked curiously, biting down on the corner of my lip.
"No, it's good. Are you ready to get in the booth?"
"Yeah, I think I'll get it this time." I smiled, getting up out of the seat.
I got to the booth and placed my notebook on the stand in front of me and waiting for the producer to give me the thumbs up.
You try to lie, I can see that you don't need me
Need me don't need me, need me don't need me
All of your words they've been cursed with dishonesty
Take it from the girl you claim to love you're gonna get some bad karma
I'm the one who had to learn to build a heart made of armor
From the girl who made you soup and tied your shoes when you were hurting
You are not deserving you are not deserving
I can see that you wanted me cold
You're so bold while you're watching me moan
I took off the headphones and headed out of the booth, since I finished the song. I had recorded the song probably four times, and changed up things multiple times. This song was one that's pretty close to me, and I want it to be perfect.
"Can you play it back for me?" I asked the producer, taking a seat on the couch.
Both me and Normani had listen back on the song. I was listening for mistakes and if I wanted to change up anything. Amazingly, there had been no mistakes and everything had been the way I wanted. For the way a note sounded, to how every beat flowed with song.
Me and Normani both looked at each other with our jaws dropped. She raised her hand up, and I gave her a high five, locking our fingers together.
"Fifth times a charm," she said, smiling.
"Finally it's finished." I said relievedly, exhaling.
"Now you have to help me with my song," She smiled, getting up. "But, I'll let you take a quick break. It's going to get intense." She said, winking at me.
I raised my eyebrows and bit down on the bottom of my lip. "I'm definitely ready to hear what you have to say about me." I joked.
"It's not about you." She said, giving me a fake smile.
Seconds later, my phone buzzed and it had been Cookie and I quickly stepped outside.
"Hey."
"Hi Lauren, I heard your song."
"What do you think of it?"
"I really like it!"
"Thank you, it means a lot. Is it single worthy?"
"Yes! I really believe so! We Know, it has such an amazing ring to it. The piano, guitar, the beat, the background! Everything about this song is perfect! Definitely should be a single."
"Thank you so much. I just wish Scooter and the label thought the same."
"You're telling me, they don't like it?"
"No, it's too slow and it's not what they're looking for."
"They're crazy. Are you available tonight?"
"Yeah."
"Let's meet at Romeo's and we'll have dinner. I want to discuss a few things with you."
"Sure, sure, definitely. What time is good for you?"
"Seven thirty-ish? Is that good for you?"
"It's a perfect time."
"Great, I'll see you then."
"Alright, see you in a few."
If Cookie thinks your song is good, then your song is good. Hearing that from her was amazing. She's one of the top, managers, producers, and former music artist. Cookie has produced and managed big time artists who are dominating the charts.
"Why are you so smiley?" Normani asked once I stepped back into the studio.
"Just excited for this song," I told her as I sat back down, not giving away any information about Cookie. "It's going to be amazing."
"I like it when you're all smiley. Especially in leather jackets. You give off this badass video, when in reality you're the most dorky person ever." She said, grabbing my chin and bringing my lips to hers.
I smiled between the kiss and wrapped my hand around her wrist, and pulling her down to me, causing her to hover over me.
Just before I was about to make a move, the door opened, and she quickly got off of me.
She smiled widely at the face and threw her arms around the tall mans body. "I haven't seen you in forever Adam!" She exclaimed, pulling away from him.
I watched as his hand trailed on her waist, looking her in the eyes. I cleared my throat and the two looked over at me.
"Oh, Lauren, this is my best friend Adam, Adam this is Lauren." She introduced us.
"Pleasure to meet you," He smiled, shaking my hand. "Big fan. You can call me Diggy by the way." He added on.
"Thanks," I said, looking over at Normani.
" D is going to produce and be a feature my song." She smiled, looking at the both of us.
"Not to be rude or anything, but who are you? I never heard of anyone named Diggy in the business, unless I've been living under a rock." I joked, to not make it seem so harsh even though it wasn't meant intentionally.
"It's fine," he laughed. "I'm a rapper and producer. I'm not really like one of the biggest stars like you two are, but I'm out there, you can say." He chuckled, shrugging.
I nodded and looked back at Normani. "Well, let's get the song on." I smiled, clasping my hands together.
The whole time, I watched the two work together on the song. They laughed at memories and we're very touchy.
And I figured out why she calls him Adam. He looked like an Adam to her and it stuck with him. She knows his real name, she just likes calling him Adam.
"Lauren, can you help me?" Normani asked, turning around in the chair and looking at me.
"Sure." I mumbled, moving from the couch. I sat down in the chair next to her and met her eyes. "You need my help now Diggy is out of the room." I said sarcastically and raising my brows. She furrowed her brows and tilted her head, looking at me confusedly. "I'm kidding."
She didn't laugh at what I said which was a shocker. "What's wrong with you?" She asked me. "You're all quiet and you're not helping with the song?"
"Family stuff, but hey, I'm helping now!" I lied, giving a fake smile.
She smiled, very oblivious to my smile, which was good. "Cool, now is good so far?" She asked, showing me her lyrics.
I looked over her lyrics and after hearing Diggy's verse, I was surprised about hers. "Too good for it not to be about me!" I said, looking at her.
"Compliment or?" She asked confusedly.
"Compliment." I said giving a small, faint, smile.
Seconds later, Diggy came in. "Ready to record your part?" He asked her.
She nodded and made her way to the both. Diggy cheered her on, and applauded after she would hit a certain note. After she came out of the studio, he hugged her, and picked her up, spinning her around.
"That shit was fire!" He told her enthusiastically, biting down on his bottom lip. "Last time I heard your song, you were singing about where the boys were at." He laughed.
"Transformation," she laughed. "Lo, how'd it sound?"
"Lauren." She called me again.
I locked my phone and placed it in my lap. "Oh, oh, it sounded good. Really good." She frowned and looked back at Diggy. I got up from my seat, only knowing that leaving would be best for me. "Hey, I have to go meet with my dad, I'll see you later." I told her, trying to kiss her on the cheek, but she moved away.
Not in front of him. She mouthed. "I'll see you later." She smiled, giving me a short hug.
I sighed deeply and exited the the studio.
The way she acted with Diggy made me suspicious. Of course she wouldn't be seeing him, but how would I know, we haven't made it official between us. So technically we're single. But I highly doubt she'd be seeing someone with feelings for me. I hope not.
I arrived earlier than Cookie and she still showed up on time. When she came to the table, I hugged her and we took a seat.
"So Lauren," she started, with a grin on her face. "I have something to discuss with you." She said, raising her brows.
"Go ahead." I smiled.
"I was wondering if you wanted to join my label. You won't get treated like how you do over at Scooter's." She said, shaking her head.
I was completely taken off guard. I was expecting her to say something about the song and possibly what she thinks should be added. Not that she wanted me on her label.
"I would, but I have to look at my contact and go over a bunch of stuff with Scooter." I frowned.
"Don't worry about that." She waved her hand dismissively before sipping on her water. "Just a few things about Scooter. He's only using you for the attention with Zayn. You're album doesn't matter to him, just you and Zayn. Only to push for Zayn's sales since that's his only artist selling as well as Normani. So all you're doing is wasting you're time getting played, when you should be getting played on the radio."
I knew it. I knew it all along. Ever since I fucked up and got arrested, he hasn't cared for me. That's when all of his hope in me went down the drain.
"I'll get you on the radio again. You're comeback is going to be amazing. It'll be talked about for days." She emphasized, spreading her hands apart.
I frowned a bit. As much as I wanted to go with her, a little part of me wanted to stay at the label I'm with. I've been with them forever and it's like living home. But it is for the best of me.
My eyes met her face and she had been smiling and raising her brows at the same time. I exhaled and sat back in my seat, "I'll sign with you." I finalized. She clapped her hands and cheered quietly. "But," her face softened and she stopped cheering and started to listen, "you can't fuck around like Scooter." I clarified.
"I would never. Never will I jeopardize one of my artist's career," She shook her head and said. "my artist are just as important as everyone else. I don't treat people differently."
I smiled at her words. Cookie seems pretty legit. With her, it seems like I would be able to twice much as better as I did with Scooter. A new album as well as a new sound, better production, and better promotion.
"Welcome to Lyon Dynasty." She smiled sticking her hand out for me to shake.
I tried to be as quiet as possible when I got home. The floors had been creaking every step I made.
"Shit!" I whispered loudly, trying to grab the books that had fallen off the top of the nightstand as I bumped into it.
The hall light flickered on and the darker girl had been standing there rubbing her eyes. "Lauren, it's late," she said sleepily. "Where have you been?"
"Remember, I told you I had to meet up with my dad." I stated, recalling from what I told her at the studio.
"Oh," she said, walking closer to me. "How was it?"
"Fine, just wanted to talk about a few things. I went over to the hotel where they're staying at to hang out with them." I lied.
She nodded her head and stepped a bit closer to me, closing the space between us. "You know, it's lonely not sleeping next you." She said softly, placing her hands on my hips and moving her face closer to mine.
I pulled away, removing her hands and go towards the bedroom. "It is? I never knew that."
"What's wrong with you? You've been acting funny ever since we were in the studio together." She inquired, leaning against the door frame.
I sighed and met the brown eyes. "Are you and Diggy like a thing?" I asked bluntly since that's what was really bothering me tonight.
She sucked on her teeth and shook her head. "No, but he is one of my exes." She clarified.
"Oh, is it typically for exes to be extremely touchy with one another?" I said annoyedly, looking at the girl. She smiled and chuckled. "Normani, this isn't funny. You know what I've been through, and you know how I feel about you." I said sadly, pouting. "Do I mean anything to you?" I said sitting down in the chair.
She walked over to me and lifted my chin up. "You so damn important," She sang, sitting down on my lap and pecking my lips, lingering the kiss.
I pulled away and looked to the side. "Speaking of your song. You drop words like he, instead of she. What's that about?"
"I'm not with Diggy," she said, leaving kisses on my neck and nibbling on my ear. "I don't want him."
I swallowed hardly and moved my neck away from her. "How do I know that?" I said, meeting her gaze.
"By me doing this," She said, rolling her hips on my lap.
You so damn important
Everything you do shows me you know it
Behind it all you are the motive
She got up from the chair, and hovered over me, placing her forehead on mine.
Don't tell you enough, but baby I'll show it, show it
She say the king where she come from
Take a young queen just to know one
So, baby, I'm a drive it like it's stolen
She smiled, attaching her lips to mine, and smiled against my lips as well.
I'm a fix it like it's broken
We could catch a flight out to London
Go to the mall, spend a lump sum
They could try to catch up to us
But they're too busy making assumptions
She sat back down on my lap, and placed her hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes.
Girl, you know all I do
Is stay up all night losing sleep over you
All I do
Is drive myself crazy thinkin' 'bout my baby
Her hand trailed down the sides of my arms and onto my waist, and she rolled her hips once again.
I roamed my hands on her bare stomach, feeling her abs. She removed my hand and shook her finger. "Don't touch." She said softly.
I gulped as a felt her hand grab the button of my pants. Being a tease.
It's the way you walk, the way you talk, babe
She moved to my neck, kissing it and sucking on the flesh.
It's the way you love, the way you fuck, the way
"Shit," I cursed once I felt her teeth pinch my skin softly.
It's the way you are, you're a star, babe
She looked at me and smiled.
"It's the way you, it's the way you are," she kissed me passionately and pulled away. "Do you think I'd do that if I was with Diggy?" She asked, pulling away breathlessly.
"I don't know, would you?" I teased, arching my brow. Her hand slid in my pants catching me off guard. "Okay, I get it." I said, pulling her hand out. I looked at her and smiled. "So you really want me?" I asked reassuringly.
"Yes Lauren," She said, getting up off of me. "I don't know how else to tell you."
"I'm just worried." I confessed, frowning.
"Don't be, I'm not like those people. I'm hear for you one hundred percent, and I'm not going anyway." She said kissing my cheek. "Come lay down with me." She said pulling me out of the chair.
Before getting in bed, I changed into something more comfortable. Normani smiled when she saw me and scooted closer towards me, burying her chin in the crook of my neck. "I love it when you wear soccer shorts and a tank top." She said softly.
"Thanks," I chuckled, latching our fingers together.
I didn't have a problem with being with Normani, I was nervous. After everything that happened to me with relationships. I don't know what to expect. The only problem is, we having made it clear to each other that we are a couple.
"Camila," I said once she removed her lips from mine.
She flipped her hair over to the other side and looked at me, "Was that bad?" She asked concernedly.
I chuckled and shook my head, "No, I just wanna talk to you."
She sat up and tucked her legs underneath her bottom and sat across from me. "What's wrong?"
"Well, I want to know, what are we. Like are we a couple or not. Because in public I want to make a move on you, but it seems like I can't, and things only happen behind closed doors. I really really like you and I want to know if you feel the same way about me." I confessed, pouting.
She smiled and placed her hand on my cheek. "Of course I feel the same way. The only reason why I don't make a move, is because I know how you are about people assuming about your relationships and keeping your private life private." She paused. "I've been waiting for you to say something to be honest." She added on.
"Really?" I laughed. She nodded her head and I smiled. "I've been waiting for you." I said softly. "So basically, I've been waiting for you to call you my girlfriend and you've been waiting for me to call you mine?"
She leaned forward and placed her hands on my thighs. "Looks like it." She said, pressing her lips against mine.
"So, you're my girlfriend now," I told her between the kiss, pulling her body onto mine to deepen the kiss.
A/N : Laurmani rise!!! Thanks for reading. I hope you liked this chapter. I changed the cover if you noticed :). The songs I used were We Know, the live version, Drowning by Banks, and The Way by Kehlani. Don't forget to comment, vote, and even share it with your fellow laurmani shippers. Have a nice day/evening.
- Raven