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Lauren, with a history as colorful as a tropical skyline and a bank account bolstered by saying 'I do' (and then 'I don't'), offers up wisdom with the flair of a magician revealing secrets. She's your go-to for a laugh or a reality check, fiercely guarding her tribe like a lioness watches over her pride, with a keen eye and unwavering resolve.
Lauren adamantly chimes in, "Girl, that beautiful hunk of Hawaiian Man-Candy is hot for you, silently screaming your name for over a year now!" She pauses for effect, her grin infectious. "And trust me, it's not just the heat from the Tiki torches of my wicked mind making me say this. Everyone's noticed the simmering volcano of longing between you two. It's about time it erupted!" she quips with a devilish wink.
Lauren, unfazed and with a glint of mischief in her eyes, leans closer to Olivia, lowering her voice as if divulging state secrets. "So, have you noticed your favorite gaming agent tonight? You two have become quite the talk of the casino. Staff are already placing bets on 'will they-won't they.'… And yes, there are odds on just a hook-up too."
Olivia feels a mix of embarrassment and amusement, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Really? Betting odds?" she asks, incredulous but also secretly thrilled by the idea that their connection is so noticeable.
Lauren nods enthusiastically, her grin widening. "Absolutely. The current odds are favoring 'will,' just so you know. It seems your chemistry isn't as subtle as you thought. The question on everyone's lips isn't if but when."
"Lauren nods, her expression turning thoughtful as she prepares to delve into a rarely discussed part of her past. "Life throws us curveballs, especially when it comes to family," she starts, her voice carrying a vulnerability that Olivia seldom sees.
Olivia listens intently, recognizing the significance of Lauren opening up about her personal life.
"OK, I'm going here. Yes, you're getting a tidbit from the vault! My very locked-up tight vault," Lauren says with a smile. "I was adopted when I was 9 by an elderly couple—really, really old couple! They were the kindest souls, but they were gone by the time I turned 19. And just like that, I was on my own," she shares, the pain of past grief briefly crossing her face. The hardest part of it all, the part I don’t usually want to even admit to myself, is that at age 9, I felt so unwanted. Totally thrown away. It was tough, Olivia. It's like I was abandoned at 9 and then again a decade later. I guess I've always felt this void where family should be. Makes you put up walls. Big, feisty, comedic ones!"