Love story

Chapter 4

The sun was high in the sky, casting a soft golden light over the quiet streets as Lauren Jauregui walked down the familiar block. Her mind was still buzzing from the long shift at the hospital. The day had been packed with patients, emergency calls, and an intense surgery that took most of her energy. Now, the only thing on her mind was grabbing something to eat, sitting down for a moment, and letting the city's gentle hum calm her racing thoughts. She smiled when she spotted the small café nestled between the old bookstore and a flower shop. It was a hidden gem she frequented, a place where she could steal a moment of peace before heading home.

As Lauren entered the café, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft chatter of patrons filled the space. She inhaled deeply, already feeling herself unwind. As she scanned the room for an open table, her eyes landed on a familiar figure sitting by the window. Camila Cabello.

It had only been a couple of days since Camila had brought her two-year-old son, Harry, into the hospital with the flu. Lauren had been the attending doctor, making sure the little boy got the care he needed. It had been a rough night for Camila, but she had remained calm and composed despite the worry etched in her eyes. Lauren had been struck by her warmth, her quiet strength as she held Harry's hand through the whole ordeal.

Today, though, Camila looked different. The stress was gone, replaced by a relaxed expression as she gazed out the window, lost in thought.

Lauren smiled softly and approached her. "Camila," she greeted, and Camila's head turned toward her, a surprised smile lighting up her face.

"Lauren! Hi!" Camila replied, her voice warm and familiar.

"How's Harry doing?" Lauren asked, concern evident in her tone as she took the empty seat across from Camila without even thinking.

Camila's smile widened. "He's doing much better, thank you. He's still a little tired, but the fever broke yesterday, so that's a huge relief."

"I'm glad to hear that," Lauren said, a genuine smile pulling at her lips. "He's such a little fighter."

Camila nodded, the love for her son evident in her eyes. "Yeah, he is. He's been home resting with my mom today, so I came out to grab a coffee and take a break."

Lauren raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just a break? I remember you mentioning you were on break when I was leaving the hospital. You're not sneaking in some work, are you?"

Camila laughed, the sound light and melodic. "Maybe just a little," she admitted. "But I swear, I needed to get out of the house for a bit. Being cooped up with a sick toddler for days is no joke."

"I can imagine," Lauren chuckled. "You should join me for lunch. I was about to order something, and it looks like we both could use a moment to breathe."

Camila hesitated for a second but then nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Lauren waved over the waitress, and they ordered a couple of sandwiches and coffee. The conversation flowed easily between them, starting with work but quickly veering into more personal territory.

Camila told Lauren about how she balanced her job and motherhood, how being a single mom had its challenges, but also how rewarding it was to watch Harry grow and discover the world. Lauren listened attentively, intrigued by the layers she hadn't seen in their brief interactions at the hospital. Camila was strong, determined, and fiercely loving.

In turn, Lauren shared stories from her life—how medicine had always been her passion but how she sometimes struggled with the long hours and the emotional toll it took. She confided in Camila about how she'd always been so focused on her career that she hadn't taken much time for herself.

"It's funny," Lauren said, leaning back in her chair, "I've spent so much of my life taking care of others, but sometimes I forget to check in with myself. Does that make sense?"

Camila nodded thoughtfully, her eyes softening. "It does. I think we're both givers, in a way. It's easy to lose yourself when you're always worrying about everyone else."

Lauren's gaze lingered on Camila for a moment longer than she intended. There was something about the way Camila understood her so effortlessly as if she could see through the professional facade Lauren had built over the years.

For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, sipping their coffee and watching the world pass by outside the café's window.

"Do you ever... I don't know, miss just being able to slow down?" Camila asked suddenly, her voice soft. "Before everything got so busy?"

Lauren nodded, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. "All the time. But I guess moments like this help, right?"

Camila smiled back, her eyes meeting Lauren's. "Yeah, they do."

The connection between them was subtle but undeniable, a quiet warmth that filled the space as they continued talking, their conversation flowing as naturally as if they had known each other for years. The world outside seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of them in that cosy little café, sharing stories and something that felt like the beginning of something more.

As their plates were cleared and the conversation began to wind down, Camila glanced at her watch and sighed softly. "I should probably head back soon. Harry will be waking up from his nap any minute."

Lauren nodded, but she found herself reluctant to let the moment end. "I'd love to do this again sometime," she said, her voice tentative but hopeful.

Camila's smile was soft, her eyes shining. "I'd like that too."

They stood up together, gathering their things and exchanging a few more words before heading toward the door. As they stepped out into the bright afternoon, Lauren watched as Camila walked down the street, a sense of warmth and possibility settling in her chest.

Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something more.