Love story

Chapter 5

The grocery store was busier than usual for a Saturday afternoon, with carts clattering down aisles and the soft hum of conversation filling the space. Lauren Jauregui usually avoided grocery shopping on weekends for this very reason, but after a hectic week of back-to-back shifts, she had little choice. She needed to restock her fridge with something other than takeout leftovers.

Navigating the store, Lauren absently checked her shopping list, her mind half on what she needed and half replaying her week. Her thoughts drifted back to her lunch with Camila a few days ago—their easy conversation, Camila's laughter, and the way they connected on such a natural level. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about it since.

With a basket in hand, she moved through the produce section, grabbing some fresh fruits and vegetables, when she suddenly heard a familiar giggle nearby. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up. There, near the apples, was Camila Cabello—and next to her, sitting in the front of a shopping cart, was her two-year-old son, Harry.

Lauren couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. Harry was clutching a small toy in one hand, babbling happily to himself while Camila sorted through apples with a thoughtful expression. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her face, and she looked completely at ease in her casual outfit—jeans, a loose sweater, and sneakers. For a moment, Lauren just watched them, feeling a quiet warmth stir inside her.

She cleared her throat softly as she approached. "Camila?"

Camila's head shot up, surprise flashing in her eyes before her face broke into a wide, welcoming smile. "Lauren! Hi!"

Harry, noticing his mother's excitement, looked up too. His bright eyes locked onto Lauren, and he gave her a toothy grin. "Hi!" he mimicked, his small voice full of enthusiasm.

Lauren chuckled, her heart warming at how adorable he was. "Hey there, Harry," she said, bending down slightly to meet his gaze. "How's my favourite little patient doing?"

Harry's giggle was answer enough, and Camila laughed softly, brushing a hand through his unruly curls. "He's feeling much better, thanks to you," she said. "We're just picking up a few things for dinner tonight. What about you?"

Lauren straightened, holding up her basket. "Same, although I think I'm just going for the essentials—nothing too exciting. I'm not much of a chef."

Camila grinned, her eyes lighting up playfully. "I find that hard to believe. You seem like someone who's good at everything."

Lauren laughed, a little embarrassed but flattered by the comment. "I wouldn't go that far. My cooking skills are definitely not on par with my medical ones."

Camila smiled, then looked down at her cart. "Well, if you ever want some tips, Harry and I have been known to throw together a pretty decent mac and cheese, right, buddy?"

Harry bounced in his seat, his little hands clapping together as he nodded. "Mac-cheese!"

Lauren laughed again, feeling at ease in their presence. It amazed her how quickly she had grown comfortable around Camila, how natural it felt to be talking to her like this. "I might just take you up on that," Lauren said, her voice warm.

As the conversation flowed, Lauren found herself pushing her basket alongside Camila's, falling into step with her as they continued shopping. They moved through the aisles, Camila picking up ingredients while Harry played with the items in the cart, and Lauren found herself talking about her day at the hospital, the chaos of emergency shifts, and the moments of quiet she cherished.

"And you?" Lauren asked as they passed through the cereal aisle. "How's work been? Balancing it all with Harry can't be easy."

Camila sighed softly but smiled as she placed a box of cereal into the cart. "It's... a lot sometimes. But my mom helps out when she can, and Harry's such a good kid. He makes it all worth it."

Lauren glanced at her, admiring the way Camila handled everything with such grace. She couldn't imagine juggling work, motherhood, and life in general with the ease Camila seemed to. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Camila looked up, surprised by the sincerity in Lauren's voice. "I'm just doing what I have to do," she said softly, though there was a gratefulness in her smile.

They continued shopping, the banter easy and light between them. Harry occasionally chimed in with a word or two, and Lauren found herself feeling more and more drawn to them both. There was something about being around Camila and Harry that felt... right. Like this was how things were supposed to be.

As they reached the checkout, Camila paused, looking a little uncertain. "Hey, I know it's kind of last minute, but... would you want to join us for dinner tonight? Nothing fancy, just mac and cheese, like we said. Harry loves it, and... well, I think it'd be nice."

Lauren blinked, surprised by the invitation but instantly feeling a warm flutter in her chest. "I'd love to," she said, her voice genuine. "If you're sure I won't be imposing."

Camila shook her head, her smile soft and genuine. "Not at all. We'd love to have you."

Harry clapped his hands again, clearly excited by the idea. "Mac-cheese!"

Lauren chuckled, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her. "I guess that settles it then. Mac and cheese with you two it is."

As they checked out and walked toward the parking lot together, Lauren couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something new, something special. The connection she felt with Camila was undeniable, and now, with Harry in the mix, it felt like their paths were aligning in a way she hadn't anticipated.

As they loaded their groceries into their cars, Camila glanced over at her with a shy but hopeful smile. "See you at six?"

Lauren smiled back, her heart light. "I'll be there."

As Camila drove away, with Harry's little hand waving goodbye from the backseat, Lauren stood by her car for a moment, watching them go. She didn't know exactly what was happening between them, but she knew one thing for sure—she was looking forward to finding out.