Love in the ER

CHAPTER 8

As Oliver walked toward the patient's room, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation. He had worked with dozens of nurses, brilliant doctors, and countless staff members throughout his career, but something about Paris felt different. There was no need for pretense with her—no pressure to be the perfect version of himself that everyone else expected him to be. Around her, he could just... breathe.

But at the same time, Oliver knew better than to let these kinds of thoughts distract him from his responsibilities. His father had made it clear when he returned: he was to focus on the hospital, on its future, on maintaining the Salameda family's reputation. Relationships—especially with staff—could complicate things. And yet, here he was, waiting to see if that brief connection he had felt with Paris was real or just a fleeting distraction.

*************

A few minutes later, Paris joined him in the patient's room, her expression calm and professional. Together, they worked in quiet harmony, checking the patient's vitals and ensuring the treatment was proceeding as planned. There wasn't much conversation between them, but every now and then, Oliver would glance at her out of the corner of his eye, wondering what was going on behind her calm exterior.

When the treatment was done, Paris began packing up the equipment, moving with practiced efficiency. Oliver stood nearby, watching her for a moment before speaking.

"Thanks for your help today," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Paris glanced up at him, her eyes meeting his for just a second. "It's what I'm here for."

Oliver smiled softly. "Still, I appreciate it."

There was another brief pause, that quiet tension hanging in the air again. Before he could say anything more, Paris excused herself, heading back to her next task. Oliver watched her go, his mind spinning with thoughts he didn't quite know how to process.

He had only been back at the hospital for a short time, but it was already clear that Paris was more than just another nurse. She was different. And the more he thought about it, the more intrigued he became.

*************

Later that afternoon, Oliver walked into the small, sunlit café, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread filling the air. It had been months—maybe longer—since he had seen his childhood best friends, and the thought of catching up with them brought a welcome sense of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of returning to the hospital.

The café was tucked away in one of the quieter corners of the city, a spot they had frequented in their younger years. It felt like stepping back in time, and for a brief moment, Oliver allowed himself to forget the weight of the hospital and the expectations placed on him by his family.

He spotted them at a corner table, already waving him over—Diego and Lucas, his closest friends since they were kids. The three of them had grown up together, playing soccer in the streets, surviving school, and now, finding their way in the real world. Though life had pulled them in different directions, they had managed to stay close.

"Look who finally decided to show up!" Diego teased, standing to give Oliver a hearty clap on the back. "The prodigal son returns."

Oliver laughed, shaking hands with Diego and Lucas before sitting down. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry for being late."

"No worries, man. It's been a while," Lucas added, smiling warmly as he took a sip of his coffee. "We know the hospital's got you running all over the place."