Love in the ER

CHAPTER 13

Another busy day at Salameda Health Care Center. Dr. Oliver Salameda walked through the bustling halls, checking in on patients, reviewing their charts, and making sure everything was running smoothly. His mind was fully occupied with the day's duties—until his attention was pulled in a completely different direction.

From across the hall, Oliver spotted Paris standing at the reception desk, talking to someone. As he got closer, he realized it was Dr. Mateo Rivas. The two of them were deep in conversation, and Oliver noticed something that made his stomach twist with unease—they were laughing.

He stopped mid-step, watching the scene unfold. Mateo said something that made Paris smile, and she shook her head, looking a little flustered. There was a lightness in her expression, but something about the way Mateo leaned in a little too close made Oliver's jaw tighten.

What were they talking about? It was just a friendly conversation—at least, it seemed that way. But as Oliver stood there, watching them, a sharp pang of jealousy crept in. Why did Mateo always seem to be around her? And why did it bother him so much?

Back at the reception desk, Paris was doing her best to keep the conversation light, but Mateo wasn't making it easy. He had been more persistent since his return, always finding ways to talk to her, casually suggesting they spend time together outside of work.

"So," Mateo began with a charming smile, leaning casually on the counter, "I was thinking, maybe we could grab dinner this weekend? There's this great new restaurant I've been wanting to try."

Paris shifted uncomfortably, trying to come up with a polite excuse. "Oh, uh, I don't think I can. I've got a lot going on this weekend, you know, with my grandma and work..."

Mateo's smile didn't falter. "Come on, just a quick dinner. I promise it'll be fun. You've been working so hard—you deserve a break."

Paris felt the tension rising. She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she also didn't want to give him the wrong idea. Just as she was struggling to find a way out of the conversation, a familiar voice broke through the awkwardness.

"Paris!" Clara called, rushing toward them with wide eyes, her voice filled with urgency. "There's an emergency, we need you now!"

Paris blinked in surprise, immediately turning toward Clara. "An emergency?"

Clara nodded frantically, grabbing Paris by the arm. "Yes! It's urgent! Come on, we've got to go!"

Paris, grateful for the interruption, gave Mateo an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Mateo. Duty calls."

Before Mateo could respond, Clara whisked Paris away, leading her down the hallway with determined strides. As soon as they were out of earshot, Clara dropped her act, grinning from ear to ear.

"You're welcome," Clara said, winking playfully.

Paris laughed in disbelief, realizing what had just happened. "Wait, you made that up?"

Clara shrugged, her grin widening. "Obviously! I saw you struggling back there, and I knew you needed a rescue. No way I'm letting you get stuck with a weekend dinner date you don't want."

Paris sighed, half-relieved and half-amused. "You're a lifesaver, honestly. I didn't know how to get out of that."

"That's what best friends are for," Clara said, nudging her with a laugh. "But seriously, you've got to figure out a way to tell Mateo you're not interested. Otherwise, this is going to keep happening."

Paris nodded, feeling a little guilty. "Yeah, I know. I just don't want to hurt his feelings."

Clara raised an eyebrow. "You'd rather lead him on? Come on, Paris, you've got to be direct."

Paris sighed again. "You're right. I'll talk to him."

Meanwhile, Oliver, who had overheard part of the conversation from a distance, felt a strange mix of emotions as he watched Paris walk away with Clara. Relief—because Clara had saved her from whatever awkward situation Mateo was putting her in. But also, frustration, because Mateo clearly wasn't getting the hint.

Oliver knew he had no right to feel jealous. Paris wasn't his—she was just a colleague. But as he stood there, watching Mateo go back to his work like nothing had happened, Oliver couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing his chance. If there even was a chance.

Shaking his head, Oliver turned and walked back toward his rounds, but his mind kept drifting back to Paris, wondering what she thought of Mateo—and if he'd ever have the courage to tell her how he felt.