Love in the ER

CHAPTER 37

The hospital cafeteria was buzzing with the usual lunchtime chatter, but Paris sat across from Clara at a small table by the window, stirring her salad absently. Her mind was far away, and though she had promised herself not to dwell on all the drama with Oliver's family and Denise, it was getting harder to ignore the weight pressing down on her heart.

Clara, who had been watching Paris carefully, sighed and leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest. "Alright, spill. What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

Paris blinked, coming out of her thoughts for a moment, and gave Clara a weak smile. "It's nothing. Just... a lot on my mind."

"Clearly," Clara said, raising an eyebrow. "And let me guess, one of those things is Matteo? I don't trust him, Paris."

Paris rolled her eyes, her fork still in her hand as she poked at her salad. "Ugh, Matteo. I know, I know. He asked to be friends, and I agreed. But honestly, Clara, I'm not sure how much of that I believe either."

Clara scoffed, leaning forward. "Of course you don't. Why would you? I mean, after everything he's done to try and wedge himself between you and Oliver, now all of a sudden he wants to be friends?" Clara shook her head, clearly unconvinced. "I don't buy it. Not for a second. If you ask me, he's up to something."

Paris sighed, shrugging slightly. "You're probably right. But I don't have the energy to deal with him right now. He promised to keep it strictly friendly, and for now, I'm willing to give him a chance. But you're right—I'm not switching off my radar just because he says he wants to be friends."

Clara narrowed her eyes, her suspicion still evident. "Good. Don't let him get too close. Something about this feels off." She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "And if he tries anything again, I'll be the first one to kick his ass."

Paris chuckled softly, appreciating Clara's protectiveness. "Thanks. But right now, Matteo is the least of my worries."

Clara raised an eyebrow, sensing a shift in Paris's tone. "Oh? What's bothering you then?"

Paris let out a long breath, setting her fork down as she leaned back in her chair. She hadn't really opened up to anyone about the growing anxiety she felt over her relationship with Oliver, but she trusted Clara. If anyone could give her good advice, it was her.

"I don't know, Clara." Paris rubbed her forehead, trying to find the right words. "It's just... lately, I feel like my relationship with Oliver isn't as strong as it used to be." She paused, her voice softer. "I don't know where we're headed anymore."

Clara's expression softened, her playful tone gone as she listened intently. "What do you mean? What's going on?"

Paris sighed again, her fingers twisting together nervously. "It's his dad, Clara." She looked up, her eyes filled with frustration. "Rodrigo doesn't like me. At all. He basically told me not to get too comfortable, that I don't belong in the family."

Clara's eyes widened, her expression quickly shifting to one of outrage. "He said that to you? What the hell?"

Paris nodded, her heart sinking as she continued. "Yeah, and it's not just that. Denise... she's wrapping Oliver up, too. She's always there, always lurking, and I feel like no matter how hard I try, she's not going away. I can't shake this feeling that... maybe I'm not enough. Maybe I should just give up."

Clara's expression quickly turned from shock to determination as she leaned forward, her voice firm. "No. Absolutely not. You are not giving up, Paris."

Paris blinked, startled by the intensity in Clara's voice. "But—"

"No buts," Clara cut in, her eyes blazing with determination. "You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Don't let Rodrigo or Denise get inside your head. You've fought for your relationship with Oliver, and you're not walking away from it just because his dad is a jerk or because Denise can't let go."

Paris bit her lip, her heart aching as she thought about everything that had been happening. "But what if... what if it's too much, Clara? What if this family stuff pulls us apart? I don't know if I can handle it anymore."

Clara shook her head, her tone softening but still filled with encouragement. "Listen, I know it's tough. I know you feel like everything is against you right now. But not everything is bad. Think about it—" Clara leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Lucía adores you. She's practically rooting for you two to make it work. And Sofia? That little girl looks up to you like a big sister. You've got people in Oliver's family who love you and see how much you mean to him."

Paris felt a small glimmer of hope at Clara's words, but the doubt still lingered. "But his dad..."

Clara rolled her eyes, her voice filled with confidence. "Rodrigo will come around. Trust me. Especially after he figures out what a conniving, manipulative bitch Denise is."

Paris couldn't help but laugh softly at Clara's bluntness, but her heart still ached with the weight of it all. "I don't know, Clara. I'm just... scared."

Clara reached out, placing her hand on top of Paris's. "Hey, I get it. But you're not alone in this. You've got people on your side—me, Lucía, Sofia, and most importantly, Oliver. He loves you, Paris. And that's not something you just walk away from because of a few obstacles."

Paris looked down at their hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Clara. I really needed that."

Clara grinned, giving Paris's hand a quick squeeze. "Anytime. Just don't give up, okay? You're stronger than you know. And trust me—Rodrigo won't be able to ignore that forever."

Paris took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter after their conversation. She wasn't sure what the future held, but for now, she was grateful to have Clara by her side, reminding her of her strength.

"Alright, fine. I won't give up just yet," Paris said with a small smile. "But if I do, you better be ready to drag me back up."

Clara chuckled, raising her coffee cup in a mock toast. "You can count on it."