Argument

Pedro, a nurse at a private clinic, was the one who’d introduced Samantha to Douglas, her ex. Douglas, a doctor at the same place, became her ex the day she learned (through Pedro) that he’d cheated with another nurse on staff.

Right then, all Samantha wanted was to go home. She loved Pedro, but something about the party was grinding her gears. The music was blasting, drunk people kept bumping into her, and it was all getting under her skin. It was Pedro’s birthday bash at his boyfriend’s house, but the real kicker was Douglas showing up with his new girlfriend (yep, the nurse).

When she found out about the cheating, Douglas gave this whole speech to justify dumping her. He said Samantha was gorgeous, sure, but too “basic” for a doctor like him. She was a homebody; he liked to party. She played by the rules, kept her impulses in check, and according to him, that quiet vibe just didn’t match his energy. He even said she didn’t seem to have a drop of Latin blood in her, words that cut deep.

Samantha was proud of her Latin roots. She didn’t need to fit some stereotype to prove who she was. She was real, no matter what ran through her veins. Her thoughts snapped when Pedro appeared.

“Sorry, Sam. I had no idea he’d be invited. I even told Ivan not to bring him. I’m really sorry,” he said, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.

“It’s okay, Pedro. You don’t have to ditch your friends for me. We share a lot of the same people; this stuff happens,” Samantha said, keeping her voice steady.

“In my opinion, you should get back out there. I don’t know many straight guys, or I’d hook you up, girl. And I definitely don’t want to shove another Douglas your way. You deserve a real man, someone who’ll actually make you happy,” Pedro said, dead serious.

Samantha knew he meant every word. She dreamed of saying she’d loved and been loved for real.

“I promise when we cut the cake, my wish will be for you to find the love of your life. And may he be a total stud, hung like a horse!” Pedro cracked, making them both laugh at his clowning.

For Samantha, if someone truly loved her, that would be enough. But her smile vanished when she saw Douglas kissing the woman beside him. He even shot her a smug glance right after.

“I don’t think I can stay,” she muttered. “I’m grabbing my jacket and heading out. Sorry, I won’t be here for the happy birthday song. We can do a little celebration just us later.”

“Deal, but I’m holding you to that party,” Pedro said with a grin before heading off to grab her jacket.

Samantha waited a bit, but Douglas’s smug glances were getting under her skin. She decided to go find Pedro herself. Every time she moved, Douglas tracked her, then slipped in behind her like he wasn’t tailing her.

As she neared the kitchen, raised voices hit her ears—one of them Pedro’s. She picked up the pace. When she stepped in, Ivan and Pedro were going at it. She didn’t catch every word, but jealousy was the clear trigger.

Ivan shoved Pedro hard; Pedro slammed into the counter. Something snapped inside Samantha—she didn’t even know she had it in her. She charged forward, planted both hands on Ivan’s chest, and shoved him back.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she barked. “You don’t get to put your hands on him! You’re not his dad, Ivan—you’re just the boyfriend!” 

Samantha almost never stood up for herself, but when it came to someone she loved, she flipped a switch. She wasn’t the cursing type, but right then every ounce of pent-up stress came pouring out.

“Don’t get involved, Samantha. This is between me and Pedro,” Ivan snapped, locking eyes with her after the shove.

“Not get involved? You think I’m just gonna stand here while you hit and mistreat him?” she fired back, holding her ground.

Ivan took a step toward her, but that’s when Douglas walked into the kitchen. He slid between them and squared up to Ivan.

“What’s your deal, man? Chill out. You gonna take on a woman now?” Douglas said, getting in Ivan’s face.

Samantha’s brow furrowed. She stared at Douglas, wary. First, she had no clue why he was even there; second, he’d never stuck up for her like this before. She turned to Pedro, who was clutching her jacket. She took it from him and met his eyes.

“You don’t have to put up with this, Pedro. This isn’t love—don’t forget that,” she said firmly, shooting Ivan one last hard look. His face stayed stone-cold.

As she started to leave the kitchen, Pedro grabbed her arm to stop her.

“Wait, Sam. It’s too late for you to grab a cab alone. Take my car. I’ll pick it up tomorrow,” Pedro said, pressing the keys into her hand.

“You sure?” she asked, glancing back at Ivan, worried about her friend’s safety.

“Positive. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Pedro replied, kissing her cheek.

Samantha turned and left the kitchen, heading through the living room to get out of the house. She was always worried about Pedro, especially knowing how toxic that relationship could be. As she walked, Douglas caught up, grabbing her arm to stop her.