Chapter 436
But right now, he still needed to figure out a thank you gift.
“I really don’t know what Claire likes, Karla. Do you have any ideas p>
Karla just smiled. “Claire’s not someone who needs anything. Our whole family treats her like she’s absolutely precious.” She paused before adding, “Honestly, Claire helped you because she’s a real doctor at heart. She’s been learning medicine from our elders since she was a kid, so I can’t really help you pick out a thank you present p>
That left Oakley stumped. He barely ever talked to girls, so how was he supposed to know what they might like? But Karla had just mentioned that Claire’s kindness was all about her medical side. Maybe that was a clue.
“Karla, Claire started studying medicine really young-was it traditional medicine?” It was rare for kids to start learning Western medicine so early.
“She does both actually. She has two mentors, both leading names in their fields.” Karla sounded pretty proud.
Oakley could tell Karla was really fond of Claire. And honestly, it made sense. Claire was the kind of person anyone would like. Especially after she’d saved his life. If this was back when he’d first started out in the entertainment world, he probably would have fallen for her right then and there.
But years in the industry had taught him some hard lessons. If Karla hadn’t recognized something in him all those years ago, he never would have made it this far. So now, even though he owed Claire his life and felt endless gratitude, he didn’t dare let his feelings go anywhere else.
If he so much as hinted at having a crush on Claire, it wouldn’t even matter what she thought-Karla could crush his whole career with one word. Especially since she’d just said how treasured Claire was by her family.
“I’ll think more about what kind of gift to get her,” he murmured.
Karla sighed softly. “You don’t need to stress over it. Claire isn’t the type to expect something in return. I’m honestly more worried about your face. The doctor said it might not heal so well, and I’m afraid if your recovery takes too long, it could mess up your filming schedule p>
Oakley forced a dry laugh. “That’s funny, Karla Earlier, when the paparazzi barged into my hospital room someone actually asked if was disfigured. guess the rumors are going to start spreading O everywhere soon p>
“Doesn’t matter,” Karla said, unbothered. “Once your face heals, you’ll be back in front of everyone. Maybe if there’s a scar, you’ll need some treatment, but it’s nothing we can’t fix p>
Then something seemed to occur to her. “Hang on. Let me call Claire p>
Oakley didn’t say anything else. He trusted Karla-she always knew what she was doing.
Karla dialed Claire. “Claire, are you still at home p>
Claire had already packed her things. Dane had come by to take her to the airport. Even though Padgett was being a little cold to Dane, he didn’t stop him from coming. Since there was still time before they had to leave, Claire and Dane were sitting in the living room, chatting with Padgett.
“I’m here. What’s up, Karla p>
Padgett overheard Claire say Karla’s name and couldn’t help but be a little frustrated. Claire was such a good kid, and somehow, after just a single afternoon ouit, she came back with ạ face covered in scrapes. And it had been to save someone else, too. He couldn’t understand why a young girl like her felt she had to be a hero.
He didn’t blame Karla, but he still wasn’t happy about it.
“Will those cuts on your face leave scars?” Karla’s worry came right through the phone. She cared about Claire, and the idea of Claire being scarred was almost unbearable.
“Don’t worry, Karla. Honestly, Oakley’s injuries are probably worse than mine, and if it comes down to it, we can always use some treatments to minimize the scars p>
Claire hesitated for a moment, but her voice was steady. “You don’t need to worry about me. I know what I’m doing. I studied medicine too—I can make my own scar cream if it comes to that p>