Page 90 of Doctor Neighbor

On my walk back to the hospital, I pull out my phone and dial Jake's number, realizing I've been neglecting this part of my life for weeks. As I wait for him to answer, I can't help but feel a sense of dread. The whole situation with Lara has been hanging over my head for so long.

"Buster, good to hear from you," Jake's voice comes through the line.

"Hey Jake, sorry I've been out of touch. It's been... a lot lately. I saw you emailed me last week. It's been busy, to say the least."

"No worries, I understand. I'm glad you called. I've got some news about Lara's response to our filing."

I brace myself, expecting the worst. My hand tightens around the phone, and my heart rate picks up.

After everything that's happened with Lara, I've learned to anticipate only bad news regarding her. It's become a reflex at this point, my body tensing up as if preparing for a physical blow.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself for whatever Jake's about to tell me. "Alright, hit me."

“It's not bad news. Lara's willing to accept your last offer—backing out the value of the lot after the sale and accepting half minus the mortgage, building, and lot cost."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Really? That's... unexpected."

Jake continues, "It's more than you initially wanted to give her, but it's a win. You don't have to drag this out over months or more. You don't have to go to court. We can finally put this behind you."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, processing this information. It's true; it's more than I wanted to give Lara, but the thought of being done with this mess is incredibly appealing. It is worth the cost to buy out the bitch and put her in my rearview mirror.

"You're right," I say. "It's worth it to be done. Let's do it."

"Great, I'll draw up the paperwork, and we can move forward. You'll be free of this in no time. Part of it will include listing the house and waiting for closing, but that can be tied up fairly quickly. Much quicker than the judicial system."

As I hang up, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders—one less complication in my life. Now, I can focus on what really matters—Maddie and Cole.

3:17 pm

As I wrap up with my last patient of the day, Mrs. Johansen, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Usually, I'd ignore it, but given everything that's happened lately, I keep it on me for emergencies.

"Excuse me for just a moment," I say to Mrs. Johansen, who nods understandingly.

I pull out my phone and see a text from Cole. My heart skips a beat, worried it might be about Maddie, but as I read it, I realize it's about our plans for tonight.

Liz Harrison coming at 6:30 to watch Maddie. We're good to go!

Shit! That's in just a few hours! I've been so caught up with patients and the good news about Lara that I completely forgot to make dinner reservations.

"Everything okay, Dr. Hankel?" Mrs. Johansen asks, concern in her voice.

"Yes, yes, everything's fine," I assure her, pocketing my phone. "Now, where were we?"

I finish with Mrs. Johansen as quickly as possible without rushing her care. As soon as she leaves, I'm on my phone, scrolling through my contacts.

I find the number I'm looking for and hit dial. "Hey, Marcus? It's Buster Hankel. Listen, I know it's last minute, but I need a huge favor..."

Marcus owns Ovenbird, one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. We go way back - I removed his appendix a few years ago, and he's always told me to call if I need anything.

"I hate to ask, but are any tables available tonight? Around 7:00 or 7:30?"

There's a pause, and I can hear him checking something. "Man, we're packed solid. Wait... hold on. I might be able to squeeze you in at 8:15. That work?"

I breathe a sigh of relief. "That's perfect, Marcus. Thank you so much. I owe you one."

"Nah, I'll always make it work for you. See you tonight!"

As I hang up, I can't help but smile. Tonight's going to be perfect.

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