Page 16 of Doctor Neighbor

I text Hunter, too. We’ve been trying to get up forever and keep missing each other. He texts right back.

I’m just finishing up my shift. The Beach Volleyball Olympic finals are on. I can meet you in an hour at Buddies on 5th if that works.

Done. See you there, dickhead.

I’ve got an hour to kill, so I figure I’ll walk around and see what else is around. I’m enjoying taking in my new neighborhood. It's bustling with life—young professionals, couples, families. The sidewalks are lined with trendy restaurants and shops. I’m pretty pumped about being in close walking distance of so much. This is exactly what I needed.

As I round the corner, I spot Elixir. The simple wood sign hanging off the side of the building calls out to me in the fading daylight. I've been here a few times after particularly rough shifts at the hospital. It's a cool spot, always good for people-watching and hand-crafted cocktails. It’s fancier than my usual stop, but I think today calls for a fancy drink.

I push open the heavy, thick glass door and step inside. The familiar scent of polished wood and aromatic bitters hits me. It's not too crowded yet, just a few regulars at the bar and a couple in a cozy booth.

"Dr. Hankel!" The bartender, Ben, calls out. "Long time no see, man. What can I get you?"

"Hey, Ben. You’re working here now, huh? I’m used to seeing you at the brewery. Are you doing both?”

“No, I stepped up and started slinging the hard stuff. Needed a change.”

“I hear ya, man. Change is good. I’ll take a whiskey, neat. I just moved in down the street."

Ben’s eyebrows shoot up. "No kidding? Welcome to the hood, doc. You're going to love it over here. I live down the street. It’s a great spot.”

I'm about to take a sip of my whiskey when I spot her. Sitting at the bar’s far end, Cole is nursing what looks like a strong martini with a sprig of some herb. My stomach does a little flip. Seriously? Again?

For a moment, I consider pretending I don’t see her. But something stops me. Maybe it's the whiskey already warming my insides, or perhaps it's just sheer exhaustion from all this awkwardness. Whatever it is, I make a decision.

I grab my drink and make my way down the bar. As I approach, I can see her tense up slightly. Here goes nothing.

"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were stalking me," I say, flashing my most disarming grin.

Cole looks up, startled. Her blue eyes widen for a second before narrowing. "Excuse me?"

I slide onto the stool beside her, ignoring the daggers she’s shooting my way. "I mean, three times in one week? That's dedication. I'm flattered, really."

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Progress.

"You're unbelievable," she mutters, siping her drink.

I shrug, still grinning. "I prefer to think of myself as persistent. Look, Cole, I know things have been... weird. But I just moved into the neighborhood, and it seems like the universe is determined to keep throwing us together. Can we maybe start over?"

Cole's face scrunches up in disgust. "What do you mean you 'just moved into the neighborhood'?"

I blink, taken aback by her reaction. "Uh, I literally just moved in today. Park Place Condos. It's pretty nice, right near?—“

The color drains from her face so fast I worry she might faint. She grips her glass tightly, knuckles turning white.

"You've got to be kidding me," she mutters, more to herself than to me.

I can practically feel the tension radiating off her. It’s time to lighten the mood before she actually does poke my eyes out.

"Hey, don't worry. I promise I won't stalk you. Do you live around here?"

Her cafe is a few blocks away, so I wouldn't be surprised. When we had our night of acrobatics, she came back to my place, and then I dropped her at her car the next morning. So I never saw where she lived.

Instead of answering me, she turns to face forward and downs the rest of her drink. I guess I've inspired her.

"Thirsty?" I ask.

She doesn't laugh—tough crowd.

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