Page 19 of Doctor Neighbor

We both laugh, the easy camaraderie of old friends settling over us. As we watch the game, trading comments on the players' moves and reminiscing about our own failed attempts at beach volleyball, I feel myself relaxing. The tension from my earlier encounter with Cole begins to fade, replaced by the simple pleasure of hanging out with a buddy.

Hunter takes a long swig of his beer, then turns to me with a raised eyebrow. "So, what's the latest with Lara? You two figure everything out yet?"

I let out a heavy sigh, smoothing my non-existent beard, my stubble rough with my hand. "Man, it's a fucking nightmare. She's refusing to budge on the house."

"The one you just built?" Hunter asks, frowning.

"Yeah, that's the one. When I bought the lot, like a dumbass, I let her convince me to put her name on the deed.”

“I remember when you told me you did that. How did she pull that one off again?”

“Stupid move, I know. She said it would help her build credit. I figured we were in it for the long haul, so I went along.”

“Damn. She pulled one over on you.”

“Fuck, yeah, she did. God, I’m an idiot.”

“Does she have any claim besides the fact that she had your balls in her hand and you in a trance?”

“I don’t know. She picked out most of the finishes, acted like it was our home. In a way, I guess it was. I had no clue she already had one foot out the door.” I shake my head, disgusted at my own naivety. "I financed the whole damn thing and somehow she feels entitled to the house."

Hunter whistles low. "That's rough, buddy. So what's she saying now?"

"She's holding it over my head, claiming she deserves the house or at least half the equity. It's ridiculous. We never even really lived there, you know? I've been crashing in the basement since we moved in."

"Jesus," Hunter mutters. "You got lawyers involved yet?"

I nod, taking a gulp of my beer. "Yeah, it's gotten to that point. My attorney says I've got a good case since I financed it, but Lara's digging her heels in. It's like she's out for blood or something."

"Women," Hunter scoffs, shaking his head. "No offense, but she sounds like a real piece of work."

"You're telling me," I agree, feeling the frustration bubble up inside me. "I just want this over with, you know? But she's dragging it out, making everything as difficult as possible. It's like she's forgotten we were supposed to love each other at some point."

Hunter claps me on the shoulder sympathetically. "Hang in there, man. It'll work out eventually. In the meantime, there's always more beer and beach volleyball to distract us."

I force a laugh, grateful for the attempt at lightening the mood.

SIX

Cole

Monday, August 12

7:27 am

I glance at the clock on the microwave and sigh. "Maddie, sweetie, we need to hurry up. It's your first day of preschool!"

Maddie looks up from her bowl of cereal, milk dribbling down her chin. "I don't wanna go, Mommy."

"Come on, it'll be fun. You'll make new friends and learn so many cool things." I grab a napkin and wipe her face.

She pushes the spoon around in her bowl. "Can't I stay home with you?"

"Nope, Mommy's gotta work. Now finish up that cereal, please."

I rush around the kitchen, packing her lunch and gathering her backpack. Garden Montessori isn't far, but I don't want to be late on the first day.

"Maddie, shoes. Now."

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