Page 18 of Doctor Neighbor

I glance at my watch and realize I've lost track of time. As much as I'm enjoying this unexpected chat with Cole, I need to wrap things up.

"Hey, I'm enjoying catching up so much that I hate to cut this short, but I've got to take off. Meeting up with a friend," I say, finishing the last sip of my drink.

Cole nods, her expression neutral. "No problem. It was... interesting seeing you again."

I hesitate for a moment, then decide to take a chance. "Listen, would it be alright if I stop by Brewed Awakening sometime? Get a cup of joe?"

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize my mistake. Cole's eyebrows shoot up, and her lips curl into a sardonic smile.

"You know, Buster, that was always an option," she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "In case you forgot, it was you who stopped coming in."

I wince internally, feeling like an idiot. Of course, she's right. I'm the one who ghosted her, who avoided her cafe for years because I have no balls. Asking permission now just highlights how poorly I handled things.

"Right," I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck. "That was a dumb question. I'm sorry."

Cole shrugs, but I can see the walls going back up behind her eyes. "It's fine. Like I said, it's a coffee shop. Open to the public and all that."

"Let me try that again. Cole, I’ll see you at Brewed Awakening sometime."

"Whatevs." She turns up her martini glass even though it is empty. I sign my tab and push it forward a couple of inches, as if that is necessary, looking for the right words to say so as not to dig my hole deeper.

Any goodwill I might have earned during our conversation has now evaporated in front of my face. "Well, thanks for the chat. It really was good to see you. Take care, Cole."

As I stand to leave, I can't help but feel like I've taken one step forward and two steps back. So much for smoothing things over.

I step out of Elixir, the warm evening air a stark contrast to the cold air conditioning at the bar. My mind's still reeling from my interaction with Cole. Damn, I really screwed that up.

As I make my way down the sidewalk towards the sports bar where I'm meeting Hunter, I can't shake the image of Cole’s face—those clear blue eyes, the way her lips curled into that sarcastic smile, her natural beauty.

Cole's natural beauty hits me like a punch to the gut. No makeup, hair slightly messy from her workout, and still she looks stunning. And that confidence, that sass—it’s intoxicating. I can't believe I let her slip through my fingers.

What the hell was I thinking? Cole would've been a much better choice than Lara, even if it had just been a fling. But no, I had to go and ghost her because I was still hung up on Ally. Real good, Buster.

I kick a pebble on the sidewalk, frustrated with myself. Why'd I have to ask about going to the cafe? I should've just shown up there after this, ordered a coffee, and let things unfold naturally. Instead, I made it awkward and probably ruined any chance of slowly winning her back over.

Not even thinking about being anything other than friends. Just to be able to see her and it be cool, like it was before. Not having her slice me with her eyes.

As I approach the sports bar, I try to shake off these thoughts. I'm here to watch the Olympics with Hunter, not dwell on my failures with women. But even as I push open the door, I can't help but wonder what might have been if I'd made different choices all those years ago.

One thing is for sure, I probably wouldn’t be locked in an expensive legal battle with a woman for my house.

I spot Hunter at the bar, his tattooed arms, normally covered by his white doctor’s coat, visible beneath his short sleeves. The TV above him blares with the men's Beach Volleyball finals, the announcer's voice barely audible over the din of the crowded sports bar.

"Hey, man!" I call out, clapping Hunter on the shoulder as I slide onto the stool next to him.

Hunter turns, a grin spreading across his face. "Buster! About time you showed up. Thought I was gonna have to watch these guys dig in and spike all by myself."

I chuckle, signaling the bartender. "Wouldn't miss it. How's it going?"

"Same old shit," Hunter shrugs, taking a swig of his beer. "You know how it is at the hospital. Never a dull moment. Glad to cap off my day here with a cold one.”

The bartender approaches, and I order a draft. Around us, the bar buzzes with energy. Neon beer signs cast a soft glow over the dark wood paneling, and the smell of nachos and wings wafts from the kitchen.

"Speaking of never dull," I say, nodding towards the TV, "these guys are putting on quite a show."

Hunter grunts in agreement. "Yeah, makes me feel like a lazy ass. When's the last time you hit the gym?"

"This morning, actually," I reply, flexing my bicep jokingly. "Gotta keep up with you young bucks somehow."

---