Page 21 of Doctor Neighbor

The health department building looms ahead, all glass and steel. I take a deep breath, straightening my back. I've faced more formidable challenges than this. I'm a single mom, a business owner, a survivor. I can handle a health inspection.

I push through the revolving doors, the cool air conditioning hitting me like a wall. The lobby is bustling with people, but I barely notice them as I make my way to the elevators.

"Fourth floor," I mutter to myself, pressing the button. The ride up feels endless. I use the time to review the key points in Nelson's file one last time.

The elevator doors slide open to reveal a sterile hallway. I step out, my heels clicking against the linoleum floor. The sound that echoes matches the pounding of my heart.

I spot the office at the end of the hall. The nameplate reads "John Early—Health Inspector." This is it. I take one final deep breath, squaring my shoulders.

I'm Cole Johnson, and I'm not going down without a fight.

I push open the heavy glass door of the health department. The stale smell of a municipal office greets me immediately. The receptionist, a young woman with a bright smile, looks up from her computer.

"Hi, I'm Cole Johnson. I have a meeting with John Early."

"Of course, Ms. Johnson. Please follow me."

She leads me down a corridor lined with generic office art, motivational posters, and posters highlighting hand-washing techniques. My file feels heavy in my hands, as if it's filled with lead instead of paper.

"Right this way," the receptionist says, gesturing to a conference room. "Mr. Early will be with you shortly."

I step inside, taking in the sterile environment. The room is all beige and gray, with a long oval table dominating the space. Eight chairs surround it, their faux leather gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. A whiteboard covers one wall, its pristine surface mocking me with its blankness.

A projector hangs from the ceiling, aimed at a pull-down screen on the opposite wall. The air smells faintly of disinfectant, coffee, and printer ink.

I choose a seat facing the door, not wanting to be caught off guard when John arrives. Placing my file on the table, I smooth out non-existent wrinkles in my blouse. The ticking of the wall clock seems unnaturally loud in the quiet room.

My eyes drift to the window. Through the partially closed blinds, I can see the Birmingham skyline. I usually love this view, but right now, it only reminds me of how much I stand to lose if this meeting goes poorly.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. The cool leather of the chair seeps through my clothes, grounding me slightly. I can do this. I have to do this. For Maddie, for my employees, and for myself.

The door handle turns, and I straighten up, plastering what I hope is a confident smile on my face.

2:06 pm

I stumble out of the health department, my mind reeling. The meeting with John Early was worse than I'd imagined. His words echo in my head, each one a hammer blow to my dreams.

"Significant violations... Immediate action required... Possible closure..."

My throat tightens as I fumble for my car keys. I can't face Nelson right now; I can't bear to rehash it all to him at this moment. I need space and time to process.

I slide into the driver's seat, my hands shaking as I start the engine. The familiar hum does little to calm my frayed nerves. I have about an hour before I need to pick up Maddie from school—just enough time to go home and try to pull myself together.

The drive is a blur. Before I know it, I'm unlocking my condo door. The cool air inside starkly contrasts the August heat. I collapse onto the couch, burying my face in a throw pillow.

Tears threaten, but I blink them back furiously. I can't fall apart now. There's too much at stake.

I force myself to take deep breaths, trying to quiet the storm of thoughts in my head. How did things go so wrong? I've always been meticulous about cleanliness and safety at Brewed Awakening. It's not just a business—it's my life's work, my legacy for Maddie.

The blinking green digital numbers on the microwave clock remind me that time is slipping away. I should be heading back to the cafe, strategizing with Nelson, but the thought of facing reality right now is too much to bear.

Instead, I curl up on the couch, allowing myself this brief moment of weakness—just a few minutes to regroup and find my strength again. Then I'll pick up Maddie, paste on a smile, and figure out how to save everything I've worked so hard to build.

I'm jolted out of my pity party by a sharp knock at the door. My heart races as I glance once again at the time. Who could be here in the middle of the day? Star's at work, and I'm not expecting anyone.

For a moment, I consider ignoring it. I'm in no state for company. But curiosity gets the better of me, and I drag myself off the couch.

"Coming!" I call out, my voice rougher than I'd like.

---