Page 27 of Doctor Neighbor

There's more to the story, the move, I can tell. But I don't push. We're treading new ground here, rebuilding a friendship that was barely formed before it was abandoned. I'm not sure we're ready for profound, personal revelations just yet.

"Well, welcome to the neighborhood," I say instead, raising my glass in a small toast. "You'll love this location, for sure. Plus, the neighbors aren't so bad, either."

"Ha," he replies, clinking his glass against mine. "It's an adjustment, but I think it'll be good. A nice change of pace. I wonder if everyone gets the robust welcoming routine I experienced with my first neighborhood meet-and-greet."

"Unlikely, but you never know…"

We fall into a comfortable silence, the soft sounds of the city at night drifting up to us. It's strange, sitting here with Buster after all this time. Odd, but not unpleasant. There's still a spark there, an undeniable attraction, but it's tempered now by time and experience.

I find myself wondering what might have been if things had gone differently all those years ago. But I push the thought away. There is no use dwelling on what-ifs. We're here now, neighbors and maybe friends.

And that's enough.

For now, at least.

Tuesday, August 13

8:01 am

I'm hustling Maddie out the door, my arms full of her backpack, lunchbox, and my own bag. "Come on, sweetie, we've got to go," I urge, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. Why is it always a struggle to get out of the house on time in the morning?

"But Mommy, I forgot Mr. Snuggles!" Maddie wails, her bottom lip quivering.

I sigh, knowing we don't have time to go back for her stuffed rabbit. "I'm sorry, honey, but we really need to?—"

The words die in my throat as I nearly collide with a familiar figure in the hallway. Buster. He's in his scrubs, looking slightly disheveled, as if in a rush.

"Oh, hey," he says, surprise evident in his voice. "Forgot my pager. Had to run back after surgery."

I remember my promise to be more personable and force a smile. "Morning, Buster. We're just heading out to school. We can't seem to nail the happy morning routine yet. But we are only two days in, so I'm not giving up hope, right, Mads?"

His eyes light up. "School, huh? That's exciting."

I nod, acutely aware of the time ticking away. But before I can make excuses, Buster kneels to Maddie's level.

"And you must be the famous Madeline?" he asks her, his voice warm and friendly.

Maddie, suddenly shy, presses against my leg. "I'm Maddie," she mumbles.

"Nice to meet you, Maddie," Buster says, holding out his hand for a high five. "I like your unicorn shirt. Is that your favorite animal?"

Maddie nods, a smile breaking through her shyness. "Uh-huh. But I like bunny rabbits too. I have one named Mr. Snuggles, but I forgot him today."

"Oh no," Buster says, his face comically serious. "Well, I'm sure Mr. Snuggles will be waiting for you when you get home. Maybe he's having his own adventure today."

Maddie giggles, and I feel a warmth in my chest at the interaction. It's sweet to see Buster so at ease with her.

My phone vibrates in my back pocket. I pull it out and see it is John Early, the health inspector. Shit. I will have to call him back in a minute.

He looks up at me, probably wondering why my face is contorted in this sweet moment. "Is everything okay?"

"Not really. I have this health inspector all up in my mix about the cafe. It's stressing me out. But we will be fine."

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help? My cousin works at the Department of Public Health. I'm not sure if he can do anything, but I'd be happy to put you two in contact. Or, at least, reach out to him and ask for advice.”

I appreciate Buster's willingness to help, but pulling him into my nightmare is the last thing I need to do. I'm mad at myself for even mentioning my problem.

"I appreciate the offer, but you don't have to do that. I know you're rushing, and we really should get going, too,” I say, hating to break up the moment but feeling more anxious than ever.

---