Page 39 of Doctor Neighbor

Buster's eyes flick to mine, giving me a reassuring nod. I try to breathe deeply, reminding myself that panicking won't help.

"I know it's late, but this is urgent," Buster says. "Would you be able to talk to Cole directly? Or maybe look into it and call her back?"

He listens for a moment, then hands the phone to me. "Aric wants to speak with you," he says softly.

With shaking hands, I take the phone, grateful for Buster's presence and willingness to help. As I begin to explain the situation to Aric, I feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we can figure this out before it's too late.

As I hang up the phone, relief washes over me. Aric's words echo in my mind, providing a desperately needed lifeline. He assured me that we typically have forty-eight hours to correct any violations when these orders come down. It's not an immediate death sentence for my cafe.

"We have time," I whisper, more to myself than to Buster.

Aric couldn't do anything tonight but promised to tackle it first thing in the morning. His confidence and determination to help eased some of the panic constricting my chest.

The emotions of the past hour—the fear, the uncertainty, the glimmer of hope—suddenly overwhelm me. Tears well up in my eyes; before I can stop them, they stream down my face.

Buster doesn't hesitate. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. I bury my face in his chest, letting out the sobs I've been holding back.

"I'm sorry," I manage between hiccups. "I didn't mean to dump all of this on you. You probably didn't expect this when you came over."

His hand rubs soothing circles on my back. "Hey, it's okay. That's what friends are for, right?"

Friends. Is that what we are now? I'm too exhausted to ponder that question. Instead, I let myself be comforted by his presence, grateful for his support in this moment of vulnerability.

I wipe my eyes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude as Buster gently brushes a tear from my cheek with his thumb. His touch is tender and comforting.

"Thank you," I say softly, meeting his gaze. "I don't know what I'd do right now without your connection to Aric. You've been a lifesaver."

Buster's eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles. "I'm just happy I could help. That's what neighbors are for, right?"

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Suddenly, I'm struck with an idea—a way to distract myself from the stress of the day and maybe get to know Buster a little better.

"Hey, do you want to watch a movie with me? There's this new one called Find Me Falling with Harry Connick, Jr. It might help me forget about all this for a while."

Buster raises an eyebrow. "I've never heard of it, to be honest. But I'd love to watch it with you if you don't mind me sticking around."

"Not at all," I assure him, feeling a flutter of excitement. "I could use the company."

We settle onto the couch, and I pull up the movie on my streaming service. As the opening credits roll, I can't help but steal glances at Buster. He seems genuinely interested, his eyes fixed on the screen.

"Fair warning," I whisper, "I'm a bit of a Harry Connick, Jr. fan. Let me know if I start swooning too much."

Buster chuckles softly. "Noted. I'll keep an eye out for any excessive swooning."

As the movie progresses, I find myself relaxing, the worries of the day fading into the background. Buster's presence beside me is comforting, and I'm grateful for this moment of normalcy amidst the chaos.

As we are both engrossed in Find Me Falling, the parallels are not lost on me. Here I am, sitting next to Buster, watching a movie about second chances and fate, heartbreak, misunderstandings, and personal tragedy—all after just receiving some of the worst news about my life's work. It's almost as if this is curated specifically for this time and for us.

The movie is about two people who were once close, who drifted apart due to misunderstandings and life’s hurdles, and then found their way back to each other years later. They struggle with their pasts, confront old wounds, and slowly rebuild their bond, realizing they were meant to be in each other's lives all along. It’s a cliché, sure, but there’s something poignant about it.

I glance at Buster out of the corner of my eye. He’s focused on the screen, his expression thoughtful. Watching this story unfold, I keep dwelling on the parallels to us. We had our brief moment years ago, a night that I thought would be the end of it. But here we are, thrown back into each other’s lives by a twist of fate.

Maybe Find Me Falling is trying to tell me something. Is it a sign that Buster and I are supposed to give this—whatever this is—another chance? Or is it just a reminder that life has a funny way of bringing people together, even if only as friends?

The characters in the movie had to confront their fears and insecurities to find their way back to each other. Maybe that’s what Buster and I need to do. But can I trust him after he disappeared on me once? And can I let myself lean on him now, especially when everything is falling apart with the cafe?

I sigh, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. The bad news from John Early still lingers in my mind, a dark cloud overshadowing everything. But sitting here with Buster, there’s a strange comfort. Maybe it’s the familiarity, or maybe it’s the way he seems genuinely willing to help.

Find Me Falling is just a movie, but its message about second chances and the importance of fighting for what matters hits close to home. Maybe Buster and I have unfinished business. Or perhaps we’re just meant to be friends, helping each other through tough times.

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