Page 43 of Doctor Neighbor

"She thinks the value of the lot is tied to and improved by the construction," I mutter to myself, replaying the conversation, feeling my blood pressure rise. "Which she contributed to with her 'expertise' and interior design additions." I scoff heartily at that last part. Her expertise? Please. She picked out some fancy light fixtures and chose paint colors.

The $475k buyout offer still stands, like a boulder crushing my chest. And now she's threatening litigation if I don't accept. It's extortion, plain and simple.

Jake's words try to reassure me. He thinks she's posturing, that she doesn't have a case. But the idea of dragging this out in court makes me want to scream. More time, more money, more stress.

I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the roots in frustration. Jake suggests calling her bluff, agreeing to go to court. He believes my offer was reasonable and that a jury would likely agree. But the thought of airing all this dirty laundry in public, of having to relive every moment of our toxic relationship...

I push off the wall and start pacing the hallway. Part of me wants to give in, pay her off, and be done with it. But $475k? That's a full fucking mortgage that I will have to pay every month to her. And the principle of it all grates on me. Why should she profit so massively from a relationship that she wrecked and then used to punish me?

I stop, take a deep breath, and try to think rationally. Jake's right. I made a reasonable offer. Going to court might be a hassle, but it could be worth it in the long run. It is even better if it calls Lara’s bluff and brings her back to the negotiating table.

FOURTEEN

Cole

3:49 pm

I set Madeline up at the front table with her favorite coloring book, a fresh pack of markers, and a pink smoothie. She's content, humming to herself as she scribbles away. The cafe's quiet now, the lunch crowd long gone, but I know the after-work rush will hit soon.

I'm essentially inside of the industrial fridge, determined to purge anything close to expiring. Usually, I'd be home by now, leaving Nelson to close up. But with the inspection looming tomorrow morning, I can't risk leaving this to anyone else.

My hands are cold and slightly pruny from handling chilled containers, but my mind is racing hot. Buster's early morning disappearance keeps replaying in my head. There was no goodbye, no response to my text. I try to focus on the task at hand, but doubts creep in like unwelcome guests.

"Mommy, look!" Maddie calls out, holding up her latest masterpiece. I force a smile, grateful for the distraction.

"That's beautiful, sweetie," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

As I turn back to the fridge, I catch my reflection in its stainless steel door. I look tired and worried. Is this how Buster saw me this morning? Did he regret our night together? I shake my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts.

The clock ticks closer to the evening rush. I need to finish this and be ready for tomorrow. But my mind keeps circling back to Buster, his warmth beside me last night, and the cold space he left behind.

I grab another armful of containers, checking dates with fierce concentration. I can't let myself fall apart now. The cafe needs me. Maddie needs me. I've weathered worse storms than this.

But still, as I work, I can't help glancing at my silent phone, willing it to buzz with a message from him.

My phone buzzes, startling me out of my cleaning frenzy. It's Aric. I quickly wipe my hands on my apron and answer.

"Cole? I've got some good news," Aric's voice is clear and confident.

My heart skips a beat. "Yes?"

"I was able to straighten out the confusion about that second infraction and the impending closure," he explains. "After reviewing the inspection notes with John Early, we realized he mixed up two inspections."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Oh, thank God."

"John will still have the planned inspection tomorrow morning as scheduled," Aric continues, "but if all goes well, we should be able to close this case."

Relief washes over me, but Aric's tone turns serious. "Listen, Cole, I can't stress this enough. You need to make sure you cross all your t's and dot all your i's. If even the slightest thing is off, it could lead to more headaches for you."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "I understand. I'm actually at the cafe now, doing a deep clean and inventory check."

"Good," Aric says. "That's exactly what you need to be doing. Leave no stone unturned."

We chat about specifics for a few more minutes, and I jot down notes on a nearby napkin. As we're about to hang up, I feel compelled to express my gratitude.

"Aric, I can't thank you enough for your help. I don't know what I would've done without you stepping in."

"No need to thank me," he replies warmly. "Just ace that inspection tomorrow, okay?"

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