Page 48 of Doctor Neighbor

Frustrated, I press the button to start the engine and head back to the condo. As I drive, I can't shake the feeling of restlessness. The pool—that’s what I need—a good, challenging swim to clear my head.

I park and go up to my place, quickly changing into my swim trunks. They are the ones I wore to the water park that day with Lucy. Luckily, the blood came out with a wash.

I grab a towel and head down to the pool area. The late afternoon sun glints off the water's surface, inviting me in.

When I dive, the cool water envelops me. After a few warm-up laps, I feel the tension in my muscles starts to ease. Then, I pick up the pace, pushing myself harder with each stroke. The rhythmic movement and the sound of water rushing past my ears help drown out the noise in my head.

Lap after lap, I lose myself in the repetition. Lara, the house, the legal mess—it all fades away for a while. There's just me, the water, and the burn in my muscles.

I'm unsure how long I've been swimming when I finally pause at the pool’s edge, breathing hard. My arms and legs feel like jelly but in a good way. The physical exertion has done its job, leaving me pleasantly exhausted and my mind clearer.

As I pull myself out of the pool, water cascading off me, I realize I needed this. The swim hasn't solved any of my problems, but it's given me a much-needed reset. I towel off, ready to face whatever comes next with a clearer head.

SIXTEEN

Cole

6:22 pm

I unlock the door to my condo and step inside, taking a deep breath as I close it behind me. The silence envelops me, a stark contrast to the constant buzz of the cafe. I kick off my shoes and pad barefoot across the cool tile, relishing the quiet.

My mind is still racing from the day's events. I've reviewed John Early's list so many times I could recite it in my sleep. Nelson and I combed through every nook and cranny of Brewed Awakening, determined not to leave a single stone unturned. I even asked him to stay late and do one final sweep, just to be sure.

Exhaustion settles deep in my bones as I collapse onto the couch. I close my eyes, savoring this rare moment of solitude. Maddie will be back from her playdate with Anna soon, and while I can't wait to hear about her adventures, I need these few precious minutes to decompress.

The weight of tomorrow's inspection presses down on me. I've done everything I can think of, but doubt still gnaws at the edges of my mind. What if I missed something? What if it's not enough?

I force those thoughts away, focusing instead on the stillness around me. The soft hum of the air conditioning, the distant sound of traffic outside—it’s all so different from the constant clatter of dishes and chatter of customers.

My fingers absentmindedly trace the pattern on the couch cushion as I let my mind wander. Despite my best efforts, it drifts to Buster and our earlier stolen moments in the cafe. A small smile tugs at my lips, and I sit with that indulgence for a bit.

I glance at the clock, knowing my reprieve is nearly over. Soon, Maddie’s excited chatter and endless energy will fill the apartment. As much as I cherish these quiet moments, they feel off when they are this calm.

For now, though, I close my eyes again and breathe deeply, soaking in the peace while it lasts.

A sharp knock on the door jolts me out of my quasi-meditation. My heart races as I blink, disoriented. I must have dozed off without realizing it. For a moment, I'm not sure who could be at the door – I wasn't expecting anyone.

Then I hear it – the familiar sound of little girls giggling. Then I smile to myself as I realize it must be Liesle bringing Maddie home from their park adventure.

I push myself up from the couch, my muscles protesting slightly after being still for so long. As I reach the door, I run my hands over my thighs, hoping I don't look too unkempt.

"Coming!" I call out, my voice still groggy from my impromptu nap.

I reach for the doorknob, plastering on a smile despite my lingering fatigue. As I swing the door open, I'm greeted by the sight of Liesle, her face bright with amusement, and two very excited little girls.

"Mommy!" Maddie exclaims, launching herself at me. I catch her in a hug, her energy infectious.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Liesle teases, a knowing smirk on her face. "Did we wake you?"

I laugh a bit sheepishly. "Just resting my eyes for a minute," I fib, stepping back to let them in.

Maddie and Anna tumble into the apartment, a whirlwind of excitement and chatter. Their voices overlap as they both try to tell me about their adventures at the park.

"We saw ducks!" Maddie exclaims.

"And we went on the big slide!" Anna adds, her eyes wide with enthusiasm.

I nod, trying to keep up with their rapid-fire storytelling. "Sounds like you two had quite the adventure," I say, leading everyone into the living room.

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