Page 53 of Doctor Neighbor

A wave of relief and joy washes over me. I feel a slight sense of pride, knowing that I played a part in helping Cole overcome this hurdle. Moments like these remind me why I became a doctor in the first place—to help people, even if it's not always in the operating room.

It didn’t have anything to do with my medical degree, but it feels good to be able to help someone.

I quickly type out a response, my fingers flying over the keys.

That's fantastic news, Cole! I'm so happy for you. I know you worked hard, so Aric and I can’t take all the credit. I’m so glad he was able to help you get over that hurdle.

As I hit send, I realize I'm grinning like an idiot in the middle of the hospital corridor. A few nurses give me curious looks as they pass by, but I can't bring myself to care. Cole's happiness is infectious, even through a text message.

I pocket my phone and continue my walk to check on James Harrison, my step a little lighter now. I’m satisfied to have made a difference in Cole's life and eased some of her stress.

And if I'm being honest with myself, her gratitude means more to me than I realized it might. I wasn’t doing it for that, but damn, it sure feels good.

3:36 pm

After a long day at the hospital, I feel a mix of exhaustion and elation. The successful surgery on James Harrison and Cole's good news have me in high spirits. As I walk to my car, I pull out my phone and type a message to Cole.

Hey, congrats again on passing the inspection! Mind if I stop by to celebrate with you?

I anxiously await her response, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. When my phone buzzes, I quickly read her reply.

Thanks! Maddie and I just got home. We were planning to go for a swim. Want to join us?

My heart races a little at the invitation. I hesitate momentarily, wondering if getting more involved with Cole and Maddie is wise. But the thought of spending time with them is too tempting to resist.

Sounds perfect. I'll grab my swim trunks and meet you down at the pool.

I drive home quickly, change into my swim gear, and head down. As I approach the pool, I hear Maddie's excited chatter as she splashes in the water. I take a deep breath and open the gate with my fob.

When I round the corner, Cole is sitting on a nearby lounger, looking radiant in a simple navy blue swimsuit. Her smile is warm and genuine as she greets me.

"Hey, Buster! Are you ready for a swim with a four-year-old and a giant pink float?”

"Dr. Buster!" she squeals, her enthusiasm infectious. "Are you coming swimming with us?"

I kneel at the pool’s edge. "I sure am, kiddo. But only if I can catch a ride on that flamingo."

Cole watches our interaction, a soft expression on her face that I can't quite decipher.

5:41 pm

After our swim, we part ways to change into dry clothes. As I'm about to head back to my apartment, Cole catches my eye.

"Hey, Buster," she says, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "I made lasagna earlier, and there's plenty. Would you like to join us for dinner? It's nothing fancy, but..."

"I'd love to," I respond, perhaps a bit too eagerly. "That sounds great."

Cole's face lights up. "Perfect! Why don't you come over in about thirty minutes? That'll give us time to get cleaned up."

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that has nothing to do with the afternoon sun. "Sounds good. I'll shower and be right over."

As I walk back to my place, I can't help but smile. The afternoon swim with Cole and Maddie was more fun than I've had in ages. Watching Maddie splash around with her flamingo floatie and hearing Cole’s laughter echo across the pool feels natural.

In my apartment, I hop in the shower, letting the warm water wash away the chlorine. My mind wanders to Cole, how she looked in her swimsuit, and the easy conversation we shared while Maddie played nearby.

I catch myself before my thoughts go too far on the dark side. Enjoy our time, I have to remind myself. It doesn’t have to be anything more or anything less.

I hastily dry off and throw on a comfortable pair of jeans and a soft, worn t-shirt. I glance at the clock as I run a hand through my damp hair. Twenty-five minutes have passed. I grab a bottle of wine from my small collection. It isn’t anything fancy, but it should pair well with lasagna.

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