Page 17 of Doctor Hot Mess

But one stupid, flippant comment, and it’s like all the distance I put between us didn’t matter. Not because I’m still hung up on that night—far from it—but because it reminded me how he saw it. Just another notch, another casual encounter, no different than anyone else.

I didn’t leave Birmingham because of Jonah. I left because I needed more—a career on my terms, a life that wasn’t centered around the same people and routines. I didn’t regret it then, and I don’t regret it now. But hearing him toss it out there so casually, like that night was simply another conquest, was a reminder I didn’t need.

Not because I wanted more from him—I knew who Jonah was, and I wasn’t naive enough to think I’d be the one to change him. But that night, I thought...I don’t know, that it mattered more because we were friends. That maybe I was different because I actually knew him, not just the charming, flirty version he shows everyone else.

I was wrong.

And that’s fine. I moved on. We stayed friends, even after I left, and I genuinely believed we could keep it that way. But now? Now I’m stuck here for three months, seeing him regularly, and he’s already managed to remind me why I don’t cross those lines anymore.

And why I don't want to live in Birmingham.

It’s not hate. It’s not even anger, really. It’s disappointment. And maybe, if I’m being honest, a little frustration with myself for ever thinking I could be different.

I glance at the clock, counting down the hours until my shift ends. Three months isn’t forever. It’s long enough to remind myself why I left in the first place—and to make sure I don’t trust men like Jonah Bellinger.

Thursday,February 12

Harper’s Pool House

1605 Montrose Road, Mountain Brook

4:29 PM

I slidethe last box onto the counter and wipe the sweat from my brow, glancing around the pool house cottage. It may be a frigid February day outside, but it's hot as hell in here.

It’s small but cozy, with sunlight streaming through wide windows and a view of the sparkling pool just outside the French doors. I'm not complaining.

Not bad for a last-minute find.

The sharp knock at the door makes me jump, but I’m already smiling as I pull it open. Mason leans against the frame, holding two green juices and looking effortlessly put together, as usual.

“Well, well,” he says, stepping inside and taking a dramatic spin. “Look at you, Miss Pool House Fancy. Who’d you have to bribe for this place?”

I laugh, closing the door behind him. “Nobody. It’s actually a funny story.”

He sets the coffees on the counter and raises an eyebrow. “Oh, do tell. I’m dying to know how the girl who got booted from her VRBO landed in the lap of luxury.”

I shake my head, grabbing one of the cups. “It’s not luxury, and it wasn’t exactly smooth. When the VRBO host bailed on me after a week…"

"Wait, stop right there. How can they do that? Did you sign a lease or something?"

"I did, but didn't realize there was a clause in there that the lease could be canceled with three days’ notice in the event of a sale."

"I've never heard of anything like that! That should be illegal."

"Apparently, they decided to sell the place. Who knows. I just know I was scrambling. I was annoyed, but one of the nurses at the hospital, Katie, overheard me venting and mentioned her aunt rents this place out occasionally. She made a call, and here I am.”

Mason whistles, leaning against the counter. “Lucky break. If I ever get kicked out of my place, remind me to complain loudly in public around Katie.”

“It’s nice to have something go my way,” I admit, sipping my coffee. “This assignment hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing.”

Mason’s eyes narrow playfully. “Oh, let me guess. This is about the bane of your existence, Dr. Jonah Bellinger?”

I roll my eyes. “He’s not the bane of my existence. You're so dramatic.”

Mason smirks. “Oh, excuse me. Theflingof your existence.”

“Stop,” I say, laughing despite myself. “It’s not that deep. Seeing him every day at the hospital is a constant reminder of why I left in the first place. And it’s putting a damper on being back in my hometown.”

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