Page 20 of Doctor Hot Mess

But the bruise on her cheek and the weight in her eyes tell a different story. I don’t push her any further tonight. Let her have this moment. Let me have it, too.

Saturday,February 14

9:21 AM

The smellof coffee hits me as I step into the kitchen, rubbing a hand over my face. Lila’s already up, fully dressed for the day and perched on one of the barstools with a steaming mug in hand. She’s scrolling through her phone, one leg tucked under her, wearing an oversized sweatshirt that I’m pretty sure used to be mine.

“Morning,” I say, grabbing a mug and pouring myself a cup. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cupid.”

She looks up, giving me a tight smile. “Morning. Don’t remind me that today is the world’s most commercial lover’s holiday.”

I lean against the counter, sipping my coffee and studying her. The bruise on her cheek looks a little darker today, deep purple against her fair skin. She catches me staring and rolls her eyes.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” she says, setting her phone down.

“That’s a low bar,” I reply, arching an eyebrow. “You hungry?”

“Starving,” she admits, brightening slightly.

“Good. Let’s go grab breakfast,” I say, setting my mug down. “There’s a spot a few blocks away that makes killer pancakes. We can walk, but bundle up.”

She hesitates, glancing at her phone again. “Jonah, I’m fine. You don’t have to babysit me.”

“Who said anything about babysitting?” I ask, crossing my arms and leaning casually against the counter. “I’m starving, and I’d love the company. You can’t make me eat all alone on Valentine’s Day.”

“Why do you keep bringing that up?”

“Because I’m a lover. Plus, it’s nice to have a date with someone who isn’t trying to put a claim on me or redecorate my place.”

Lila snorts, finally cracking a small smile. “Wow, you're such a pig!”

I grin, grabbing my keys from the counter. “Always. Now, you coming? Pancakes don’t taste as good when you’re being judgy.”

She rolls her eyes but hops off the stool, grabbing her jacket. “Fine, but I’m not paying.”

“Who said you were?” I counter, grabbing my keys from the counter. “But if you insist, I’m happy to let you.”

She snorts, pulling her bag over her shoulder. “Nice try. You’re the big brother—big brothers always pay.”

I hold the door open for her, smirking. “Is that a rule? I must’ve missed that lesson.”

“It’s an unwritten one,” she says, breezing past me. “Now, let’s get those pancakes. Now that you've mentioned them, I can't think of anything else.”

“You know, for someone who just showed up out of nowhere, you’re awfully demanding,” I tease, locking the door behind us.

She grins over her shoulder. “And yet, you still love me.”

“Debatable,” I say, falling into step beside her. “But pancakes do sound good, so I’ll let it slide.”

Ruby’s Table

2012 Highland Avenue South

9:51 AM

The diner iswarm and bustling. The scent of syrup and bacon waft around us as we slide into a booth near the window. I order the pancake stack with a side of eggs, while Lila picks at the menu like she’s debating whether she can finish a whole plate.

“Just get what you want,” I say, sipping my coffee. “I’ll eat whatever you don’t.”

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