Page 21 of Doctor Hot Mess

She rolls her eyes but orders a massive breakfast platter anyway, complete with French toast and bacon.

“So,” I say casually, “you ready to tell me what’s going on with you?”

She stiffens slightly, stabbing at her napkin with a fork. “I told you, it’s nothing.”

“Right. And that bruise on your face is just a shadow.”

She narrows her eyes at me, but I don’t back down. “Lila, come on. I’m not trying to grill you. But since you showed up at my place, you could at least enlighten me. I want to help.”

“You can’t,” she mutters, looking away. “This isn’t something you can fix, Jonah.”

“Try me.”

She sighs, leaning back against the booth. “I messed up, okay? I owe some money to...people who aren’t exactly patient.”

My chest tightens, but I keep my tone even. “How much money?”

She shakes her head. “More than I can pay back right now. It doesn’t matter.”

“It does if they’re hurting you,” I say, my voice hardening slightly. “Is that why you came here? To hide?”

Her jaw works for a moment before she nods, barely. “I wasn't going to bother you at first. But then, I didn't have anywhere else to go.”

I let out a slow breath, running a hand through my hair. “What do you mean you weren't going to bother me at first? How long have you been in Birmingham?”

“Just a couple of days,” she snaps, her voice sharp enough to draw a glance from the next booth. She lowers her voice, her hands curling into fists. “I didn’t mean for it to get this bad. Obviously.”

What is she hiding? She is more defensive than I’ve ever seen her.

For a moment, neither of us speaks. The server drops off our plates, and I wait until she’s gone before I meet Lila’s eyes again. “Where have you been staying?” I ask softly.

"Crashing on friends' couches."

What the fuck? I had no idea my sister had connections besides me in this city. And realizing she's been here and I had no idea is a stab to my heart.

“You’re staying with me for now. We've got to get you out of this mess.”

Saying it, I mean it, but I have no idea how. If I can get her well and keep her safe, she will at least be in a better position.

Her lip trembles slightly, but she nods, picking up her fork. “Thanks, Jonah.”

We aren't the closest of siblings, but I'd give the shirt off my back for anyone, especially her. It's just a matter of coming up with a game plan. I may not be able to emotionally connect, but I sure as hell can figure out a way to fix this.

EIGHT

Harper

UAB Hospital

1:17 PM

The overhead speakerscrackle to life. “Trauma team to Bay Two. Incoming priority one. ETA three minutes.”

I glance up from my charting, the adrenaline already kicking in. “What’s the story?” I ask, heading toward the trauma bay.

“Female, mid-to-late 20s,” one of the nurses rattles off. “Found unconscious in an alley. No ID, no phone. Severe facial trauma, multiple contusions, possible internal injuries. Good Samaritan called it in.”

“Jane Doe,” I mutter, noting the lack of ID as I grab a fresh set of gloves. That means extra documentation, baseline labs, and a security report on top of everything else.

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