Page 36 of Doctor Hot Mess

Her lips twitch, the smallest hint of a smile. “You’re welcome.”

I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Hasta la vista.”

“Nerd.”

As I walk to my car, I don’t feel the weight I usually carry after these encounters. Instead, there’s a faint buzz in my chest—nothing big, but enough to notice.

Saturday,February 21

Ruby’s Table

10:48 AM

The familiar chimeof the bell over Rudy’s door greets us as I hold it open for Lila. She steps in slowly, her movements still cautious but noticeably steadier than they were a few days ago. A week ago, we sat here having breakfast, and I didn’t realize it’d be the last time I’d see her before she disappeared and everything went sideways.

“This feels weird,” she says, glancing around. “But also… kind of good.”

“Weird how?” I ask, guiding her toward the same corner booth we sat in last week.

“Like I’m finally facing it, I guess.” She shrugs, settling into the seat with a wince. “But don’t get too proud of me. I mostly came for the pancakes.”

“Sure, you did,” I smirk, sliding into the booth across from her. “You’re doing good, Lila. Better than I expected, honestly.”

“Don’t act so surprised.” She picks up a menu, even though I know she’s already decided on pancakes. “I’ve been doing some research, by the way. Found a rehab center that takes insurance. I think it’s time to deal with my shit.”

I pause. The coffee mug I just picked up is now hovering in midair. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.” She looks up, meeting my eyes with a confidence I haven’t seen in years. “I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out, but… I want to try. Next week, I’ll call and see what I need to do to get in.”

“That’s huge, Lila.” My voice softens as I set the mug down. “I’m proud of you.”

She waves me off, but her cheeks flush slightly. “Don’t get all mushy on me, big brother.”

The waitress swings by to take our order, and we fall into an easy rhythm of conversation—her teasing me about how predictable I am with my omelet and black coffee, me poking fun at her obsession with whipped cream on everything. It feels normal. Almost all that has gone down in the last seven days didn't upend both of our lives.

But as the waitress clears our plates, Lila leans back, her eyes narrowing playfully. “So, speaking of chaos…”

I raise an eyebrow. “Who said anything about chaos?"

"Well, I didn't bring the calm to your doorstep a week ago yesterday."

"Uh-oh. What now?”

“I couldn’t help but notice how often Harper’s name has come up this week.” She smirks, and I know exactly where this is going. “Anything you want to share?”

“She took amazing care of you,” I say, deflecting. “And she’s a good friend. That’s all.”

Lila snorts. “Jonah, you’ve said her name more than you’ve said any other word. I've counted. Let's hear the real story. I can tell something went down or is going down with you two just by how you looked at each other at the hospital. And then, with you constantly bringing her up, I know. Call it sister's intuition.”

I roll my eyes, leaning back in the booth. “I'm serious, it's nothing. We hooked up once a couple of years ago. Then, she moved away. She's only been back in town a couple of weeks. Not even, I don't think."

"Ahh. So, I was right. There is something. Clearly, it isn't done being done, if you know what I mean."

"Oh, don't worry. My dumb ass made sure I put the done in the done. There's nothing there, trust me."

"What does that even mean?"

“I was an idiot about it—made a joke that hurt her, even though I didn’t mean to. Since then, it’s been… complicated.”

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