Page 61 of Doctor Hot Mess

"Eeek. You're right, she does sound like a mess. She makes Dr. Jonah look like Martha Stewart."

"Be nice," I chastise him. "Their family’s not close, apparently, and Jonah feels like it’s his responsibility to fix everyone.”

Mason’s eyes narrow slightly. “And what did you say?”

“I told him he can’t keep cleaning up her messes,” I admit. “That maybe letting her face the consequences would be the best thing for her. But...”

“But?” Mason prompts, leaning closer.

“But then he shut down,” I say, frustration creeping into my voice. “I could see it happening in real time. One minute, he was there, vulnerable, actually talking. And then, poof, gone. Just this wall. And I get it—I do. He carries so much pressure, so much guilt.”

Mason is quiet for a moment, which is unusual. He gets like this when he processes things. His tone is softer when he finally speaks. “I mean, it tracks. He’s probably the guy everyone relies on, right? The calm in the storm, the one cracking jokes, keeping things copacetic?”

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Exactly. And now it makes sense. He’s all that because underneath it, he’s holding onto so much pain. He told me the other day that his best friend died when he was a teenager," I reveal to give him some context, but I'm careful not to divulge too much out of respect for Jonah. "But he didn’t give me all the details. I just know that it was tragic and had a significant impact on him.”

Mason’s expression shifts, his usual wit giving way to genuine concern. “That’s a lot for anyone, let alone a kid. No wonder he’s so closed off.”

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “And now with Lila. It’s like all that pressure is doubling down. He’s terrified of letting her down, of failing her. I feel for him. I really do. But reacting out of guilt isn't good for anyone.”

Mason tilts his head, considering. “And how do you square this tough love approach you're advocating with the fact that you seem to care about her? You cared about her before you even knew she was his sister.”

I pause to consider what he's saying. “I still care about her, Mason,” I say finally. “And I want her to get through this. But enabling her isn't the solution, especially at his expense. Jonah stepping back—as hard as it is—might be what she needs. And maybe what he needs too.”

Mason smiles faintly, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. “You know, you’re pretty wise for someone drinking in scrubs.”

I laugh, the sound lighter than I feel. “And you’re surprisingly insightful for someone who spends more on cocktails than groceries.”

He smirks, raising his glass. “Cheers to that. And to you, Harper. Because I have a feeling you’re exactly what Jonah needs, even if he doesn’t know it yet.”

Thursday,March 5

Harper’s Pool House

8:01 AM

The early morninglight filters through my kitchen window as I sit with my coffee. The steam curls upward like question marks. I’ve been staring at my phone for the last ten minutes, debating whether to text Jonah.

After last night’s conversation with Mason, the realization of everything he is carrying on his shoulders is crystal clear. I'm worried sick for him and don't know how to support him.

And then there’s Lila. I can’t stop wondering what they could want with her.

I take a deep breath and type out a quick message.

Hey, just checking in. How did it go last night?

I hit send but then instantly wish I could take it back. I saw him pull back yesterday at the hospital and don't want to push him further away.

The waiting is always the hardest part, and with Jonah, I know better than to expect an immediate reply. But when my phone beeps barely two minutes later, I’m surprised.

She said she has no idea what they could want with her.

His short, emotionless response makes me feel like he is retreating further back. I worry I've pushed him too much. I type back quickly.

I’m so sorry. Are you okay?

There’s a pause this time, longer than before, and I can practically feel him weighing how much to say. When the next message comes through, it’s short.

I’m fine. I just need to focus on work.

---