Page 82 of Doctor Hot Mess

“She did?” Mom asks, and there’s a note of relief in her tone. “I’m glad. We weren’t sure if she’d tell you before or after she left.”

“She seems hopeful about it,” I say. “But how are you and Dad holding up?”

“We’re fine,” she says, though I catch the hesitation. “It’s a lot, but we’re managing. It's good therapy for all of us to help her get the help she needs.”

“What about the money she owes?” I ask, steering the conversation to the part that’s been nagging at me. “Have you figured that out?”

“Yes,” she says, and there’s a hint of finality in her voice. “Your dad closed the HELOC on the house Friday. We paid the full amount—seventy-seven thousand, four hundred and twelve dollars.”

I whistle low. “That’s a lot of dough.”

“It is,” she agrees. “But Lila is insistent on paying it back. She’ll live at home with us once she’s out of rehab and work until it’s paid off. The money will go directly to the bank.”

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. “And you believe she’ll stick to that?”

“She says so, Jonah,” Mom says firmly. “She wants to take responsibility for her actions. She said it’s part of her recovery. And, honestly, I think she means it this time.”

Her words give me pause. Harper had said something similar—that letting Lila face the consequences might be what she needed. “Well,” I say finally, “good for her. And good for you and Dad, stepping up like this.”

“It’s what we should have done a long time ago,” Mom says, and there’s a note of regret in her voice. “We’re trying, Jonah. I know we’ve made mistakes, but we’re trying.”

I put my feet up on my desk as the weight of her words settle on my chest. “I appreciate it,” I say after a moment. “And I’m here if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” she says softly. “How are you holding up?”

“I'm good, Mom,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “Work is busy, but you know, that is part of what keeps me ticking.”

She chuckles faintly. “That I do. Take care of yourself, Jonah. And call if you need anything.”

“I will,” I say. “Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

I hang up and take a deep breath, letting the conversation play again in my head. Lila’s going to rehab. My parents are doing something for once. I've got someone I'm happy to commit to that doesn't put me in a panic and make me feel like running for the hills.

Life is good.

THIRTY

Harper

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

4000 Grand Avenue, Hoover

2:07 PM

When I pullinto the drive at the resort, I’m immediately struck by the grandeur of the place. The sprawling estate is perched on a hill, and its white columns gleam in the afternoon sun. Gardens filled with roses and hydrangeas stretch out on either side. The faint hum of a fountain completes the picture of elegance.

I find Mason on the terrace overlooking the manicured grounds. He’s seated at a wrought-iron table with a stunning arrangement of leftover treats spread out before him: flutes of sparkling champagne cocktails, colorful macaroons, and tiny, beautifully decorated petit fours.

"This looks like your throne if I've ever seen one. Now I know why you picked this as your career. I can't imagine anything more perfect for you," I say to him as I walk up. He hasn't seen me yet because he is focused on whatever is on his tablet.

He looks up as I approach. His signature sunglasses are perched on his nose, and a smirk is already on his lips. “There she is! The busiest bee in Birmingham. Come, sit, and tell me everything while we gorge on sugar and bubbles. I'm finally done with the heavy lifting. Now, I get to sit and relax while everyone else finishes up.”

I laugh, slipping into the chair opposite him. “I don’t think I can compete with this view, Mason. Seriously, how do you make cleaning up after a wedding look so glamorous?”

He waves a hand dramatically. “It’s a gift, darling. But enough about me. What’s got you texting me on a Sunday like you’re grasping for a lifeline?”

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