Page 83 of Doctor Hot Mess

The terrace is shaded by a pergola wrapped in wisteria, the scent of the blooms mingling with the faint effervescence of the champagne. The day is warm but not too hot, with a soft breeze rustling through the nearby hedges. A few of Mason’s staff move efficiently in the background, breaking down tables and packing up florals, but the chaos feels miles away from where we’re seated.

"First, champagne. You know I don't like to make you drink alone."

"How rude of me. Of course," he says with a smile. He stands up to pull the bottle out of the ice-filled bucket and pours a glass.

I take a sip, and instantly, my chest warms. It’s light, citrusy, and just what I need. “Okay,” I start, setting the glass down. “I need your advice."

"You've come to the right queen. I'm ready."

"I got an email yesterday about a travel assignment. Hawaii. Six months. It’s... kind of a dream job.”

Mason’s brows lift above his sunglasses. “Hawaii? Six months? Harper Gray, are you trying to kill me with envy?”

I laugh softly but quickly shake my head. “It’s not that simple. It would mean cutting my time at UAB short by a month. And six months is a long time. Plus, Jonah…”

Mason leans back in his chair, sliding his sunglasses up onto his head. “Ah, there it is. The Jonah Factor. So, what’s the issue? Does he want to join you in paradise, or is he making you second-guess it?”

“He doesn’t know,” I admit, fidgeting with the edge of my napkin. “I haven’t told him yet. I don’t even know how to bring it up. He’s got so much going on with his family and his work—it feels selfish to drop this on him right now.”

Mason leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Selfish? Harper, this is your career. Your life. And correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t Jonah the one preaching about ‘living in the moment not too long ago?”

I bite my lip, nodding slowly. “He was. But what if this is more than a moment? What if I leave and it ruins everything?”

Mason reaches across the table, placing his hand over mine. “Listen to me. If Jonah Bellinger is as into you as I think he is—and, darling, he’s giving meserious‘boyfriend vibes’—then he’ll support you. It might sting, sure, but real relationships can weather things like this. And if he can’t? Well, then maybe that’s something you need to know before you start rearranging your life for him.”

His words are always a bit blunt and usually come with advice I think I already know but I'm not willing to admit. Still, hearing his clear directive is a shock to my soul.

I take another sip of my drink. The bubbles fizz against my tongue as I stare out at the garden. Mason’s right, of course, but the thought of leaving—of potentially risking what Jonah and I have been building—feels like stepping off a cliff.

“You always know how to cut through my bullshit,” I say finally, managing a small smile. "I love you, and I hate you for it."

“It’s what makes me so damn lovable,” Mason replies, lifting his glass in a toast. “To Hawaii, to hard decisions, and to Harper Gray being the badass I know she is. Now, eat a macaron. You’ll thank me later.”

I can’t help but laugh, reaching for a pastel pink one. “Thanks, Mason.”

“Always, darling.” He winks, and for the first time since I got that email, the weight on my chest feels just a little lighter.

Harper’s PoolHouse

4:56 PM

The kettle whistles sharplyand pulls me out of my thoughts as I pour steaming water over a teabag. I stir absentmindedly as Mason’s words echo in my head:If Jonah can’t handle this, maybe that’s something you need to know before you start rearranging your life for him.

Before I can get too far down the rabbit hole, my phone beeps from my back pocket. I wipe my hands on a kitchen towel and pull it out. It puts a smile on my face when I see Jonah’s name.

Still alive. Barely. Scrubs are dinner-appropriate, right? Meet me for dinner? I have to tell you the latest about Lila.

Let's be honest. I really just want to see you.

And eat.

You.

My smile widens. Even through text, I can sense his exhaustion. I tap out a quick reply.

Where are you thinking?

Also, I'd meet you anywhere, no matter what you're wearing.

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