Page 88 of Doctor Hot Mess

“No,” I say, scrubbing a hand over my face. “But she’s acting weird. Like she knows something but won’t say it. And I get it—she’s scared, stressed out—but it feels like there’s more to it. I don’t know. Maybe it's nothing.”

Harper is quiet for a beat, then reaches out to place a hand on my arm. Her touch is grounding, her palm warm against my skin. “What are you going to do?”

“Nothing,” I admit, the word leaving me feeling hollow. “She told me she doesn’t want me there. It’s just her and the attorney.”

“I guess I can see why she would want to handle it alone,” Harper says. "I mean, it's probably nothing, right?" Her voice is tinged with curiosity and a hint of reassurance on my behalf.

“Yeah, maybe,” I say, but I'm still not convinced. Something about the way she was acting.

Harper shifts closer, her hand brushing against my arm. “Do you think maybe she's just ashamed?”

“Probably,” I admit, my chest tightening. “She’s got a lot going on right now, and she's leaving for rehab Tuesday. I know there is a lot of shame around addiction, and then you add the stress of this on top. It can't be easy.”

“I'm glad your parents stepped up so you don't have to,” Harper says gently. “You get to just to be there for her, which is huge. I know she appreciates it.”

Her words resonate. I wasn't consciously aware of it before she said that, but she's absolutely right. My parents being there for Lila has served a dual role. It's like they showed up for both of us.

“You're right,” I say softly, leaning in to kiss her. "You're so right. It doesn't take away the worry, but it's out of my hands, and that's okay. Lila's a big girl. Whatever demons she has to face, she will be okay because she has the support to deal with it."

I pull her in to hug her tight to me. Her skin on mine is all of the comfort I need right now.

When we pull back, she smiles, her hand still resting on my arm. “Better?”

“Getting there,” I murmur. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

She smirks, flicking a bit of water at me. “Too late.”

I look at her, the sincerity in her eyes cutting through the fog in my head. Without thinking, I lean in and kiss her. It’s not rushed or desperate, but it’s not just a simple thank you, either. It’s grounding, steadying, the kind of kiss that reminds me of everything I have right here in this moment.

When we pull back, her cheeks are flushed, but she’s smiling softly. “You’re a pretty good kisser, you know that?”

“Maybe,” I smirk, and then down and kiss her again.

"Show off."

THIRTY-TWO

Harper

Monday, March 16

The Essential

8:23 AM

The rich aromaof freshly brewed coffee hits me as I step into the café.Potted ferns dangle from the ceiling, and a row of mismatched mugs hang behind the counter. Mason is already at a corner table, typing away on his phone. He doesn't see me walk in, so I sneak over, hoping to startle him.

"Boo!" I bark as I walk up to the table.

He jumps, satisfying my perverse desire to "get him."

“Damn you! I swear to God, Harper Gray. You're lucky I'm a pacifist,” he says with a scowl.

"You know it's all love. I only try to scare my favorite people."

"Well, I win the best saint award today because while you're sneaking around trying to give me a coronary, I ordered you a latte."

I can't wipe away my self-satisfied smile as I slide into the chair across from him. “A saint, huh? Last I checked, saints don’t drink martinis and snark for a living.”

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