It was a little past six in the morning, and I was still in bed. I couldn’t seem to find my motivation this morning. I rolled over to the other side of the bed and closed my eyes. It had been over a month since Cooper had walked out and his spicy, masculine scent was all but gone.

I missed him. I missed his crooked smile and his laugh. The spicy, cinnamon of his kisses. I missed being in his arms. I even missed fighting with him.

My phone buzzed like it had every morning since New Year’s Eve.

Cooper: Just when I think I’m getting the hang of this Yoga class, the instructor changes our workout. You should join me sometime. Don’t tell her, but I think Naomi was right. It’s a good stress reliever.

Emily: I promise not to say a word.

Cooper: I hope you have a great day.

That was it. Every morning like clockwork. It was starting to become my favorite part of the morning. He’d send me a text. I’d reply, as promised. And we’d both get on with our day.

Occasionally, he texted during the day with news and updates from his life.

Cooper: If the sun seemed a little brighter, it’s because Naomi left town. I hope things are going well with the renovations.

Cooper: I’ve been working out with our new center fielder. His wife worked with Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland. She’s looking for someplace to volunteer, so I gave her your number.

And he also sent me jokes and stories just to make me smile. He never once pressed to see me or asked if I’d made a decision about our relationship. He was just sweet and funny. I was starting to forget why I had wanted space in the first one.

Cooper: I saw this lady walking her two dogs this morning. I think there’s something wrong with the little one. What do you think?

I stared at a picture of a black lab and miniature pig wearing a red sweater and laughed.

Emily: I agree. One out of five stars. Not enough hair for a good dog.

Cooper: So are you a dog or a cat person?

Emily: Definitely a dog person. Although, I’ve never owned a pet.

Cooper: You’ve never had a pet? What about a goldfish?

Emily: Not even a goldfish.

“You should just call him,” Tony said, looking up from the latest construction report.

“We’re busy right now,” I said, putting down my phone. “What did the contractor say about the lead paint?”

“The main floor was the only space that tested positive, but he still needs to bring in an expert to remove it.”

“How much?” It was important we didn’t go over budget, but I had reserve funds for exactly this reason.

“Fifteen thousand for the whole floor.”

It felt like the wind was knocked out of me. “Fifteen thousand? That’s almost all the extra money we have. Give me the budget again. I’ll see if there’s any place we can cut.”

My phone buzzed. I shoved it in my drawer and started crunching numbers. I spent the rest of the day going over the plans and finding places to cut. The messages from Cooper continued.

Cooper: Ben told me they found lead paint.

Cooper: Let me know if you need anything. And I do mean anything. I miss hearing your voice.

Cooper: Tony said you’re going to do some of the painting yourself. I can lift a roller. Give me a call.

Cooper: My mom asked about you. She’s threatening to fly out for a visit. If you haven’t forgiven me by then, I’m going to have to tell her you’re dead.

Cooper: Poor Emily was hit by a bus while texting and walking.

Cooper: Scratch that. I don’t want you to sound stupid.

Cooper: Killed by a falling piano?

Emily: Who am I Wile E. Coyote? You could always say I was crushed to death when the scaffolding around out new building collapsed.

Cooper: I can’t tell my mom that. She refuses to walk under any scaffolding when she visits and is convinced I’m going to be crushed one of these days, walking down the street.

Cooper: How about eaten by a shark while scuba diving?

Emily: No good. I’ve never been scuba diving. Your lie will be more believable if it’s based on fact. You could say I died after a fall down the stairs.

Cooper: That’s too believable. As a matter of fact, I’d feel better if you lived in a one-story house.

Cooper: Emily was struck by a subway train while trying to rescue a litter of kittens.

Cooper: I’m going with that. It sounds like something you’d do.

Emily: Good night, Cooper.

Cooper: Sweet dreams.