“I can’t do this.” She stepped back. She slipped out of his jacket and handed it to him. “I should go.”

He just looked at her, his jacket held loosely by his side, disappointment in his eyes.

Unable to think of anything else to say, she turned and darted across the empty street in the direction of the parking lot. Once she reached her car, she chanced a look around, wondering if he’d come after her.

He hadn’t. She should be relieved, but she felt a strange sense of loss. She didn’t like it, and she forced down the sensation of deep regret as she started her car and headed home.

…

An hour after she got home, she sent Andrew a text message.

Lauren: I’m sorry I left like that.

Andrew: Me too.

Lauren: I had a wonderful time tonight. It just feels wrong to get involved with you.

Andrew: Is your job the only thing holding you back?

Lauren: No. It’s also because of your situation. A new relationship is the last thing you need right now. You’re undergoing treatment for cancer, for crying out loud.

Andrew: You think I can’t handle chemo and you at the same time?

An image of Andrew appeared in her mind, standing tall over her. Large, muscular, imposing.

Lauren: I think you should focus on what’s most important.

Andrew: Can we be friends, at least?

Lauren: I’d like that.

Andrew: Friends with benefits?

Lauren: You’re walking a fine line, Mr. Bishop.

Andrew: Friends don’t address each other with such formality.

Lauren: Goodnight, Andrew.

…

Sunday was Lauren’s favorite day of the week. Her routine consisted of sleeping in, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the shops near her house. Today was no different, and after a relaxing morning, she’d landed on her couch with her board exam study materials.

Midafternoon, her phone lit up with a text message.

Andrew: You owe me, you know.

Lauren: Hello to you, too. Owe you what?

Andrew: Another unique fact about Lauren Taylor.

Lauren: I told you three.

Andrew: No you didn’t. You gave me documentaries and puns.

She thought back to the night before. He was right.

Lauren: Okay. Let me think.

Andrew: …

Lauren: Don’t rush me

Andrew: …

Lauren: I can flip an omelet like a boss.

Andrew: You’re lucky I’ve been watching Chef’s Table all day, otherwise I might be less impressed by that. I do love a good omelet.

Lauren: They’re egg-cellent for breakfast.

Andrew: Nope.

Lauren: No?

Andrew: Nope.

Lauren: C’mon. Puns are hilarious. Try it.

Andrew: Definitely not

Lauren: You’re right, it’s not easy. Probably best you don’t strain yourself.

Lauren: Hello?

Lauren: Are you still there?

Andrew: Give a man a minute to think.

Andrew: Okay…you really want a pizza this?

Andrew: I DID IT