Page 29 of Craving Cooper

I don’t know… but I’m determined to enjoy it, and to make the most of tomorrow.

“We’re out of milk.” Greta comes out through the lunchroom door, clutching an empty carton. She checks her watch, looking at me with a hopeful expression on her face.

I smile across at her. “Would you like me to get some more?”

“If you wouldn’t mind. I’d go myself, but Cooper’s got Mrs. Snyder coming in at three. She’s having her crown fitted today, so we need to get ready.”

“It’s no problem. I can fix your coffees when I get back, if it helps.”

“Oh, would you?”

I nod and grab my purse, heading for the door, before she can say another word. I don’t mind going, and besides, I only have to walk over to the delicatessen. They sell milk, among other things, and I cross the street, almost tripping up the curb when someone calls my name. It’s a female voice, and I turn to see Laurel walking toward me. She looks a little stiff, her stride not as relaxed as usual, and her movements are very slow, too. I stop and face her.

“Are you okay?” I ask and she shakes her head.

“No. I stupidly fell over in the bedroom on Saturday night.”

“Oh, no. What happened?” My mind is awash with possibilities, but I don’t give a voice to any of them.

“I got up to visit the bathroom, lost my bearings and tripped over one of the boxes, jarring my back. There’s no major damage done, but I’ve had to rest.” She glances around. “This is the first time I’ve been well enough to collect Addy from school since we moved. I have to say, it’s lovely to be able to walk there, even if it does hurt.”

“Can I do anything?”

She smiles. “No. Honestly. I’ll be fine.”

“How have you been managing? I mean, you had the house to unpack, and Addy to deal with…” I let my voice fade as her smile widens.

“Brady’s done most of it. He’s taken Addy to school, and collected her every day. He’s cooked, and cleaned and… and been utterly perfect.” She sounds a little dreamy and I feel a pang of jealousy, although I squash it down. I’ve got nothing to feel jealous of. Not when I’m spending tomorrow with Cooper…

“What about the house?” I ask. “When Cooper and I left on Saturday, there was still so much to do.”

“I know, but he came back on Sunday. He spent the day with us and between them, he and Brady got most of it done.”

“Cooper was with you on Sunday?” I can’t help the question from leaving my lips.

“Yes. Why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing…”

I’d assumed he was with Meredith, but it seems I got that wrong, and I can’t help smiling. This must mean their argument on Saturday was even worse than I thought. There was no attempted reconciliation, and even if his attitude during the week makes even less sense now, I don’t care anymore.

“What’s making you smile like that?” Laurel asks, tilting her head at me.

“Cooper,” I say, without thinking. She nods her head, a smile touching her lips, and it’s all I can do not yell with excitement.

“Has something happened between you two?”

“He’s asked me out.”

“That’s great,” she says. “I’m so pleased for you.” I can see it in her eyes.

“I hadn’t realized it was over between him and Meredith. To be honest, I thought that was where he was last Sunday.”

“No. He was with us all day. And I don’t think Cooper would have asked you to go out with him if Meredith was still on the scene.”

“No.” I take a breath, letting it out slowly, as she glances at her watch.

“I’d better go. I can’t be late for school, and I’m incapable of walking quickly, it seems.” We both laugh as she takes a step away, although she turns around again. “When’s the date?” she asks.

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