Your phone buzzed and you glanced at it, expecting another work email. Instead, Spencer’s name lit up the screen, along with a text that made you snort.

“Did you know that medieval knights used to put cabbage leaves under their helmets to stay cool?”

It has been a few months since you had to move to Los Angeles for an important job, while he stayed in Virginia. You have been together for a few years and you are both new at this whole long-distance relationship thing and, when he has some spare time, he sends you random historical facts. You reply instantly.

“Are you trying to tell me something?”

“I thought it might be useful for you. It’s super hot in LA right now.”

“So your solution is for me to wear cabbage on my head? This is why you’re single.”

“Actually, I’m not single. I’ve been in a committed relationship for four years. But thanks for the concern.”

You laughed while quickly typing back.

“Okay, you win this round, Dr. Reid. But I’m not done with you.”

Before you could craft another witty comeback, your phone started ringing. Spencer’s name appeared on the screen. You picked up, grinning as you answered.

“Knights and cabbage, Spencer? That’s the best you’ve got?” you teased.

“I thought it was interesting,” he said, his voice warm and familiar. “Besides, I’m trying to make sure you stay cool and healthy. Cabbage has vitamins, you know.”

“Sure, let me just swing by the grocery store and buy a whole head for my helmet,” you joked. “How’s your day going, by the way?”

He laughed softly. “It’s been fine. We wrapped up a case earlier, and now I’m just trying to catch up on paperwork. What about you?”

“Same old,” you said, leaning back against the counter. “Work was boring, so I spent my lunch break looking at doggy videos.”

“Still using Tik Tok that much? Did you know that—“ But you stopped him.

“Been hearing the same things for years, I know. I know.”

There was a pause, and then he sighed dramatically. “You’re lucky I love you. And that I miss you.”