My fingers made a mistake because my heart knew it was time to stop calling the wrong person.” He smiled.

“That night I thought I was reaching for someone from my past,” she said.

“I was really just praying for anyone willing to show up.” Winnie had fallen asleep between them; Emeka pulled the blanket higher on her shoulders.

The contract had expired weeks ago.

He wasn’t being paid a dollar.

And he wasn’t going anywhere.