Page 353 of Safe With You

“Probably.”

“They want to photograph the store too.”

“Who?”

“The magazine.”

“No.”

I laughed. “Excuse me?”

“Tell them you have a photographer.”

“Ellis.”

“I’m serious.”

“I think they probably have their own.”

“They don’t need him.”

I leaned against the counter.

“Are you jealous of a photographer you’ve never met?”

“I’m protecting my interests.”

“Your interests?”

“My girlfriend’s bookstore.”

I smiled at the word. It didn’t catch me off guard anymore. I just liked hearing it.

“I’ll make sure they know you’re very concerned.”

“Thank you.”

Someone said something on his end.

“I gotta go,” he said. “But we’re celebrating.”

“We are?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“Tonight.”

“You have Mila.”

“And?”

I smiled.

“And nothing.”

“I’ll call you later.”