Page 90 of Safe With You

The first customer who came back.

The first event we hosted with more empty chairs than occupied ones.

The café expansion I’d spent six months convincing myself we weren’t ready for.

None of it had happened all at once.

One thing at a time.

Maybe that rule wasn’t supposed to keep me from wanting more.

Maybe it was only supposed to remind me that I didn’t have to build everything in the same day.

My phone vibrated beside the keyboard.

I reached for it without thinking.

Ellis.

I became aware of how quickly I’d picked it up only after it was already in my hand.

I frowned at myself.

His message was simple.

Quick question before tomorrow. How do you feel about being told what to do?

I stared at the screen.

Then laughed.

Naomi looked over from the café.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Her eyes narrowed.

I turned slightly away from her and typed.

That depends entirely on who’s doing the telling.

His response came less than a minute later.

That sounds threatening.

It’s a warning.

Good to know.

I waited.

Another message appeared.

For the pictures tomorrow. I need you to trust me a little.

My thumb stilled over the screen.