Page 120
“We read everything you sent us,” Caius said.
“That’s not how a group chat works. It’s not a newspaper; it’s a group chat for people to chat.”
Leon looked between us. “Sweetheart, when you sent us a photograph of your lunch, what response were you expecting from us?”
“Anything. You could say it looks nice or ask what I'm having. You could send me a picture of your lunch.”
“You would like us to send such things to you?”
“Yes.” My face grew warm. “I like knowing what you're doing.”
Lucien considered that. “We understood that you wished us to see what you had sent, my darling. We did not realise that you expected a response.”
“I didn’t know you didn’t know.” I looked around the table. “On Earth, sending a message is like talking to someone. If I send you something, I'm talking to you.”
“I see,” Lucien said. “In that case, we will make a point of acknowledging what you send.”
They all gave me these completely serious little nods like we’d just agreed on something terribly important.
God, they were sweet in their weird, stoic High Mountain Alpha kind of way.
“Would you be willing to resume sending them?” Leon asked.
“Yes.” His shoulders eased, and I reached for my tea. “And just so you know, you don't have to reply to every message.”
“When would you prefer us to respond?” Lucien asked.
“When you have time. I don't want it to become another job. If you're in a meeting, you don't need to stop because I've sent you a picture of a sandwich. Just answer sometimes, or mention it when you come home, so I know you like hearing from me.”
“The reply need not be immediate,” Alaric said.
“No, and I don't need one for everything.”
“But you would like us to acknowledge what you send,” Lucien said. “Often enough that you know it is welcome.”
“Exactly. And send me things too.”
“Even when nothing of importance has occurred?” Caius asked.
“Especially then. I want the ordinary things. Your lunch, the view from wherever you are, your coffee.”
He looked down at his cup, and I smiled.
“Yes, the coffee. I know what coffee looks like. I want to see yours because you're the one drinking it.”
“Very well, my love.”
I looked around the table. “So we're agreed?”
“We are,” Alaric said.
I picked up my tea, far too pleased with how well that had gone to leave it there.
“Now that we've sorted that out, I think you're ready for the next stage.”
“There is more to this?” Lucien asked.
“Something couples on Earth do.” I took a sip, trying to hide my smile. All five were watching me again. “Sexting.”
