Page 102 of Safe With You

“It breathes fire.”

“Dinosaurs existed.”

“That doesn’t help them in a fight with a dragon.”

“You sound like her.”

“Because we’re right.”

He shook his head and lifted the camera again.

“Turn toward the window.”

I did.

“Not that much.”

“You said turn.”

“I didn’t say leave.”

“You’re very particular.”

“It’s almost like you hired me to be.”

I adjusted until he stopped correcting me.

“Now what?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Just stay there.”

I looked toward the window.

Morning light spilled across the floor in front of me, warming one side of my face. Outside, downtown had started waking up. A car eased into a parking space across the street. Someone walked past carrying a paper cup and a bag from the bakery.

By now, I had stopped asking what to do with my hands.

I hated that he’d been right about that.

I was starting to notice something else too.

Ellis rarely took the picture when I expected him to.

He’d lift the camera, and I’d straighten automatically, only for him to wait. Then I’d roll my eyes at something he said or look away when I started laughing, and the shutter would click.

At first, I thought it was coincidence.

By the third time, I knew better.

“You keep doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Waiting until I’m not ready.”