Page 144 of Safe With You

I chewed slowly while Mila waited.

I could’ve said no.

Probably should’ve.

We’d already been out most of the day, and there were at least six books in her room she hadn’t finished. Chapter & Charm wasn’t exactly on the way home either.

My phone sat on the patio table beside me.

I looked at it.

Then at Mila.

Then back at my plate.

The truth arrived before I had much time to dress it up.

Mila wanted another dragon book.

I wanted to see Luna.

Both things could be true.

“Go ask your auntie what time she’s cutting that cake.”

Mila’s eyes widened. “We can go?”

“I didn’t say that.”

She was already running toward the door.

“Auntie!”

I shook my head.

A few seconds later, Tasha lowered herself into the chair beside mine with her own plate. For a while, neither of us said anything. The kids yelled somewhere inside. A lawn mower started a few houses down. The afternoon heat had settled into something thick and lazy, and even beneath the shade of the patio, sweat had started gathering along the back of my neck.

I picked up my phone.

My conversation with Luna was still open.

You at the store today?

Her response came a couple minutes later.

Unfortunately. Why?

I looked toward the house.

Mila is apparently in desperate need of another dragon book.

Three dots appeared.

Apparently?

Her word, not mine.

I don’t believe you.