Page 326 of Safe With You

I just wanted her here.

My thumb moved across the screen.

Because I want to see you.

The message delivered.

Okay.

That was it.

I leaned back against the couch, a smile pulling at my mouth.

Maybe she wasn’t the only one learning.

For the first time in a long time, wanting something didn’t make me wonder whether I should.

I just let myself want it.

“No, Mama.”

“I’m just saying.”

“And I’m just saying you made that two Sundays ago.”

Mrs. Williams set two books on the counter in front of me, and I smiled as I reached for the first one.

“Hold on, Mama.”

I lowered the phone from my ear.

“Did you find everything?”

“And then some.” Mrs. Williams glanced toward the small stack in her hands. “I came in here for one book.”

“You say that every time.”

“Because every time I mean it.”

I laughed and scanned the second book.

Chapter & Charm was quiet enough that I could hear the soft music playing from the speakers near the front windows. There were only two customers left in the store, both regulars, and one of them had been standing in the mystery section long enough that I already knew he was leaving with something.

Naomi had left almost forty minutes ago after asking me twice if I was sure I didn’t need her to stay.

I didn’t.

Tuesday evenings were usually slow.

Besides, I’d closed this store alone more times than I could count.

“$28.64”

Mrs. Williams tapped her card against the reader.

Mama’s voice came faintly through my phone.

“Who is that?”