Page 179 of Safe With You

The message delivered.

I immediately regretted it. I’d never sent Ellis something for no reason before. Usually there was the bookstore, pictures, Mila, an event—something that gave me an excuse to reach out.

This was just me deciding Ellis needed to know a stranger ruined mashed potatoes.

I was still considering whether that meant anything when the typing bubble appeared.

Call the police.

I laughed.

I think that’s excessive.

You brought this to me. Don’t start defending him now.

I was simply sharing information.

And now I’m upset.

Sounds personal.

His response came almost immediately.

You busy?

My smile faded just enough for me to notice it had been there.

I looked around my living room as if there might suddenly be something happening that I’d forgotten about.

Depends.

The three dots appeared.

You stole that from me too.

I laughed.

I adapted it.

Y’all really just making words mean whatever you want now.

Y’all?

You and whoever taught you that.

Sounds like a very smart person.

There was a longer pause this time.

Then—

You eat yet?

I glanced toward the kitchen.

Technically.

What does technically mean?