“My mother?”

“No, the other one.”

My cheeks flushed just thinking about her. “Sally.”

“Yeah. Her. You should call her. You have her number, don’t you?”

I rubbed my temple with my index and middle fingers. “She doesn’t work for my parents anymore.”

“Even better.”

“I’m not asking her for help, Tyler. I loathe her. I refuse to give her the satisfaction.”

“You’re saying it’s wrong for her to feel satisfied about helping you? I think that’s the nature of her job.”

“Satisfied in the way a scheming, smug, rat-faced cunt would be satisfied, not a life coach.”

“Well … maybe you can just try to stay busy. Keep your mind off it until I get there.”

I considered his suggestion, one project immediately coming to mind. “Your apartment needs some work.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“I’m serious. That will take me at least twelve days. Can I unpack for you?”

“No.”

“Please? It will look like a real apartment when you get back.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why not? Are you afraid of what I’ll come across in those boxes? What? Is there like … skin suits or shrunken heads or something? Don’t tell me you’re ashamed of your porn.”

He chuckled. “No, I just don’t feel right letting you do that.”

“You’re letting me stay in your apartment. I’d say it’s a fair exchange.”

The line was quiet for a few seconds, and then Tyler sighed. “You don’t have to, but if you want to, and it’ll keep your mind off things, be my guest.”

My smile faded. “Tyler?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t fuck Jojo.”

“What the fuck, Ellie? I didn’t fuck Jojo when I had the chance a year ago. I’m definitely not going to now.”

“You’ve never been with Jojo? I thought…”

“Yeah, she’s still offended … but no. Never.”

I sighed, surprisingly relieved.

“So what are you trying to say?” he asked.

“Nothing. I just don’t want you making things awkward with my boss.”

“Right,” he said, self-satisfied. “I’m telling all the guys we’re exclusive. I’m telling Liam first.”

“We’re not.”

“You just told me not to sleep with someone.”

“Doesn’t mean we’re exclusive because I don’t want you fucking my boss.”

“So is it all right with you if I fuck anyone else?”

I clenched my teeth. “I don’t like this game.”

“Answer.”

“I don’t care who you fuck,” I snapped.