“I get it. I know. I have to figure it out with him.” I felt my stomach twist at the thought. Conversations were always arguments with Endgame being defensive and aggressive at the same time. He was super smart. Part of the reason he kept me on my toes.

I led us away from the shop and to the intersection.

“If you care about Taylor, do it soon. Hell, if you need privacy, she can stay with me.” She and I waited for the crosswalk light.

“I’ll think about it, babycakes. First, I have to deal with this campaign. And they’ve asked for something.” Now I had to see how angry she really was. “They want you and Taylor together for the next one.”

“Oh, do they? That’s interesting.” She smirked.

“What do I have to do to get you to participate?” Now we could negotiate.

“Just be good to yourself. Realize that your well-being matters just as much as everyone else’s.” She went to her tip toes and kissed my cheek. “Even more to some of us.”

Parker and Axel came up next to us just in time for a water break—well, at least for Axel. The local bakery had a huge water bowl set out for dogs that passed by.

I thought Parker looked thirsty enough to take a few licks himself. I popped into the bakery and grabbed three waters for us and a cookie for Taylor and a dog cookie for Axel. Parker huffed and praised the Lord when I handed him his bottle. Then he thanked me with a clap on the back while he gulped.

Tinsley rubbed Axel’s head but addressed me, “Yeah. I’ll do it.”

“I’ll get back to you with the details.” I gave her a wink. I appreciated her concern. And she wasn’t wrong. We headed back to the apartment, and before we got to my door, Parker and Tinsley said goodbye.

I had about another hour before Endgame was home from his meeting with his parole officer, at the earliest. I wanted to be sure I was home if he was home. When I got upstairs with Axel, Taylor had wide eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

* * *

TAYLOR

Austin looked all over the apartment before coming to my side on the couch.

“It’s not Endgame.” I guessed what his concerns were and saw the relief flood his handsome features.

“What happened? Are you okay?” He put his arm around me and took my face in his hand and kissed the tip of my nose.

“Stupid Roberta. She’s in my economics class and started giving me the business.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. She’s like a tick. Can’t let go of anything. Sucks, too, and has diseases, I bet.” He pulled me against his chest and I took comfort from being in his arms.

I laughed at his analogy.