Teddi’s eyes went wide. “Of course. I could talk a fish into buying land. They’re going to donate food to the women’s shelter, too.” She leaned in closer to the screen. “Are you two f-ing with me right now? I mean, I know you’re in the same city, but like, why is Endgame texting me a picture of the two of you?”

Austin side-eyed in the direction of Endgame’s bedroom, then met my eyes. I squinted at him and the pain I saw.

Endgame was texting Teddi to tell on Austin?

“He was drunk. And he has no idea that Taylor literally grew up in our family.” Austin clenched his fist.

She nodded. “I gathered that. He was like, here’s how quickly your brother replaces me. I’m still living here and everything.”

Austin swallowed hard. “Taylor and you need to talk. She’ll catch you up.”

He passed his phone to me. “I’ll be back.”

He stormed out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

“Oh no.” I turned my attention back to Teddi as the painting on the wall shook.

“What’s going on? Why are you at Austin’s?” She narrowed her gaze. I heard Austin knocking on a door in the apartment.

“Open. The. Door. Goddammit.” His voice echoed through the crack under the door.

Teddi’s anger morphed into concern. “Endgame texting me is freaking weird. Taylor? What’s going on? Please tell me. I have to finish this meeting and I won’t be able to think.”

“Roberta and I… It wasn’t working.” I glanced at the door as I heard a loud bang. It sounded like someone was kicking in a door.

I stood and went to the doorway, opening it to peek out. Just as I did, Endgame’s door swung closed. The living area was empty, so I knew Austin had gone to confront his ex-lover.

“In the middle of the night I needed help, and Austin came to get me. Things here are a little complicated.” The screaming back and forth started up. Cursing. Shit.

“Hey, are you okay? Is Austin okay?” She was centering her laser focus on me.

“He’s pretending that I’m his girlfriend to make Endgame mad,” I whispered to her as I closed the door.

“Oh. Oh. That is something else. Okay. Wow. Okay, I hate to leave, but I need to go.” She focused past her screen.

“We’re okay. I’m safe. Austin’s having it out with Endgame for texting you, I think. Go do your thing. I love you.”

“Okay. I love you.” She looked reluctant, but the video ended.

I wanted to give Austin privacy, but my little cheating heart really wanted to know what the hell was going on. I turned back to the door and opened it another crack.