The text response to my all-call about watching Taylor’s back was heartening. I knew it would be, though. No one wanted to see a younger kid get in too deep. And the goddamn bullies could smell weakness. Not that Taylor was weak. Actually, she was a pretty tough kid, but without her friend group to rally around her, she would have to be adopted into mine. For now. I'd work on finding her a better living arrangement. Endgame just had too many issues to ask her to take those on while she lived away from home for the first time.

When I mentioned we were headed to the bagel store, I had a few replies saying they would meet us there. After I held the door open for Taylor, the smell of hot fresh bread hit me in the stomach.

“Best bagels in town, right here.” I motioned to the menu. I’d pay for her stuff, even though I knew she’d fight me. When she was growing up with Teddi, Taylor always offered to pay her portion of whatever my parents had taken us to do. See a movie, go to a waterpark, etc. And even though my parents always said no, Taylor always asked.

She slid in next to the girls, and I leaned over the table to get her order. Hot chocolate and a sesame seed bagel with cream cheese were mentally added to my order. A few of the guys and I got in line and waited.

“What’s she dealing with?” Caesar asked.

“That naked roommate still busting balls. They had a class together, and she and her boyfriend were waiting for Taylor after class.”

“Oh, that’s bullshit. So we all gonna take turns walking her to class? Because my weekdays are very tight.” Caesar gave me a somber look.

Parker snorts. “Not too busy to get our asses to Bagel and a Roll for lunch, though.”

Caesar grumbled, “Well, we all have to eat.”

I leaned forward, closer to them both. “No worries. It’ll be fair. And I’ll see how much I actually need other people. Her schedule might meld with mine.”

Caesar nodded. “You’re all in on this one, huh?” He flashed toward the table that held Taylor.

“She’s been a part of my family for years. She’s like a little sister to me.”

“I’m glad she’s not like a sister to me, because damn,” Parker offered.