“It feels like the job is not a priority for them, that they aren’t taking it seriously. I try to keep them in line, but … that only makes things worse.”

“Well.” She tilted her head. “Perhaps this crew needs a leader.”

Archer took a sip of his tea, eyes darting between Eileen’s wispy frame and Mateo’s bulk on the dainty couch.

“Maybe.” Mateo shrugged. “But Stewart’s gone again, so…”

“Yes, Stewart is certainly a wonderful director, but, as you said, he’s not here. You are the leader, Mateo.”

“Me? I’m not a leader.”

“Archer said that Stewart put you in charge when he left. That was for a reason.”

Mateo snorted. “Clearly the wrong reason. Caleb hates me, and everything is a disaster.”

“Caleb doesn’t hate you,” Archer cut in.

Mateo threw a side-eyed glance at Archer. “He hates me.”

Archer paused and took a muffin. “Okay, he hates you a little.”

“What would you say your leadership style is, Mateo?” Eileen asked, leaning forward and studying him.

“I don’t have one.”

“Hmm.” Eileen took a sip of tea. “What do you think, Archer?”

Archer turned and narrowed his eyes at Mateo. “I would say he’s a lead-by-example type. Responsible. Methodical. Dedicated to his craft. He does what others should do.”

Mateo met Archer’s eye. Archer smiled, sure he could detect a faint blush to Mateo’s cheeks.

Eileen nodded. “That sounds right, from what I can tell. And it’s admirable. But maybe it’s not the most effective style for this group? Maybe they need a leader they can connect with.”

Mateo shifted. “Connect? Not really my thing.”

“Nonsense. Of course, you can connect. You’ve connected with Archer, haven’t you?”

“Um—I—”

Archer wanted to melt into the cushions while Mateo floundered.

“Yes, it can be difficult to connect with everyone,” Eileen continued, much to Archer’s relief, “but I think, Mateo, some of them can sense the wall you have up.”

Mateo bristled. “I don’t have a wall.”

“Er…” Archer shared a glance with Eileen. “There might be a tiny wall, Mateo.”

Mateo looked between Archer and Eileen. “I don’t, I—” He slumped back against the couch. “Fuck.”

Archer placed a reassuring hand on his knee. “Look, it’s not just you. Caleb is a lot, and the B-Boys clearly have their own … issues. But I know you have what it takes to get everyone together.”

“Something to think about,” Eileen said, raising her cup to her lips. “Now, have one of these muffins before they cool, won’t you?”