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I’m not asking anyone for money. I’m trying to find someone who recognizes the man in the painting, and

“He already knows that,” Leo interrupted. “You said it in the video.”

Nate stopped typing. “You just told me to answer him.”

“Yes, but you should tell him he’s an idiot.”

“That’s not going to help.”

“Neither will repeating yourself. He didn’t listen the first time.”

That was probably true. Nate still wanted to finish the sentence, though. He wanted ‘Sam’ to understand that this wasn’t some story he’d come up with because he’d run out of things to film. God knew he had enough work left in this house.

“And what’s this about actual restoration?” Leo continued, growing more indignant. “You’ve been working on the house for months. He’s watched you do it! Tell him to come here and sand something before he complains.”

“I’m not inviting him over.”

“I don’t want him here either. I’m making a point.”

Nate laughed, and Leo turned his annoyance on him.

“It’s not funny.”

“No. But I appreciate you defending my work.”

“Of course I’m defending it. You’re good at it.” Leo gestured toward the doorway. “Anyone can see how much better the house looks.”

Nate smiled at him. He’d heard plenty of opinions from Leo about his work, but most of them involved something he should to be doing differently. It was nice to hear this part too.

“Thanks,” he said.

Leo nodded toward the screen. “You can delete that now.”

“My reply?”

“It’s not very good.”

Apparently they were back to things Nate should be doing differently.

He deleted the unfinished response. Sam had already watched the video and decided Nate was a fraud. Another paragraph wasn’t likely to change his mind, no matter how much Nate wanted it to.

His phone buzzed before he could reconsider.

Jonah: saw the video. you okay?

Nate picked it up.

Yes. Leo wants to fight everyone.

Jonah: so he’s okay too

Nate grinned.

“Your brother?” Leo asked.

“Yeah. Checking on us.”

“Tell him we’re fine.”