Page 105 of Renewal After Dark

McKenzie laughed. “That’d be me.”

“This is Jenny Martinez, we met the other night, and we need you desperately. Did I mention the need isdesperate? As in we have no idea what we’re doing, and we’re one hundred percent sure we’re doing it wrong and going to be jailed by the IRS at any moment.”

“I’ve got you covered. No worries. Let’s set up a time when we can meet to go over your books.”

“You tell me when. I’ll take whatever I can get. Alex and Paul’s mom took care of the books for years and did a brilliant job. Since she’s been ill, none of us has been able to fill the void.”

“I’m sorry to hear she’s ill.”

“Yeah, it’s been rough. She has dementia.”

“I’m so sorry. My friend’s mother has that. It’s awful.”

“It sure is.”

“Jax and I will come by in the morning.”

“We’ll see you then. And thank you so much. I can’t tell you how exciting this is.”

“Said no one ever about bookkeeping.”

“Oh, girl, you have no idea how many of us need you.”

“I’m starting to get an idea. I’ve landed four new clients today alone.”

“I have a feeling it’s just the start. I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“Same. Thanks for calling.”

“Thanks for answering!”

McKenzie was laughing as they said their goodbyes. She liked feeling as if she had something meaningful to offer her new community.

“I think we’re going to be happy here, buddy,” she said to Jax when she sat with him on the floor where he was surrounded by his favorite things.

“Hap, hap, hap.”

“That’s right. We’re going to be happy, and we’re going to make lots of new friends.”

While he was occupied, she sent a text to check in with Tiffany.I hate to ask how it’s going, but… I’m thinking of you and wishing there was something I could do for you. I’m here if you need anything.

Tiffany wrote back when McKenzie was feeding Jax his dinner of sweet potatoes and cereal.Thank you so much for checking on us. We’re doing okay. Ash has her teary moments and lots of questions, of course, but I think she understands for the most part. Jim’s parents are planning his funeral for this coming weekend. It’s all surreal. I wanted him to go away and leave us alone for years, but now that he has…

I’m sure your emotions are all over the place. Understandably so.

Everyone is being super nice to me, which is also weird. I’m not his widow.

No, but you were his wife, and I’m glad you’re getting the respect you deserve as the mother of his child.

You’re a very nice person. I’m glad we’ve become friends.

Me, too! You won’t believe what’s been happening.

McKenzie filled her in on picking up a bunch of bookkeeping clients.

Wait. When were you going to tell ME that you know QuickBooks? HELLO!? I was your FIRST FRIEND HERE!

McKenzie replied with laughing emojis.I owe you at least a year of free bookkeeping for rescuing me during the storm.

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