Page 164 of Renewal After Dark

He crawled over to hug his friend, which was the cutest thing their mothers had ever seen.

“They’re adorable,” Tiffany said.

“Truly. She’s the one friend he responds to every time. He’s always happy to see the others, but he keeps his distance from most of them.”

“He’ll grow out of that.”

“Definitely, but for now, Addie is his bestie.”

“She’s very happy about that.” They sat at Tiffany’s small desk. “I got you a coffee.”

“You’re the best. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“How’s Ashleigh?”

“Doing a little better. Sleeping through the night again, which helps. She still has her moments, though. She decided to go back to school today, but she knows she can call me if she wants to come home.”

“I’m glad to hear she’s a little better.”

“Tough thing to see your baby through, that’s for sure.”

“I can’t imagine.”

“Anyway…”

“Can we talk about something else before we work?” McKenzie asked.

“Of course. Is everything okay with Duke?”

Tiffany was the one friend who knew how serious McKenzie’s relationship with Duke had gotten in recent weeks. “Everything is way better than okay.”

“Yay, I love that! You two are such a great couple.”

“Thanks. We’re having fun.”

“I remember those starry first days with Blaine, when I was so sleep-deprived and drunk on sex that I could barely function.”

“I know that feeling.”

They shared a laugh.

“It’s the best,” Tiffany said. “And when you’re really lucky, the glow never ends.”

“That’d be nice.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“Jax’s father.”

“Have you heard from him since the incident at Duke’s?”

Like all juicy news did, word of Eric’s “visit” had traveled around the island at lightning speed.

“Yesterday. His lawyer reached out to Kendall with an offer of a one-time cash payment. I’d have to sign away the right to ask for more.”

“How much did he offer?”

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