<b>Chapter </b><b>162 </b>


    “I’m going to be six–foot–two when I grow up!” the little guy shouted.


    Alessia tried not tough. “All right, keep at it.”


    Noticing Alessia didn’t believe him, York was ready to argue, but she didn’t give him


    the chance.


    “I’m taking him to an art ss today–it’ll be all day, so I don’t have time to hang out. You should head home for now ande back tomorrow.”


    “I want to go too,” York said without hesitation.


    “It’ll be boring. You won’t be able to sit still.”


    “I can too!”


    The two locked eyes, neither willing to back down.


    York puffed up his cheeks, wearing the ssic look of “If you don’t take me, I’ll start making a scene.”


    “What do you think?” Alessia tossed the choice to Ivan.


    Ivan gripped his bag, nodded hesitantly.


    Alessia shrugged. “All right, let’s go then.”


    My


    York’s eyes lit up. He grinned, trying to be helpful by reaching for Ivan’s bag, but Ivan pulled it away. After thest time, York knew better than to force it, so he gave up and instead grabbed the leash attached to Rex.


    Alessia watched their little tug–of–war but didn’t interfere, striding ahead while the two kids and their dog bustled along behind her.


    “I thought I saw the Tate family’s car–turns out it really is the younger Tate!” Eddie was already waiting downstairs, holding open the car door for them.


    Alessia gave him a wave in/greeting.


    “Oh, I remember you,” York said, pointing at Eddie with the blunt confidence only a kid could muster–a sharp contrast to the shy Ivan.


    “My name’s Eddie. You can just call me Eddie. And I know you, too–York, right?”


    Eddie’s warm smile was entirely unthreatening. York didn’t say anything else, but it was clear he didn’t mind him.


    14<b>:</b>421


    <b>“</b><b>Good </b><b>morning</b>, Ivan,” Eddie said, crouching down to Ivan’s level.


    <b>After </bst week, Ivan no longer shrank away from him. He stepped forward<b>, </b><b>looking </b>


    <b>a </b><b>little </b>nervous.


    Eddie noticed right away. “What’s up? Finished your book already? I picked up a few new picture books the other day–want to read them together?”


    At that, Ivan’s eyes brightened for a moment, only to dim again. He handed Eddie one of his bags, his lips pressed tight with anxiety.


    Eddie looked puzzled but opened the bag. Inside was a book, its spine taped and pages carefully mended, along with a brand–new, unopened one.


    “Had a bit of an ident, huh?” Eddie’s lips curved gently, his voice soft–there was no hint of me.


    “I’m sorry,” Ivan muttered, fidgeting with the handles of the bag York had given him. Eddie rested a hand on Ivan’s head, gently rubbing between his brows. “Let’s make a deal, okay? Next time, take extra care with the books. Try not to damage them, all right?”


    “Can I… still borrow some?” Ivan asked, voice tiny but hopeful.


    Seeing Ivan was finally talking to him, Eddie’s delight was impossible to hide.


    “Of course you can, as long as you promise to take good care of them next time.” “I… I promise!” The words came out quietly, but his resolve was clear.


    Off to the side, York was suddenly struck by why Ivan had been so upset–the book wasn’t even his! Feeling awkward, he shifted his weight, and Alessia took the opportunity to nudge him forward.


    York stumbled, drawing everyone’s attention.


    “Um… it was actually me. I ruined the book by ident. It wasn’t Ivan’s fault. I’m sorry.”


    For once, York’s voice was sincere, a far cry from his usual bravado.


    <b>Chapter </b>163


    <b>Chapter </b><b>163 </b>