Interpersonal relationships between the main characters get strained in some ways, and deepened in others. Nick represents two brothers who don't want to be separated, but only one has an immediate adoption offer, which forces Nick and Lu to face each other in court. Jake helps his parents out when his father's personal and business debts threaten the family home, and Jake finally meets a mutually interested lady friend. Nick's NA sponsor challenges Nick about his commitment to his recovery.