Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly glanced at her phone as she took it back. "Kiddo, what happened to Auntie's screen? All my apps are gone!" Henry's little fingers had been tapping away at lightning speed, but he hadn't managed to open a single app-just closed everything out.

Henry grinned, his mouth stretching into the cutest, most mischievous smile. His mom just shook her head. "Whenever he gets into trouble, he just turns up the charm."

Not long after, Henry started tugging for a drink.

He toddled over, one tiny hand landing on his aunt's shoulder, the other poking at the screen. "Aunt Molly, I want this one!" he chirped.

"Now that you can talk, you sure know how to ask for things," Molly said, planting a kiss on her nephew's cheek before ordering him a juice.

Since it was rare for everyone to get together and since they'd all managed a clean escape from their guys-they figured this called for drinks.

Given their track record with tipsy shenanigans, the two women agreed: only low- alcohol cocktails tonight. Of course, that didn't stop them from ordering a whole

case.

While scrolling through the takeout options, Mia suddenly remembered. "Hey, Molly, let's invite Annie! I heard Conner's out of town and she's probably bored to death by herself."

"Definitely! The more, the merrier."

They called Annie, who was just about to crash for the night. Lately, she'd been so tired she could fall asleep right at her desk at work. But when she heard a little kid's voice in the background, her energy shot right back up. "Wait, are there kids there?"

"More than one-three, actually. Come hang out!"

"Text me the address."

So Officer Chapman got up, pulled on her jacket, and headed out.

She and Leo ended up arriving at the building's entrance at almost the same time. "Auntie?"

"Leo?"

Leo grinned. He'd been wondering which floor they lived on. Lucky him his 'tour guide' had shown up.

"Auntie, you here to party too?"

Annie smiled at her nephew's innocent look and didn't think much of it. "Sure am." "Let's go up together then."

Inside the elevator, Annie hit the button for the 38th floor. Leo just chuckled.

“So, Leo, what've you been up to lately? Haven't seen you in ages.”

"Just... busy with random stuff," Leo said, keeping it vague.

When they reached the apartment Leo noticed the new shoe rack by the door, lined with several pairs of women's shoes-one pair looking especially familiar.

Annie knocked.

Hearing the noise, Anya jumped up. "I'll get it! That's got to be Aunt Annie!"

She flung open the door. "Aunt-ah!"

Mia heard the squeal. "What's going on?"

Henry, who'd been playing hide-and-seek in the kitchen, poked his head out, tilting it curiously toward the door.

Everyone got up to check. Anya stood in the doorway, bottom lip out. "Chad~"

Leo g. Hold on, who's this?noveldrama

She

just like my little Miss

Anya, You wouldn't happen

twin, would you?" Contet

to be her belongs

Anya puffed out her cheeks, shaking her head. "Chad, I am your Miss Anya!"

Leo teased, "That can't be. My Miss Anya should be back at the Cedillo family's place. Whose sweetheart are you?"

Anya stepped forward and grabbed his hand, whining, "I'm yours, dummy."

After her little show, Anya started wondering how she'd been found out so quickly. Annie picked up on the weird vibe and caught on fast. "Leo, were you even invited?"

Leo slung an arm around Anya's shoulders. "Auntie, ouch. That stings a little." Once inside, Henry ran right up and threw his arms in the air. "Annie!"

"Hey, sweetie! Come give your godmomma a hug!" Annie scooped him up, smothering him in cuddles and giving his squishy cheeks a gentle pinch.