Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Molly felt a twinge of guilt thinking about her spat with Chad. Despite their argument, he had been patient and coaxed her back into good spirits.

"Alright, enough about me," she said, turning to Mia. "What's going on with you and Andre? Why's he not helping you out?"

Mia sighed heavily. "Andre won't lift a finger to help. He's dumped his entire graduation thesis on me."

Molly paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Welcome to the club!"

Mia rested her chin in her hand, looking despondent.

"Didn't get much sleep last night, huh?" Molly observed, noticing her friend's weariness.

"Is it that obvious?" Mia thought back to her son's restless night. "He'd cry when he was hungry, cry when he had a dirty diaper, cry when it was too dark, and cry when the light was on. One minute I'm rubbing his belly, the next I'm up walking him around. I mean, seriously, taking care of a baby shouldn't be this hard, right?"

Molly asked, "Usually, isn't it Andre who gets up at night to look after Henry while you catch some sleep?"

Mia thought of her husband. "It's possible. Last night he kept showing up at the door. Every time the baby cried, he was there, reminding me what to do. You know, my husband's actually pretty responsible."

The two friends pondered if they might have been taking their men for granted.

"Mia, you should get some sleep tonight. You're sporting some serious dark circles. You're still recovering from childbirth; you can't overdo it."

Mia was candid with her bestie. "I just can't swallow my pride."

Jade chimed in, "Honestly, I don't even know how to sweet-talk Chad anymore."

The worries were back.

care about him, and I'll tell my Andre how pitiful you were last night. We'll make it seem like we're spilling the beans behind each other's backs, sparking their sympathy and guilt. They'll come crawling back to us, full of apologies. What do

on. "Molly, I'm sticking with

after their chat, the unsuspecting guys were lured into

played her part well. "Chad, I saw Molly looking pretty down. Did you give her a hard time?

frowned. "I'm the only one who can

how much Molly adores you, Chad,"

...

ball either. "Andre, did Mia get any sleep last night at all? Look at her, she's got bags under her eyes, she looks more like

her every day. Us girls notice these things right away. Mia was practically falling asleep standing up. Have you been too knocked out at night to hear Henry crying, leaving Mia to deal

...

men had taken the bait; now it was time to see the plan

Mia's words. "Molly, I didn't mean to come down on you. And it's not just because I feel sorry for them; I care about you

handle things more smoothly, without leaving any trace. Remember the other night when I had to smooth things over with the neighbors? If the cops had come for you, would you have been safe?" Thank goodness he

that she hadn't handled things as well as she

nervously took a sip of water from the car's cup

think I'm the one

"Spit-take!"

her water all over the windshield, coughing and sputtering. Chad quickly handed her a tissue while keeping one hand

did Mia say?!" Molly gasped in

only you. Even if you don't help me with my thesis, I understand you're just worried about my defense. And it doesn't change how I feel about you.

and have emotional integrity. I might get mad at you, but that's because

caring for our son, with no time to regret marrying you. And marrying you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. How could

if we end up broke, even if all we have is bread and butter, I'm not vain. I'd be right there with you, eating bread and butter. I'm willing to endure

confront her face to face if