Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia piped up with a grin, "Her boyfriend's last name is Rivers-Andre's nephew, mind you. She's already got a spot saved as our future daughter-in-law!"

Ms. Aimee groaned, "Let's just pretend I never said anything."

Anya just shook her head and laughed, "No worries at all."

The Cedillo house was buzzing. It was already nine, but Andre was glued to the couch, news on TV and not paying attention to a word. His brother-in-law sat next to him, nervously twisting his hands. One look between them said it all-they were both worried.

"Andre, they've been MIA all day. No calls, no texts, nothing. Maybe we should check in? It's late, Molly's probably exhausted with the kid. When she gets worked up, sweetie gets even more fired up than her mom."

Nobody outside the family would know, but Wayne was a perfect blend of his dad's best qualities—and all his mom's quirks.

Andre nodded, "Go ahead. You call."

Officer Chad hesitated, "Or, you know what, let's both call."

Andre glanced out the window, grabbed his phone, and stood up. "I'll take the front porch."

Chad stood too, phone in hand. "I'll head out back."

up, each

deep in gossip, laughter echoing, when suddenly both

"Molly, we might act like frenemies most days, but if you spill my secret tonight, I'll tell

I'll tell Andre

ever go to the movies with another

in hand, grinning, "Hey, anytime you set

"We're going nuclear, huh? Well, you once brought water

blinked, "When did I ever do

Molly smirked, "Remember when

we

PE to buy drinks? There was that homeless guy outside, and you handed him a bottle of water because he looked so

my money, by

sat cross-legged, watching the 'best friends' trade secrets

eyes. "Y'know, maybe being friends

assured destruction,"

just having each other's backs," Molly

off to different corners