Leo brought three of his buddies from college, and with Chunky joining in, the whole crew sprawled around the living room, swapping stories, laughing over drinks, and riding the good vibes late into the night. When they finally called it, everyone just crashed right there.

Meanwhile, Molly was prepping for her trip abroad, taking a few of the company's OGS along for the ride. Coleen drove the crew to the airport, fussing and giving a thousand reminders. "Remember, you're the face of the company out there, so zip it with the sass. If you let that sharp tongue loose, you'll come home to find it locked up, I swear."

Molly made a face. "Mom, do you think I'm clueless?"

"You're a little goof, that's for sure," Coleen shot back.

She kept rattling off work advice, but you could tell she was still worried, just like any mom. "And hey, don't go wandering off if you get lost, okay? Even if the deal doesn't go through, just make sure you come back safe."

Molly pouted. "Okay, okay, I get it, Mom."

She turned to her little boy, arms open. Wayne instantly reached up, wanting a hug.

Molly felt a wave of mom-feels and covered his cheeks in kisses. "Mommy's gonna be gone for a few days, so listen to Grandpa and Grandma, okay? Don't go missing me too much!"

Chad rolled over with her suitcase, handing off her passport. "Text me when you land."

Molly didn't hang around-she had some execs waiting on her already.

leaving. Even when Chad scooped him up and Molly

for a meltdown. "Weird... why isn't my little rascal chasing

almost-tears vanished

Molly go, looked up at

always came home after

it—Mom kissing him before work every morning, hugging him

in, cool as can

on confirming Molly's flight had taken off, Chad turned to Coleen. "Mom, Molly's up in

first time? What if she gets tricked?" Coleen worried. "She's up against some real

the little fox gets serious, even

out to the car,

tougher than I thought. He's really okay without his

Later that night-

The sky was dark.

Wayne wasn't having it. No matter who

you all go get some

a hole in my heart

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255