Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo's work was humming along, everything ticking over as usual. Vincent-his old

boss-was getting out of prison next year, the company was still standing, and the

agreement Leo made with Lee all those years ago was still in force. With their

faithful old clients hanging around, Golden Top had already landed a few long-

term contracts.

Alyna finished her spreadsheets and went to find Leo. "We're still in the red," she

said, tapping the contracts. "These three jobs aren't enough to keep our R&D

afloat."

Chunky took one look at the numbers and gave up, passing the reports straight to

Leo.

Leo didn't need her to explain-he understood at a glance. He set the papers

down. "The first steps are always hard. Don't worry about it."

Meanwhile, Anya had defended her thesis and graduated without a hitch.

Lost about what to do next, she called her dad. "Come home, sweetheart," he

said, "work with me."

Anya immediately pictured herself being looked after every step of the way, just

drifting along with her dad running interference for her. She knew she'd never

actually learn anything that way.

Her aunt had been pushed by her mom to work hard, since she was meant to

over the

her too, but Anya knew he'd never

she

So she stayed put.

not really sure

when Leo got back. Leo had his hands full at work

ask much about what she was

meanwhile, was a regular passenger on Grandpa Elmer and

No more open-air theater for

plays in big tents out in

all the way out there

Elmer drove.

grandparents a little runabout, perfect for seniors. At

"Molly, you wasted your money again," and threatened

it.

Molly taught them to drive, that car hardly ever

Elmer and Grandma Aubree even squabbled over

a regular in the back

in the tent, Wayne

arms, falling

home, didn't see his son, and called Molly. "Did you

office again?"

middle of her busy day.

both tried calling

the

their phones over

performance-they were too busy

clapping along.

kid's got talent, falling asleep

racket!"

sleep through that noise was

looked down at her tiny