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

the

for her too, but Anya knew

something she didn't

So she stayed put.

days, she hung around Leo's place, not really sure what she

home when Leo got back. Leo

much about what she was

passenger on Grandpa

open-air theater for

plays in big tents out

get all the way out there with no ride?

Elmer drove.

little runabout, perfect

wasted your money again," and threatened

it.

drive, that car hardly ever sat

Elmer and Grandma Aubree even squabbled over who got to

became a regular in the

in the tent, Wayne climbed onto

up in his arms, falling

didn't see his son, and called Molly.

office again?"

the middle of

tried

the

hear their phones

performance-they were too busy

clapping along.

over, amazed: "Your kid's got talent, falling asleep in all

racket!"

sleep through

looked down at her