Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya couldn't shake the feeling that Henry was probably sitting under the eaves right now, crying his heart out and waiting for her. The thought made her heart ache even more.

While Leo was ordering food, he glanced over at his girlfriend and let out a playful snort. "Stop dreaming, you're not going home before nine tonight.'

"Why not, Chad?"

Leo replied, "I recently met someone super annoying, and I need to see you more to balance it out."

"Oh! I see. I'm the one Chad really likes." Anya grinned, grabbed her backpack, and cozied up next to Leo, her smile as warm as sunshine.

Leo, pretending to be annoyed by his own good luck, nudged her with his elbow. "Aren't you a little clingy? Can't we just eat without sitting side by side?"

Anya stood up, holding her backpack. "Alright, I'll move."

But Leo wasn't having it. He quickly pulled her back, wrapping an arm around her as he continued ordering, "Garlic shrimp scampi, interested?"

"Yes! And that fried crispy chicken."

Leo added it to the order, "Ms. Anya, don't come looking for me these next few days. If you miss me, just call, and I'll come to you. My place has a pesky fly buzzing around, and I don't want it to bother you." Anya looked up at him, her eyebrows raised. "Chad, it's not even March, and flies are already out?" Leo met her gaze and stole a quick kiss right there in the busy restaurant. "Flies don't care about seasons; they're always around."

Anya's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and she glanced around nervously. "Chad, everyone's staring. It's so embarrassing."

After Leo finished ordering, he handed the menu to the waiter and released her shoulder. "How long are you taking off this time?"noveldrama

"At least a week. My mom's having a baby, and I need to be there for her."

Leo, unable to resist a cheeky comment, said, "Usually, it's the daughter having a baby and the mom helping out. Your family's got it flipped."

Realizing he'd put his foot in it, he turned to see Anya giving him the look of death.

Without a hint of gentleness, Leo flicked her forehead lightly. "What are you glaring at? You think I'm

your mom for being an

older mom?"

Anya's eyes said it all: "You totally are."

Leo quickly added, "Hey, my grandma had kids later in life too. I've got no room to judge. Fix that image of me in your head!"

Anya pouted, "Oh," and settled back next to him. "Chad, that flick actually hurt."

"Well, you deal with it. My hand's fine."

Anya: "..." Briefly considered breaking up.

Before long, the food arrived.

Anya tried to move, but Leo kept her close. "You wanted to sit next to me, remember?" "But it's uncomfortable eating like this."

"Then let's swap spots. I find this seat comfy." Leo stood, maneuvered her into the inner spot, and plopped down where she had been. "See? Perfectly comfy. Women are just fussy."

Anya: "..." Again, considered breaking up. Right on cue, Leo drove her home.

Leo was hoping for a goodbye kiss but as he turned, Anya had already slammed the car door and dashed towards the Cedillo family's yard. "Baby! Big sister is home!"