Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo sped through the city, weaving through traffic on his way to his dad's office.

The moment he walked into the building, he almost ran straight into Chad, who was just heading out. "Uncle Chad?"

"Leo?!" Chad looked surprised, still in his police uniform and clearly fresh from a meeting.

Without missing a beat, Chad grabbed Leo's arm and pulled him aside. “Tell me— where did Molly go that night?"

Chad knew full well that Andre and his oldest nephew were both too stubborn to talk to each other. Either one of them could just ask Leo, but pride got in the way for Andre, and Chad didn't want to overstep. But when it came to those three little troublemakers, no secret ever lasted long.

This time, Chad was determined to get some answers.

But Leo dodged the question. "Uncle, have you seen my dad?"

Chad glanced at the crowd filtering out of the building. Kendrick and Bruce strolled out side by side, deep in conversation.

"Kendrick!" Chad called out to his son.

"Leo," Bruce greeted, spotting his own boy.

Leo gave Chad a quick, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Uncle. They picked a safe spot-you have my word." Then he jogged over to his dad.

As Bruce walked, his aides nodded at Leo. "Mayor, is this your son Leo? He's really grown up!"

Bruce grinned. "Yep, he's not a kid anymore. Won't be long before he's bringing home a daughter-in-law."

Everyone around knew Bruce's son was the pride of the family-smart, polite, and just got into a top graduate program. It was all anyone needed to know.

After a few pleasantries, Bruce and Kendrick split off. Now that Molly and Chad were married, the two families were practically joined at the hip. Bruce and Kendrick would often just pull up chairs together and discuss whatever was on their minds.

Leo hurried to keep up with his dad. "Dad, Mom left home."

Bruce stopped in his tracks. "What?"

Leo rarely showed up in his father's office, which was classic old-school. black leather sofa, deep red deck set, a few leafy plants, flags on the desk, and paperwork everywhere.

"Where did your mom go?" Bruce asked, frowning. He'd had a weird feeling all morning before heading to work.

And now she'd actually left.

If she hid out like those kids did, how was he supposed to find her?

Leo sat down facing his father, looking uneasy. “Dad, can I ask you something? About your old class president... was there ever anything between you two?"

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to your mom's tall tales. If there was anything, you wouldn't even exist."

Leo hesitated. "But... why do you remember her so well?"

Bruce let out a deep sigh. "Your grandparents only ever whooped me twice in their lives. Of course I remember every detail."

Leo pressed, "But Grandpa said you always polished your shoes before going out. Why was that?"noveldrama

Bruce shot him a look. "You think your old man doesn't love your mom anymore?"

Leo quickly shook his head. "No, it's not that." He had to admit, his dad made sense if things had gone differently, he might not even be here. "Still, Dad, you owe me an explanation."

Bruce leaned back in his chair, just as his assistant knocked on the door. "Mayor, here are the meeting notes from earlier."

Bruce took the papers and nodded. "Thanks. Close the door, please."

The assistant nodded, catching the hint that Bruce didn't want to be bothered.

Setting the documents aside, Bruce explained, "When you were in middle school, you always wanted to wear name brands. So why can't I like shoes and want to look sharp?"

Back in the day, Leo had started hanging out with friends who loved to show off. He'd caught the bug too wanting nothing but designer clothes Afraid his uncle would give him grief, he secretly spent his allowance on pricey T-shirts.