Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre looked at his dad and said, "Maybe cut back on the karaoke nights, okay?"

Hansen, gripping his cane with both hands, exchanged a look with his second son, then quickly looked away. He muttered, "It's not like I'm there all the time."

Chad showed up a little later. As soon as he walked in, he saw four people lined up by the door-and his own two kids waiting with them.

"Chad!" Molly called out, sounding desperate for backup.

Chad just dropped onto the couch. "Andre, this one's all yours."

Molly: "..."

She tugged on her son's hand. "Go on, ask your dad to save us."

Wayne thought it was a game and just stood there in line, grinning, totally clueless.

Andre faced the four. "The night you didn't come home-where were you?" "I'm not telling," Mia said, sticking out her chin.

Andre gave his sister a look. Molly dropped her gaze and mumbled, "I forgot." Henry just stammered, unable to come up with anything. And Wayne... well, he was still in his own little world, not realizing he was supposed to be in trouble. Hansen spoke up, "Why do you care so much where they stayed? They're safe, aren't they? What more do you need?"

Mia had already shot him a pleading look-he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Andre said, "Dad, we're not done with your little adventure, either."

Mrs. Cedillo, still in 'time-out,' jumped in, "He was just out having fun, not breaking any laws. Why are you on his case?"

Andre looked at his wife. "What if something happened to a bunch of seniors out late at night?"

Mia snapped back, "Didn't you have a driver? And the housekeeper? What, do they just cash paychecks and do nothing?"

Molly mumbled, "Honestly, Andre, if anyone's getting scolded, it should be Dad scolding you."

At that, Hansen sat up straight, suddenly looking very pleased with himself.

Chad cut in, “So, where did you all disappear to that night?"

This time, Hansen came to the rescue, "Can't the girls have some freedom? It's not like they ran off for good, got arrested, or lost the kids. Why act like they committed a crime?"

Chad said, "Dad, we just worry about their safety."noveldrama

Hansen scoffed, "With Mia around? Maybe try worrying about someone else for a change."

Chad had nothing to say to that, so he just looked at Andre.

Andre tried again, "If you weren't doing anything wrong, why lie about it?"

Hansen answered, "Everyone needs a few secrets. Haven't you two ever kept anything from these girls? If you get caught, should we make you stand in the corner, too?"

Andre hesitated. "...Dad! I'm asking about them."

Hansen doubled down, "I'll answer for them, then."

Chad's tone softened. "Dad, we don't mind you all having fun, really. But at least let us know where you are. We spent the whole night worried sick."

Hansen just laughed. "That's

because you two can't handle a

night without your wives. Can't

sleep unless the girls tuck

in and

tell you a bedtime story?"

"Dad!" Andre snapped, his eyebrows drawn tight.

Hansen blinked, shrugged, and avoided his son's glare.

While the grown-ups tried to cover for each other, Wayne, the little one in 'time-out, kept sneaking curious glances, craning his neck to catch all the drama. On the couch sat his loyal grandpa, the silent uncle, and, if he looked up, his very annoyed dad.

Mia noticed her son's wandering gaze and gently turned his head forward.

If you're in time-out, at least pretend to look serious.