CHAPTER 358: ADORABLE LOVEBIRDS

With a sunshine-bright smile splitting her face, Lauretta bounced out of the car in front of Nelly's house. Having snagged a precious day off from the office, she was determined to spoil Nelly rotten. The news of her brother's upcoming fatherhood had Lauretta bursting excitedly. Soon, she'd be an aunt – the coolest aunt ever! The afternoon was a warm embrace that lingers on your skin even in the shade. Lauretta perched on the porch swing, its rhythmic creak a counterpoint to the happy drumming in her chest. Glancing down at her wristwatch, a furrow creased her brow. The golden hands pointed accusingly at two o'clock. "Nelly, come on, girl!" Lauretta called out, her voice laced with playful impatience. "Let's get a move on before rush hour decides to join the party!" Peeking through the window, she saw movement – shadows flitting across the net curtains. Nelly must be getting ready, but Lauretta couldn't help but wonder what was taking so long. A muffled reply drifted through the win