Page 17 of Risks

“Ooh, yes.” A desirous expression contortsher face. “I’m in the mood for that type of guy right now.”

“Wasn’t Stephen that type?”

Kenya eyeballs me. “Stephen didn’twant a long-distance relationship with someone he wasn’t serious about.”

I was upset to hear they’d broken upa week after Stephen started Georgetown University. They did seem to like eachother. But I guess it wasn’t as intense.

“Well, you’ll meet someone,” Iassure. “Maybe broaden your horizons. Be more open.”

“Huh.” She tapers her eyes to slits.“You mean date outside the community like you?”

I shrug. “He doesn’t have to bewhite. It could be Asian, Latino, or whoever. You never know until you give ita shot.”

“True,” she agrees. “Honestly, girl,I’m busy between work, school, and helping to care for my brothers. I don’thave time for a relationship.”

I lean my head to one side. “You saythat now, but I bet the second a hot guy asks you out, you’ll find the time.”

Her plump lips curl into a sly smile.“Maybe.”

Our giggles fill the room.

We spend hours catching up, lost in conversationsabout college, high school moments, and other mundane things.

Our chatter winds down at the soundof Mr. Jackson chasing his sons to bed. Looking at my phone, I realize it’s afterten.

“I should head out. I have Varen’scar, and you know I get anxious driving too late at night.”

“Yeah.” Kenya frowns. “Well, let’s meetaround two tomorrow. I’ll be off work. We could go shopping and eat at ourfavorite spot.”

“Cool.”

We straighten from the bed, and shewalks with me to the living area.

Her dad is having a drink in thegalley kitchen.

I smile and wave to him. “Night, Mr.Jackson.”

“Night, Toya. It’s good to see you.”

“You too.”

Kenya hugs me after opening thedoor. “Bye, girl. Drive safe.”

“I will. See you.”

After a warm shower, I slip intocomfy pajamas and curl up on the couch with Varen to watch a movie.

“Do you like rings with designs?” heasks midway through the drama. “Or do you rather simpler ones?” He touches myfinger as he goes on. “I mean, this ring has a purple stone in a loop design.Do you like that?”

I look at him with a scowl. “Yeah. Evenif it didn’t, I’d still like it because you gave it to me.”

“I see.” He refocuses on the movie.

“Why do you ask?”

He shrugs. “Just thinking up ideasfor gifts.”

“V, don’t feel pressured to top thisring or the bracelet or any jewelry you gave me. I’ll be happy with any gift.You don’t have to buy me things. You know that.”

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