Page 22 of Risks

His deep chuckle makes me tingle allover. “I’ll be quick. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

11

Upset is an understatement for theway Toya will react. But I believe she’ll eventually understand my intentions arefrom a good place.

I keep that in mind as I slow down onthe other side of the street from the modest two-story house. It’s the mostrecent address I found online after learning the name from someone in Lisa’sold neighborhood.

According to a schoolmate, this guy wasLisa’s last boyfriend before she graduated. No one from her neighborhood knowsthe identity of Toya’s father. Lisa kept it a secret, and I’m not sure she toldher mother the truth. So I might not have the right person.

There’s a silver 2018 Toyota Camryparked on the driveway. It seems it’s a good idea to come on a Saturdayafternoon.

Exiting my car, I cross the streetand walk up to the small porch, knocking on the door after a quick breath.

My nervousness grows at the approachof footsteps. Soon after, the door opens, and my body freezes.

Holy shit.

The resemblance is so obvious.

There’s no doubt this is Toya’s father.

“Can I help you?” he asks in a deepand intimidating tone, a scowl on his sepia-brown face. “You a Jehovah’switness or something?”

“Jesiah Morgan?” I confirm.

He rests his hand on the door handle.“Who’s asking?”

“Sorry to bother you, sir. I’m VarenKirby. I was hoping to talk to you about Lisa Anderson.”

I catch the sudden twitch of hiseyes at her name, and he shifts in the spot. “What about her?”

“Um, I just… Well, I was wonderingif…” I’m having a hard time getting the question out. Maybe Alison’s right.Perhaps this isn’t a good idea.

Jesiah narrows his gaze. “Didsomething happen to Lisa?” His tone is softer. It’s evident he still cares forher.

“It’s about her daughter. Mygirlfriend.”

His brows fly up. “Daughter?”

“Yeah, Latoya.” I clear my throatand come out with it. “Have you ever considered meeting her? I mean, Iunderstand that you walked away because you were both so young and—”

“Hold on.” He lifts his hand to stopme. “What are you talking about, kid?”

I scowl. “Toya. Have you thoughtabout her at all? Maybe meeting her?”

“Why would I do that?” He genuinelyappears confused, which in turn makes me perplexed.

“Someone told me you and Lisa dated upuntil you graduated high school. I thought you were Toya’s father.”

“Look, Varen. Lisa’s daughter isn’tmine. We broke up after—” He stops abruptly, seeming hesitant to share thedetails. “We ended things right before I left for college.” He angles his headto one side. “Didn’t she mention that? I don’t understand why you’re atmydoor.”

I harrumph. “Actually, I haven’tmentioned this to Lisa. She doesn’t talk about you. I wanted to find you forToya.”

“But it can’t be me,” he argues witha shake of his head. “Lisa…had an abortion.”

“What?” I gasp. “No, Toya resemblesyou. She’s eighteen.”

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