Page 32 of Risks

When I look over, she leans her headto one side and asks, “You okay?”

“Mmhm. You?”

I consider it for a beat and answerwith a slow nod. “I am. Finally.”

Her shoulders relax. “Ready?”

“Yeah.”

We’re about to start walking whenshe staggers a bit and touches her right temple.

I grasp her arm. “Sis, you okay?”

She waves it off. “Yeah, just tiredfrom all the work. I’m good.”

“Okay. Well, try to take it easy,huh.”

“I will,” she assures me in a softtone.

I let her hook her arm around mine,and we walk back to our cars.

Tonight, I’ll try to apologize toToya again. If Lisa doesn’t tell her the truth, I have to because she deservesto know.

16

The last thing I’m in the mood for ismingling with Mom and Daniel’s friends. Still, despite what had happened theday before, I’d hate to ruin the holiday vibes.

After showering, I put on blacktights with the cute dark purple sweater dress I bought in L.A., brush my curlsinto a bun, apply makeup, slip into flats, and go downstairs.

Daniel and Mom are standing by the Christmastree, entertaining early guests, including the Caldwells.

August steers his glistening hazeleyes to me as I enter. He looks great in his formal suit, blonde hair slickedback.

I wave to his parents and the otherguests, then wander to the buffet that Mom, Alison, and I spent the afternoonpreparing. Though I’m a bit down, I’m glad my mom insisted on serving home-cookedholiday meals rather than having food delivered for dinner.

“Latoya,” August says in a softtone, taking in my appearance as he edges closer. “You look great. It’s been awhile.”

I manage a partial smile with myresponse. “Thank you. How are you doing? Final year at Johns Hopkins, huh.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to finish.” Hissmile broadens as he adds, “I got a lab assistant position at the universityresearch center. I’m starting in January. I’ll be doing that while completingmy final classes.”

“Congratulations, August. That’sgreat.”

“Thank you.” He studies my face abit. “Uh, are you all right?”

Swallowing the tightness in mythroat, I drop my eyes to the appetizers and murmur, “I’m fine.”

He’s quiet for a few seconds beforeasking, “How was your first semester of college?”

“Good.” I look up at him. “Irecently joined a writers club.”

“Cool.” His eyes soften. “Listen, ifyou ever—”

“How’s Rose?” I cut him off. “Areyou seeing anyone?”

He sniffs. “Rose is fine. Yeah, I amdating someone. She’s great. It’s still new. We’ve gone a month now.”

“That’s nice. I hope it works out.”

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