Page 51 of Risks

After another sip of his beverage, Jesiahpulls his mouth into a partial smile. “It’s too bad you won’t be here for yourbirthday. I would have liked to take you to dinner.”

“We’ll talk on the phone,” I tellhim. “That’ll mean a lot.” My eyes start to water. “Um, when I was little, Iwished you’d come every birthday. Even after what my mom told me.” I can’t stopthe tears from falling. “Maybe in my heart, I knew the truth.”

“Oh, baby girl.” He reaches acrossthe table, and I let him hold my hand. “Is it too much to ask for a hug?”

I sniffle and shake my head, thenstraighten from the chair.

Jesiah hastens around the table towrap me in his embrace. We both sob, uncaring to the onlookers.

A bubble of joy erupts in my chest,and I realize why I wanted to see Jesiah one more time before returning to LosAngeles. This hug. It’s what the little girl in me has needed for so long.

24

Toya’s laughter is a welcomed pleasureto my ears. It feels good to hear it again. To see her dance and enjoy herself.

Checking out the New Year’s Evemusic show was a good idea to take her mind off everything. She’s stillimmersed in an air of excitement as we’re heading for the rooftop garden.

“That was amazing!” she gushes,snuggling into my side. “I had so much fun. Thanks, babe.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad youenjoyed yourself.”

“I always do when I’m with you.” Shewiggles her brows.

Entering the building, I nod to thesecurity guard at the front desk, and he motions for us to go on up.

“How did you get permission to comehere during closing?” Toya asks as we board the elevator.

“I asked my dad’s friend for afavor.”

“Ah.” She squints at me playfully. “Willthere be a bunch of your friends up there?”

I shake my head. “Nope. It’s justyou and me tonight, baby.”

“Was Finn bummed out that you aren’tgoing to his New Year’s party?”

“He’s chilling with his family.”

The elevator opens to the enclosedgarden. I hold Toya’s hand and lead her through the aisle, adorned with flowerson either side.

She admires the string of wirelights and beautiful flowers as we walk. “This is so pretty, and god, it smellsgood in here.”

I tow her to the back, where I’vearranged blankets and pillows.

“Aw, Varen.” She gives me a sweetsmile before lowering on them. “This is nice.”

I flash a cocky grin and wink. “We’llhave a great view of the fireworks at midnight. I have a snack bag if you gethungry.” I grab the bag from behind a plant. “And water.”

“When did you even set this up?” sheasks as I sit beside her.

“After work. The garden is closedfor winter, so my dad’s friend didn’t mind.”

Toya rests her head on my shoulderwhen I loop my arm around her waist.

“We have thirty minutes,” I say andpress a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“What should we do in the meantime?”she whispers.

I thread our fingers. “Talking isone thing.”

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