Page 60 of Risks

“Took too long,” he throws back. “Youlive around here, Kenya?”

“Close by.” She looks at her handthat he’s still holding and pulls away.

Finn leans against my car,shamelessly checking her out.

Kenya huffs a short breath andflicks to me. “Anyway, I was just saying hi.”

“Yeah. How’s everything?”

“Good.”

“How about grabbing a bitesometime?” Finn interjects, exuding immense interest.

Kenya shrugs. “I’m pretty busy betweenwork and school. I have an evening class that starts in an hour.”

“Where do you go to school?” heinquires. “What’s your major?”

She clears her throat beforeanswering. “The community college. Business management.”

“Oh, cool. I’m a business major atUMD. Do you need a ride?”

“That’s fine,” she refuses. “I have mycar.”

“How about this weekend? Are youfree anytime then?” He’s relentless when he wants a girl.

Kenya fixes the bag on her shoulderand leans her head, braids dangling. “Look, Finnley, I have a lot going on. Anyfree time I get, I spend it relaxing.”

“Maybe we could relax together,” he smoothlysuggests. “Could I get your number?”

“Geez,” I mumble under my breath.

Kenya snorts. “As I’ve said, I’mbusy. So I’m going to decline.”

“What do I have to do to see you again?”

“Pray. See you later, Varen.” She wavesand walks to her car, glancing back at Finn once before taking off.

He pivots to me and pleads, “Kenya’snumber.”

“She said no.”

“But she looked back,” he points outwith a sly expression. “And I saw a smile.”

Ignoring him, I mosey around my carto the driver’s side.

He follows me. “Come on, man. And whydidn’t you back me up?”

“Because I know how you are, and I’mnot going to help you play Toya’s best friend.”

He hisses at that. “Who says I wantto play her? Maybe I’m looking for something good like what you and Latoyahave.”

I squint at him. “Why don’t Ibelieve that?”

“Okay, yeah. I’ve never had just onegirl at a time. But neither did you until you met Latoya.”

“Hey, I won’t deny that. I’ve come along way, and I’ve changed.”

“So will I,” he insists, hand at hisheart as if making an oath. “It’s become exhausting to hook up with a differentgirl every other week. I’m going to try to be in a com…” He clears his throat.“A committed relationship. See how it goes.”

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