Page 67 of Risks

“Maybe you could sit down with her?”Varen suggests as I swipe to ignore and place the phone on the nightstand.

I groan in my hesitation and look athim. “Varen…”

“I know it’s hard,” he sympathizes. “Butyou can’t go on like that, babe.”

Sighing, I sit up in bed and leanagainst the headboard.

He sits beside me.

“You’re right,” I admit, staring atthe window. The morning is gloomy like it’s going to rain. “Of course, I missmy mom. It’s just hard to look at her without hurting. That lie was spiteful.”

“Was it really out of spite?”

“Yes.” I look at him. “She admittedit to me. At first, she didn’t want Jesiah to give up his dreams because shealways put a man’s needs above hers or anyone else’s.” I roll my eyes. “Then itbecame about her inner issues. She didn’t have her father, so she didn’t seethe need for me to have mine.”

Varen utters a low sigh and makesgentle strokes on my bare arm. “I know it’s not my place. But I hope you bothwork through it so you’ll have closure. Peace in your hearts.”

I tilt my head to one side, admiringhim. “You’ve grown so much.”

He snorts. “Counseling helped a lot,and I’m finally at a place where it doesn’t hurt as badly as before. I nolonger need drugs when I think of my mom. I’m working through my grief, and I’msleeping better.” He draws a long and deep breath. “I’m okay. Healthier.”

That makes me smile, and I run mythumb along his jawline. “Happiness looks good on you, V. I’m glad I get to beon the journey with you.”

He takes my hand and presses a kisson my knuckles. “Let’s both be at peace on this journey. Find your own closure,babe.”

I allow his words to sink in, thentell him, “I’ll try to talk to my mom before leaving.”

He gives me a sweet kiss.

“Jesiah invited me to dinner at hishouse tonight,” I inform him.

“Cool. I’ll drop you off.” Hestudies me for a moment. “You know, you’ve been different since meeting him.”

“Different how?”

He shrugs and lightly caresses myarm. “I don’t know how to describe it.”

“Hm. Maybe it’s because I’m finally openingthe hidden part of myself. But as you’ve said, I won’t have closure untileverything is addressed, including having a conversation with my mom in time.”

Varen eases me into his arms, and Iclose my eyes and relax in the sanctuary.

Jesiah comes out on the porch as Iexit the car, and Varen honks and waves before driving off.

“He could have stayed,” Jesiah sayswhen I stop before him on the front step. “I don’t mind.”

“He wanted to give us the time.” I smilenervously and mutter, “Hi again.”

He chuckles. “Hey. I’m glad youcame.” He motions for me to enter the house.

I look around the living room,taking in the sizable gray couch, mahogany coffee table, TV, beige walls with culturalartwork, and hardwood floor.

“Cool place,” I say, turning to him.

“Thanks. I know it’s not fancy likeyour mom’s.”

I wave it off. “It’s nice. Cozy.”

“Thank you.” Blatant pride curtainshis face. “Owning a house was a dream come true.”

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