Page 78 of Risks

Jesiah jumps up. “Toya, wait. Pleasedon’t be upset.”

“How can I not be?” I hit back in ahigh pitch, splaying my hand. “You accepted me right away. You hadn’t mentionedtaking a test until now.”

“It’s because he doesn’t want tohurt you,” Shanice explains, rising from the couch.

I huff. “I’m sure he can speak forhimself.”

“Hey,” Jesiah scolds, making me wincefrom the rumble in his voice. He releases a long sigh and relaxes his features.“I’m sorry. When I found out about you and discussed it with Shanice, we agreedI’d do a paternity test to be certain. When I met you…” He angles his head, browneyes softening. “I saw bits of myself and my family in you. I didn’t want to.”He motions to Shanice. “But I promised. I’m sorry, Toya. Your mom lies.”

Mom does lie. She did for eighteenyears. It’s understandable why Jesiah’s future wife wants to be sure,especially if they plan to have children.

“Fine,” I say in a close whisper. “I’mheading back to L.A. in the morning, so when do you want to?”

“I could take a swab of you tonightand bring it to the hospital where I work. We’ll call with the results.”

I scoff. “What about my mom? Don’tyou need her to participate?”

“Not necessarily,” Jesiah says,clearing his throat after. “But I’ll see if she’s willing to do it.”

Shanice veers off, hurrying upstairs.

“Toya, I know you’re upset.”

I shrug a shoulder. “Hey, I get it.My mom has a reputation for dishonesty, and your girlfriend wants to confirmwhether someone else had your first child.”

“Toya…” He tries to touch my arm,but I move back.

Shanice scurries back downstairs,carrying cotton swabs and a plastic baggy. “Okay. I’ll just run this on theinside of your mouth.”

“I can do it myself,” I rasp, takingthe swab from her. After twirling the thing in my mouth, I drop it in the bagand start for the front door.

“Toya, wait,” Jesiah calls after me.

“I’m tired. Thanks for dinner.” Istep outside before he says anything else and hurry to the car.

I’m upset that he wants to do a paternitytest, and at the same time, I’m scared that maybe he isn’t my biologicalfather.

That thought plays in my mind theentire drive back to the apartment.

When I walk through the door, Imumble a greeting to Varen and take off my denim jacket.

He sets the laptop on the coffeetable and straightens from the couch. “How was dinner with Jesiah and hisgirlfriend?”

“Great,” I reply flatly and notwithout sarcasm. “It was fine until they asked for a paternity test.”

His brows fly up. “What? But Jesiahis—”

“They want to be sure.” I flush outa sharp breath. “And honestly, Varen, I don’t blame them. My mom… She’s…”

“Hey.” He moves closer and touchesmy shoulders. “Babe, youareJesiah’s daughter. I saw it the first timeI met him. Considering that Lisa’s lie came out, I doubt she’d let another onelike that go on.”

“Or maybeshedoesn’t knowwho my father is.”

“That’s your pain talking, making youdoubt what’s in your face.” He draws me into his arms. “The test will prove it.He’s your father.”

I relax against him, inhaling andexhaling deeply. “I guess I’m waiting for something to go wrong. It alwaysdoes.”

“This time, it won’t.” He eases meback to look into my eyes. “Promise.”

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