Page 79 of Risks

“You can’t make those kinds ofpromises, Varen.”

“Well, I am,” he declares earnestlyand tugs me back for a slow and sensual kiss.

35

Thoughts of the paternity testplague my mind all the way back to Los Angeles. And I can hardly pay attentionin classes without it filling my head at random times.

My heart leaps when I finallyreceive a text from Jesiah two days later, and it gallops like a racehorse as Iopen the message to read it.

Got the results.

You’re my daughter.

A flood of relief crashes over me,and I press the phone to my chest. I’m so glad he’s my father, and I’m happythat it didn’t turn out to be another lie. I’m already in a painful place withMom. I can’t handle anything else.

Jesiah texts again, asking if I’mfree to talk. It still hurts that he requested a test, regardless of itsjustification. So I message him back that I’m busy and might call him later.

Drawing a deep breath, I composemyself and continue into the student center.

“Congratulations!” Courtney blurtsthe instant I enter the room. The other members present do the same by clappingfor me.

I look around, engulfed in confusion.“Uh, did I miss something?”

Courtney scoffs. “Haven’t youchecked your school email?”

“No, not since I’ve been back.”

The sea-green tone of her eyes seemsto brighten as she squeals. “Latoya, you landed the internship! You’re going toNew York this summer!”

“Oh shit,” I gasp, joy swelling inmy heart. “Oh my god. I got it?”

“You did!” She glances at somethingbehind me. “You and Jasper. Congrats to you both.” She gives my arm a friendlypat, then veers back to the others, continuing their previous discussion.

Jasper comes up beside me. “Congratulations.”

“You too,” I laugh out. “I didn’tknow they wanted more than one.”

“Yeah, they usually pick two peoplefrom the club.” He smirks. “Why do you think I joined? It was only to better mychances.” He follows that with a chuckle. “Kidding. Well, partly.”

I take my phone out to check myschool email. The message has been in my inbox since the morning before.

“Ms. Anderson, thank you for applyingfor the intern position,” I read happily. “We’re pleased to inform you thatyou’ve been selected.We look forward to working with you this summerfrom June sixth to September…first….” My excitement simmers a tad as Ireach the end. “Shit.”

“What’s the matter?” Jasperinquires.

I look up at him. “Um, they barelygave me a week after finals. You think they’d be upset if I shortened the internshipor pushed it to the following summer?”

He creases his forehead. “What? Latoya,this is a coveted publishing house. Do you know how hard it is to land a jobthere, much less an internship? The fact that you even made the cut on yourfirst attempt is quite a feat. I’m a junior. I’ve tried twice before. So yes,it’ll offend them if you ask to start at a later date. They’ll give theposition to someone else.” He laughs short. “It’s a great opportunity. Whateverplans you have for the summer isn’t worth it.” He continues past me to a seat,thanking the others when they congratulate him.

Not worth it?

Every moment spent with my boyfriendis worth it, especially when we’re so far apart and can hardly see each other.

My dilemma holds me in place. I’mhappy the company chose me, but sad that I’ll have to tell Varen to cancel ourtrip to Scotland again.

When the final two members arrive, Isnap out of it and sit down, making notes of announcements and waiting to hearthe writing prompt.

As soon as the meeting wraps, I hastenfrom the building to call Varen.

---