Page 90 of Risks

Shanice only laughs. “How are my twofavorite people?” She leans over to kiss them on their cheeks, keeping thesmile as she waves to me. “Hey, Latoya. How’s it going?”

“Good.” I smile back.

Ms. Laila uses the opportunity to headinto the kitchen to start dinner, and Mr. Odell scurries behind her, announcingthat he wants to make one of his special dishes.

“It’s about to be a food overload,”Jesiah jokes, gesturing for Shanice and me to come along.

He wanders off into the kitchen. Shanicelingers behind, seeming as if she wants to talk.

I straighten from the sofa.

She animates with her hands as shestarts. “So, last time, we parted with some tension.”

“Yeah,” I agree, keeping my voicedown. “Jesiah had every right to ask for the test, and you’re a supportive partner.You have a life together, so I get that you wanted to be certain. I’m sorry forbeing rude to you, and I really want us to be okay.”

She nods in her palpable relief. “Me,too. I’m sorry for bombarding you about the test, honey.”

“How about we move on?” I offer.

Her smile widens. “I’d like that. Comeon. You’re missing out on some good entertainment.” She touches my hand as wewalk into the kitchen, and I throw her another genuine smile before turning myfocus to the hilarious couple dancing around each other as they prepare a feast.

After a delicious dinner, we sit onthe back porch drinking coffee and talking more.

Mr. Odell and Ms. Laila are anadmirable old couple. They joke around a lot and roast each other whileexchanging loving glances. I can’t help but smile at them, and even Jesiahlooks amazed by his parents.

Shanice heads out when it gets late.I’m actually sad she can’t stay the weekend. She’s a great person, and I lookforward to learning more about her.

I’m brushing my curls up to go tobed when Ms. Laila peeks in on me in the guestroom.

“You need anything, honey?”

I shake my head. “I’m okay. Thankyou. I’m so happy I’m here.”

She hums and enters the room fully, settinga folded quilt on the bench at the foot of the bed. It appears aged, as if madecenturies ago.

Patting the multilayered fabric, shetells me, “This has been in my family for generations. I want you to have it.”

“Oh.” I step closer, so profoundlymoved by the gift. “God, I don’t know what to say. This feels like a huge partof your family. Are you sure you want to—”

“Yes,” she insists, taking my hand.“You’re family, Latoya. This belongs to you now. I would have given it to you whenyou were a baby, but…” She harrumphs and shakes it off. “Nevermind. It’s yoursto keep.”

“Thank you,” I say softly and hugher. “It’s Toya.”

She touches my cheek when we easeapart. “Jesiah said you’re in love with an upstanding young man. I hope hecontinues to treat you well.”

“Some people think it’s crazy thatwe’re so serious at this age. I don’t see a life without him.”

“Hm.” She angles her head, beamingat me. “I believe it. Your passion is so strong it burns on the outside. Andyou know what? As long as you communicate, you just may work. It doesn’t matterhow young you are.” She lightly pats my arm. “Get some rest. I have lots to teachyou tomorrow.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Ms. Laila moseys out of the room,shutting the door behind her.

I almost text Varen but decideagainst it because I won’t be able to hide the surprise. I’ll just wait andcall him Monday morning.

Looking at the full moon, I say a silentprayer, turn off the light, and climb into bed.

Sweet dreams, my love.

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