Page 10 of Risks

“How was the long weekend withLatoya?” he asks. “Did you do it?”

I pop the cap and drink a littlebefore answering. “I only told her I want us to spend spring break in Scotland.”

Getting comfortable, he stretcheshis legs out on the wicker ottoman. “What about the rest?”

I release a razor-sharp breathbefore admitting, “I…chickened out. It’s your fault.”

He throws his hand up. “How the fuckis it my fault?”

“Well, you kept telling me I’d scareher. That she’d turn me down.”

“I only meant you should probablywait until she’s closer to finishing college before springing that on her. Imean, how is it going to work with her in L.A. and you in Baltimore?”

I consider his words while staringacross the yard at the darkening water. “It’ll work. I’ll ask her in Scotland.”

“You want to use the setting toconvince her,” he accurately states, giving me a sly look when I turn to him.

“Yeah.” I shrug. “The scenery willdefinitely help.”

Finn huffs a short laugh. “Anyway. How’sher mom? Has she come around?”

“A little. I feel like it’ll alwaysbe awkward, though.”

Pushing to his feet, he moseys tothe deck railing and leans against it. “It’s wild how serious you both are. Imean, I don’t care. But shit, your girlfriend is your stepsister.” He drinks abit and continues. “Okay, say things work out. How do you think your kids willfeel?”

At his question, I look away. Thefact that Toya will never have my children does suck. But as long as I haveher, I’ll live with that. We could always adopt in the future.

I chug the rest of my beer and rise.“We’ll tell them the truth. We’re not doing anything wrong, and we’re not thefirst. That’s just how the situation is for us. We’re staying togetherregardless.”

His response is a slow nod, speakingagain after a beat. “You know, I’m glad you’re happy, man. You deserve it.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“Also…” He runs his hand through hishair, a regretful expression marring his face. “Look, I know it’s partly myfault for getting you into those pills and—”

“You didn’t force me,” I stop him.“I take full responsibility for my actions. I’m glad you’re doing better, too.”

Finn places the bottle on therailing and sticks his hands in his jeans pockets. “My dad threatened to cut meoff, and honestly, I don’t know where to begin when it comes to beingindependent. College is teaching me a thing or two.”

“That’s good.” I check my phone forthe time. “Listen, I have to head out. My online class is starting soon.”

“Plus, a special call to your girlfriend,huh,” he teases.

“Whatever. Catch you later, man.” Wefist-bump, and I take off from his house.

The future of my relationship playson my mind the entire drive to the apartment.

Maybe Finn is right, and I shouldwait until Toya is close to completing college before asking her.

Then again, what if the distancestarts to affect us? I can’t lose the most incredible love I’ve ever had.

I just can’t.

6

I’ve never been more excited.Thanksgiving break is finally here, and I’m eager to get off this six-hour non-stopflight so I can see my love.

It’s nightfall when the plane landsin Baltimore. I shift from one leg to the other, impatiently waiting for mysuitcase on the conveyor belt. My heart leaps when it does, and I quicken fromthe area and check the busy airport lobby for Varen.

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