Page 20 of Risks

“Nice to meet you. Are youinterested in joining the writers club?”

“Yeah. Is it still open, consideringI’m three months late?”

Courtney waves off the concern. “You’regood. We stay open. You’re welcome to sit in on this evening’s meeting, and I’llput down your info and tell you more about the club once we wrap.”

“Awesome.”

“Come on.” I follow her to thegroup. “Guys, this is Latoya. New member. Let’s show her how things go, sharewhat we’ve done for the last writing prompt, and discuss the next.”

Everyone greets me with warm smilesand handshakes while introducing themselves.

We sit down afterward, and I watch oneof the girls take the floor, chin lifted high with confidence as she launchesinto a short tale based on the opening lines provided. I’m instantly sucked intoher profound writing.

We all clap when she reaches theend, and she accepts the praises with graceful bobs.

I’ve always been self-consciousabout reading my stories aloud, but the club has only seven members, one absentthis evening. So it’s not too bad.

The members read their short piecesone after the other, each person having a unique and engaging style that leavesme wanting more.

When none remains, Courtneyannounces the writing prompt for the next meetup, and I note it since that’llbe my first as a new member.

As the meeting concludes, I hangback to hear about the club. Courtney shares a lot of details, includingbenefits. One that catches my interest more than the rest is interning at apublishing company in New York. While I want to be an author, that would be alearning experience regarding marketing and contacting agents.

“I’m definitely interested,” I tell Courtneywhen we step outside the student center.

“Great,” she chirps. “I did it in mysophomore year. It was a valuable experience.” We continue walking down thepath. “I’ll provide the application form next time. Leave it at the adminoffice, and they’ll do the rest. The company will let you know if you’reselected. Don’t feel disappointed if you don’t land the opportunity right away.They keep your info on file and contact you whenever. Penn, the senior withglasses, got the internship last year. He applied as a freshman.”

“Got it. Thanks for all the detailsand for making me feel welcomed.”

“Sure thing.” She stops when wereach the quad. “See you next time, Latoya. I’m curious to hear your writing.”

“Thank you.”

She waves and turns in the oppositedirection.

I head to the library and tackleassignments until I’m sure Varen’s left work.

I order a greek wrap at thecafeteria on my way to the dorm and call him after eating a bit.

“Hey, sweet girl,” he answers on thesecond ring.

That puts a smile on my face. “Hey,sweet guy. How was your day?”

“Good.” There’s a pause as if he’sholding something back. “Uh, how was yours?”

“All right. I joined the writersclub.”

“That’s great.” He sounds genuinelyhappy for me. “Glad you did. I was wondering why you hadn’t yet.”

I shrug as if he can see me. “Iwasn’t sure if I wanted to take on more writing outside of my creative classand what I do in my own free time.” I bite off a little of my wrap. “Did youeat?”

“About to have burgers. I’m at Finn’s.”

“Oh. I’ll call you back when—”

“Don’t hang up,” he rushes to say.“I stepped away. Talk to me.”

I drink some water and lean back inthe chair. “Varen…”

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