Page 24 of Risks

I shake my head. “I disagree. Thewriting is beautiful, and I am enjoying it. It’s just…”

“Too many drawn-out parts,” he wittilyfinishes.

“Okay, yeah.” I snort.

Jasper lingers on my face in a waythat tells me he might be interested in me. “Listen, if you need help with thequestions at the end of the book, I still have my notes. I’ll be happy to sharethem.”

It’s a kind offer, and I could usethe help. But the last thing I want is a guy giving me stuff with hopes ofreceiving. “That’s nice of you. I think I got it, though.”

“Okay. If you change your mind, letme know. I assist first years.”

“Are you a senior?” I inquire.

“Junior. I’m not trying to be cocky,but I know a thing or two about impressing English Lit professors. Hence, whyI’m at the top of every class.” He winks after.

I click my tongue. “You’re right.You are cocky.”

His response is a nonchalant shrug.“I have no problem recognizing my own talents.”

“Well, good for you. If onlyeveryone else could be as confident.”

“I know, right.” He starts backingup. “See you, Latoya. Again, wonderful writing.”

“Thank you.” I wave and turn in theopposite direction, spotting Aya leaving the dorm as I approach.

“Just in time,” she chirps. “Want tohang with some of my friends in the Miller building? We’re having pizza andwatching a movie.”

Now, this invite I don’t feel iffy aboutaccepting. “Sure. Just a sec.”

Aya stands aside to wait while Icall my boyfriend.

“Hey, babe.” The grittiness in histone is strange.

I scowl. “Hey. Everything all right?You sound…”

“I’m good,” he rushes out. “I’mdriving now, so I’ll call you when I reach the apartment.”

“Oh, I wanted to let you know I’mwatching a movie with Aya and her friends in case you want to Facetime.”

“Cool. Sounds good. Text me whenyou’re back in the dorm.” There’s something off in his voice.

“Um, are you okay, Varen?”

He releases a long and unsettlingbreath. “It’s better I tell you in person when you come home for Christmas.”

That only makes me worry more. Itdrenches my body like a downpour. “Tell me now. Whatever it is.”

“When you’re home,” he insists. “Ithas to be in person.”

Knowing Varen, he won’t break, so Iconcede with a sigh. “All right. Drive home safe. I’ll text you later.”

“Okay. Love you, Toya. So much.”

There’s an emphasis in his words asif he wants me to believe more than ever.

“I know, babe. Love you too. Talk later.”

Varen disconnects the call, and I lingerin the spot, wondering what’s on his mind and why he wants to wait until I’mback in Baltimore to tell me.

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