Page 25 of Risks

“Coming?” Aya breaks me out of mythoughts.

“Yeah.” I relax my shoulders and startwalking with my roomie. It’s pointless stressing over what Varen’s hiding. I’lljust wait a few weeks to find out.

13

It’s our second meeting, and I’mstill amazed by their similarities. Both wring their hands from nervousness, theirumber eyes glisten when impressed, and they have the same genuine smile.

Toya is an equal mix of her parents.

“You’re sure this is all right?” Jesiahasks for the umpteenth time, fidgeting in the seat.

“It is.” I glance at my phone tocheck the time. “Her plane’s landing now. I’ll pick her up and drive her here.”

He releases nervous breaths androlls his shoulders back. “I can’t believe it.” A short chuckle escapes. “Ijust want to look into her eyes. Hear her voice.” His smile wavers a tad.“Damn, Lisa…”

A sudden ache pricks my chest as Irecall what he told me about my stepmother. I feel sad for Toya and afraid of howshe’ll handle learning the truth. It could seriously send her over the edge.

“Okay.” I ease out of the booth. “Beback in a bit with her. Just try to relax.”

He nods and peers out the window.

I head to my car, wondering if Ishould prepare myself for a hard smack across the face from my girlfriend forwhat I’m about to do.

I arrive at the airport just as Toyatexts that she’s retrieving her suitcase.

It doesn’t take long to find parking,and I hurry inside to greet her.

Toya lights up when she emerges intothe main lobby and sees me. I hope she won’t be too upset later.

“Hey, babe.” She dashes into myarms. “Happy holidays!”

I treat her to a long and passionatekiss before letting go.

“Miss me?” I tease in a flirty tone,enjoying the calm as much as possible before everything shatters.

She giggles. “You’re very aware thatI miss you.”

“Come on.” I grab her suitcase. “Ihave a surprise for you.”

“Oh, yeah?” Her smile stretches. “Isthis that secret you’ve been keeping for weeks now?”

I nod, clear my throat, then drapemy free arm around her waist and lead her towards the exit.

Toya shivers in the frigid Baltimoreweather. “Yikes. That’s one of the things I like about L.A. It might get alittle cold, but it’s still warmer there.”

We quicken to my car, leaving rightaway. I hold her hand on my thigh for the drive out of fear she might not letme touch her again after this.

When I pull up at the diner shortly,Toya’s face contorts into a look of utter confusion.

“Your surprise is a meal?” she jokes,turning to me. “Do I look that thin? I know I’ve lost a little weight.”

“You’re perfect, baby.” I give her handa loving squeeze before adding, “This is something I felt that you needed. Ican tell you have a void, and I want to help you fill it.”

Her scowl deepens. “Varen, what…”She motions to the diner. “Is there someone we’re meeting?”

“Yeah. Come on.”

We exit the car at the same time,and I hold her hand as we walk to the diner’s entrance, opening the door forher.

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