Page 4 of Risks

“Well, I’m glad you stopped by,” Dadsays, coming over for a hug.

“Sure thing. Congrats again on themove. I hope you guys love it here.”

“I’m sure we will.”

Lisa embraces me when Dad stepsaway.

The arms of a mother areindescribable. They fill your heart with the hope that everything will be allright. My mom’s hugs always felt that way.

After reading Toya’s diary, I nowknow she barely received embraces from Lisa, and it hurts me to know. At leastLisa is making amends.

Once we pull apart, Dad walks withme out to my car. “Talked to your sister?”

I turn to him. “Not since last week.Ali seems to be working so hard in New York, between the law firm and gradschool. I don’t know how she does it.”

“Right.” He scratches his grayinghair. “It could be a way to distract herself from the heartbreak.”

Puzzled, I squeeze my brows together,asking, “What heartbreak? What happened?”

“She didn’t tell you?” He sniffs. “Alisonand Gabe broke up. She said they want different things, and the long-distance—”He stops abruptly and clears his throat. “It just wasn’t working.”

“Sorry to hear that. But you don’thave to watch your words, Dad. Ali and Gabe aren’t like Toya and me. The distancedoesn’t matter. We’re staying together.”

A kind expression veils his face.“Varen…you know—”

“I love her, Dad,” I state firmly. “Toyaloves me, too. Nothing will tear us apart.”

His reaction is a low sigh and a nod.“Toya called earlier to congratulate us on the move. She seems to be doing well.But I can tell she misses you just as much as you miss her.”

“I know. That’s why I’m planningsomething.”

Dad dips his head and squints at me playfully.“What are you up to, Varen?”

“Something I know Toya will love.” Istretch my lips into a sneaky smile afterward.

With the shake of his head and a snickerunder his breath, I know he’s figured me out. “Just don’t make it a habit.You’ll lose your job if you take too much time off.”

“I won’t.” I use the moment to sharemy plan. “I’ve been working on finding something in my career choice. If thatgoes through, I’ll leave the hardware store.”

“I see.” He nods slowly. “Well, I’msure my old friend will understand.”

“Thanks for getting me the job, Dad.I feel like I never tell you how much I appreciate your support.”

“I’m just glad you’re doing better.”He grips my shoulder and gives it a slight nudge. “You know I’ll always be herefor you. No matter what.”

I’m so moved by his words that I hughim in return. There’s a lot more I could thank him for. After Mom passed and Istarted doing stupid shit, he tried hard to help me. I realize that everythinghe did was out of love, even when I convinced myself he was embarrassed.

It’s crazy how opening my heart tolove and healing has incited a more positive outlook on life.

3

October swings around with thereminder that I have another month until I can hold my love again.

Varen acted kind of odd during ourFacetimes the past week. Almost like he’s keeping a secret from me.

My brain is jumping to conclusions,like what if he’s messed up and taken pills. Or what if he couldn’t hold offand found pleasure with a former fuck buddy.

Ugh. I need to chill.

---