Page 34 of Risks

“Baby, that’s not how—” He stopsabruptly as if catching himself from saying more.

“What?” I press, wrinkling my brows.

He releases a sharp breath and wipeshis face with the palm of his hand. “Toya, you should talk to him. Please. Justonce.”

“I said no, Varen.”

I turn to walk away, but he grabs meagain. “Come home with me tonight.”

“After the shit you pulled? No.”

“Fine. Fair enough.” He sticks hishand in his pocket. “I got you something.”

I have a gift for him, too. But I’min a petty mood, so I left it in my suitcase.

Varen opens my palm and places twopieces of paper inside. “Tickets to see your favorite local artist on New Year’sEve. After the show, we could go to the enclosed rooftop garden near my dad’soffice.” He pauses a second. “It’s okay if you don’t want to. Please don’twaste the tickets because you’re mad at me. I know you love that artist. TakeKenya if you’d rather not go with me.” He starts for the door, adding, “I’msorry, Toya. I love you. I only want you to be happy.”

He disappears inside, and I groanfrom the ambush of ache crashing over my body.

I’m upset at what he did, yet Iunderstand his intention the more I think about it.

“Ugh.” I leave the tickets upstairsand return to the party, searching the living room for Varen.

Mom breaks away from a group andstruts over, gripping my arm. “I saw him follow you. What did he say?” Sheseems desperate to know.

I scowl. “He apologized. Mom, you’resqueezing my arm pretty tight.”

“Sorry.” She loosens her grip andcontrives a soft chuckle. “I was afraid Varen would try to pressure you to seethat man. You shouldn’t.”

There’s something off about her. “Mom...youseem almost afraid of that happening.”

“What?” She scoffs. “Why would I beafraid?”

Her behavior propels me to test thewaters. “What if I decided to meet him?” It’s hard to deny the curious side ofmy heart.

“Don’t you ever do that,” she gruntsin a hushed tone, eyes blared open.

“Geez,” I gasp at her reaction.

Mom glances across to Daniel, and somethingakin to fear curtains her face. It’s unnerving.

“Mom...”

She blinks out of it and composesherself. “Try to keep it together a little longer. Come on. Let’s be goodhosts.” She heads for Daniel’s side, burrowing into him and laughing atwhatever his friend says.

My eyes find Varen standing withAlison and other guests. He’s watching me with a look of worry and somethingelse.

It’s as if he’s keeping a secret.

Pushing back my emotions, I conversewith everyone until the Christmas dinner winds down and people start to leave.

“I guess I’ll see you in the newyear,” August says as his parents wrap up with Daniel and Mom.

“Yeah, Daniel loves having friendsover, so….”

“Take care, Latoya.” He follows thatwith a gentle touch on my arm. “It’s always great seeing you.”

I arch a brow. “August, would yourgirlfriend like that statement?”

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