Page 57 of Risks

“Great.” He sputters a happy laugh.“I can’t wait to see you again. I feel tempted to call you every day.”

I giggle. “You know what? Me, too.”

“Yeah, I just… I still can’t believemy baby is alive. All I want is to share so much with you.”

My smile wavers as I remember thatMom robbed us both of the chance to have a bond.

I wonder what my life would be likenow had I known Jesiah while growing up.

Would he and Mom still be together?

Then it hits me that had Mom not metDaniel, I wouldn’t have found Varen. I don’t want a life where we aren’ttogether, and I don’t have a relationship with Daniel or Alison. So maybethings happened this way for a reason.

“Listen,” Jesiah pulls me out of mythoughts. “If you ever need anything, you just say the word.”

“Oh, that’s all right. I’m good.”

“I don’t mind. I know it’s awkward,but I am your dad.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

“Thankyou, Latoya, forgiving me a chance.”

“Everyone close to me calls me Toya.I’d like for you to do the same.”

“Toya.” He says it with greatappreciation. There’s a pause before he speaks again. “That means a lot to me.”He makes something so simple feel so grand. I guess every detail matters.

“I’ll talk to you again soon,” hesays.

“Okay. Bye, Jesiah.”

He releases a low sigh. “We don’tsay bye in our family. We say catch you later.”

I giggle. “All right. Catch youlater.” I end the call, still smiling as I go back inside.

Jasper squints at me when I returnto the table. “Boyfriend?”

“My dad, nosy.” I linger in the joy ofsaying that.My dad.

“We’re playing a few rounds ofpool,” one of the guys informs me. “Want to join?”

“Um, actually, I should head back. Ihave a bunch of stuff to work on.”

“Oh, come on,” Jasper whinesplayfully. “It’s early. We’re in college. Stay and enjoy yourself. Relax yourbrain.”

“Hmm…” I twist my mouth whileconsidering it. Hanging out with these fellow bookworms is nice. “Okay. Whynot.”

Everyone heads to the pool tables. Ilinger behind to text Varen. He should be home from work by now.

Out with some friends.

I’ll call when I’m back in the dorm.

He replies within seconds.

That’s cool. Have fun.

I’m doing a test.

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