Page 56 of Risks

“I know that.” I stare ahead as wewalk down the path. “It’s why I love it.”

“You live so many lives and travelto so many different places. You can be anything you want and do everythingwhen you write. Such an amazing thing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is indeed.”

Jasper smiles when I look at him.It’s nice to meet other people who understand and feel the same way aboutstorytelling.

He playfully bumps my arm. “It’llcome when you relax. Don’t stress yourself too much.”

“Thanks.”

He’s about to turn in the oppositedirection but halts at a thought. “Want to join me for dinner at that collegespot?”

“I still have a boyfriend, Jasper.”

He snorts. “Again, it’s not likethat, Latoya. Other friends will be there. All writers.”

I consider it.

“Come on,” he insists, arching hisbrows. “Maybe that’s what you need. Some fun.”

Perhaps he’s right. “Okay. Lead theway.”

Leaving campus, we stroll down the livelystreet to a place chockful of college kids.

Jasper leads me through the clusterto a group of five, which includes two girls and three guys, one of a darkershade like me. They make room for us at the high table. Once introductions areout of the way, Jasper and I order burgers.

Everyone’s funny and welcoming, makingme relax in no time with jokes and debates about popular books.

I like that we’re all aspiringauthors and that one of the girls has already self-published a romance novel,which is remarkable because she’s twenty.

I’m so caught up that I don’t considerthe time until I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.

It’s probably Varen.

“Excuse me.” I hurry outside andcheck the screen. It isn’t my boyfriend, but I can’t help the flutter in mychest when I see Jesiah’s name.

I answer before it cuts off. “Hey.”

“Hey, Latoya.” From the sound of hisvoice, I’m guessing he’s delighted I answered. Like he’s afraid I’ll eventuallychange my mind and push him away. “Is this a good time?”

“Yeah, it is.” I move to the cornerof the building to avoid any noise. “How’s it going?”

“Good. I wanted to say hi and askyou something.” Now he sounds nervous, and that makes my stomach clench.

I lean against the brick wall andtry to prepare myself for the worst. “Ask me what?”

“I’m not sure if you already haveplans for spring break or if you’re staying in L.A. But I was hoping maybeyou’d spend the week here? That way, we could hang out and learn about eachother.”

“Oh…” Varen is looking forward to spendingthat week in Scotland. So am I, though I also want to see my father again soon.

“Is it too much?” Jesiah asks, toneuncertain. “Too fast?”

“No, it’s not.” We’ve already lostso much.

“I think you’d get comfortable withme if we spent more time together. And in the summer, maybe we could drive toyour grandparents in D.C?”

My tummy warms at the thought. “Thatsounds good. I want to meet them. As for spring break, I’ll spend it inBaltimore.”Varen will understand.

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