Page 68 of Risks

“Congratulations.”

“Hm.”

An awkward air trickles in. I try tointerrupt it with, “Smells good in here.”

“Oh.” He scratches his forehead. “Imight have gone overboard after you told me you’re not picky.”

“Well, I can’t wait to try yourcooking.”

He gestures with his hand towardsthe kitchen, and I shadow him through the doorway. It’s not as large but stilla good size with sage cabinets, an island, and a round dining table by thewindow.

Jasper checks on the casserole inthe oven before stirring the pots.

“How was your flight?” he asks,glancing over his shoulder at me.

“Long.” I snort. “But coming home isworth it.”

He steers his focus back to the food.“You like L.A.?”

“Um, it’s nice. Just still a littlehomesick.”

Jesiah turns from the stove with apinch between his brows. “Was it something you always wanted?”

My shoulders sag at the memory ofwhy I decided on California. “It appealed to me as a little girl from TV showsand pop culture.” I’ll leave out the rest. He’ll probably lash out at my mom ifI tell him the real reason is that I wanted to be far from her because of her carelessbehavior, allowing shitty boyfriends into our lives and dismissing their attemptson me.

“So, is your girlfriend joining usfor dinner?” I change the subject.

He shakes his head. “Like Varen, Shanicewanted us to have the time. I hope you meet her before you head back, though.”

“Sure.” I rifle in my bag as Irecall something. “I brought a photo album that belonged to my grandma.”

Delight falls over his face,brightening as I hand him the album.

“Different stages of my life.”

“Thank you.” He flips open thealbum, instantly smiling at my baby picture. “Look at you.” He reads the wordsat the corner. “One month old. You look healthy.”

I laugh. “Is that your way of sayingI was a chubby baby?”

“Well…” He chuckles and keepsflipping, eyes glistening at every captured moment until they become watery.Regret shines through when he reaches the end. “Nothing after your fourteenthbirthday?”

“Grandma started saving photos onher phone. So did I. I’ll send them to you, along with recent ones.”

He nods and draws a deep breath.“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” His voice sounds gritty, as if fightingback a sob. “Uh, let me get this food before I burn it.”

I watch him at the stove, scoopingeverything into separate serving dishes.

“I’ll help.”

We carry everything to the table, thensit across from each other.

Jesiah watches me with curiosity andhope as I take the first bite.

My eyes expand at the deliciousburst of flavors. “Wow. So good. You’re a great cook.”

His shoulders relax. “Thank you. Ilearned from your grandparents. Both can throw down in the kitchen. My momma isthe better chef of the two, but Pops swears it’s him.”

I giggle. “I can’t wait to meetthem.”

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