Page 86 of Risks

“Dad—”

“Offended?” Jesiah repeats in amocking tone. “Sorry, Daniel. Lisa is a known liar. She could have beenunfaithful while dating me.”

That insinuation makes Dad wince. “You…”

I hold him back before he doessomething he’ll regret. Besides, Jesiah has a point. None of us knew Lisa backthen. And these days, trusting her doesn’t come easy. At least, not for therest of us. Dad is still very much in love.

Jesiah shakes his head and glancesdown briefly. “I’m sorry it upset Toya, but it was in our best interest. I don’twant her to end up heartbroken again. She’s an amazing girl. I’m happy for thechance to be in her life.”

Dad calms down and clears histhroat. “That’s all that matters. For her sake, I can be civil.”

“Me too,” Jesiah agrees. “Aside fromspecial events that Toya wants me to attend, I don’t want to be around Lisa.”He nods at us and walks off, getting into his car and leaving.

“We can’t fault him for that,” Imutter, turning back to Dad.

He sighs. “You’re right. I supposeit’s fine this way. At least Toya has both her parents.”

“That’s the most important thing,and I’m glad she’s filling that part in her heart after so long.”

39

It’s been a minute since I spoke toAlison. After texting her last week about my internship, she urged me to staywith her while in Manhattan. We haven’t discussed it since.

The second I reach the dorm room atthe end of a long day, I toss my bag to the carpet, plop down on my bed, andcall her.

“Toya, hey!” she answers cheerfully.“How’s it going?”

“Good. How are you? I feel like it’sbeen forever since we talked.”

“Yeah,” she breathes out. “My life’sso damn hectic.” I detect the exhaustion in her voice.

“Well, I hope you’re not overworkingyourself. Self-care is important, too.”

She chuckles softly. “I know. I’mall right. Anyway, congrats again on the internship. Did you make up your mindabout staying with me?”

I twist my lips. “Sure it’s noproblem? The company does offer rentals for interns.”

“Toya, don’t be silly,” she laughsoff. “We’re family. I’m happy to have you here.”

I giggle. “Okay then.”

“So, is Varen sulking that you won’tbe in Baltimore for the summer?”

My smile wavers a tad. “He’s beingsupportive. I feel it’s bothering him, though. Or something is. He seems offwhen we talk.”

She snorts. “He’ll get over it. He mustunderstand that you both have separate lives, even in relationships. He’ll bepreoccupied with his new job this summer anyway.”

“Yeah, I guess.” A thought pops intomy head. “Is that what happened with Gabe? Was he upset when you went to NewYork?”

She sighs heavily. “Yes, and therewere other issues too. It wasn’t working. But you and V are different. I see itevery time I’m around you both. Your love is out of this world.”

“Hm.” I pick at the sheet. “I’mstarting to feel like we should have taken that trip back on spring break,especially since we won’t be together to celebrate our second anniversary.”

“You chose to spend the time withyour father,” she reminds. “There’s nothing wrong with that, considering youjust met him.”

“I know.”

“What’s on your mind?” Alisonquestions, sensing I’m in deep thought.

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