Page 87 of Risks

“I’m scared of losing it,” I admitsoftly. “I’m scared that the time apart will become too—”

“Toya,” she stops me. “You guys willbe fine. It’ll make your relationship stronger.”

Her words settle me. “You’re right.It will.” An idea pops into my head. “You know, my internship starts the firstMonday in June. The week before that is when I planned to meet mygrandparents.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m going to figure out somethings.”

Alison chuckles, seeming tounderstand what I’m thinking. “Varen is going to be so thrilled.”

“Yeah, if I pull it off.”

40

Jesiah’s eyes expand when he opensthe door to find me on his porch. “Toya!” He wraps me in a warm embrace. “Thisis a surprise. I thought you weren’t coming until Monday.”

“That’s the thing,” I say when wepart. “I thought maybe we could drive to D.C today and spend the weekend?”

He crumples his brows. “Why not waitto see your grandparents when they drive down?”

“Because I have a flight to catch onMonday.”

“Back to L.A.?”

I shake my head. “To Scotland.”

Understanding shines in his gazewithout me explaining. “Ah. I see.”

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience—”

“Stop,” he cuts me off. “Not aninconvenience. I don’t mind a road trip. Let me pack some things and callShanice.”

“Is it possible for her to join us?”I ask softly, fidgeting with my bag strap.

A pleased expression masks his face.“She gets off work in a bit. I’m sure she’ll drive down later.” He touches myarm. “Thanks for giving her a chance, Toya.”

I simply smile in return.

The hour-long drive to D.C. allowsus the opportunity to talk.

“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Jesiahsays. “I could barely keep you on the phone the last two months.”

I peer down at my lap, picking at myjeans. “Sorry. I was still…”

“I know. I’m sorry again about the paternitytest. Shanice is too. It’s just—”

“I understand.” I look up at him.“You were right. It’s better to be sure.”

Silence settles in the car until hespeaks again. “Your mom was offended. But she didn’t refuse. She said she waswilling to do anything for us.”

“She is trying to atone,” I mutter.

He releases a heavy hum at my words.“Lisa is your mom, so I know the current state of your relationship hurtsgreatly. In time, it might hurt less, and you’ll probably be able to getthrough it. I just hope you understand that I can’t. What she did was awful.I’ll never disrespect her because she is your mother. But avoiding her isbetter to protect my peace.”

“I get it.” After another quietmoment, I tell him, “Congratulations again on your engagement.”

A smile instantly forms. “Thanks,Toya.” He laughs short. “Shanice cried, snots and all.”

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