Page 89 of Risks

“All right. That’ll do.” She hurriesacross the passage into the kitchen.

“So, Jes told us you want to be anauthor,” Mr. Odell says, drawing my attention to his kind face.

“That’s right. I love fiction. Romance,to be exact. Some people look down on the genre, but I really enjoy it, andthat’s what I’m most drawn to writing.” I’m just rambling on and wringing myhands on my lap.

Mr. Odell bobs slowly. “That’swonderful. You should write whatever is in your heart.” He nods to the shelves.“I have some books to give you before you leave.”

“Thank you,” I say with a modest smile,though inside, I’m sparking like livewires at the mention of books.

Ms. Laila returns with a tray ofdrinks, setting it on the wooden coffee table. “Here you go, dear.” She handsme a glass before relaxing back on the sofa, letting her husband and son helpthemselves.

“Thanks, Momma,” Jesiah says,grinning at her before sipping his drink.

She scoffs at him and focuses on me.“If you’re hungry, you let me know, honey. I’m making dinner soon, but I canalways fix you something to eat before.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll wait. Thankyou.”

“Son, you’ll have to move my desk inthe office so you can sleep in the pullout tonight,” Mr. Odell informs Jesiah.

He almost spills his drink. “Whatabout my old room?”

Ms. Laila fans him off. “Boy, youhaven’t slept here since you started working. We turned that into my craft roommonths ago. Latoya will have the guest bedroom.”

Jesiah huffs and bumps my arm, sayingin a playful tone, “See how they treat me?”

I giggle, only to catch myself as I recallsomeone else. “What about Shanice? Is she not staying?”

“Shanice works on the weekends too,”Jesiah explains regretfully. “She’s coming for dinner, that’s all.”

“Oh.”

“So exciting that you’re engagednow,” Ms. Laila gushes.

“Indeed,” Mr. Odell chimes. “Ugh, I justlove my daughter-in-law. You like her, Latoya?”

Jesiah gives me a nervous lookbefore drinking more.

“Yes, sir, I do. She’s nice.”

“Such a well-mannered young lady,” Ms.Laila compliments, eyes twinkling as she observes me. “If only we could have…”She looks down.

I have an idea of what she was aboutto say.If only we hadn’t lost eighteen years.

“My gosh,” Mr. Odell gasps and setshis glass on a coaster. “I still can’t believe it.” His eyes turn glossy withfresh tears, but he sniffs and blinks them away.

Ms. Laila pats his shoulder, a smileon her face. “We want to know everything. What are you into aside from writing?How is college? We heard you joined a club that helped you land this cominginternship. Tell us more, honey.”

The longer we speak, the morerelaxed I feel. Both have so many stories to share about their families andlives. I drink it all in with gratitude, so happy that I’m learning about thisside.

In the middle of a story aboutJesiah as a young boy, someone knocks on the door, and Shanice enters soonafter, gorgeous in a floral dress and wedge sandals. Subtle makeup on hersmooth brown face. “Hey, everyone.”

“Hey, sweet lady.” Ms. Laila and Mr.Odell welcome her with loving cheers. “Congratulations again on your engagement.”

“Oh, thank you,” she giggles.

“Baby, thank god.” Jesiah jumps upexcitedly to greet her with a kiss, adding, “Perfect timing. They were about toembarrass me.”

“Oh shush,” Ms. Laila fans him off.

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