Page 114 of Steps

Kenya steps into the archway of the living roomand waves to her. “Hey, Lisa—ooh, I mean, Mrs. Kirby. Sorry, still getting usedto that.”

“It’s all right, Lisa is fine. Good seeing youagain, Kenya. Been a while.”

“Hm. Sure has. Congrats about the baby.”

“Thank you.”

I nudge her arm. “Come on.” Looking at Mom, I say,“We’re going to my room to hang out.”

“Okay.” She turns her eyes back to the Lifetimemovie.

We mosey downstairs to my bedroom. The second Ishut the door, I ask Kenya, “What’s the plan?”

She chuckles and sinks down on my bed. “Damn,girl. Chill. We need to make it look cool, so your mom doesn’t suspectanything.” She shakes her head, braids dancing in her back.

I snort. “Right.” Then I plop down beside her,resting my head on the pillow. “It’s all been so hard.”

Kenya lies next to me. “I can imagine. Is it worthgoing through all this trouble?”

“I know it is. I feel it in my heart and soul.” Iturn onto my side. “It might sound crazy, but I have this feeling deep inside,that I’ll never experience this kind of love again. Ever.”

“Damn.” She sighs. “I’ve never felt anything likethat. Sounds intense.” She goes on. “I mean, yeah, it’s an unusual situationwhere your mom is married to his dad, and you’ll share a blood sibling soon.But sometimes we just can’t help who we love. My mom used to say everythinghappens for a reason. That fate will direct you to the person you’re meant tobe with. So, who knows? Maybe it’ll work out. Nothing can stop love.”

I flatten on my back again and wipe my face withthe palm of my hand.

Kenya pats my arm playfully. “You know, that boydoes love you, Toya. He practically begged me to help get you out of the housetoday. Even though I told him I’d do it, considering you’re my best friend andI want to see you happy.”

A grin reaches my lips. “Where is he waiting?”

“He and Stephen will meet us at Sang’s Thairestaurant. We’re double-dating for lunch.”

I frown. “That’s if Mom will let me leave thehouse.”

She sucks her teeth. “Don’t worry. I’ll use mycharm. Come on.”

Getting up, I fix my floral dress, fluff out my curls,put on flats, and walk upstairs with Kenya. She hooks her arm around mine as westep into the living room.

“Um, Lisa, is it okay if Toya and I go shopping?”

I plaster on an innocent smile when Mom flicks herchestnut eyes to me. “Shopping? I could tag along and treat you, girls?”

“Actually, we haven’t seen each other in a while,and I’d love to do something fun with my bestie. Just us,” Kenya explains,sounding as sweet as ever. “Please? We won’t be gone long.”

Mom’s stern exterior starts to crack. She chews ather bottom lip, iffy. But at last, she caves. “All right. Be back in time fordinner, Toya.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

We wave and stroll to the front door. Kenyaflashes a triumphant grin as we step outside and hurry to her car.She texts Varen and Stephen to let the guys knowwe’re on our way to the restaurant.

The moment we pull up outside, and I get out ofthe car, Varen sweeps me off the ground with a sensual kiss.

“Hey sexy,” he whispers when it’s over.

I can’t help giggling. “Hey there.”

Waving shyly to Stephen afterward, the four of ussaunter into the restaurant to have lunch.

Wanting to hang out a bit longer, we decide tocheck out live music in the park then explore the aquarium by the harbor.

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