Page 131 of Steps

“So, you and Varen,” he says, curious, “I’mguessing you ended things?”

I pick up the bowl and start to leave the kitchen,nodding as I pass him but don’t utter a word.

“Is it too soon to ask you on a date?” He soundshopeful.

Taken off-guard, I stall in my steps and glanceback at him. “I can’t, August. Sorry.”

He bobs slowly while studying me. “You’repretending.” The fact that he’s figured it out makes me worry.

“August, please don’t—”

“I won’t, again,” he assures me. Then moseys byand goes back outside. Gosh. It’s so easy for him to decipher the truth. I needto work harder at suppressing my feelings in front of everyone else.

Mom has a pleasant expression when I rejoineveryone. She probably thinks there is still a chance for August and me. Not inthe least.

As more of Daniel’s friends stop by for his Labor Dayparty, I try to mingle and avoid looking at Varen. He seems to be preoccupyinghimself with Gabe, Alison, and even Mom. I hear bits of their conversationabout the baby and when she’s due.

Daniel finally turns on some music: classic hitsfrom the 80s. He lulls my mom into dancing with him while everyone watches andoohs.

Feeling for more chips and salsa, I excuse myselffrom Mrs. Rodriguez, a doctor, and graduate of UMD.

August sidles up to me once again as I pile chipsonto a plate. “That salsa is wicked good, huh. I was about to help myself tomore.”

“Hmm.” I flash a quick smile and move aside so hecan have more.

“You know, if you’re still interested in meeting myfriend in the writer’s program, she’s actually attending a seminar thisweekend. You should check it out. It’s for aspiring writers.”

“Hm.” I nibble on a chip. “Do I have to pay toattend?”

He shakes his head. “I’ll take care of it if youwant to go.”

I wave him off. “August, you don’t have to dothat. I’ll spend my own money.”

“It’s okay,” he insists. “Besides, it’s on theexpensive side, which is why only a handful of people attend those seminars.”

“Still, I’m uncomfortable with people—guys,especially—spending their money on me.”

He half-smiles. “Consider it a gift. I don’texpect anything in return.”

I glimpse Varen out of the corner of my eye as hewalks past. Jealousy blankets his features. He clenches his jaw as he continuesinside the house.

Flicking back to August, I tell him, “I’ll thinkabout it.”

“It’s on Saturday. If you want to go, I’d have tolet my friend know and secure a spot for you by Thursday.”

I sigh. “It does sound like an interesting event.”

He squints at me. “Say yes. I can tell you wantto.”

“Um.” I chuckle. “Okay. Text me the details.”

“Cool.” Satisfaction twists his features. “I couldgive you a ride too if you want.”

August seems like a really nice guy, but I have ahard time accepting that he just wants to do this for me without hoping toreceive something. Perhaps he thinks there’s a chance we could eventually date.

“That’s okay. I’ll borrow my mom’s car. Thanks foroffering, and for looking out with this seminar.”

“Sure, no problem.” He sets down his plate andtakes out his phone, typing something.

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