Page 166 of Steps

A harsh sigh surges from her lips. “Okay. No, I’mnot fine. I feel hopeless. I’ve…” Her voice goes down a pitch. “I’ve prettymuch lost my mom.”

Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her tightlythe way she’s done so many times when we were kids.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “It’s exhausting tryingto be tough for my dad and brothers. But I’m glad I don’t need to do that withyou.”

I rub her back in a soothing way. “We’re likesisters. I’ll always be here for you, especially when you need to let shitout.”

She chuckles. “I know.” Then she falls quiet andeases back to look at me. “I’m going to miss you when you leave for college.”

“Geez.” I scoff. “It’s not until next Fall.Besides, I’ll be right here in Baltimore. We’re still going to hang out.”

Kenya bobs, but doubt is still on her face.“You’re right.” She manages a smile. “Come on. I’m starving.”

We saunter into the kitchen to grab a bite to eatthen watch a Christmas movie on Netflix until her dad returns.

Despite the awkwardness, we join the family at theItalian restaurant for New Year’s Eve dinner. Varen says his father used tothrow parties at their house every year. Daniel probably changed his mind thisyear because of everything going on with us.

After leaving the restaurant, Varen and I head toFinn’s place. Disco-like lights bounce on the ceiling of his large living room.Dance music plays at a decent volume. It appears to be a smaller group than hisusual party scene. Not bad.

Varen takes my jacket and hangs it along with hisown by the door. Then we greet his friends.

“Hey, guys,” Finn says, fist-bumping Varen. He hason New Year’s hat and glasses and is wearing a formal white shirt with dressyblack pants. Blonde hair slicked back and shiny.

I wave to him. “Hey.”

“Sup, beautiful.” He boogies up to my side. “Comehere. Hugs are all right, yeah?” He wiggles his brows before leaning in for anembrace.

“That’s good,” Varen says, lightly shoving himback.

Finn sucks his teeth. “Off limits, I remember.Damn.” He offers us red wine. I accept.

“Careful,” Varen teases me.

“Always.”

He smirks before we clink glasses. I tilt my headback and chug half of mine. His wineglass freezes at his lips as he watches me.

“What?” I ask nonchalantly. “It’s New Year’s Eve.”

He snorts. “Guess it’s going to be another funnight.”

We hang out near the kitchen with Finn and anotherguy and his girlfriend. Finn brings up how much his first semester at UMD sucksand how he wants to leave already.

“What do you want to do instead?” I ask him.

A broad grin stretches his face. “Open adispenser.” He cheers with his friends as they laugh along. I chortle and shakemy head in wonder, then sip more wine.

Kelly and her friend walk in the front door,drawing my attention instantly. She’s a sexpot, stunning in her blackbody-hugging mini dress and pumps, showing off her toned legs. Her long brownhair dangles in her back. She immediately lights up a blunt, chatting andlaughing with some guy until her eyes lock with mine.

I chug the rest of my wine and step away to pourmore. Standing at the island, I finish my second glass and scan the otherbrands for something different.

Varen comes over. “I said to have fun, but take iteasy, yeah?”

“Turns out I actually like wine.” Looking at him,I drain my third glass and go to pour another. Varen snatches the bottle fromme. I wave him off. “It’s fine. Feels like drinking water.”

“Water, huh?” He dips his head and peers up at me.“You’ll be dancing on the island before you know it.”

My body lights up. “Ooh, dancing. Do you know Ilike that?”

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