Page 28 of Steps

No. Off limits.

“I’m good,” I tell him, suddenly feeling chills.

We hang out in the spot, talking and chillinguntil Kenya reaches into her pocket for her phone. She reads the text andsighs.

“I have to go, Toya. Dad says my mom keeps askingfor me, and he’s having a hard time trying to calm her.”

“Oh no.” My stomach sinks. “I’ll go with you.”

She waves me off. “No, no. Stay and enjoyyourself.” She glances at Varen. “See you. Take care of my girl.”

“Of course,” he tells her, smirking. “See you.”

Kenya hands me her beer and hurries off throughthe crowd in the direction of her car.

I look at Varen, going nervous with him again. Hegestures to a log where no one is sitting.

We wander over and settle down, leaving not muchroom between us since it’s a small log. It’s darker here since we’re a bit fromthe fire, so I can’t see his face all that well.

“What’s wrong with her mom, if you don’t mind measking?” He drinks his beer.

I sigh. “Early stages of Alzheimer’s.”

“That’s sad. Must be so tough for your friend andher family.”

“Yeah. I try to be there for her as much as Ican.”

He lightly brushes my knee and says, “You’re agood person, Toya. I see that more and more each day.”

His subtle touch and compliment warm me. I playwith Kenya’s beer in my hand. “Oh, thank you.”

Varen drinks again. I squint at him. “Um, maybetake it easy. Since you’re driving.”

He offers me his beer. “Help me finish.”

I scoff. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“Not at all.” He chuckles. “Just trying to get youto relax.”

Varen’s about to drink again, but I snatch the canand chug the rest of it. Maybe drinking will help me not physically react tohim so much. Right?

“Whoa,” Varen blurts. “I didn’t mean drink all ofit. Shit.”

I breathe out a jagged breath afterward and wipemy mouth with the back of my hand. “Damn.”

“All right?” he asks, angling his head.

“Yes. Think I’ll have another.” I finish the restof Kenya’s.

He laughs short. “Careful now, princess. Don’twant to do anything you’ll hate yourself for in the morning.”

I drop the empty cans before me. “I’m fine. Infact, I don’t mind sharing another.”

“Are you sure?” he confirms.

“Yes. You did tell me to relax and enjoy myself. Idon’t do it enough.”

Varen stares at me for a beat. “Hope you don’tfeel pressured.”

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