Page 36 of Steps

Jesus!

Unable to stop myself, I bury my face in the sheetand inhale. This is just great. I’ll pretty much be sleeping with Varen tonightand enjoying it. So much for ever getting over this damn crush.

8

When I reach home from school on Friday, I findtwo gorgeous dresses lying on my bed. One blue and the other black. They’reboth knee-length and flowy, perfect for spring.

In the middle of trying on the black one, Momknocks on my door and enters. She gives me a once-over. “I knew that one wouldbe perfect. Wear it tonight.”

“I’d like to try the blue one, too.”

“No need.”

Gosh. What about what I want?

Mom sashays to the dresser and scurries through myjewelry box. Good thing I changed the hiding spot for my diary. “Wear thesegold earrings and a choker. Want me to style your curls? You were never good atdoing your hair.”

Gee, thanks.That makes me feel so good.

Fighting back my snide comment, I tell herinstead, “Sure, thank you.”

She grabs a comb, brush, and styling gel. I placea towel around my shoulder and sit on the carpet between her legs when Momsettles on the bed. She gets started in my hair.

I cringe at every tug. Damn. She’s never gentle.The results look elegant, though. I stand before the mirror after she finishes,admiring my hairstyle. She’s braided the front, made two neat twists at thesides and pinned them with gold spiral accessories.

“You’re lovely,” she compliments, touching myheart.

I beam at her. “I get it from you.”

Her features soften. We do look so much alike.Same light brown eyes, caramel shade skin, and the same smile.

She gets up and heads for the door but pauses inan afterthought. “Don’t put on too much makeup. Don’t want Dan’s friendsthinking you’re a slut.”

Gawd! She always finds a way to ruin the moment.

Mom continues out of my room. I sink down on thechair at the dresser and open the foundation and bronzer. I keep things subtle.My tone appears radiant without makeup anyway, especially with the warmerweather. I look sun-kissed, and I love it. Slipping on flats, I make my wayupstairs.

Daniel has the dinner catered to take the pressureoff my mom. As his friends start to arrive, I grow more and more anxious. Momis doing a great job putting on a show for them. They laugh at her corny jokesand share stories about Daniel.

Alison shows up later, Greek boyfriend in tow.Gabe seems nice. He’s at UMD as well and is going to be a lawyer like Alison.

We gush over each other’s dresses, both wearingblack. I love the silver details on hers, along with her pumps. She’s wearingdiamond earrings, and her hair is pulled into a tight bun, emphasizing herpetite face more.

Powerless to my growing feelings, I keep staringat Varen. He’s distant per usual, but at least he’s at the party.

He looks beyond handsome in his formal shirt andpants, black hair slicked back. He’s wearing his lip piercing even though hisdad asked him to remove it for tonight. I’m happy he refused. I like him beinghimself. I likehim.

Before I can stop myself, I sashay over to wherehe’s standing by the sliding doors. “Nice to see you’ve graced us with yourpresence.”

“You’re here, so, why not?” He carries his gazeover my body. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” His compliment leaves me flustered. Itouch my neck out of nervousness.

He smirks. “Geez, Toya. You seem terrified of me.”

“I’m not,” I deny, finding the courage to look himstraight in the eyes, only to roll mine.

This makes him growl under his breath. We staylike that for what feels like forever, just staring at each other, until hebreaks the connection.

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