Page 73 of Steps

“End of summer?” I mutter, considering it. No moresneaking around and hiding my feelings for him. A smile slowly creeps up on me.“Okay.”

“Yeah?”

I nod. “Yes.” Then give him a sweet kiss. “Callyou later.” I slant to open the door but stall in an afterthought. “What areyou going to do?”

He squints at me. “Are you worried I’ll dosomething bad, baby?”

“No. I’m just curious.”

Varen chuckles. “I do have a life outside of you, Toya.I’ll find something. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve drinking or drugs.”

I roll my eyes playfully.

He growls and grips my thigh. “Toya, you’re goingto get a spanking if you don’t stop doing that.”

“Oh really?” This makes me bite my lip and roll myeyes again. “See you later.”

Varen chortles. “See you.”

Our guidance counselor, a graduate of JohnsHopkins University, opted to take a few of us on the tour since Saturday isn’ttoo busy on campus.

Someone from the university joins our group andprovides details about programs. We peruse the library and other buildings.

At the end of the tour, I text Varen we’ll beheading back soon.

I stand by the fountain with my group, waiting fortwo girls to return from the bathroom. While peering around, I spot Augustwalking down the brick path.

I’m not sure if I should call out to him since hedid give Varen and me an awkward look after catching us making out last Fridaynight.

August glances in my direction and stopsmidstride. A smile appears on his face. “Toya.” He waves and strolls over.“Hey, what are you doing here?”

I motion to the group. “Here on tour. I’mconsidering JH, so my guidance counselor invited me to check out your campus.”

He bobs in understanding. “Wish I’d known, I wouldhave shown you some cool things.”

“No, it’s pretty nice here. I like the school.”

“That’s good. You know, if you want, I couldintroduce you to a fellow student and friend in the writer’s program. See ifit’s a good fit for what you’re looking for.”

“Oh. That’s kind of you, August, but you don’thave to do that.”

He waves it off, hazel eyes glistening. “It’s noproblem, really. I’ll text you in the coming week. Sorry I didn’t before, myclasses have been so hectic. Maybe we could grab a bite and chat once thesemester ends?”

Unsure, I pick at my nails.Why does it soundlike a date? Does he think because I’m with Varen my relationship is a joke?

“Um, I’ll let you know.”

August lingers his gaze on me. “Can I ask yousomething personal?”

Shifting my weight to my other leg, I wrinkle my foreheadas I tell him, “All right.”

“How did you and Varen happen? I mean, you’reopposites. He’s—”

“A great guy,” I defend my boyfriend.

He frowns. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to insulthim.”

“It’s fine.” The girls emerge from the building atlast, and the guidance counselor starts rounding up everyone to return to thevan. “Well, see you.”

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