Page 81 of Steps

“That’ll always feel good.”

I smile and bite my lip. “Well, I know somethingelse that feels just as good.”

“Oh yeah?” He chortles in a sexy way, stepscloser, and grips my waist. My body tingles all over as he whispers, “Thenlet’s get out of here so you can show me.”

19

I apply lip-gloss and glance over my appearanceone more time in the floor-length mirror. I love my twist-out and how definedmy curls are. My makeup is subtle, and the flowy yellow dress enhances theradiance of my sun-kissed brown skin.

When I stroll upstairs to the main level, Mombeams while eyeing me from head to toe. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you.” Her compliment pulls a smile out ofme. “You too.” I admire her navy-blue dress and heels, curls up in a chic bun.

Mom observes me in quiet,crinkling herforehead a little. I wonder what’s on her mind. She snaps out of it as Danielcomes downstairs in his formal black pantsuit.

He brightens as he glimpses me. “You lookbeautiful, Toya.”

“Thanks, Daniel,” I reply, wringing my hands outof modesty. I’m not used to so many compliments at once.

“Dan,” he reminds, chuckling. “Someday,huh?”

“Hmm.”

Alison walks out of her room shortly wearing alovely peach dress and nude pumps. I’m the only girl in flats because I’m notgood in heels.

“Well, look at you,” Daniel remarks. He kisses heron the cheek when she reaches the bottom step. “Gorgeous as always.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

Daniel grabs his keys. “Ready ladies?”

“Yes.” Mom twists with him, and they head towardthe garage. Alison and I trail them.

“You’re gorgeous, Toya,” she mutters, smiling atme.

I offer a smile in return. “Thanks, so are you.Love how you styled your hair.” Her neat French braid is pretty, resting overone shoulder.

“Thank you. I love your curls.”

I’ve come to realize more and more that Alison isa genuine person. Hope we can be closer in time.

We arrive at Varen’s high school graduationminutes later. He had to leave earlier to prepare for the ceremony, so I didn’tget a chance to see him.

When we find him in the schoolyard, I shudder atthe fact that his gaze is only on me. Varen carries his eyes down my dress thenback up to my face. A pleased expression morphs his features.

Daniel gives his shoulder a proud shake when hereaches him. “Congratulations, son.” He adds in a lower tone, “Your mom wouldbe just as happy.”

Varen half-smiles. “Thanks, Dad.”

My mom hugs him and congratulates him as well. Atleast she’s showing him more affection of late. Before, she hardly spoke tohim.

Alison wraps him in a tight embrace. “Glad you’returning things around, little bro. I’m proud of you.”

He smiles humbly. “Thanks, you guys. I appreciateyou being here.”

“Of course,” Daniel chuckles. “We’re your family.”

Varen glances at me then. “Well, geez, are yougiving me a hug or what?” he jokes.

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