Page 96 of Steps

That places a tight feeling in my stomach. Iremain calm, though. “Yeah, it’s all pretty exciting.”

He falls quiet for a beat. “But what about you andVaren? That can’t be easy.”

I play with the loop of my jeans as the tensemoment with Varen flashes back to me. “Um, we’ll figure it out.”

August touches my hand and stops me from walking.“You can’t possibly still be with him, Latoya. Your parents are marrying.”

“Please stop reminding me,” I mutter, lowering myeyes to the grass.

“Sorry.”

I twist to walk away, but he stops me again. “Whatif we went on a few dates? Maybe that will help you get over him.”

“August, it’s not that easy.”

“Just think about it,” he says, offering a smilebefore stepping past me to head back to the main house.

Something compels me to look up, as I do, Iglimpse Varen at his bedroom window watching me. He has a jealous expression.Most likely he’s seen me talking to August.

Varen swivels away, and I wait for a little,hopeful he’ll come down. But he doesn’t.

The trainer arrives shortly, and she and GrandpaKirby teach me the basics. Once I’m comfortable enough on the horse, they lureme out for a slow trot with them and Alison in the field. It takes my mind offeverything.

But when I return to the property, reality comesbanging again. Especially seeing Varen that night at dinner. He stays quietmostly, while everyone chats and shares stories. He doesn’t look my way once.

I never knew I could miss someone’s attention theway I miss his.

The following morning, I get up earlier than therest of the house to have enough time to wash and straighten my curls. I suddenlyhave an itch to wear my hair differently, even though it’s warmer out.

Afterward, I dress in a coral maxi skirt, and awhite sleeveless blouse, going downstairs by the time breakfast is announced.Everyone eyes me in awe as I enter the dining room.

“Well, look at you,” Daniel gushes. “Lovely.”

“Yeah,” Alison agrees. “Your curls are gorgeous,but this is stunning, too.”

My face feels warm. I’m flattered by theircompliments. “Thanks, guys.”

Mom squints as she regards me. “You look good.Haven’t straightened your hair for a long time.”

I shrug and pick up a freshly baked cranberrymuffin along with some fruits. “Wanted to try something different.” I pour aglass of orange juice before sitting down to eat.

Varen comes into the dining room shortly. He freezeson me. My heart skips a beat, and I touch my hair and peer down at my food.

He collects himself and continues into the room,fills a plate, and sits next to his grandmother across from me, Alison, andMom. Daniel and Grandpa Kirby settle at opposite ends of the table.

I struggle to lift my gaze throughout breakfast.Whenever I risk it, I catch Varen staring. He looks miserable, and at the sametime appears to be admiring me.

After breakfast, Grandpa Kirby requests hisdriver, and everyone piles into the van for a ride around the countryside. Wego on a scenic walk before doing some shopping in town.

Alison tows me into an antique store across thestreet while Mom, Daniel, and his parents have lunch at a café. Varen followsus.

He waits until Alison is in a separate aislebefore coming up to me.

“You look different,” he mutters, rifling throughtrinkets on the shelve. “I love your curly hair more, but this is just aspretty.”

“Thank you,” I say softly, fidgeting with an oldlamp. His compliment matters the most to me.

“We should talk.”

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