Page 118 of Steps

“We’ll check it out then,” Daniel concludes. “Feellike we haven’t done anything together in a while.”

Shit.

How can I opt out of going when I’m not very goodat making excuses?

Damn it. I really want to see Varen tonight. Iknow he’s looking forward to it as well. But I did tell him if he’s waiting toolong then I wasn’t going to make it.

Mom stops me in the entrance before I godownstairs to change. My stomach flips when I glimpse my phone in her hand.

She touches my arm. “Promise me you won’t call ortext him.” The pleading look in her eyes hooks me. She used to give me thatsame gaze whenever she needed my forgiveness for messing up. “Promise me,Toya.”

I draw a deep breath. “I won’t call him.”

But I’ll still text.

Her hand feels like hellfire burning me for the lieas she touches my face lovingly. “You’re such a sweet girl. Just wait, you’llmeet someone nice soon, and you’ll forget you ever felt this way about Varen.”

No, Mom. You’re wrong.

Regardless, I bob and accept the phone from heropen palm. “Thank you.”

“I’m trusting you to keep your word.” She turnsand ambles up the stairs.

Letting out the breath I’ve been holding, I poweron my phone and continue down to the lower level.

Varen’s old text messages pop up on the screen.All wondering what had happened and if they’d taken my phone. My stomachtingles as I read the last text.

Ilove you.

Nothingwill change that.

Ugh. His text stirs a fresh wave of desire. Ireally want to see him tonight. But I can’t risk it, and lying is seriouslystarting to wear me down. Quickly, I type out a text and send it to Varen.

Got back my phone.

Can’t make it tonight though.

Going to the movies with them.

I’m sorry, babe.

His reply comes in soon after.

It’sok.

Textme when you’re back home.

A smile curls my lips. When I’m back home? Is hegoing to sneak over?

Instead of asking, I hurry to change into a summerdress and flats.

Daniel and Mom descend the stairs as I’m headingto the main level.

“Ready to go?” Mom asks.

Not really.

“Yeah.”

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