Page 119 of Steps

The four of us head out in Daniel’s Range Rover,reaching the cinema soon after.

I have no idea what’s going on in the movie. Ihear laughter from Alison and our parents every so often. But I’m off in myhead thinking about Varen.

He must be at Finn’s party by now.

I trust him and know he’s not doing anythingwrong.

Still, I just want to be with him right now. Itfeels so awful when we’re apart, no matter how I try to focus on other things.

“I got a good laugh,” Mom says to Daniel whenwe’re leaving the cinema after the movie ends. “Wouldn’t mind seeing it again.”

“Yeah, me too,” Alison agrees. “I really likedit.”

“It was okay, but it wasn’t that great,” Danielopposes playfully. “What do you think, Toya?”

I snap out of my thoughts for the first time sincewe left the house. “Oh… um…”

Alison bumps my arm. “You didn’t laugh once. Didyou hate it?”

“No, it wasn’t bad. Just… not really my kind ofmovie.”

“Same,” Daniel adds. “We’ll let you pick nexttime.”

Alison scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Fine.”

Daniel laughs and pats her shoulder, adoringly.

When we reach home minutes later, and everyonehead’s inside, I stop Mom in the entryway. Daniel and Alison continue upstairs.

“What’s up?” she asks, hands at her tummy.

I wring my fingers before me while conjuring aninnocent mask and tone. “Mom, can I go to a party? A friend from school hasthis summer thing. It’d be good to make friends in time for senior year.”

She twists her lips in contemplation. “What aboutKenya?”

“Kenya has to help care for her mom and can’t goout. Besides, you told me I should get more friends.”

I’m devious for using her own words. But itsoftens her wrinkles. I can see the disapproval slowly melting away.

Mom shifts from one leg to the other, deciding.Finally, she throws up a hand. “All right, Toya. Just don’t accept drinks ordrugs from anyone, and be home by midnight.”

A wide smile stretches my lips despite the bit ofguilt for lying. “Thanks, Mom.”

She offers a half-smile in return before goingupstairs. I grab her car keys and take off for Finn’s place, sending Varen aquick text that I’m on my way.

29

Finn’s house is more crowded than ever for hisbirthday. He still manages to spot me the second I enter the front door,drinking as he makes his way over.

A broad grin appears. “Latoya, babe, nice to seeyou again.” He leans in for a hug.

“Hey,” I reply, patting his back. “Happybirthday.”

“Mm.” Finn straightens from me, carrying his gazeover my dress and legs before sipping his beer. “Damn. Varen’s a luckybastard.”

I roll my eyes. “Where is my boyfriend?”

He waves behind him without looking. “Somewhere.”

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