Page 125 of Steps

She sighs. “How was your first day of senioryear?”

“So-so.”

Turning to the bed, she starts to refold theclothes.

“Um, are you and Daniel still going to wait untilbirth to know the sex?”’

She nods. “Yeah.” A smile resurfaces. “Daniel’sworking on the nursery. He swears he can do it, but it looks a mess.” Shechortles then rubs her four-month bump.

The more she shows, the more of a reminder it ismy stepbrother shouldn’t be my boyfriend.

“Maybe Varen could help him,” I hear myself say.“He’s pretty good at building things.”

Mom scowls.

Shit. I need to keep it together. If I don’t watchmy words, she’ll undoubtedly realize we’re still together.

“Um, that would be nice,” she says, dismissing it.

Nodding, I twist to leave her be.

She speaks at my back. “I was thinking, if itwouldn’t be too uncomfortable for you, then maybe we could have him over forLabor Day.”

“He should be here,” I mutter sideways. “It’s hishome, Mom. His family.”

“I know,” she says in a low tone. “It’s just…” Shesinks her eyes to the carpet.

“It’s fine, really. We can be in the same room.Varen and I are keeping our distance.”

She nods, appreciative even though I’ve blatantlylied. “Good.”

“I’ll help with dinner once I finish filling outthose college applications. I’m mailing them tomorrow.”

“That’s great. I’m sure they’ll all accept you.”

I manage a smile and step out of her bedroom,going downstairs to mine.

“What do you want to do?” Varen asks when we leaveschool on Thursday.

Oddly, I find myself searching for Mom or Daniel’scar on the road. This sneaking around shit has me on edge.

“Earth to Toya,” he jokes, reaching for my hand.

I snap out of my thoughts and look at him. “Sorry.What did you say?”

Varen frowns. “Paint tossing?”

“No, it’ll leave evidence. My mom will notice thesecond I walk in the door.”

He releases my hand and taps on the steeringwheel. “We can’t just hide away in my apartment. I mean, yeah, making love isgreat, but I want us to do other things.”

“I know,” I whisper, dropping my eyes to my lap.An idea pops into my head. “Could we get out of Baltimore for a bit?”

His eyes brighten. “Yeah. Where to?”

“Um, well, I haven’t been to Annapolis in years.”

A smile parts his lips. “Let’s make it a trip toAnnapolis then.”

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