Page 14 of Steps

Daniel looks at him for a moment then glances atme and smiles. “I’m sure Toya would like to go as well.”

I almost spill my water. “Um, I still have morehomework.”

Mom snorts. “Oh please, no one watches movies theway you do. Go, have fun.”

Varen is becoming impatient with the plate andglass in his hands. “It starts soon.”

Daniel gestures with a nod for me to go. I finishmy last bite and pick up my plate. “See you guys later.”

“Thanks again for making dinner,” he says as I’mheading into the kitchen behind Varen.

Placing our dishes in the sink, I turn andwhisper, “Where are you really going?”

He pulls his mouth to one side in a devioushalf-grin. “Heading to a party near the harbor. You still want to come? I coulddrop you off somewhere and pick you up later.” He dips his head and lifts hisbrows. “Maybe at your boyfriend’s house?”

“Told you, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“I’m kind of surprised. Nerdy guys love nerdygirls like you.”

I roll my eyes at him.

“Hey, stop rolling your eyes at me.”

Crossing my arms tightly at the waist, I ask himconfidently, “What are you going to do about it?”

His Adam’s apple bobs as he gulps, licks his lips,and carries his eyes over my face. “Anyway, does that mean you’re coming withme?”

I’ve never been to a party before. Why not?

“Um, I guess.” I fluff my high poof and peer downat my jeans, TLC tee, and flats. “Is this okay?”

Varen takes me in from head to toe. “You lookcute.”

As simple as his compliment, I still get ticklishinside.

“Let’s go.”

We walk into the garage and slide into his car.“By the way, it really was good,” he says kindly.

I lift my chin with pride and act cool. “Ofcourse. I’m an excellent cook. Learned from my gran.”

Varen snorts. “Anyway, you might getuncomfortable; there’s going to be drinking, and yeah, drugs.”

I chew at my bottom lip. “Well, I’m going just tokeep you from partaking.”

He laughs at me. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Tell that to your dad. That’s why he wants me togo with you. He’s not stupid, Varen.”

“No, he’s not.” He starts the car. “Come into myworld, Toya. Hope you can hang.”

We arrive at a modern-contemporary house in aneighborhood by the harbor. I feel anxious as I mosey into the party behindVaren. It’s crowded with a diverse group of people, lots of alcohol, bluntseverywhere, and the latest Hip Hop music.

“Wow,” I mumble. It’s entertaining to see peoplemy age enjoying themselves.

Varen squints at me, lips gradually curling.“You’ve never been to a party, huh? Such a good girl.”

I roll my eyes at him yet again.

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