Page 130 of Steps

Hearing that bubbles my heart. “Hm. Maybe he nolonger feels that way.” The instant those words leave my lips, Varen’s groans,and the way he stares at me rush through my head. I blink them away. “I justhate that he was pretty much discarded because of me.”

Daniel furrows his brows. “We didn’t discard him.We gave you both a choice to either end it, or he leaves. Varen chose toleave.”

“Still, he is family.”

He’s about to respond but gets distracted, wavingto someone behind me. “We’ll talk about this later.”

I twist to see who it is. My stomach tenses when Iglimpse August, and Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell. Mom walks with them outside.

His parents’ wave to me before moseying up toDaniel. August lingers his gaze on me, smiling as he approaches. “Hey. It’sbeen awhile.”

“Yeah. It has.”

He sticks a hand in his pocket. “So, how’s itgoing?”

I achieve a smile. “Good. Everything’s good.”

Alison carries out a tray of lemonade, setting iton the round patio table.

Daniel and Mr. Caldwell getthe grillstarted, while Mom and Mrs. Caldwell relax by the pool.

I walk into the kitchen to help Alison bring outeverything else.

August draws me into a conversation when I return.We help ourselves to hotdogs. “How’s your first week as a senior?” he asksbefore taking a bite.

“All right, I guess. It hasn’t really hit me yet.”

“Yeah, probably won’t until your graduation.”

Admiration shines in his hazel eyes as he steersthem over my body. “You look beautiful.”

“Oh, thanks.” I drop my eyes to the hotdog in myhand, turning awkward.

“Sorry, that should have been the first thing Isaid.”

I smile while looking up at him. “Thank you,either way.”

Alison returns, this time with her boyfriend,Gabe. He’s not the only one.

My heart flutters, as always, seeing Varen comethrough the sliding doors in a black shirt and jeans.

He glances over my appearance then quickly looksaway as he continues to his dad and the Caldwells.

Daniel gives his shoulder a fatherly pat. Momhesitantly hugs him. They seem odd, almost as if they’re waiting for Varen tolock me in a deep kiss.

Instead, all he does is wave. “Hey, Toya.”

“Hey.” I try to settle my sprinting heart byflicking away from his piercing gaze.

August stretches out his hand to Varen. “How’s itgoing, man?”

“Fine.” Varen shakes it and twists to his sisterand Gabe, catching up with them.

Yikes.

My heart is still hammering like crazy. Varen isright. Being this close but unable to touch is dreadful. But I’m happy thathe’s at least home with his family. I can get through the day if I just focusonly on that part.

“Excuse me,” I mutter to August and head inside toretrieve the potato salad. He follows me to the kitchen.

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