Page 149 of Steps

“I can imagine. You’re seventeen.” She scoffs. “Soyou’re really going to be together then? Middle finger to the world.”

I raise my shoulders in an exaggerated shrug.“What do you think, Ken?”

She heaves a long sigh. “Honestly, I don’t know.You’re both so young. Plus, you’ll be going to college soon. Who knows? Youmight break up then.”

“We won’t.” My heart aches at the thought. “Hesays he’s going to love me forever.”

Kenya appears iffy. “Love can make you feel thatway in the beginning.”

“I know it sounds crazy. But I believe him.” Ibite my lip. “I believe him because I feel the same way. I’m never going tolove another like that, Kenya.”

She bobs her head slowly. “Wow. Did you tell Varenthat you… you know? That you can’t…”

“Yeah.”

“Damn.” She falls back in the chair.

Leaning my head to one side, I try to read theexpression on her face. “You think we’re moving too fast, don’t you?”

She flips her braids off her shoulder. “It’s up toyou and Varen. Do what you think is right for your love.”

I reach across the table for her hand. “How’s yourmom?”

“Same.” She shrugs. “Visiting her on Wednesdaybefore I go to work. At least she’s calmer these days.”

“Want me to go with you?” I offer.

Kenya shakes her head. “No, my mom doesn’trecognize anyone. She’ll only get riled up, and then the nurses will have tosedate her.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She achieves a smile. “Anyway,Stephen asked me to homecoming.”

“As he should. After all, you’re only dating.” Wechuckle together.

Stifling her laugh, she asks, “Are you going?”

I twist my mouth in thought. “Hmm. I’m not reallyinto homecoming. I’m happy for you, though.”

She rolls her eyes. “Whatevs. You’re definitelygoing to the senior prom. It’ll be the last cool thing in your high schoollife.”

“Yes. Definitely.”

I tackle homework while Varen catches up with anonline class that night.

When he finishes, he lies beside me on the bed.“What do you want for dinner?”

“Something healthy,” I answer with my head stillin the Calc textbook. “We should go grocery shopping. The fridge is empty.”

“Yes, dear.” He nuzzles my neck and growls. “Mmm,you smell so good.”

I giggle and brush him away. “Hey, I’m doinghomework. Balance, remember?”

“Okay. I’ll leave you alone.”

He’s about to get up when my phone vibrates. Varengrabs it before I can. Looking at the screen, he arches his brow and sayssarcastically, “August, how’s it going?”

My body goes tense. I reach for my phone, but heturns away.

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