Page 154 of Steps

Around noontime, I shower and walk down the streetto the pharmacy. When I return to the apartment, I spot Daniel’s car parked outfront. He gets out as I approach.

A smile tugs at my lips. “Hey.”

“I was just in the area. Didn’t think either ofyou were home.”

“Do this often?” I ask on a chuckle.

He smiles and nods in a ‘you got me’ way. His grayeyes catch sight of the CVS bag in my hand. “Are you sick? Is that why you’renot at school?”

I shrug. “Slight fever and headache.”

Daniel’s expression turns to worry. “Then, Varenshould have brought you to the doctor.”

“I’m fine, Daniel. I swear you and your son are somuch alike.” I slant to the apartment. “Would you like to come inside?”

He waves a hand as he declines, “No, no. I have toget back to the office. But uh, how about I take you two out to dinner later?Think Varen would be okay with that?”

I can tell he misses his son. No wonder he’sdriving by the apartment. Perhaps he’s hoping to run into him outside sinceVaren didn’t let him in last time he tried.

“I’ll talk to him,” I reply. “I’m sure he’ll likethat.”

Daniel lingers on me for a moment. “You lookhappy. It’s nice to see.”

Naturally, my lips curl upward. “I am. We bothare. Varen is a great guy. He’s doing his best.”

“I’m sure he’ll try for you.” He frowns a little.“Your mom is terribly upset that you moved in with my son. I, uh, convinced hernot to call the cops to bring you home. That would only put Varen in trouble.”

“Oh.” Thank goodness he stopped her. Wouldn’t wantVaren getting into trouble because of me. “I’m really sorry, Daniel. I feel badfor causing issues with between you two.”

He offers a caring smile and says gently, “No,you’re not sorry you and Varen are together. You love each other.”

I peer down at the sidewalk. “Maybe in time, we’llfind a way to make this all work.”

“Maybe.” He twists to his car. “Let’s start withdinner tonight. Give me a call if my son agrees.”

“I will.”

Daniel waves before getting in the car and takesoff right after. I stand there a few seconds before heading inside theapartment.

Convincing Varen to have dinner with his dadwasn’t hard, since he misses him too. We join Daniel at his favorite Italianrestaurant that evening.

Daniel looks a tad nervous. He twists his mouth,parts it to speak, then changes his mind.

“How’s work?” Varen asks, breaking the ice.

“Good. Getting a lot of clients. You? How are yourclasses going? Both of you?” He looks from Varen to me.

“All right,” Varen says. “Work’s fine.”

I nod slowly as I reply, “Same.”

The waiter brings over our drinks and appetizers. Atleast we can ease up by nibbling on garlic bread.

“Oh, feeling better, Toya?” Daniel asks, spreadingbutter on a piece of bread.

“Yeah, it wasn’t anything major.”

He pauses with the knife in his hand, thinking.“Look, I honestly don’t know how this is going to work. I mean, clearly, youboth care for one another and will find a way to be together. But I just don’tknow how we can all be a family... like this.”

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