Page 165 of Steps

I stop by Kenya’s apartment the day afterChristmas. It’s our tradition. She’s off work until the following Thursday, sowe can spend a bit of time together for the rest of the break from school.

“So he gave you this dope, expensive-looking ringand matching earrings?” she confirms while admiring my set.

“Yeah. I kind of feel bad, though. I mean, asyou’ve said, this ring looks expensive and so do the earrings.”

Kenya eyeballs me. “Girl, Varen loves you. He justwants to shower you with fine gifts on Christmas.”

“I know, but damn, all I gave him was a photo of abeautiful moment, a wallet, and a promise to get a tattoo in honor of him.”

“Hold up!” She springs forward with surprisewritten all over her face. “You’re getting a tattoo?”

“Yes.” I smile coyly and peer down at herbedsheets, picking at them.

“Huh.” She bumps my arm. “Does your mom know?”

“Nope. I’ll tell her after it’s done, and that’sonly if she sees it.”

Kenya pokes my side. “Well, look at you. GuessLatoya Anderson is no longer a goody-two-shoes.”

I suck my teeth. “Anyway, did Stephen like hisgloves and hoodie?”

She smiles proudly. “He did. I like his gifts too.He bought me this tote.” She reaches for the bag hanging on the chair. “Plus,he gave me a gift card to Ulta.”

“Sweet.”

Setting the bag aside, she asks, “Have you heardfrom JH?” Her question reminds me of the acceptance letter I’m hiding fromeveryone.

I swallow the sudden tightness in my throat. “Notyet. That one from UMD is an early reply, so maybe I won’t receive an answerfrom Johns Hopkins until February.”

Kenya glances at her fingernails. Her red polishis starting to chip away. “I have to admit, girl, it feels weird that you’re nolonger interested in UCLA. You talked about it for so long.”

Shit. I have to at least tell my best friend.

“Um, I got accepted,” I say, voice low.

Her head flies up. Eyes wide as she yells, “What?”

“I haven’t told anyone, just you. Please keep itto yourself.”

Perplexed, she wrinkles her brows. “I don’tunderstand, Toya. Why are you hiding it from Varen?”

“Because if he found out that I got accepted,he’ll push me to go. I just know it.”

Kenya blows out a sharp sigh. “Damn, girl. You’redoing everything you can to hold on to this love, huh?”

I lower my eyes to my lap. “I told you, I lovehim. And honestly, Ken, think I wanted Cali for the wrong reasons. I’m happystaying here with Varen.”

She looks as if she wants to say more but decidesto hold her tongue. “I’m hungry. Interested in leftover from my aunt’s?”

“Sure.” A smile reaches my lips. “Ice-skating later?”

Kenya climbs off the bed and puts on her slippers.“Can’t today. My dad and I are visiting my mom as soon as he comes home fromwork.”

“K.” I get off the bed as well. “How are youdoing, really?”

She shrugs. “I’m all right.”

I grasp her arm and tow her back before she leavesthe room.

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