Page 174 of Steps

Daniel comes out of his office, face crumpled.“What happened?”

An exhausted sigh surges from my lips. I rifle mycurls and tell him, “I think Mom is back to avoiding us.”

44

We stay busy the next few weeks, between work andschool, but make time to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day with dinner and amovie.

It’s the last week of March now, and the night of seniorprom. Ten months ago, I never would have cared so much if my mom blew off thisnight. But after all we’ve gone through, I’m actually missing her. At least shesent Alison over with money for my dress. Sadly, aside from the occasionalvague texts, she’s been evading Varen and me since my eighteenth birthday backin January.

I’m getting ready at Kenya’s apartment. Our datesare picking us up shortly.

Slipping on my dress, I glance over myself in the mirror.The gorgeous purple chiffon fabric flows elegantly down my frame. It flattersmy slim body. I pick at my curls once more, making sure my twist-out looksperfect. Applying lipstick, I dab my cheeks with bronzer, then put on theearrings Varen gifted me for Christmas. I always wear my ring and bracelet.

Kenya straightens from the chair after sliding onher heels. She gushes, “Wow. Look at you. You’re gorgeous. Varen’s going topass out.”

“Jesus.” I chuckle. “Hopefully not.” I turn fromthe mirror and admire her cobalt blue two-piece attire. “You are a bombshell,Ken.” I’ve already seen the fitted crop top with the ruffled single strap andmatching mermaid skirt when we bought our dresses last week, but I’m stillblown away by how sexy she looks. Braids styled nicely into a neat bun withgold coils. Makeup and nails looking professionally done.

Excited, Kenya giggles, and peers down at herself.“Aw, thanks, girl.”

“Toya!” Mr. Jackson calls out. “If you’re ready,someone’s here to see you.”

Anticipation spikes my heart rate.

Kenya creases her flawless brows. “He’s early.”

I shrug and step out of her room. She follows medown the passage.

When I wander into the living room, appreciationlathers in my heart at the sight of Daniel. A smile reaches my lips. “Hey…what…”

“Oh wow.” He takes me in like a proud Dad. “Youlook amazing, honey.”

“Thank you.” I flick my freshly manicured nails.

Mr. Jackson gushes at his daughter when sheemerges from behind me. Kenya’s little brothers giggle.

Her dad sucks his teeth and smacks their headsplayfully. “Tell your sister and Toya they’re pretty.”

They mope but obey him. Kenya and I chortle witheach other.

I refocus on Daniel, finding it kind of him toshow up for me. “Surprise seeing you tonight.”

He fidgets with the camera in his hand. “Your mom…she’s having a hard time, but she insisted I stop by and take pictures of you.”

Squinting at him, I angle my head and ask, “Didshe really say that? Or did you come on your own?”

He nods. “She did. But I wanted to come anyway.”

“Still, thank you.” My eyes tingle as if neartears. I lift my head and fight them back. “Would have been nice if she cameand saw me for herself.”

Kenya touches my arm. “It’s okay, girl. Onlysmiles tonight, remember?”

“Yeah.” I achieve one thanks to her.

Mr. Jackson grabs his phone from the small diningtable and waves for us to pose for pictures.

He and Daniel snap pics of me and Kenya together,then individual shots.

Knocking at the door causes my heart to leap.Stephen enters when Mr. Jackson opens it. He looks sharp in his dark blue tux.Chocolate skin as radiant as the broad, pearly white grin on his face when hesees his voluptuous girlfriend.

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