Page 30 of Steps

He clutches my hand, and we head back to theparking lot and find his car in the shadows.

I rest my head against the seat, staring out thewindow for the drive home.

Although I tell him not to, Varen still walks withme to my bedroom. I crawl into bed on top of the sheets, and he sets a binnearby in case I need to barf.

“Lightweight,” he teases.

“Whatever,” I moan.

He lingers on my face a while before finallyslanting to leave. “Night, princess.”

“Goodnight. And stop calling me that,” I grumble.

I watch his back as he saunters to the door, turnsoff the light, and steps out of my room.

Closing my eyes, I pray sleep will diminish thefeeling of displeasure from not kissing Varen.

My eyes and head hurt. It’s a struggle to ease upand pull the curtains to better block out the sun because the blinds aren’tenough. Slipping under the sheets again, I press my eyes shut and try to goback to sleep.

Mom knocks on my door and enters. “It’s almostten. This is rare for you.”

“I’m tired,” I groan. “It’s Sunday, I can sleepin.”

“Wait, are you hungover?” She comes closer andsits at the side of the bed. “Well, that’s definitely new for you. I hope Varenisn’t rubbing off on you.”

“What?” This makes me throw the sheet from over myhead. “Mom, don’t say that.”

“Ugh. I can smell alcohol coming from your pores.”She sighs. “God, look, I know he’s Daniel’s son, but I’m sure you’ve noticedhe’s a bit problematic compared to his sister.”

“He’s not problematic, he’s dealing with a lot.”

She shrugs. “You’re always so empathetic to brokenpeople. Anyway, Alison’s home. You should make an effort with her. Suggestgoing shopping or out to lunch.”

I massage my forehead. “I really can’t. I don’tfeel well.”

Mom purses her cherry lips. “Fine. Go back tosleep.” Then she gets up and struts out the door, closing it behind her.

Damn. She could have at least givenme an aspirin.

But when I roll over, my eyes catch the bottle ofibuprofen and bottled water on the table by the bed. Guess that’s why shedidn’t offer. I ease up and reach for both. There’s a handwritten sticky noteunder the bottle.

We live together.

So here.

Behind it is Varen’s phone number. My lips curlinto a smile.

I take a pill then lie back on the pillow,unlocking my phone to add his number to my contacts.

Wanting Varen to save mine, I send him a quicktext.

Thanks.

Neededthat.

It’sToya by the way.

My phone vibrates soon after with a reply thatsimply says:

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