Page 5 of Steps

A sneaky smile tugs at his lips. “Do you have aboyfriend?”

“No.” I crinkle my brows. “What’s it to you?”

Varen lowers his gaze to my mouth then lifts themagain to my eyes. “You’re beautiful. Possibly the prettiest girl I’ve everseen.”

I snort at this. “I’m sure you’ve said this toevery girl you’ve met. Don’t bother using it on me. We’re going to be a familysoon.”

He shakes his head. “No. I’ve honestly never toldany girl that before.”

To my dismay, butterflies swarm my tummy. Heattrickles across my skin. The area where he’s touching is the epicenter. I feelnervous, standing in the quiet hallway with him staring at me so penetratingly.Why isn’t he letting go? But why don’t I want him to?

Varen moistens his lips and gnaws at the corner ofhis mouth that’s pierced.

Something is happening at this moment, but I don’tunderstand it. Not sure if he’s sensing it, too.

“Toya!” Mom bellows, startling us.

He releases my arm at last.

A shaky breath seeps from my lips. I back awayfrom Varen and start down the stairs. “Yes, Mom.”

“It’s getting late. You have school, and I have alot to do tomorrow,” she says, waiting at the bottom.

I arch my brows. “A lot like what?”

Daniel walks up to her before she answers andkisses her cheek. “Drive safely, my love.” Looking at me, he reaches in for ahug. “Again, so good to finally meet you, Toya. I’m happy that I’ll be gettinga second daughter.”

“It’s nice meeting you, too,” is all I say.

Then I walk outside with Mom after she waves toVaren, who is still standing atop the stairs peering down at us.

My body calms when we reach the car.

“Well, what do you think?” she asks while bucklingher seatbelt.

I shrug. “He seems all right. They all seem cool.”

“Just all right?” She’s so excited. “He’s perfect,Toya. I’m finally getting that happy ever after.” She pauses and says softly,“Please don’t mess this up for me.”

Her words hurt. “When have I ever messed up anythingfor you?”

She purses her lips and constricts her brown eyesto slits. “Oh please. You always do. Sometimes without even trying.”

“Mom, you—”

“Shh,” she hushes me, sucking her teeth afterward.“Let’s just go home. Don’t ruin my good mood.”

I take a deep breath and collapse my head backagainst the seat, fuming.

Mom pulls onto the road. I quietly fume until wearrive back at our apartment, laced with bad memories.

2

“Daniel seems like a nice guy,” I tell Kenya atlunch the following day. She’s been curious ever since I told her my mom wasdating again five months ago. “Alison has a cool vibe about her and Varen...”My voice trails as I remember his handsome face, the weird way he stared at me,and the feel of his hand. “He’s a mystery.”

Kenya sighs. “Think she’s going through with thisone? It’s only like her third engagement.”

I shrug and drink some of my juice. “Who knows.But Mom says she’s going wedding dress shopping soon, so...”

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