Page 48 of Steps

A soft expression blankets his features. He seemsalmost grateful. “I like that one.”

My eyes widen. “Only to talk, Varen. We can’t—”

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do,” heassures me, going back to his third slice of pizza.

“Okay.” I dip my head and think some more. “Oh, Iknow you say college isn’t for you, but how about a community college or atraining institute? You told me you liked to make things, maybe you could startthat up again; fall in love with your passion again.”

Varen leans back in the booth while staring at me.I’m feeling shy under his watchful gaze, so I lower my eyes to the pizza on myplate.

“Those are just some of my ideas,” I mutter.“Think about them. Whatever you decide, I’ll offer my support.”

“Thank you,” he says, sounding beyond sincere.“You know, you’re only making me like you more and more.”

I meet his eyes but don’t know how to respond.

Should I just tell him I like him too? To hellwith our parents being engaged.

No. It can’t work.

We finish eating.

On our way to the car later, Varen asks, “Want togo bowling?”

“I’ve never bowled,” I admit.

His face brightens with amazement. “Seriously? Wedefinitely need to go then.”

This makes me smile.

Varen drives five minutes to a bowling alley onthe way back to our neighborhood. He rents shoes and pays for an hour. While Idecide on a ball, he sets up the scoreboard with our names.

“Just knock down all the pins,” he instructs simply.

“Ha. Easier said than done.”

When it’s my turn, I step up to the line and tossthe ball down the lane with all the strength I can muster. It knocks down sevenpins. “Woo!” I laugh and jump with excitement.

That contagious grin I’m becoming addicted to appearson his face as Varen stares at me with delight.

I shrug. “Lucky first shot, I guess.”

He turns his head and tells me, “No, that laugh.It’s… refreshing.”

We stand there, staring at each other until my ballreturns. Varen breaks the link and motions to the lane. “Go again. Try to takedown the spares.”

“Okay. Here we go!” My second attempt is lame,knocking down only one. “Damn.”

“It’s supposed to be fun. Don’t be too hard onyourself.”

Of course, he beats me at bowling. He hits a bunchof strikes and always manages to knock down his spare pins.

Walking to the parking lot after the hour ends, Isuggest, “You should come here with your dad and Alison. I’m sure they’d liketo bowl as a family.”

He snorts. “You can’t fix that, Toya. Let’s stickto me for now.”

“I’m not trying to fix anything; I’m just afriend.”

Varen opens the passenger door for me. When hegets in around the wheel, he delays starting the car.

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