Page 50 of Steps

“Um, no, actually, I have plans.”

Daniel nods in understanding. “Okay.”

Mom has her curls down in a defined twist-out. Itake in her floral dress. “You look beautiful, Mom.” I’ve always tried tocompliment her. But she would often just ignore me.

This time, she offers a smile. “Thank you, honey.”

Honey?Okay, I’m starting to likethat.

I continue to the cupboard, getting a bowl to fillwith frosted flakes and almond milk.

“What do you have planned for today?” Daniel asks.

To spend some time with your son.

“Going to meet up with Kenya,” I answer whilesitting at the island.

That’s a lie. Kenya’s at work. I plan to get Varento do something with me instead of running off to the funhouse.

“Hope you girls have fun,” Daniel remarks.

Mom says to him, “We should get going.” She standsup and collects their plates and coffee mugs.

“All right. Meet you in the car.” Daniel waves tome before going into the garage. I hear his car start.

She asks me, “Have you heard from August?”

I shake my head. “No.” I’ve forgotten about AugustCaldwell, too consumed with all things Varen.

“Hm. Saw his parents yesterday. Figured his momwould nudge him to give you a call. Well, never mind. Do you need money to goshopping or whatever?”

“I’m fine. I still have that money Gran left me.”

She scoffs. “How nice. At least she lovedyou.I was the disappointment. She didn’t leave me a dollar.”

I frown. “Mom, it’s not a lot. Just for collegelife. Don’t be upset.”

“I’m not.” She offers me a genuine smile, thensays, “Have fun.”Well, that’s nice. I hope she keeps changing.

Mom grabs her purse from the stool next to me andheads into the garage. They leave right away.

Picking up my bowl, I saunter upstairs and knockon Varen’s door. He doesn’t answer. I open it and peep into the dim room. He’sin deep slumber, looking so peaceful lying in bed.

I enter, place the bowl on the nightstand, and sitat the side of his bed. “Varen,” I say softly, nudging him awake.

He groans before rolling over and squints at me.“Toya?” He sounds groggy and almost hungover. He didn’t go back out last night.That’s a good start. “What time is it?”

“Almost ten,” I reply and peer around his messyroom. The blackout drapes are drawn, barely letting in any sunlight.

I pick up my cereal to finish eating. “Let’s gocatch the next harbor cruise.”

Varen straightens with his back against the headboard.He takes my cereal from me, eating some of it. “How come you’re in my room?Where’s Lisa and my dad?”

“Oh, um, they just left,” I tell him.

He sets the bowl on the nightstand. “You know, Ican’t stop thinking about you.”

“Hm.” I look down from his sneaky gaze, feelingshy.

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