Page 163 of The Black Flamingo

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He loved soccer and fighting

and, well, that was it, really.

I never thought he’d be into me.”

Katy says,

“Did I ever tell you about how much

of a controversy it was when David Beckham

wore a sarong, a skirt essentially, in 1998?”

I look at Katy, confused.

“I wasn’t born then, neither were you.”

I look at her: England soccer uniform,

fake stubble, hair in cornrows;

she really does look like the photos

I saw online of nineties David Beckham.

I think of Kieran.

Is he gonna message back?

I think of Justin Fashanu,

the first openly gay

professional soccer player.

I think of how my sister

could wear my clothes

and play with my toys,

and it doesn’t seem fair.

MICHAEL:Hey, it’s Michael

Mzz B comes over and says,

“There’s always next term,

if you don’t feel ready for tonight.”

“I am ready!” I exclaim.

Mzz B looks me up and down

and raises an eyebrow.

“I mean, I’m not ready right now

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