Page 140 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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in the restaurant.

I haven’t told him I’m a virgin.

“You know I like you,” I say.

“But I’m not in a rush

to go all the way.

Not tonight, anyway.”

Obi lets out a long sigh.

“Okay,” he says.

He stands and offers a hand.

“Just kissing. Nothing more.”

It feels like when someone haggles

for a better deal on Mum’s market stall.

Verbal consent,

boundaries, and limits

doesn’t feel as romantic

as I expected,

but going upstairs

doesn’t feel scary anymore.

I take Obi’s hand

and rise from the sofa.

I look over at Vass again,

and they look my way.

They mouth the words,Are you okay?

I smile and nod because I am.

I’m not sure what I’m feeling,

but it’s not bad anymore.

I’m going upstairs

to kiss a hot boy

who wants me

to go on double dates

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