Page 146 of I Can't Even Think Straight

---

to Obi’s party last night?” she asks.

“Yes,” I say, my mouth full, too.

I chew and clear my throat again. “Why?”

“You see Matt every weekday at school.

You go bouldering together on Saturdays.

You went to a party together last night.

He’s popped by to see you this morning.

And he’s gonna text you later...” Mum waits.

While Mum’s logic is flawless,

she’s stacking a house of cards

I have long since given up on.

“What are you saying, Mum?”

“I guess I was wondering

if you and Matt were

more than friends?”

“Of course

Matt and I are

more than friends.”

My answer is intentionally mischievous.

Mum turns toward me

with wide-eyed wonder.

“Matt and I are

the best of friends.”

“So, you’re not...?” She stops there.

“No, Mum.” I chuckle.

“I thought you’d already guessed.

I’m seeing Obi,” I say.

Mum is jolted by this.

“Oh,

Obi.

---