Page 183 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Even though this is what I wanted

(Matt to come out,

and Kojo extracted from the group like a wobbly tooth),

it doesn’t feel like a victory for me.

I’m happy that Matt’s

come out to The Boys.

I’m more comfortable

without Kojo at our lunch table.

But I still wish Matt

came out sooner than this.

And I still wish Kojo

hadn’t been homophobic.

Nathan has a question:

“So, you’re both gay,

but you’ve never been together?”

Matt looks at me sheepishly,

and I still can’t read his mind,

but I know that he’ll be fine

with whatever my answer is.

“We’ve never been together,” I say.

I point to my boot and sling.

“Unfortunately, for all interested parties,

my dance card is full.

The doctor said no high-impact activities

for six to eight weeks.”

The Boys burst into rapturous laughter.

“What’s so funny?” I say, deadpan.

I shrug in my sling.

This makes The Boys laugh harder.

Other kids at nearby lunch tables

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