Page 23 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Someone must’ve told our coach, TJ,

that we all go to the same school.

TJ kept putting me with one of them.

He probably thought he was doing us a favor.

There were loads of other boys there,

but I didn’t get to know anyone new.”

“So, no summer crushes?” I ask too cheerily.

“Nada,” Matt says flatly.

It’s like Matt’s shadow grows

and settles over us both.

Jyoti is standing over us.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she whispers,

holding up her hands.

I notice faded henna on her palms.

“I just want to apologize—”

“Not now, Jyoti.” I try to stop her

but she’s on a roll.

“I didn’t say you were together.

I said you looked cute together,

and I didn’t say you were gay,

but I get how it came across that way.

Anyway, I thought you should know,

T said he can’t see me anymore,

and I get that he has to stand up

for you, as his cousin,

but I think he’s overreacting.”

Matt glares at me with a WTF expression.

He understands what’s happened.

Jyoti spelled it out, and Matt’s a bright boy:

Matt’s my favorite boy.

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