Chapter 28: Chapter 28

“I’m…” Daisy tried again.

Lesbianwas too long. Three whole syllables to get out of her dead-dry throat. But gay. That was one simple word, only three letters long. She could do it just like the main character in I Can’t Think Straight, make a statement of fact that cut through nonsense and history and complicated relationships.

“You shouldn’t be hanging out with Riva,” Jo said abruptly. “I didn’t want to say anything, but you shouldn’t.”

“Huh?” The sudden declaration threw Daisy off completely. She didn’t know how to find her way back to what she’d been trying to say.

“I’m not jealous of her, if that’s what you think. I’m just saying you shouldn’t be hanging out with a girl like that. Everyone thinks she’s a perv. You don’t want them to, you know, think you’re like that, too.”

There it was again. Cold, helpless fury settled into the base of Daisy’s stomach. “You mean people think she’s a perv because they think she’s a lesbian.”