9781250209153

SAOY?”
“Yeah, I am.” Her eyes have that familiar spark in them. “I was just
making more posters with Honey-Belle.”
“I’ve loved your posters so far.”
“Suck-up.” Her mouth twitches. “I guess you’ve heard Charlotte is back
on her bullshit with all these rumors about me?”
I have to fight hard not to say something nasty about her. That’s not
what Irene needs. “Yeah. I’m sorry you have to deal with that. It’s hard
enough coming out. You shouldn’t have to prove it to anyone.”
“It’s not your fault. She’d find another angle if she had to.”
“Irene, can I ask you something?” I pause, letting the question
formulate. It’s something I’ve been wondering for weeks, but it’s a delicate
thing to ask. “That picture you have on your phone—the one of you and
Charlotte kissing last year—why have you never showed it to her? To
anyone? One look at that photo and Charlotte could never torture you
again.”
Irene stares at me. Her expression is very serious. “Is that what you
think I should do?”
I search her eyes. It’s clear she’s had this idea before. Maybe even
considered it.
“No,” I say firmly. “I don’t think you should do that. Do you?”
“No. I haven’t and I never will.”
I swallow down the lump in my throat. I look at her and wonder, is this
how it feels to love someone for who they really are? Their core being, their
compass, their resolve?
“Irene—you’re a pretty incredible person.” My voice is quivering with
emotion. What is it with me gushing to people tonight?
Irene blinks. Her steely gaze settles. “I’m not, Scottie. I just try to do
better than I’ve done before.” She pauses. “Same as you.”
We smile at each other. I don’t want to end the conversation, but my
body is numb with cold, yearning for the heat of my car. Besides, I have
more healing to do.
“Good luck with SAOY,” I say, backing away from her. “I’ll be cheering
for you.”