Page 87 of The Black Flamingo

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We’re waiting in line and she says,

“You have to protect me,

if any girls try to chat me up.

Tell them that we’re together.”

“Daisy, the point of us being here

is for me to meet a guy.

How will that happen if we

pretend to be a couple?”

“I just don’t want anyone thinking

I’m a lesbian,” she replies.

“What would be so wrong with that?” I ask.

“It makes me feel sick,

the idea of two women sleeping together.

Two men doesn’t bother me

but two women, I don’t get it.”

“What about it makes you feel sick?”

I ask through gritted teeth.

“I don’t want to talk about it.

Will you just protect me from

any lesbians that try anything?”

“Theyneed protecting fromyou.

You’re a homophobe, Daisy.”

“Michael, you can’t force me

to be comfortable with all this.

I’m not homophobic, I’m your best friend.

Nothing changed between us

whenyoucame out in B24.”

“Well, school’s over and B24

doesn’t mean anything now.

I don’t need an ignorantbest friend.

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