Page 145 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Matt looks embarrassed,

effervescently,

like he loves and hates this

in equal measure.

“Absolutely dreamy!”

I agree with Mum.

I pile on the compliments:

“Stunning! Gorgeous!

Tens across the board!”

“I’d better get going,”

Matt says, laughing.

“I’ll text you later, okay?”

“Okay,” I say, realizing

I feel a little flushed.

“It’s nice to see you, Auntie.”

Matt waves at Mum.

“It’s nice to see you, too.”

Mum waves back at Matt.

As Matt turns away, I notice

the curve of his buttocks

and the outline of the afro comb

in his back right pocket.

As we watch Matt walk away,

I hand Mum the white paper bag

with her breakfast bap inside.

Both of our bags crinkle with every bite

as we begin to munch on their contents.

Mum nudges me gently with her elbow

and speaks with a muffled mouthful.

“Didn’t you go with Matt and Vass

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