Chapter 123

“No. Yes. You can, talk, Dev. Tonight, though, especially when I’m not there, just try not to talk about me with the other people in the commercial. Did you ever tell any of your friends I’m gay?”

“I don’t remember. I don’t think so.”

“Shoot.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No, Dev. Not at all. Just…Just try not to say anything anymore…and if it seems like I’m pretending to be different, well, know it’s because I have to.”

“How come?”

“That’s just the way it is sometimes.”

“Okay.”

Those seven words most generally put an end to any complex conversation. This time, though, I could still see the wheels turning as he took another bite of ice cream. “Do I have to pretend to be different?”

“No, Devon. Never.”

“Good. Because I think it would be too hard.”

“Yeah.”

“I think I just won’t talk.”