Chapter 44

“Don’t even think about answering that, Kalinowski,” Miss Taylor warned, barely breaking flow. “As I was saying, jokes at the expense of transgender individuals can create an atmosphere of aggression against them and make other people questioning their gender identity to feel uncomfortable, whether that is your intention or not…”

Jude’s head slowly dropped again. A moment later, Anton’s phone—because he was smarter than Jude, apparently—lit up in the gloom under the table.

Deal x

* * * *

They didn’t discuss it at lunchtime, or on the way home, or at all until Anton invited Jude over once Larimer had tripped over a curb and headed on his own way.

“Sure,” Jude said, and tilted his head. “You okay?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re quiet.”

“Mm.”

“Um. I’m sorry about this morning?”

Anton blinked, fumbling with his keys. “What?”

“Well, I guess that’s probably why you’re quiet…”