"I'll be there," Maya said, a genuine smile finally breaking through. "But only if you promise to play that one song I like."
Chloe leaned in closer, her expression softening. "I don't have questions, Maya. I just have an extra ticket to the Battle of the Bands Friday night. And I really want the prettiest girl in school to be there to cheer for me."
Maya felt a jolt—not of fear, but of something warm and terrifyingly new. For a long time, Maya had worried that being trans meant her romantic life would be a series of explanations and apologies. She identified as a lesbian, but the fear of rejection often kept her from saying it out loud.