“There’s something about New York City that gives you permission to just be. There’s no need for pretense, no need for masks. You can be real, without risk. The buildings are your protectors, the streets are your tethers. The people…you… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“Listen, I wanted to say, I don't need your judgment, okay? I have enough to deal with without you contributing, so can we just get on with this so I can get out of here? But I couldn't form the words. Dr. Johnson viewed me as a child, and somehow, under his contemptuous gaze, I had regressed to one. I… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share
“I'm about to wake Brianna up to see if she knows anything when Carolyn comes in. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she's wearing workout clothes - sports bra, cropped leggins, running shoes. For a moment, I'm speechless. She's sweaty, her face is bright red from exertion, and she's slightly out of breath. Her ab muscles pulse… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share
“That’s the point. This healthy-feeling time now just feels like a tease. Like I’m in this holding pattern, flying in smooth circles within sight of the airport, in super-comfortable first class. But I can’t enjoy the in-flight movie or free chocolate chip cookies because I know that before the airport is able to make room for us, the plane is… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share
“Now I know thinking is not your strong suit, but look on the bright side, at least you'll have this little puzzler to keep… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“I felt entirely invisible and uncomfortably obvious all at the same time, sitting there in practically nothing in front of this stranger who was… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“See, that's the problem with getting hit by lightning. You get burned.” — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“If there's anything worth any risk at all, it's got to be love, right?” — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“There’s something about New York City that gives you permission to just be. There’s no need for pretense, no need for masks. You can… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“I checked my phone again one more time before crawling into bed, fully aware that Einstein's definition of insanity was repeating the same action… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“The truth was, I had never felt sad about being gay. It was just another part of who I was, no different than my… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“The thing they don't tell you in sex education classes is what to do after. It's all, "Don't do this, don't do that. And… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
“I didn't want this man touching me in those places. It wasn't that he was being inappropriate, it was just more that he obviously… — Jessica Verdi Copy Share Image
