A question caught me by surprise-2

“That’s about it. Try not to over-think it. Just talk to her like you
talk to me and you’ll be fine.” She paused for a moment, searching for the
right words. “Look, you’re a great guy. I’m not just saying that because
I’m your sister and I have to love you.” She paused again, and her voice
grew softer. “You make me laugh. You always know exactly what to say and
do to make me feel better when I’m sad, or scared, or angry. I never have
to hide anything when I’m with you. I can come to you with anything,
anything at all and I never have to worry that you’ll think it’s stupid or
petty. When I’m with you, I’m just…happy. I guess what I’m saying is,
don’t sell yourself short. Any girl would be lucky to have you.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that. The air seemed hot and thick and
uncomfortable and Jennifer just kept staring at me, waiting for me to say
something. “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I stammered shakily.

“Anytime.”

Jen’s advice was pure gold and within the week I had a girlfriend.
Vicky’s assimilation into our little band included an extra, her best
friend from high school, Ryan. I was surprised to learn that Ryan was gay,
a fact that made me uncomfortable at first, a consequence of growing up in
the bible belt. As it turned out, reports of the predatory nature of our
nation’s homosexuals were greatly exaggerated and I chucked that piece of
trivia into the pile of stupid things I learned living in a small town.