Re: [Boating: Hugh and Atticus]
"Going to ask about the obvious ignored revelation: How did your life go to shit at that time? Don't have to answer but, since it's just us and the waves, figured it wouldn't hurt to put the question out there." Knew some people liked to talk about themselves, were just looking for the opening. Some people truly didn't want to talk about their private things. Gave Hugh the option. Wouldn't mind if Hugh didn't take him up on the opportunity. "Ever think maybe you didn't tell her for all those years deliberately? Notice in a lot of novels, in a lot of lives, people yearn for things they can't have. Maybe only loved her because she wasn't yours anymore." Was a bold suggestion, but Atticus liked true conversations. Wasn't about sentiment built in the clouds. Like real talk.
The sailboat rounded the tip of the island. Didn't pay it much attention, the island. Had walked every square mile of the place. Knew it by rote. "What's a trend with you? Lying to yourself?" Chuckled. Shook his head slightly. "Think we all do that about all sorts of things. Surviving would be hard if we didn't. Coping device," he suggested. Atticus was the kind of guy that accepted his flaws. Was fine with them. Didn't feel the need to alter them. Lied to himself often, and said it without reservation. Was who he was.
Didn't even look sheepish when Hugh asked if he didn't date. "Tried it in high school. Went to a school dance with a girl. Wasn't into it. Realized I preferred men, but there was never time. Harder to find men in places that aren't Repose. Seems kind of a given here that someone might be gay, but didn't find that to be true elsewhere. Anyway, seems like I date too much in the future." Grinned a smirking grin. "Guess I'm just saving it up." As for dating now: "Now is complicated. Not against the idea. Might actually be a good time to embrace romance, but, no, not dating now." Looked out at the water a moment. Looked back at Hugh. "Don't bury yourself in work to avoid feeling things. Even if you hurt, let it hurt. Can move on then. Don't think anything good comes of not facing things. Some sage advice from a stranger on a boat."