My God, I'd been on the phone for over an hour with Rebecca. I couldn't believe how great she was. I could see how Eric had gotten a crush on her because she was very level-headed, very clever and wise. She was gonna make some guy a great husband."So you think his mom and dad will come?" she asked.

"They said they would. It's really hard to talk to them about Eric. I mean, they're just getting used to his being gay and my being part of Eric's life. And now this...but they understood how important it was for them to come. How much it would help Eric. They spoke to his brother John and his sister, Teresa. Teresa said she'd definitely come. She was so funny, she said it'd be like a vacation."

We both laughed.

"What about Eric's friend, Hugo?" Rebecca asked.

"He left and no one's really sure where he is. It's so sad because we all used to be such great friends and then this kid, Steve comes into the picture and it's like no one is speaking to anyone anymore...my best friend, Greg? He thinks he's straight -- which reminded me of Eric but Greg is very serious about this -- I mean, he won't speak to any of his gay friends, even. God, all my friends are such a wreck right now."

"I'm not," she said.

There was a pause. It was the first time Rebecca and I had acknowledged that we were becoming friends.

"Rebecca, I've got to say-- you're a pretty incredible person. And I'm beginning to understand why Eric likes you. You're really wonderful."

"Thanks," she said. "Now find me a straight boyfriend, okay?"

We laughed again.

*****

We were still talking a half hour later when Rebecca got quiet.

"Andrew..." she said. I said, "What?"

"I have an idea. Hear me out first, okay?"

"Okay," I said.

"My father loves me. And he loves Eric, too. Like a son. I mean, he was really thrilled that we were dating. I think if I... I ... If I told my Dad that Eric was gay -- I think he'd be okay with it."

I got scared. Eric would totally flip out if he heard this. She went on.

"I mean, I know I could word it so that Daddy wouldn't be totally shocked. And don't you think that if Eric were 'out' at work, it'd ease the pressure for him? I think that's a big part of his problem-- having to lead two lives, having to keep you covered up, having to pretend to be straight. What do you think?"

"I think Eric would kill us both."

"Seriously," she said.

"Seriously, Rebecca -- I'm exaggerating a little but I know Eric wouldn't go for it. Not in a million years."

We both got quiet because we both knew I was right. That would never fly with Eric.