EXTRACT FOR
An Appreciation for Beautiful Things
(Giselle Renarde)

"My mom thinks you're gay."



"I know.  She's not exactly shy with the flagrant accusations."  Dell stared into Genevieve's quixotic green eyes, but he didn't find what he was looking for.  "What are you so worried about?"



She looked helplessly to the night table.  "You're not... are you...?"



"You're asking if I'm gay?"



She smiled, and then rolled her eyes.  "Sorry.  I'm an idiot.  It's my mom??"she's poison."



"No, no??"I get it."  Dell wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her hair.  "Only a gay man can have an appreciation for beautiful things.  And how ridiculous is that?  Aren't straight men supposed to have an appreciation for beautiful women?"



"You're right."  She chuckled softly.  "It doesn't make any sense."



"I'll never be your caveman," he said in all seriousness.  "I love you.  I desire you.  I would give my life for you.  But I'll never be a belching, beer-swilling brute.  That's not who I am."



"Thank god."  Her eyes darkened.  "I mean, half your appeal is that you're... the way you are."



Dell cocked his head.  "Gay-ish?"