"Oh yeah!" Marshall replied. "You'll see. Ten-fifteen years from now. It will take more finesse."

"Well maybe. Is it always this dead?"

"No. Not always."

"You look like. . . May I talk to you?"

"Sure. And what is your problem, Lad?"

"Do I really sound that bad off?" The young man laughed at the tone in Marshall's voice. "Didn't mean to . . .

"No. Go 'head."

"Well I was in the gym and I noticed there at the locker room, and now here ... well what I mean

"I know. Adonis turned you down and it bothers? Hurts a little. Can't understand what you did wrong?"

A questioning look came over the young man's face.

"How . . ."

"How did I know?" Marshall interrupted. "Why, Child, I'm your Fairy Godmother. I know all, see all, and I been through it all. I'm almost as omniscient as God, but he has a few years on me. Not many. Just a few!"

"Oh, come on, you're not that old."

"Don't like the way you use the word, That. Want to bet?" asked Marshall. A twinkle in his eye belied his serious voice. "Don't worry, Boy. I've only been sitting here for the last six to eight years, and you and Adonis were the only two in there. You made the pass. He turned you down. So what? You'll live. Look at me. I'm your example. Not a very good one right now, but I'm honest and I try. Now what happened?"

"I'm not sure. He was twisting and turning and . . . teasing. To be sure, it was teasing. When I responded, well . . . the old story. I'm too fat!" "Yes?"

"Well, I am!"

"Yes?"

"You don't have to be so agreeable."

"I didn't notice that you were or that I was being agreeable."

"Well, I do try. Just can't seem to lose."

"That's not the reason. He wasn't for you. It has to be oh so right. When it is . well, you'll know it. Remember, there is someone for everyone. We all have different likes and desires. Don't let it get you. Depressing sometimes, isn't it?" The young man shook his head in agreement.

"I know one very attractive fellow," Marshall continued. "Everyone wanted to be with him at a recent party I went to, but he only had eyes for a very heavy, and I do mean heavy guy. So, who makes the rules? Just remember there is someone for you too. These Adonis types want adulation for their bodies, but they have little else to offer. You didn't miss anything with that one."

"Are you you... sure?"

"I know. I saw it all. but, believe me, it wasn't worth it. Very shallow person. It was wasted on him. God (we learn that!) compensates us all.”

The young man stood up. "I'm through. Guess I'll go home and be a good boy. For now, anyway."

"Fine. You do that now. See you around maybe?" There was just a note of invitation, but the young man didn't notice.

"I don't come here often, but maybe."

He turned to leave. "What a nice boy. Beautiful eyes. Oh, well . . . too bad," thought Marshall.