"What? Oh! Oh--no. Wasn't nothin' like that. most of the folks I know around here are ladies." Not that he has a chance with any of them, but that's beside the point. "Reminded me of somethin' else, was all."

Things he probably should forget, but can't.

"..Yeah. Makes it hard to confess. Or to...talk about much of anything close to me in that way. Folks don't believe here...can't say I blame 'em but..." Steve clears his throat. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to meet up? Show me the place maybe? A-and if you still had the spare bible, I'd be awful grateful. I'm getting cooking lessons from Verity, so if you swing by to get me, I'll treat you to breakfast sometime?"