"Marie's never liked me either, if that makes you feel better," Katchoo offered. "And it's not that she doesn't --"

The corners of her mouth almost twitched at the term. "Fancy boys. All of 'em I've heard her talk about since we were in seventh grade, and for the record you're about the only one of 'em I've ever approved of." Like her approval was necessary or something. ". . . and I know her, it's not overcompensating. I'm just the exception."