Because I'm his godfather!
Really, is that the only reason?
Norma Ruby's mouth crept up in a near-desperate smile as she reluctantly asked, "Gem, I want to ask you a question."
"Ask away."
"Have you...ever...loved me...even a little bit?"
Tutoring his brow, Gem asked instead of answering, "Don't you think that question is ridiculous?"
"How about liking me then? Even a little bit of liking?" Norma hurriedly asked, sitting upright, like a child eager for candy to soothe her injured heart.
Again, Gem countered, "Don't you think that question is also ridiculous?"
Ridiculous?
Yes, ridiculous!
She clearly knew that his eyes and heart were set on Forsythia Brown...
Unable to get her candy, Norma Ruby slowly sat back down, her laughter tinged with a poignant sadness: "Yes, in your eyes, I'll always be just a friend."
