Thanks so much for your extended comments. Rick is an isolated gay man, as so many are in small towns. He may not be the only gay man in Eagle Lake, but there’s no community, that’s fir sure. Rick is quite taken with the piano teacher, and is rattled by that. You’re quite right that Rick has been beaten down for a long time, yet he has reserves of stubbornness and resilience. Jerry and Rick have had each other’s backs for years. Their banter is generally good-natured. I’m grateful you have read this far in the story!