My gay friend buys me a dress

"Be my date."

I look to Gary Parton, a friend of mine since we were in diapers. I laugh, then point out the obvious. "You're gay!"

"So YOU know," he says, reminding me that what's obvious to me is not obvious to all. Gary is a very manly man, a deep-in-the-closet homosexual who has never been involved with anyone at school. I only know about his preference for one reason: I am his best friend, and he knows I wouldn't tell anyone. "I want to go to the prom, but I can't go with a guy. I'll buy you a dress. I'll even get us a limo."

I laugh again. "Why are you so dead set on going?"

Gary smiled broadly. "I'm coming out ... on prom night ... and my boy friend is coming out with me.