I woke up the next day determined to tell Chase how I felt. Our vacation was going to be over soon, so it was literally now or never.

Rejection was surely going to be something that I'd have to deal with at some point, so I might as well start with someone I didn't have to see again.

I sat on the edge of the bed and asked Duncan how he'd known when to make a move. Once again, he surprised me by giving some very solid advice instead of telling me to fuck off.

"I could never get a hard-on for a guy, so it's difficult for me to do the math. Your approach will definitely need to be different than mine."

"Ok," I said dubiously.

Duncan had always been rough around the edges but I now honestly believed he was trying to help me, so I let him speak.

"You're my dipshit brother but I suppose you can be considered an attractive dude. You shouldn't have any trouble convincing someone to..." he said, pushing his tongue against the inside of his cheek.

"Thanks, I think," I said, starting to laugh.

"What?" he asked, suddenly serious.

"Nothing, it's just I still can't believe that I'm having this conversation with you," I said.

I'd be over the moon with just a Chase kiss but Duncan didn't need to know that. Arguably, he was the expert; he'd achieved his personal goal in under four days.

"What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't worry whether this guy likes you until you know if he likes dudes in general."

"Duh!" I cried in disappointment.

Had I really expected Duncan to give me some secret formula?

"I'm not done yet," he said, holding up a finger like his mom would. "The only way you're going to find out is by subtly letting him know that YOU like dudes."

Ok, I was listening again.

"Use your book," he said offhandedly. "If he immediately recognizes it, you most probably have your answer. If not, let him read the back cover thingy and see how he reacts."

I blinked at Duncan in awe, as if he were a gay whisperer. I had no idea how I would feel if it all ended badly but at least I had a way forward.

He did not expect me to grab him in a hug.

"Thank you, Duncan," I said in all sincerity.

"You're welcome!" he replied. "Now fuck off and get yourself some summer action."