". . . Take what?" John asked. "Take geting criticized?"
"Sure, if professors take a position on something, but it isn't personal criticism. I was on the debate team at my school."
"So was my friend Bill Rawls," John told her. "When Bill debated, he'd pick up a pencil and wave it at you or shuffle some papers. I'd keep forgetting what Bill was talking
about. He's a bad one to argue, though, and if you don't--"
"That's not exactly what Dad does."
"Yeah, Harry, I realize that. Like last summer, I wanted to see a place when we went hiking. He'd say he wanted to see another place just to argue about it."
"Hmm." Harry still took issue with John. She pressed the tip of her index finger into the groove of her upper lip.
John had kissed those lips. She actually kissed him back the first time. The sensation filled him with hilarious yearning. He needed another beer like a hole in the head.
"There's a difference between someone who is argumentative for its own sake," Harry stated, "and someone wanting to resolve an issue. The solution may require listening to different points of view. I also believe a person gains self-confidence if he or she can argue a position."
John nodded, but he did not like arguments. He had never talked seriously with a girl, let alone argue with one.
